Dear friends, thank you so much for your comments, emails, text. Your kind words keep us going.
For those of you who don’t know, I am Ukrainian and I am currently in Western Ukraine with my family. I’ve shared an update on my Instagram yesterday, in case you are not on Instagram, here’s what it said:
This was expected (the war), but also something that you never hope to wake up to. Deep down you always believe the war would not happen.
5 am is when it officially began. My mom called to deliver the news. I woke up horrified and started reading the news. It was all real. All TOO REAL. The military state has been declared over the country. People are advised to stay in. Curfew has been imposed on the capital city, Kyiv.
We have been preparing for war, but one can never be prepared for anything like this. You see war in the movies, you read about it in books. But when it comes – there’s so much fear. You feel paralyzed.
There is a lot of news about attacks. Casualties. Bombings. There are warnings. People are very scared. I have cried too many times to count today.
You see police posts on the roads, you see military equipment and it all hits you. It is real. It is here. There’s war in my country. There is WAR.
People are scared. But at the same time we stand united. We all support each other in any way we can.
I am thankful for all of you. Your messages keep me going. They bring tears, but also smiles to my face. We will be okay 🖤.
We spent last night in a bomb shelter. An alarm sounded around midnight advising all to leave homes and hide in anticipation of the bombing. It was rough. Cold. Wet. Dark. Scary. We slept on the floor, fully dressed in our coats, hats, and gloves. We are back home at the moment as I am typing this post. We’ve made arrangements for the night ahead to stay with a friend outside of town. He has a mattress for us to sleep on and the place is warm.
I keep thinking of peaceful times. The times we all took for granted. I remember the calm evenings I was happily making cards in my craft room and recording videos. Cardmaking is my passion and it is what keeps me sane during these uncertain and scary times. I hope to be back to crafting. I have a few cards I’ve made before the war and I’ll share them soon.
Love you all!
P.S. If you’d like to help Ukraine, you can donate to fund the Ukrainian armed forces. You can donate here. Or find bank details are below:
To donate in USD:
SWIFT Code NBU: NBUA UA UX
JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, New York
SWIFT Code: CHASUS33
Account: 400807238
383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179, USA
IBAN UA843000010000000047330992708
To donate in GBP:
SWIFT Code NBU: NBUA UA UX
Bank of England, London
SWIFT Code: BKENGB2L
Account: 40000982
Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH, UK
IBAN UA843000010000000047330992708
To donate in EUR:
SWIFT Code NBU: NBUA UA UX
DEUTSCHE BUNDESBANK, Frankfurt
SWIFT Code: MARKDEFF
Account: 5040040066
IBAN DE05504000005040040066
Wilhelm-Epsteinn-Strabe 14, 60431 Frankfurt Am Main,Germany
IBAN UA843000010000000047330992708
I’m not generally a religious person but myself & my family are constantly thinking & praying for the safety of you, your family & all in the Ukraine now. Our news reports here in the UK say Nato troops are on their way to you. We pray you all stay safe till they arrive & assist you. So so many people disagree with what Putin is doing so please be aware the Ukraine is not alone in this fight . I can’t wait to See your card updates again but you staying safe is ultimately the most important thing right now. Hugs & thoughts xxx
I’m praying for God to protect you and your country. I so enjoy seeing your work and watching your videos. It all seems so surreal now. Please stay safe and know that so many are praying for you and supporting your people.
Yana, I’ve been trying to donate to you on Patreon but can’t find that. I want to help, but Patreon dropped the link for the military fund and the other payment information is too complicated for me. We stand with you and President Zelensky who seems so amazing. Please give us more links to contribute if you can. I’d prefer to give directly to you, as I trust you to use it where it’s most needed. The whole world is watching and almost all of it is with Ukraine.❤️❤️
Yana, you, your family and your country are in my prayers. This is action by Putin is such a tragedy. Please know that Ukraine has the support of many and we’re standing with you. Hoping this all is behind you very soon and you are back to a peaceful life. Your talent brings much joy to so many of us paper crafters. Stay safe!
Dearest Yana,
I know that we don’t know each other but I am truly sorry that you, your family and all citizens of Ukraine are going through this right now – on top of everything already going on in the world.
This really makes me angry and I pray that you all stay safe, strong and warm. “Putain Putin!”
Sincerely.
Thinking of you and your family, and praying that you are safe. This seems like a bad dream, just doesn’t seem it could really be happening. Prayers for you and yours, and for your country.
Please be careful, Yana. I’ve been thinking about you so much and praying for your safety and the safety of all in your country. It breaks my heart to see what you all are going through at the hands of that evil monster. Love to you and to all in your country. ❤️
You, your family and fellow countrymen are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so very sorry that this is happening. It seems as a world, that we should be beyond such barbaric acts, and yet, we are not. I pray for your safety and for the strength of your people. We are so much more alike than different. When you suffer, I suffer also.
My spouse and I are praying for the people in Ukraine who love their country and stand united. We can’t imagine the fear that has been instilled in you and your country men and women. We are hoping that the world will jump in to help your country. Talking is fine but that doesn’t get you anywhere. Putin has literally told the world that whatever country intervenes they will be dealt with in a nuclear way. He is so evil and a crazy madman. Hugs to you and your family. I’m glad you are located at the western part of your country. You are in our prayers.
Please stay stafe, as safe as you can. Prayers for you and your family!
I can’t begin to truly know what you are all going through but I pray that you, your family and your country will know the presence, love and power of God throughout this tragic time. Your cards have been such an inspiration to others and we thank you for that. God bless and keep you all safe xx
Yana, what a fearful time for you, your family and all of Ukraine. It is unbelievable what is happening. My heart and prayers go out to you. Stay brave and if it is any comfort hold fast to the knowledge that you are in many persons’ thoughts. May the grace of God keep you safe.
Praying for you, your family and your fellow Ukrainians. This is so terrible, .I simply cannot imagine what you are all going through.
It is so sad and upsetting that this is happening to your country – so wrong! I’ve been watching the news and crying for your country and saying prayers. I’m glad to see the US and other EU and NATO countries sending aid, weaponry and other assistance. Your president and your people are AMAZING, incredible and brave. Stay strong and brave and know that the world supports you and is working to help you. We are also praying for you. Thank you for sharing how we can help – so many want to know how they can.
As a follower, I’ve been thinking of you and your family constantly over the past days. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting your beautiful country and know the strength of its people. Stay safe and strong and know that the world is with Ukraine!
I am from Canada and we are keeping you and yours and the Ukranian people in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sad that this is happening to your beautiful Country. Sending hugs to you Yana.
My heart is with all of you in Ukraine.
Yana, it is so hard to find the right words. My heart breaks for all the people of Ukraine but at the same time I am proud (but not surprised) by their bravery and determination as they fight to stop Russia’s invasion. Please know that you, your family and friends, and all the people of Ukraine are in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay safe and stay strong. God bless.
Keep safe, praying for you, your family and all Ukraine x
May the Lord protect you, your countrymen, and your country. I am so sorry that you are experiencing this and wish that NATO & especially the US would do more.
I am praying for you Yama, your family and all Ukrainians that will come through this dark time in one piece. God Bless you and keep you safe!! Dana Parker Florida, USA.
Thoughts & prayers with you & your family Yana. Stay safe, hope this is over soon.
back and always wondering how you, your family and friends are doing? I keep watching the news and it makes me cry. There is no room for war ever! I pray for you and your loved one all day. If you can reach out to us and let us know your ok. Thoughts and prayers, and love, char
So heartbroken for your country. Praying for safety for you and your fellow Ukrainians and for a stop to this war. Sending hugs.
<3 J
jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com
Yana – praying for you and your family. I am thinking of you and can hardly comprehend that this is happening. I sent a donation to Doctors without Boarders. Stay safe.
Dear Yana,
I just want you to know I’ve been praying specifically for you and your family every morning. I’ve also been praying for all your countrymen, your military, and your leaders – especially President Zelensky. I’m constantly in prayer and this situation is heavy on my heart. Stay safe! Sending hugs!
Yana, Thank you for posting the information to contribute. I am half Ukrainian, my mother was from a town near yours, Galicia. She was a victim of the Nazi occupation, and taken from her home for forced farm labor. After the war she was lucky enough to be on the Western side of Germany, so her relatives in PA, USA brought her to the US. My Grandmother, Uncle and 2 Aunts were relocated to a collective outside of Kyiv. I have cousins there now. It is a world nightmare. I find myself praying at off times throughout the day, feeling sad, and helpless. I live in Texas USA and have followed your posts since I started back into paper crafting in 2017. I posted on Facebook, that while lighting your city, building, or sports team in blue and yellow is nice, it would be far more helpful to donate for supplies and resources for the Ukrainian people and army. I heard today, Putin has agreed to “peace talks”. President Zelensky has proven to the world what a leader of a great people looks like. I pray he is able to reason with Putin. Please know the entire world has witnessed this aggression and Mr Putin is taken a beating on the world stage. Stay strong, stay safe, God Bless you and your family and Ukraine.
Praying you and your family to stay safe. Praying for peace!
Yana, my heart goes out to you! I have been searching online yesterday and today to find some communication from you and found this blog post. I am sad you and your country are experiencing war; I am praying for peace for your country and safety for you and your family.
Yana I’m so glad you are safe! This is such a terrible time for everyone in Ukraine. My prayers are with you all that you stay safe and that you all recover from a war you had nothing to do with! Love from my family to yours!
My heart is in my mouth reading your post Yana. It’s so scary and what you are going through is so unnecessary and pointless. I hope that the world can stand with Ukraine and help bring this madness to a close. Strength and love to you right now for all you are enduring. You are in our hearts and on our minds. Hugs, Wendy xoxo
Hello Yana: I pray for Ukraine and it’s citizens, it’s devastating to see this beautiful Country in ruins and it’s people suffering. So useless and pointless, so cruel and unjust.
My family and me pray for you and your family and for all the citizens of Ukraine, for your safety, for strength to endure and for THE person who is responsible for this pain, to stop immediately!!!!!!
I’m sending thoughts of love for all of you across the miles.
Yana you have been in my thoughts since this has started. Thank you for this post. I can not imagine what you are going through. You, your family and all of Ukraine are in my thoughts and prayers.. Please stay safe….
Love and prayers are coming your way. Stay strong. God Bless.
The whole world is with your country. We all pray for this to be over as soon as possible with as minimal devastation as possible so you may all heal and rebuild. Please be safe and please let us know that you are when you can.
Yana, I have been following the news and watching what has been happening and thinking of you and your families, known only through our shared love of crafting and making. Saying prayers to keep everyone in the Ukraine safe. I teach at college here in Canada and have a student who is here finishing up a 2yr program as her husband and parents are there. Trying to offer support, and strength where I can. May the angels wrap their wings around you all and guard you with their care.
Praying for your safety, and for your family and all those affected by this senseless action brought upon your country. God bless you.
Praying for your safety and for a quick end to this conflict. May God be near to you and comfort, strengthen and protect you. May there soon be peace.
Yana, my heart breaks for you and all Ukrainian people. I pray that you will find a way to stay safe and for a rapid end to this unnecessary war. I pray the evil Putin and his evil inhumane war machine be stopped and punished for his crimes, and that the world comes together to stop him quickly without elevating the conflict. The hardships you are facing weighs heavy on my heart as I wake up in a warm bed with food and shelter and feel helpless to do anything to help Ukraine. So I PRAY. that God and his army of angels will somehow protect you and keep your spirits strong. Looking ahead to peaceful days when you can once again follow your cardmaking passion and provide videos the world of cardmakers so enjoy. May God bless you all and bring you peace.
Yana, Please know that we are praying for you and your family’s safety…Putin is a monster that has come unhinged and I hope someone can stop him soon . Take care
Praying for you and your family. I think of you often and cry. I am a fellow crafter so I feel like we have a bond of friendship. Stay safe <3
Dear Yana,
You are in our hearts, in our thoughts, in our prayers.
I am in awe of your people who so courageously fight for their country and their freedom. I hope that Putin will give up and that this war ends now. And that there will never be another war.
To you and to all Ukrainians: Stay safe, stay strong.
Yana, as I was reading your post describing your night in the bomb shelter my heart began to hurt. I can’t imagine what you are going through, there really is nothing I can say. Try to stay in touch as much as you can. I know there are thousands of your craft friends that are saying prayers under their breath many times a day. Love and Peace to you and yours.
Yana, you and your countrymen are so brave and strong. Continue to fight for your freedom! The world is in support of your country. Putin is so evil an hopefully be punished for his arrogance. Make sure you let us know how you and your family are, we all care so much for you. I pray that you will be safe. Love to you and yours.
Yana, My family, and I are praying for you and all the people of Ukrainian. It breaks our hearts and makes us sick to our stomachs as we watch one man’s evil plan and those who do his bidding on the march in Ukraine. We love the Ukrainian people and the beautiful country that hosted us while we adopted our daughter there 13 years ago. We spent a month there and we’re were lucky enough to spend time in Romny, Sumy, and Kyiv. As you might have already guessed, WE STAND WITH UKRAINE!!! We stand with you too! Sending endless prayers to you, your family, and your countrymen.
Dear Yana, My heart is so heavy and broken for all that the Ukranian people are going through right now. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through, but hold fast to the knowledge that you, your family and the Ukranian people are being lifted up in prayer to a Sovereign God who cares and hears your cries. I pray that you all be delivered from this nightmare soon. We stand with Ukraine! Praying for you all steadily.
Am just reading this now. My heart aches for all of you. You are held in prayer. Making donations, too.
What you all are going through is unthinkable. My heart breaks for you. It is good to read your emails and I am so glad you’re able to do some crafting. The only thing we can do is keep you in our thoughts and prayers and make donations. Please keep the emails coming. Stay safe.
Aloha dear Yana, I read your post and didn’t have any words to say. My heart is broken, shattered over what is happening in Ukraine and that part of Europe. I wish we could put an umbrella of peace over the country so no one can harm you all. We send our love and gentle hugs, warmth in the cold for you. And I love your sweet coloring style of these sunflowers.
Dearest Yana, my heart breaks for you and all the people of Ukraine. It is incomprehensible that these atrocities are taking place so unjustified in your beautiful and peaceful nation. I join with millions of others who are continually praying Ukraine has the strength to endure these adversities and that peace will eventually be yours. The least I can do is make a donation for Ukraine. I wish I could do more. Stay safe please.