Like many Ukrainians from the south of the country, the Kostenko family worked on their land. They planted a lot of vegetables and fruits on their farm, and they lived on it. With three children, they worked hard but did not live in poverty.

But the Russian occupation destroyed all the plans and hopes of the family. People were scared during the first days of a full-scale invasion, but there was time for fieldwork. So they held on and continued to work.

However, it was getting worse every day. The occupiers began to go from house to house, looking for money and jewelry. They took food and stole cattle. But the worst thing is that the threats to the parents began: if the children did not study at school according to the Russian program, they would take them away and take them to a boarding school in the north of Russia. Mariana worried at such moments. She was most afraid for her eldest son Artur, who studied in the 11th grade. He could be taken to a cadet school and forced to fight against Ukraine.

Shelling, searches, and threats became more and more frequent. Sometimes, it was simply unbearable. Therefore, the husband ordered Mariana to pack the children and leave for a safe place.

The road from the occupation was difficult. The family struggled emotionally because of interrogations by the FSB, abuse, and threats by the occupiers, especially the youngest daughter, Milana. Frightened, tired, and hungry on the way, the children had to go through all the rounds of Russian bullying. Not surprisingly all four wept tears of joy when they saw the blue and yellow flag on the border.

At first, they wanted to go to friends, but in the filtration camp, our coordinator suggested Mariana go to our Hope and Healing Center in Hatne. The woman agreed without hesitation. Here, in the center, the family received all the necessary things. Our staff helped them to issue payments and restore documents. The children underwent a medical examination and received the proper treatment.

The middle son, Matvii, underwent a planned operation. A psychologist works with each child, helping to overcome all fears and worries from the experience. The children take an active part in all the events that are held in the center. Mariana still does not lose hope of returning home to reunite with her family and friends in her native land.

P.S. The names of the characters have been changed for security purposes