Their lives upended by war, Ukrainian family in Hawaii searches for a new normal

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Ukrainian households who fled from the conflict try to settle into new lives, together with right here on the islands.

The Kolosov household discovered a house on Massive Island.

Maksym and Karina Kolosov arrived two weeks in the past with their 12-year-old daughter, Lina. That they had their wedding ceremony day In February, simply two days earlier than they received phrase of conflict of their nation.

“Karina wakes up our daughter Lina and says to Lina, ‘get up, as a result of conflict began,’” stated Maksym Kolosov.

They fled their metropolis of Sloviansk in Ukraine.

And after touring to totally different nations, they arrived in Hawaii.

Fortunately, they’d a pal on the Massive Island, Alla Kostenko.

They met throughout Kostenko’s mission journey to Russia and Ukraine. Kostenko has household in these nations.

“We’ve been having a very laborious time from the very starting, simply sort of believing that that is truly occurring, that this is occurring,” Kostenko stated.

She runs a espresso farm in Pahala and a neighbor gave them non permanent housing in an residence. She helps the household with language obstacles.

“Proper now they’re seeking to make sense out of this,” stated Kostenko, as she translated what Karina Kolosov needed to say. “I hope when I’ve peace in my coronary heart, I may return to Feb. 22, on my wedding ceremony day, and dwell via these pleased moments. The way in which they deserved to dwell.”

They fear about what may occur to Sloviansk.

The mayor of the town stated Russian missiles not too long ago struck the world, in line with CNN.

“What’s our subsequent step? What we are able to do?” requested Maksym Kolosov. “Now we have a whole lot of plans and goals in Ukraine.”

However they’ve additionally discovered a house right here. Their 12-year-old daughter began college this week.

“I received some emails from the instructor saying that they’re nervous about a lot optimistic consideration going in the direction of her as a result of everybody was identical to leaning in the direction of and supporting and speaking to her,” stated Kostenko.

She stated she desires to assist them get jobs with the espresso farm and native faculties, however they’re simply ready on the paperwork.

Within the meantime, she has arrange a GoFundMe for the household.

“They only needed to say once more and perhaps repeat themselves or how grateful they’re for being right here,” stated Kostenko, as she translated for Karina Kolosov.

“They are saying they stroll down the road and if any person hears them they ask what language they communicate. And so they say that it’s Ukrainian. And so they see how genuinely individuals are involved and the way properly they need them.”

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