From Rich Earth to New Soil
Tetiana and Mykola Ponomarenko built their life from the fertile soil of Kokhane village in Zaporizhzhia region. At 70 and 64, they had created a prosperous existence — she managed supplies and feed as a storekeeper while he served as the collective farm’s engineer. Their allocated farmland yielded bountiful produce for sale, roots growing deep in their beloved village.
War uprooted them with brutal swiftness. On May 20, 2022, a local farmer gave them two hours to pack, knowing Mykola’s cancer treatment couldn’t wait. “We cried the entire journey to Mukachevo, ” Tetiana recalls. “We couldn’t believe we were leaving forever. Everything we’re wearing now came from kind strangers.”
In Berezivka village, they found temporary shelter in an emigrant’s house. Though the water source was distant and they had to buy their own firewood, these former farmers weren’t afraid of work, planting vegetables to sustain themselves.
When they moved into apartment 2.2 at Senior Chudo Village on December 19, 2024, Tetiana felt immediate relief. “Everything is new and clean here, they provided everything we needed, ” she says. “The warmth from the administration and communication with people touched us deeply.”
While Mykola struggles with mobility due to his cancer, requiring monthly trips to the oncology clinic, Tetiana channels her energy into volunteering. “I help the military, join all volunteer organizations, assist administrator Natalia. I can grow plants too. I’m very active, love being among people and being useful.”
Her advice to younger generations emerges from deep experience: “It’s important to help others, to respond to others' needs. I wish for all of us to become kinder.”
To Dell Loy Hansen, she offers heartfelt gratitude: “His help is invaluable. He’s doing extraordinary work. We sincerely thank him for his kindness, hospitality, and care for displaced persons.”
Now, while hoping for easier transport to Mykola’s treatments than the challenging metro rides, these farmers have found new soil to nurture — not with crops, but with community service and care for others.