A Beacon of Hope
The walls of their Bakhmut apartment had witnessed four decades of life—Ivan and Kateryna Sikun’s world, now reduced to memories and a few carefully packed bags. The sound of missiles had shattered their peaceful existence, transforming their once-vibrant life into a desperate journey of survival.
Ivan, a retired driver with weathered hands and a gentle spirit, had already battled COVID-19 when the war began. Kateryna, a former medical registrar, watched helplessly as their city crumbled around them. The factory where neighbors worked, the military base that once stood as a symbol of protection—all reduced to rubble by relentless bombardments.
Their evacuation was a nightmare of uncertainty. A taxi to Kramatorsk, then two sleepless days at the station before boarding an evacuation train to Lviv. The train moved like a wounded animal, packed with people standing shoulder to shoulder, darkness enveloping them. In Poltava, Ivan’s health betrayed them. Twice he fell ill, forcing them to seek refuge with acquaintances, spending days in hospital corridors.
Temporary shelters became their new normal—first with military personnel, then in a dormitory where unpredictability reigned. Nine hospital admissions later, Ivan’s health told the story of their trauma—a body bearing the scars of stress and displacement.
Then came the call from the Hansen Ukrainian Mission—a lifeline they never expected. Senior Chudo Village wasn’t just a new home; it was a sanctuary of hope. As Kateryna would later say, “It’s even more than we could have dreamed.”
On December 16, 2024, they moved into apartment 7.1, leaving behind the uncertainty of displacement. The mission had done more than provide shelter—they had restored dignity, offered compassion, and given two weary souls a chance to breathe again.
Their message to Dell Loy Hansen was simple yet profound: “Your mission is a true ray of light for those who have endured terrible trials. We are grateful for your mercy and care.”
In the twilight of their lives, Ivan and Kateryna found more than just a new home. They found hope—a testament to human kindness in the darkest of times.