I am Maria Becker, 39 years old, from Kherson Oblast, Ukraine.

Before the war started, I was on maternity leave. Now, I am a mother in ex-
ile.

I left my homeland for my children’s take. I was driven away by the explo-
sions, the occupation, the fear. We passed through dozens of checkpoints,

among soldiers with automatic rifles. I took almost nothing, just documents and a few pieces of clothing. I left with my children, not knowing what awaited us.

In Bulgaria, I found people with open hearts. At first, the language sounded
like a wall to me, but now I understand it. My children go to school and have
friends. I also have a job. Here, I am learning to live again.

Before the war, I worked from home, took care of the children, and set aside
a little time for myself and my health. Now, I have started to notice things

more – the song of the birds, the silence in the sky, and the joy of my children. I am inspired by the good people I meet. I still hope to return home.

The world feels closer to me now – not just scary, but also beautiful. And I
am stronger, calmer.