Voice of Ukraine

From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 420):

In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
Psalm 120:1

According to recent statistics, 86% of young people (aged 13-19) believe that their future is connected to Ukraine; 73% are worried about the war; 59% wish they had better support from their loved ones (words of advice, hugs, quality time), and 25% believe they are their own support system. These kids had their youth marked with covid lockdowns and full-scale war. What adults will they grow up to be?

Our grandparents grew up after WWII, when survival was the priority over emotional attachment. Our parents had to face the issue of survival in our childhood, when life was full of financial struggles after the collapse of the Soviet Union. They had to figure out ways to show love and support to their children. Oftentimes, they had to choose between a side job for some extra money and quality time with their children. Our generation, the generation that grew up in independent Ukraine, had to overcome our post-communist baggage, learn to care for our children’s emotional and psychological needs, and discover ways to help our children thrive in this world, only to have this process interrupted by the war. Today, many parents feel lost and confused because of the lack of certainty. They are exhausted, especially if they are separated from their spouses. They feel apathy and hopelessness, so there is very little support they can offer to their children, especially their teenage children, who go through endless internal challenges.

Only the grace of God can save this new generation of Ukrainians. And this new generation really is different. That same survey showed that 90% of modern teenagers are eager to learn new things and get new skills. They believe that they can make a difference. 43% have participated in various volunteer initiatives during the full-scale war (raised funds for the army’s needs, made masking nets, distributed food packages, and helped the displaced people). They want to be useful to their nation. What an inspiration!

May the Lord bless the children of Ukraine. May He guard their hearts and mold them into people after His heart.