Voice of Ukraine

From: Maia Mikhaluk (707th day): We have made it through the second month of winter! The last couple of days have been sunny and warm, feeling almost like spring. Spring in the air inspires hope, but the rational brain reminds that there are no grounds for optimism.

This winter seems easier than last year’s – primarily because ruzzians were not able to damage our infrastructure to the extent that they did last winter. So far, we have been spared extended blackouts. Of course, there is still February ahead, which is traditionally a very cold month. But in 2023, by now we have been dealing with blackouts for 3 months already. So physically, it’s been definitely easier this year.

But emotionally – much harder. Last year, despite hardships we were all focusing on the future, hoping that counter-defensive would bring war to an end. We had support from the Western partners and assurances that they would be with us till Victory. We entered this year with doubts about whether the USA would continue helping us fight ruzzia, with concerns about outcomes of elections in the USA, with a shortage of ammunition on the front lines, and a new mobilization law in the works.

We keep telling ourselves that the night is always the darkest before sunrise. We never know what the future holds, but we know Who holds it. That’s the only solid foundation for optimism.

This photo came up in my FB memories. This is our family 6 years ago. It seems like yesterday and like a lifetime ago! I can’t remember what in 2018 felt like a challenge or what we worried about. It all paled in comparison with concerns that entered our lives in 2022. If I could speak to myself in that photo, I would say, “Treasure the moment! You are all together, and there is peace! No air raids, no missiles, no blackouts!” But even though we don’t have peace now, I think we still need to treasure every moment – there is plenty to be grateful for!