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"Before the war, we had a happy life and big plans for the future"

"Before the war, we had a happy life and big plans for the future. In Ukraine, I worked with documentation in an automobile company. My husband, Viktor, worked in a construction company and was actively involved in sports. Our daughters Katya and Zlata attended school, kindergarten and various clubs, and especially loved to do gymnastics. Our dogs Ricci and Busia were an integral part of our family. Every evening we had a tradition of gathering for dinner together and sharing events. Every weekend we went to visit our relatives and also travelled. Our family liked to lead an active lifestyle."

The Balan family still clearly remember the terrible morning of February 24. They saw explosions in the city, the deaths of civilians and the destruction of houses shown on TV every day. Alina’s husband could not stand aside and decided to join the Armed Forces in order to protect his family and the Motherland.

"Frankly speaking, my husband's decision was very difficult for me. But later I realised that he acted like a real man, a defender of his country. I fully support him in this difficult time for us," Alina recalls.

After her husband left for the war, it was very difficult for Alina to stay alone with the two children who were frightened by the constant sounds of sirens which, as a result, they experienced anxiety and stress.

One morning after loud explosions near the house where the Balan family lived, they decided to go from Vinnytsia. Alina understood that the safety of her children was the most important thing. "In a matter of minutes I packed our whole life into three backpacks. We didn't even know where to go. Fortunately, my director invited us to her home. That's how we ended up in West Ukraine. But it was dangerous there too; the same sirens and rocket attacks."

After consulting her husband she decided to go to Ireland with the children. This also took some stress from Victor as he knows they are in a safe place. "Now I only worry about him," says Alina.

Emotional

The road to Ireland was quite emotionally difficult for Alina and the children. Despite the exhaustion from the trip, Alina was finally calm, because they were safe. The family is lucky enough to find themselves in the picturesque town of Killarney, where they adapt to life. The girls attend school and spend a lot of time in nature with their mother. Alina is interested in the history of Ireland and finds a lot in common with the history of Ukraine. She is impressed by kindness, sincerity and care of the people of Killarney.

"Wherever we turned, we were helpedthis is impressive," added Alina. "No matter where we are now, no matter how much we suffer due to separation from my husband, the main thing is - the greatest force in the world - love - warms us inside. During this time, we clearly understood that you can't postpone life for later. We need to appreciate every minute."

Alina's daughters miss their dad very much. They recently visited him in Ukraine during Viktor's short vacation. "Honey, it's your birthday soon. We will remember most carefully the desire for the fastest victory. We love you very much, I'm sure we will soon hug you. We are proud of you. Ukraine is a great nation of indomitable people united for each other, for freedom and victory," Alina conveys her greetings.

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