Pastor and family help Ukrainian woman secure visa she is now safe and living in Northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A Ukrainian refugee as soon as a prisoner of warfare is lastly reunited together with her American family members proper right here in Northeast Ohio. 19 Information has adopted 27-year-old Nastya’s journey from a warfare torn nation all the way in which to Lake County. A real story of braveness, survival and religion.

Painesville Pastor Physician Trevor Littleton of the First Church of Christ on Mentor Avenue, has gone the space to assist rescue the younger girl who he considers a daughter from the perils of warfare in Ukraine.

At one level, the pastor and his spouse misplaced communication with 27-year-old Nastya for 43 days. However the younger girl was capable of run by way of the gunfire and bombing to discover a secure method out. She needed to go away almost all of her belongings behind and was questioned by Russian troops and as you made her solution to Latvia, Pastor Littleton met her to assist safe her Visa to america as a part of the United for Ukraine Program.

Nastya is now residing in Painesville with the Littleton’s and their 9 youngsters, 5 adopted from Ukraine, together with Nastya’s brother Sergei.

Because the household walked from their residence to a spot on Lake Erie, Nastya was capable of stroll safely on American soil, a real beacon of hope for the Ukrainian individuals, and a real survivor of Russia’s warfare.

When requested if she likes the Northeast Ohio and america to this point, Nastya stated “Sure. I prefer it right here as a result of it’s secure for me and I’ll spend time with household.”

Because the Ukrainian refugee talked about household she smiled and checked out Pastor Littleton, who labored tirelessly, alongside along with his spouse to find Nastya in Mariupol, decided to deliver her to America.

Nastya was capable of share video with 19 Information of her condominium that was bombed and completely destroyed simply two hours after she fled the world. There was actually nothing left, Nastya stated, “It’s my residence, it’s my recollections.”

However sadly, the one residence she has ever know is now gone, Pastor Littleton informed 19 Information, “She has no residence to return to. The home was destroyed, however even town is below Russian territory now.”

Nastya tries to speak to mates and family members from Ukraine on a regular basis, hoping they will additionally discover a method out, and harm that warfare has destroyed what she knew and cherished, “It’s Ukrainian Metropolis. It’s not Russian metropolis. Russia come and destroyed metropolis.”

And whereas Nastya hopes her journey to a secure place will encourage others, she’s embracing her new residence and new life in America, and loves pizza and nature, however she admits she faces a giant problem, “First, have to be taught English. I perceive loads. However I don’t converse loads. Trigger it’s a bit of bit drawback.”

However even with a language barrier, it’s clear the language of affection and the that means of household are common, and he or she realizes she’s secure right here and cherished.

The Littleton’s say Nastya does have some survivor’s guilt so they’re working by way of that together with her.

They’re additionally attempting to do all the pieces to make life right here peaceable for her, together with ensuring she understands that when she hears blaring sirens right here in Northeast Ohio, it’s a warning for unhealthy climate, and fireworks are a part of the Independence celebrations. Nastya says she is aware of the skies are secure right here.

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