6 The News-Press
May 12, 2022
UKRAINE FROM PAGE 1
region. Family members are caring for the Sheveria’s pets and keeping them informed on the status of the war. Recently, they learned the bombing has moved even closer to their home. “We kind of hoped until the last moment that bombs will not reach there,” Maryna said. “Because it’s in the mountains, it’s very small.” Maryna and Oleksandr spoke about their family’s journey to Colorado from the living room of the the Larkspur home. While it’s her husband and children’s first time in the United States, for Maryna, it’s not such an unfamiliar place. Just down the road is Douglas County High School, where Maryna spent a school year during an exchange program 23 years ago. The Larkspur home and its inhabitants are familiar too, as it’s the same host family Maryna lived with during her exchange program. As they spoke, Maryna translated for her husband Oleksandr, 39, who is working on learning English. ‘It was panic’ Just a few months ago, their family had started 2022 like many others. They had fitness goals, resolutions to learn new languages and plans for the future. On the weekends, Oleksandr would grill food for the family, or they would take their kids to play at a local park. Oleksandr owned a business selling used trucks and cars. Maryna worked for an IT company. Then, on Feb. 24, everything changed. “We are used to having Russian forces on our borders and they’re doing this like eight years already,” Maryna said. “We didn’t believe it until the last minute.” The day before the invasion, Maryna dropped Oleksandr off at the border of Ukraine, where he planned to travel to Budapest to catch a flight for a work trip. After she heard the news a few hours later that Russia was attacking, Maryna called to tell him she was planning to flee. “It was panic,” she said. “All I thought about was the safety of my children. I didn’t think about the plans for work or business.” She gathered the kids into her car and tried to begin the journey. But she could not find any gas. For nearly an hour, she searched for a gas station where she could fill up. While there wasn’t a shortage at that time, stations were limiting how much customers could purchase. And the lines were tremendously long. Eventually, she filled their tank as much as possible and began driving to Budapest to meet with Oleksandr. When they finally reconnected, the family traveled to Germany. Once there, Maryna received a social media message from Helen Kellogg, who had hosted her as an exchange student back in 1999. SEE UKRAINE, P7
Maryna and Oleksandr Sheveria walk with two of their kids outside of the home where they are staying in Larskpur. From left, the PHOTOS BY ELLIOTT WENZLER younger Oleksandr, 14, Maryna, Oleksandr and on his shoulders, 4-year-old Taisia.
Maryna and Oleksandr Sheveria smile at each other on their new porch in Larkspur.
Four-year-old Taisia Sheveria sings while climbing a fence in Larkspur. Behind her, a Ukrainian flag waves.
Three of the Sheveria children look at a book on Pokemon in their new living room in Larkspur. From left, Oleksandr, 14, Bodhana, 11, and Evelina, 8.
Bohdana Sheveria, 11, has cried often since her family left Ukraine because they had to leave their dog and two cats behind, her mother said. Bohdana has bonded with their host family’s horses and Bailey, the family’s Australian shepherd.
