Ukraine by Dawn Summers, QA Operations Manager
I am Dawn Summers. My husband Dave and I have lived in rural Dixon for 28 years; we have 7 daughters and have welcomed several foreign exchange students. Our girls are all grown, all out of the house and have started their own journeys. We finally had an empty house. But that empty nest did not stay empty for long… Dave and I were watching the news on February 24th and saw what was happening in Ukraine with hordes of women and children boarding trains to flee their country to safety. People who looked and dressed like all of us in the USA. People who were going to
Olesia, Volva, Dave & Dawn Summers, Polina
work every day and taking their children to school and to the park to play. All of a sudden WAR looked very differ- ent, and was not just something you read about in history books. It was real, it was happening in 2022, with real people just like us. We knew we had to try and help, with boots on the ground type of help. I searched and searched to see if they were allowing refugees in the US. Nearly 2 months later on April 25th Uniting for Ukraine was launched through the department of homeland security, and I immediately started an ap- plication. I was under the impression they would “assign” me a refugee, but that was not the case. I saw an Or- ganization Welcome US, was linked to the DHS website and also had a social platform. That is where I met Olesia who has a 7 year old son Volva. My husband and I felt we could help still another person as we had 3 open bed- rooms in the house. Olesia’s cousins girlfriend, Polina was in desperate need to get out, as she lived in Kherson region, and had to travel though Russia to escape. We added Polina to our family as well. In August we added Olesia’s fiancé Vlad. Our application was filed out May 6 and they were here on June 11. We had no connections or resources, but in talking to people, we found a lot was available in our small town. A huge thank you to Ziggy and Maurice, here at Crest for their insight, guidance and encouragement. Both of them helped with everything from filling out the ap- plications, maneuvering refugee services and helping to get English lessons! Having had several exchange students in our home and having experience in cross-culture immersion we felt this was a something we were equipped to do. It has not been the same experience; however I will say it is a wonderful one. Like our exchange students, we love these guys like our own. Unlike our exchange students, who chose to be here, had prepared for the journey for a year and spoke English, these ladies were forced to leave their homes and families without notice, and could only grab the necessities. They came with a small carry on suitcase and a back pack for 3 people, bringing their documents and the most basic clothes. They were not excited and prepared with a list of “things to do” in America as our students were, they came traumatized and with mixed emotions: sad to leave and grateful to be here. So thankful to be safe, but worried about their loved ones and their towns. Unlike our stu- dents who knew they had 12 months in another country and they would see their parents, families and friends again, Olesia, Vova and Polina have no idea if they ever will. Vova is 7 and holds our heartstrings. He is happy, adaptable and loving. He is also sad and hopeful. His drawings say a lot... The first weeks he was here, his drawings were bombs and guns and soldiers. As the time passed he jour- naled on how he saw this story unfold. I hope he is right. He wants a happy ending; he loves Ukraine and wants to see his grandmother and grandfathers. He also loves us and the USA and I believe will always remember his stay with good memories.
18 Crest Ink October, November & December 2022
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