On March 1st I officially entered the Polish border through Budomeirz crossing. The journey started on 26th February. You can imagine why it took us so many days on a car to cross the 1000km journey.
I want to really make this post to show my gratitude to Poland and the neighboring EU countries who immediately opened their borders up. The other EU countries also deserve a lot of appreciation for letting Ukrainians come and seek refuge in their countries.
There is a lot I want to say about this journey but first I will share my Poland journey so far. The incredibly open and friendly people. The super supportive laws and government. The unconditional love and care. It is unbelievable. I never expected this. I almost feel like I am doing something wrong and this is all a dream. I cannot really in anyway express how incredibly thankful I feel.
On 1st March we entered the border. And immediately after the border was a pop up help spot waiting for us. Hot tea, coffee, dry food, fresh fruits, sandwiches, chocolates, water, everything was available to us. More over there was clothes, blankets, pampers, power banks, and more. ALL FROM THE PEOPLE OF POLAND AND SURROUNDING COUNTRIES. UNBELIEVABLE!!!
A group of volunteers were waiting at the entrance of this place who had leaflets and information for us. Where to go and how to go there. They gave me a cup of coffee and told me anything I needed I could take.
I was shivering from the cold. I was still down on sleep and energy. My head was freezing. I saw this pink ladies cap and immediately had to wear it. It's pink, but beggars cant be choosers.
I am officially homeless, jobless, and mentally broken. I couldn't ( and still can't) belive how quickly my life turned upside down. One moment I was working my way into specializing as a gastroenterologist, learning to snowboard, making digital art, and the next moment the ground under my feet was pulling me in.
I couldn't stop crying. A lady offered me water. We didnt have a common language, but we still somehow communicated and she made me a cheese sandwich. Man I cant believe how incredible all of this is. I feel like I don't deserve any of this.
Then a giant figure popped up in front of me. He was wearing a firefighter suit so I thought I was in trouble. But he had the biggest smile on his face. His name is Piotr. He is a paramedic. If anyone knows him please tell him I have so much to thank him for and I owe him a lot.
He helped me calm down and offered me things to take. I now have a towel, blanket, first aid kit, dry food, fresh socks and underwear because of him. He kept insisting to take more but I couldn't since I knew there would be many more helpless people coming through.
I sifted through things because I had a 10 year old with me and a woman. We found child sized socks and underwear, women sanitary products, and more. Some sweets too which the kid loved. I then went by the car but still couldn't stop crying. I was safe now and getting so much help and support, meanwhile there are still people stuck in Ukraine with their lives at stake. I simply cannot accept the luxury I was in at this moment.
Then I met another man. A brit who drove all the way to the Polish border because of his father in law. The father in law was stuck in lviv and we tried to figure out ways to get him out. I am not sure if any of my links helped but I really hope the father in law is safe and out of danger. The guy insisted on giving me money as I would need it. But I couldn't really get myself to take it. I have never been in such a situation and I cannot accept money. He left to find other ways to help his father in law.
There was a group of guys who had to literally push their car through the border as it stopped working. As soon as I saw it I rushed to help. And so did the Polish people and the police. It was incredible seeing the unity and love. Truly lost for words.
I want to thank the Polish people and the entire EU where such stories of kindness, love, support and more is being told and experienced by other Ukrainians. I hope some day I can make it up to them.
This is the parts of history I wish gets repeated and stored in literature forever. The stories of selfless love, care, and kindness. Thank you.
Good to hear from you, buddy. I'm still worried about priyanarc. I am from Poland so write to me where you are staying or what you need. I will help you if I can. Discord #jozef230 8620 Phone number +48 513 328 660 🇺🇦🇵🇱♥️
Thanks Jozef! THis is more than I could ask for. I am going to get in touch with you for sure!!
So you are now officially a refugee. Be proud.
My whole family have been refugees...so I know what it means. I may not be able to feel your pain. I don't think anyone can. But I do understand.
I do not know how to be proud about this. But yes, I will be extremely proud when I once again build everything from the ground up. It could take years, but I'll do it. Thanks for the support!
Good to hear you're safely in Poland now!
Ukrainians arriving in EU are given the right to live, work, access healthcare, housing and education immediately for up to one year, without the requirement to go through lengthy asylum procedures. This can also be extended, depending on how the situation in Ukraine develop.
I'm in Norway, but we got a wood workshop and framing studio in Riga, Latvia. There we're a bit understaffed and looking for furniture carpenters atm – creating high end wooden art frames. Let me know if that's relevant for you or someone you know. We are also always looking for people with experience as varnishers (laquering) – an advantage if it's experience from having worked with wood, but having done for instance car paint jobs could also be relevant.
Thank you Blackzoda. I am already on the lookout for a temp job here. I would happily take your offer but I have no experience in that specific field. I am in contact with plenty of Ukrainians and I am sure someone will find this opportunity very fitting. I'll make sure to get back to you. Thank you!
You are a good man to offer this to someone in need.
I’m glad that polish community showed that we can be as one big family. Only thing what makes me sad is that many countries say that Poland didnt help anyone..
whoever says that doesnt know the truth or is spreading fake news. You yourself have helped me find so much information. Hwo can I ever thank you?
You don't have to! I'm glad that I could somehow help you during these shitty times
yeah thats amazing that they had a bunch of people at the border to help them, bless the Polish people!
I'm glad you are safe and finally got food and some clothes. I'm looking forward to reading the next episode. Must have been terrible. I don't want to ask anything, you will tell what you want to share with us. Stay safe!
Thank you for not prompting. I have been on a few news talk shows and they don't realize why I sit there crying instead of answering their questions. I have since quit answering to the media completely.
Left you a message on Twitter.
I can't imagine what you have been through the last weeks, so good that Poland is offering so much support. Hope you find somewhere safe to stay now
I cant imagine it myself. Everyday it feels like a never ending nightmare. But Poland has ben more than kind.
It is truly a shame that countries that can offer more assistance to Ukraine just sit by and watch. Putin is a crazy man and needs to be heeded when he makes threats. Let's not wait until he actually carries through with that threat.
Stay safe and keep us updated.
It is hard to force other countries to help either. Theres a bunch of nukes at Putins disposal and it puts everyone in danger, not just Ukraine.
It is unfortunate that it's happening in Ukraine..
Stay safe dear..
Things are getting worse by the day...my city is already turned into rubble.
I am so glad to read that you are safe. You have been awfully quiet.
It was a mix of risky traveling, exhaustion, and not finding a drop of peace. I hope I didnt make anyone worry.
@tipu curate
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Stay safe
Thank you, I try.
When someone suddenly wakes up from a nightmare, he realizes that's just a nightmare, nothing happens in real life. What just happened and you are going through, it's nightmare in real life.
Glad to know you are safe and getting support. Hope things get better for you and all the people who are going through this.
Thank you Reaoanul bhai. It is difficult to imagine this is my reality...every day I feel like its a nightmare and I can wake up...
So glad to hear from you
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I'm so pleased to hear that you are safe now. ❤
It's good to hear that you are ok you should definitely be safe in Poland I have a lot of friends there it's a safe place keep your head up bro 👊🏾
Thanks bro! I met a few more refugees and all have only good things to say about Poland and its people.
No worries bro good to hear you are ok keep Ur head up bro 👊🏾
What a great story - very heart warming - well done Poland - there are good people in the world !
It is simply incredible. They did not have to do it, yet they are, The entire EU is!
Happy to read you made it and are safe.
I hope you can settle down in any of the EU countries.
Settling will take time. I am looking for jobs now just to keep afloat. Things are bad now, but I am hooping to get solid ground under my feet in a few months to a year.
I heard the EU countries give working permits, health coverage, shelter, and legal support for the refugees, maybe that can help speed things up.
God bless you dear, take care.
Thank you and you too! God bless!
it is beautiful to hear about the selflessness and kindness of strangers!
Today I will be raising my glass to those people of poland who have helped you and will no doubt help thousands of others
so much love in times of such darkness
keep shining your light my friend
each tear you cry, the world cries with you x x
I raise my glass too! Thank you for the kind words. Your thoughts mean more than you can imagine.
Stay safe and I send all of my blessings for you!
They mean more than you can imagine.
Glad you made it out! We've been doing quite a bit here coordinating with friends to run supplies from Germany to the border, it's becoming more difficult now as the fighting intensifies. The hotel across the street has set up as a housing complex for refugees and the entire neighborhood is volunteering to help serve food and collect items needed. I'm proud to see all of the support and feel the solidarity. It's nothing that we should take for granted these days.... Keep us updated on your story and if you need something, do not be afraid to ask.
Is there anything I can do to help? I am now in Warsaw. I do not mind helping and volunteering. I do not need anything in return. Even if I am needed as a donkey to carry things to the border I will do it happily. Please reach back to me.
GLAD TO SEE YOU ARE SAFE, WE PRAY FOR PEACE ACROSS THE GLOBE
Thank you for the prayers. Lets pray for the people who still need a lot more!
😭😭.
Great that you got so much help from Poland 🧡.
Men can also wear pink. There are even pink jumpers for men.
I wish you that you can do everything to be able to live well again
That is the aim, to grow and live normally again. I believe in myself. But it could take some time.
The Poles are awesome people,I remember from when I was in Europe.
Lucky that You and Yours made it there, hang in there!
🙋🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙋
They are more than awesome. They are angels. The number of refugees is increasing everyday but the Poles are more than happy to accommodate and help all of us!
Blessings to You and Yours!
🙋🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙋
My friend this is so difficult, what you are going through is just an example of what many many people is living nowadays with this war.
I send you a lot of light and peace for you and your people.
Thank you for the wishes!
Brother, I am so glad to hear this. Appreciate your raw honesty about the huge emotional toll that it took on you. It seems like you felt some survivor's guilt, and that you have some sadness about surving and escaping ok while others are still trapped and in danger. Just know that you should not feel any guilt, you did what you needed to do, and in fact even turned down a lot of help so that there would be more left for others, that is a HUGE sacrifice given your situation.
Really good quality of writing too btw, I shared your post with a ReBlog so others an read it too.
A couple days have passed since you wrote this, do you have any kind of shelter at all, even a tent or anything? I cant help with a job, but if you can get to a semi-permanent place with a mailbox maybe I can send you some cash to help.
Best wishes,
Stealthbomber
I am in need of cash but I do not have any semi-permanent address yet. I have found alternatives to survive and there are people on HIVE who are still helping me in ways I cannot even imagine. I am already on the look for a job coz I cant survive for long on the cash I have and taking things for free is just not a good idea.
I heard other negative stories about how things are in that border, snowing, ques, no time to go to toilets because have to wait in border for your turn.
Anyway...
It's hard but you will get through it and will emerge stronger. I am so impressed to see the spirit of gratitude you show for all the help and kindness you have received. You are truely blessed, trust me!!
I am blessed, for sure. Lucky even. Yes, there have been separate instances of unjust and other negative things. But I am hoping those were limited, one-time instances. I do not find such news repeating so I think things have become fine now.
Hello - sounds like you have found the help you need- but I am offering this to anyone else who needs help:
I am sharing my post with you because maybe it will help you - https://peakd.com/ukraine/@in2itiveart/3swnqr-my-friend-nick-from-the-ukraine
My friend Nick has set up some kind of hub in Poland and is helping people such as yourself - all of his contact info is inside this post. This is his user name on telegram @nick_golubei -
"If you can help or need help, or know someone who can help, please contact me".
Nikolay Golubey
+380 97 084 4013 Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber
Telegram - @nick_golubei
[email protected]
This is very helpful to me too. In a few days I will be homeless again since I can stay at this place only for a few days more. I will keep in touch with Nick for me and others that I find that need help/ Thnk you so much!
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Great article! Thank you for telling the world your story. It hurts to see what Kharkov is turning into. Orcs will answer for their actions. I am relatively safe as long as I stay in Ukraine.
Did you get out of Kharkov with Priyan?
Look @priyanarc maybe you both are not far away to each other?
Just an idea I still pray this nightmare will stop.
All of us on Hive are sending you all the support, strength, and hope that we possibly can.
Wish you best, take care. Thanks for sharing this.
Keep us updated, it was great to hear you're safe. All of Hive is with you guys.
Thank you for the selfless support. Its not just me, but also other Urainain Hivers who are also very thankful and secure because of your efforts.