As the war in Ukraine erupted, two young individuals embarked on a journey to seek refuge far from the turmoil that tore through their homeland. Their path, marked by adversity and upheaval, led them to the welcoming embrace of Weimar Academy, where, amidst displacement, they discovered a new home.
The armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine began in 2014. Between September 2014 and February 2015, Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany signed several iterations of the Minsk Agreements, which should have eventually stopped the forward movement of troops and reduced fighting significantly. Unfortunately, the agreements were never implemented, and on February 24, 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine on several fronts, beginning a major invasion. The fighting transformed into a trench war, with roughly 75,000 troops facing off along a 420-km-long front line cutting through densely populated areas. The war ruined the area’s economy, forced millions to relocate, and turned the conflict zone into one of the world’s most mine-contaminated areas.
The Ostapenko Family
Anna Ostapenko and her family were prepared. Sensing that the conflict would escalate any day, with documents in hand, the family was packed. They had plans to escape to Romania via Moldova. After hearing missiles flying over her home on Thursday morning, Mrs. Ostapenko gathered her family and said, “We’re getting out of here.” Anna commented, “The day before was just a normal day.” They left their life and health ministry behind in Vinnytsia and headed for the border. Only a few hours after crossing, martial law was declared, which could have resulted in forcing her father to engage Russia as a member of the Ukrainian forces or her mother, a medical doctor, to stay and serve in the military one day. God had been preparing them for this moment. “We could see God working in so many ways,” said Anna, “Just about a month before we got a new car. If we had our old car, we would not have been able to make it.” She goes on to say, “I didn’t see anyone dying or damage happening, but when we arrived in Romania, we read the news and started to realize what was really happening.”
During the initial outbreak of the war, the health center that the Ostapenko family had such an integral part of raising was transformed into a place of refuge. Located in a rural area, it provided shelter and safety for those traveling to escape the country. Over the first several weeks, the health center welcomed over a hundred Ukrainians, and Anna’s dad helped by raising funds to continue this ministry. Now, it is transformed into a rehabilitation center where they can help Ukrainian soldiers and casualties recover from injuries as a result of the war.
Regardless of whether the war broke out or not, having been accepted in January 2022, Anna was headed to Weimar Academy. Years back, Dr. Neil Nedley, President of Weimar University, was visiting Anna’s family in Ukraine. He was there to work with the health center that her family had helped establish. Dr. Nedley invited her to study at Weimar Academy when she was only twelve years old, and she put the idea on the back burner. Now, instead of studying abroad alone, her family has joined her in the nearby state of Washington, where Anna’s mother, a former medical doctor in Ukraine, is studying to get her license in physical therapy to continue ministering to both the physical and spiritual needs of others.
Although adjusting to the American culture and studying in English was initially challenging for Anna, she now considers Weimar Academy her home. Anna explains, “I’m very grateful for an opportunity to live under a peaceful sky, free from constant fear for my life. Weimar Academy is not only my physical home; it is so much more. I grew a lot while studying here, physically, spiritually, and mentally. It is due to the people surrounding me who have become my family. Many students took the first step to making friends with me and accepted me into their families. They help and support me in every situation, and the teachers are always willing to go the extra mile to explain things. By their example, they motivate me to push forward and become better in every aspect. Many of them made time for me in their busy schedules and were there for me when I needed it the most. People here showed an example of true, selfless Christianity. Each of them has a very special place in my heart; I only wish to repay them for all their Christ-like love and patience toward me. I aim to show the same kindness, care, and support I receive from my Weimar family to everyone around me.”
