Lyudmyla Tsymbalova, a 72-year-old former gas boiler operator from Toretsk, moved into apartment at Senior Chudo Village on November 23, 2024. Born and raised in the flourishing city of Toretsk, Lyudmyla lived in a 9-story building and served as the head of the condominium association. Under her leadership, the residents took a loan to renovate the entrances and perform landscaping work on the adjacent territory. Lyudmyla lived with her husband until his passing, while her son resides in Kyiv.
In 2014, Lyudmyla nearly lost her life, and after the full-scale invasion, she no longer felt fear. However, when an explosion at a bus stop tore people to pieces, a hired driver took her to Kyiv, where an acquaintance helped her find an apartment. A year later, Lyudmyla invited her friend to live with her due to the high cost of rent.
The one-bedroom apartment they shared had basic amenities and adequate conditions. When volunteer girls called with the news of her acceptance to Senior Chudo Village, Lyudmyla experienced euphoria and couldn’t sleep all night.
Lyudmyla and her friend visited the village before the official move-in date and were captivated by the cottages, the kindness of the residents, and the organization. Lyudmyla suffers from age-related changes, including pancreatic issues.
Looking to the future, Lyudmyla has signed up as a volunteer in the greenhouses and plans to work. She advises the younger generation to prioritize their health and wishes for them to see the end of the war soon. Lyudmyla believes that by doing good for others, one helps oneself, and that giving a piece of oneself returns a hundredfold.
Regarding Dell Loy Hansen’s mission, Lyudmyla notes that neighboring villages within the community also receive support from the Hansen Mission, contributing to the development of this part of the region. She expresses gratitude to Dell Loy Hansen, wondering about the size of his heart.
As an elderly displaced person, Lyudmyla highlights the lack of funds as a primary concern. She finds no shortcomings in the village but wishes for bicycles in the summer to enable trips to the forest.