After February 24, 2022, my life was divided into “before” and “after.” War is a terrible thing that leaves scars for a lifetime, even if you are not on the front line. We had a happy life in our homeland, surrounded by people close to our hearts, and I never imagined that I would have to leave Ukraine and move to another place. But to save my son, I did what I had to do.

Today, four years have already passed since we came to live in Germany, and the only thing I want to say from the bottom of my heart is: “My deepest and most sincere gratitude!”

I am infinitely grateful for all the help Germany has provided to Ukraine, to all Ukrainians, and to me personally. Here, my son feels safe, and I have the opportunity to work and continue my life. For a single mother, the most important thing is knowing that her child is safe and well.

May this photograph serve as a reminder of our sincere gratitude.

They say that love knows no borders. My love for my children is what has remained unchanged, even thousands of kilometres away from home. It is my anchor.

Working in a German kindergarten has become a form of healing for me. When I hold the little ones in my arms, when I look into their eyes, I feel at home. I am happy that I have found my place here, that I can be useful and give warmth to others. A profession chosen with the heart can save you in any time. Here, I am not simply an educator; here, I am alive.

In the darkest times, it is important not to lose your own light. In Ukraine, I spent years creating fairy tales for children, and I decided not to hide this gift away in a suitcase.

My creativity and my experience as a children's entertainer now come alive here as well — at volunteer gatherings, in the kindergarten and at celebrations. Seeing children's smiles and hearing their bright laughter is a priceless source of energy. It is proof that life continues, that joy is stronger than sadness. I continue to create little miracles, because the happy eyes of children are the greatest reward for my soul.

                                                                                                                                                       Personal text by Mariia Andreieva

                                                                                                                                                                          KinderEvents_Passau

                                                                                 https://www.instagram.com/kinderevents_passau?igsh=cDBoZHlvd3lzNG1j