Yulia, Belgium

Until 2021, Yulia served in the Ukrainian armed forces as a military nurse.

She was good at her work and found joy in caring for others and serving her country: ‘I really liked what I was doing because I could combine my nursing skills with military service,’ said Yulia. ‘I had a weapon, but I never used it. My job was to save lives, not to take them.’ 

When war broke out, having concluded her military service, Yulia fled the conflict with her mother and young son. They were housed in Villa Meyerbeer, a Salvation Army conference centre in Belgium. Upon their arrival, Yulia had trouble getting used to the peace – especially the calm skies. She had trouble believing that the planes flying above them only transported travellers and tourists, rather than soldiers and bombs. She lived in fear, always identifying safe hiding places and nearby shelter. 

Over time, Yulia has found a renewed purpose in caring for the other families who reside at Villa Meyerbeer. Together, they share their strength and are united by the tender moments; they all have their own stories of hardship. ‘By taking care of others, I feel useful and forget about my anxieties,’ shared Yulia. ‘Knowing that someone needs me gives me the energy to keep going.’ 

Today, Yulia can look at the clear blue skies of Belgium and feel at peace. The planes are once again a mode of transport, winging through the sky with the hope that one day she and her family will return home