A Journey of Survival

Serhii Bessonov (68), a retired electric welder from Novotroitske, had built a life of simple pleasures. Before the war, his days revolved around his house, a small plot of land, and spending time with his grandchildren. Fishing was his passion, a moment of peace in an increasingly turbulent world.

War transformed everything. Drones constantly hovered over his village, which was a base for Ukrainian troops. An explosion near his home—a drone dropping explosives on a vehicle of ammunition—shattered his sense of security. He fled hastily, taking nothing with him, leaving behind everything he had known.

Displaced to a Christian shelter in Dnipro, Serhii experienced the uncertainty of refugee life. Packed into a large hall with many others, waiting for document restoration, he wondered about his future.

On January 22, 2024, he found sanctuary in Senior Chudo Village’s apartment 9.1B. Battling gout and bone tissue problems, he discovered more than just a home—he found hope.

His wisdom for younger generations is profound: “Trust your intuition. It’s your voice, your mind, working faster than your heart. Let it guide you always.”

To Dell Loy Hansen, he offers heartfelt gratitude: “You’re an interesting person. Spending so much effort and money on Ukraine is a wonderful thing. Thank you for your work and attention to helpless people.”

His sister jokes that he’s “won the jackpot” with his new living conditions. For Serhii, it’s more than that—it’s a second chance at life.