A group of young women (aged 15-38) from Caritas Ukraine visited us for a week. In addition to various employees and Ukrainian volunteers from Caritas Jesi, we ESC volunteers also had the opportunity to accompany the group.
The week was funny, very interesting and enriching. Together we marveled at the indescribable fairytale world of the Frasassi Caves. In the beautiful Palazzo Pianetti we contemplated the ornate stuccoes and paintings. We visited the museums of Jesi. At the beach of Senigallia we bathed in the sea and sun. We took beautiful photos and watched people dancing rock'n'roll at the Summer Jamboree Festival. At delicious dinner at the parishes in Jesi we chatted about family and plans for the future and sang songs.
Seen from the outside, it was like any other organized trip with a group of young women. But a closer look reveals differences. When the young women regularly checked the news and alarm groups of their home regions. When there was joy as well as pain and (mis)understanding in their eyes, in encounters with other Ukrainians. When they told about physical stress reactions triggered by the sound of Italian mopeds and about the difficulties of a (more or less forced) new start abroad. When we talked about family and future plans and when we sang songs at delicious dinner at the homes of Ukrainian families in Jesi.
The war doesn´t stay at home, that became clear. But also that this war is not everything what makes up their lives. Their visit provided the opportunity for cultural and interpersonal exchange and an awareness of the differences and similarities in our realities of life. It was a valuable week and I hope, they also go home with new good impressions and memories.
Arrivederci e Дякую
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