Halyna But: A Journey of Resilience and Comfort
Name: Halyna But
Age: 83
Hometown: Kozatske Village, Kherson Region, Ukraine

At 83, Halyna But had seen her share of life’s challenges, but nothing could have prepared her for the upheaval brought by war. Her life in Kozatske Village had been simple — a home without modern conveniences, where water had to be fetched, and basic comforts were a daily struggle. But war would rewrite her story in ways she could never have imagined.

As the conflict intensified, Halyna faced an impossible choice. Staying was no longer an option. Just before the New Year, volunteers became her lifeline, evacuating her from the dangerous zone. Krivyi Rih was her first stop — a temporary refuge from the conflict that had consumed her homeland.

The journey continued. From Krivyi Rih, she was moved to a village near Kyiv, sharing a house with acquaintances. Each move was a testament to her resilience, each new location a chapter in her survival story. At 83, most would have been overwhelmed, but Halyna’s spirit remained unbroken.

Then came the Miracle Village — a turning point that would transform her life completely.

When Halyna describes her new home, her words are filled with wonder. “I’ve found paradise,” she tells everyone who will listen. And indeed, her new life is a stark contrast to her previous existence. Her home in Kozatske, completely destroyed by the war, is now just a painful memory.

The Miracle Village offered her more than just a home — it offered dignity. After years of living without running water, of managing daily necessities in the most challenging conditions, she now had comfort beyond her wildest dreams. Warm and cold water at her fingertips, indoor facilities, a quiet and peaceful environment — these were luxuries she had long forgotten.

Her gratitude is profound and genuine. She speaks with deep appreciation of everyone involved in creating this new chapter of her life. “I have everything I need,” she says, her words a powerful testament to the transformative power of compassion and community support.

Halyna’s story is more than just a tale of displacement. It is a narrative of resilience, of the human capacity to find joy and comfort even after losing everything. In the Miracle Village, she found more than just a new home — she found a renewed sense of hope, dignity, and peace.

A journey of survival, gratitude, and the unbreakable spirit of Ukraine’s elderly.