Gordon Glass Sponsors Circle
There are three Ukrainian families supported by The GGSC
Each of them has own story. Each of the families has been given or will be given a group name to help members of the sponsoring circle keep track of their needs. The names − the Sunflowers, the Nightingales, the Daisies − reflect objects that are meaningful in Ukrainian society.
The Daisies Family
Likes fishing, any outdoor activity, hiking, swimming
This Ukrainian family had to escape the war twice. This is a family of four, mom Yuliia, dad Roman and two girls Mariia 14, and Anna 10. They are originally from the City of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine where the war had started in 2014. Roman, a university graduate, had a career as an aviation engineer. Roman lived with his wife and two daughters near the airport, which was bombed first. With his place of employment taken by the Russians and his family in danger, Roman took his family and fled west to the safety of Kyiv. They loaded their car with the few belongings they could carry and left everything else they worked so hard for behind. Once in Kyiv, the family had to start all over. Find new jobs, and new schools, and with hard work, they could afford a down payment on a small apartment just before the pandemic hit. The airlines were not flying, and Roman’s income suffered. All savings were used to meet basic needs. Finally, the airplanes started to take off again and some normality seemed to be returning. This was short lived as their hard work was once again destroyed by Putin’s war. No need to tell the whole story of horrors, sirens, bombing and months in a basements… They were finally given authorization to come to the United States through the United for Ukraine parole. However, all they could afford was a car trip to Poland. They were able to sell their car and pay for the majority of the airfare cost. When granted a work authorization the parents will be able to get jobs, the dad is a successful professional engineer and has an international diploma and certifications. Yuliia was an accountant in Ukraine. Roman and his daughters possess some English-speaking skills. Julia is in the process of learning. The family is impressed and overwelled with joy by the support and kindness of the Farmington residents. Every help they asked for, and every business they interacted with was absolutely welcoming and understanding. People slow down their speech and choose simple words, and everyone communicated with a smile. Their landlord rented them a house 40% below market rate and left it completely furnished and filled with households. Others loaned a vehicle to get around. This is an unbelievable experience, the Daisy family said, and we are blessed to be brought to this community.
The Sunflower Family
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The Nightingales Family
We introduce to you Liuda and Yana Shozda, who arrived from Ukraine just in time for the County Fair here in San Juan County. They are a lovely mom and daughter couple, worn out by months of the war in their home country and a long, arduous journey from home in Ukraine to a new home and community in Farmington NM. We picked them up and headed to the fair at McGee Park. Pam and I introduced ourselves and, in the conversation, mentioned we have three grown kids, two boys and a girl. Sixteen-year-old Yana’s face lights up with realization of some common ground and responds, “THE SAME!” She clarified that, in her family, there are two boys, one girl. Yana is the youngest and is, of course, the girl. She and her mom left her brothers in Ukraine as many, many Ukrainian families have left their husbands and sons. Through the evening of carnival rides, county fair cuisine, and art/animal exhibits, we find there is much THE SAME between us. They are lovely people with the capacity for laughter and fun, compassion for others and, we find out, for farm animals. They are gentle and respectful. Liuda is a proud mom and provider. Yana is an inquisitive teen with a love for family and a talent for language and volleyball. We are struck by their amazing courage as they venture out for a place of safety, braving language and culture with grace and gratitude. THE SAME, yes… with, of course, a few notable exceptions: Our sons don’t have Russian soldiers targeting them. Our children’s parents didn’t have their homes threatened or bombed. Our family’s mom didn’t have her ability to provide snatched away because she had to choose safety for herself and her daughter. Our family’s mom didn’t go through the pain of leaving her sons to protect their homeland. We are grateful to be able to sponsor Liuda’s and Yana’s stay here with the help and support of the Gordon Glass Sponsor Circle. We are grateful for the connection with the Shozdas and other Ukrainian families as they venture into this supportive community and bring their giftedness and struggles that we might share. Because, in a very real way, we are THE SAME. Bill and Pam
The Sunflower Family
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