A Haven for Weary Souls
Vitaliy and Nadiya Buhaievsky, a couple aged 79 and 76, sat hand in hand on the couch of their new home in apartment 2.4 of Senior Chudo Village. As they gazed out the window at the tranquil surroundings, their minds drifted back to the life they had left behind in the industrial city of Sievierodonetsk, Luhansk Oblast.
For years, Vitaliy and Nadiya had worked side by side at the chemical plant, building a life together in the city they had grown to love. From their humble beginnings in a neighboring village to the acquisition of their own apartment and home, they had weathered many storms together. But nothing could have prepared them for the devastation that war would bring.
As the conflict escalated and the realization set in that it would not end in a matter of weeks, Vitaliy and Nadiya made the heart-wrenching decision to flee. Just as they left, shells rained down on their courtyard, a stark reminder of the danger they had narrowly escaped. With the help of volunteers, they boarded a train, their hearts heavy with fear and uncertainty.
The journey to Lviv was a harrowing one, marked by the terror of the unknown and the discomfort of sleeping on the floor. But thanks to the kindness of their niece, a volunteer, they were able to find better accommodations. Yet even in Vasylkiv, where they sought refuge in a church, the challenges mounted. Cramped quarters, constant quarrels among residents, and the psychological toll of displacement weighed heavily on their hearts.
It was in the midst of this darkness that a glimmer of hope appeared. When Nadiya heard about the possibility of finding a home in Senior Chudo Village, she filled out an application, never truly believing that it would come to fruition. But when the call came, bearing the incredible news of their acceptance, Vitaliy and Nadiya were overcome with joy and disbelief.
As they stepped into their new home on December 19, 2024, the couple was left speechless by the beauty and tranquility that surrounded them. For the first time in years, they felt a sense of peace and safety, a balm to their weary souls.
Despite the challenges they faced, including Nadiya’s thyroid condition and Vitaliy’s fragile bones, impaired memory, and sleepless nights, they found solace in the care and support of their new community. Though Vitaliy insisted that he did not need psychological help, the lingering anxiety in his eyes told a different story.
As they settled into their new life, Vitaliy and Nadiya reflected on the lessons they wished to impart to the younger generation. They urged them to respect their elders, to value the wisdom and experiences of those who had come before them. They cautioned against the allure of computers and the virtual world, emphasizing the importance of hard work and the pursuit of truth.
When they thought of Dell Loy Hansen, the visionary behind Senior Chudo Village, Vitaliy and Nadiya’s hearts swelled with gratitude. They marveled at the generosity of a man who had invested so much in creating a haven for those in need, a stark contrast to the oligarchs of their own country. In their eyes, Hansen and all those who had contributed to this noble cause were their hope and support, a beacon of light in the darkest of times.
As displaced elderly individuals, Vitaliy and Nadiya knew all too well the challenges faced by their peers. They spoke of the need for accessible healthcare, the importance of human connection, and the deep longing for understanding from those who had not experienced the same hardships.
Though their health prevented them from actively contributing to the village, Vitaliy’s expertise in machine repair hinted at the possibility of finding purpose even in the smallest of ways. And as they sat in their new home, surrounded by the love and support of their newfound family, Vitaliy and Nadiya knew that they had finally found a haven for their weary souls, a place where they could spend their twilight years in peace and dignity.