Voice of Ukraine

From: Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 1382)

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
Psalm 32:10

We spent last night in our hallway. My sleep was light as I was trying to keep track of the ongoing attack. Even though there was no immediate damage in Kyiv city, it was intense for the Kyiv region, Dnipro, and the Western regions of Ukraine.

And all of us are affected. We had an extended blackout today. Tomorrow, we are scheduled to have electricity for 3-4 hours after 7-8 hours without it. Yet I feel like these attacks do get to me on an emotional level. Yes, we are prepared. Yes, we keep resisting. We even find ways to distract our kids and provide them with the childhood they deserve. However, there are days when realization hits harder than you wish, and your heart is overwhelmed with the cries of lament.

Today is one of those days. It’s the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It used to be a holiday for professional military personnel. Now, pretty much every family I know has someone – a father, a brother, a husband, or a very close friend – in the Army. So this holiday has become very relevant. It hits me to the core when I think about the daily sacrifice and the inhuman conditions. It breaks my heart that those who have so much to give in peaceful times had to put it all aside to fight against the bloodthirsty maniacs. It feels surreal, but then again, perhaps it’s my brain playing tricks on me, denying this horrific reality while trying to protect me from it.

We also celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day today. The kids wake up to find small presents under their pillows, and it’s this sense of wonder that you want to feel, no matter how old you are. In a way, it makes sense to have St. Nicholas’ Day and the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fall on the same day. Both of them bring about the miracles we wish for.