I am Lyudmila Tafrova, 66 years old, from Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The things that I’ve been through have taught me to cherish life. I used to
take it for granted; now, I am grateful for every single day. I left my homeland
because I wanted to live. I left everything behind and began my journey. For me, it wasn’t an ordeal; rather, it taught me to value life in a new way. I encountered hardships but along the way there were people who reached out to help. To return the kindness, I now extend my own hand to others. This
taught me the meaning of love—for myself, and for others.

Strangely enough, the moment I arrived in Bulgaria, I felt I was home. I love
the language and the nature, and I feel at ease here. The most beautiful word
I’ve learned is обичам (to love) — for me, it serves as a bridge between my
two worlds. Here I have friends with whom I share walks, with whom I talk
and laugh. I would choose Bulgaria all over again — as a place for rest, for
life, and for hope. This is my new home.