“I would just like all of this to stop”
Nine-year-old Diana longs to return to Odesa, Ukraine, where she resides on
the terraced hills overlooking a small harbour on the Black Sea.
When the sounds of exploding bombs grew louder, Diana’s peaceful life shattered. In late March, her mother, Ira, made the most difficult decision to quickly leave, gathering Diana, her older sister, Lisa, and Lisa’s 6-month-old son, Leonid, and head far away from Ukraine. They travelled on a minibus for more than 200 miles and through two countries, not knowing when they would return or what awaited them on the other side of the border.
The only item from home Diana has, is a red and white polka-dot stuffed toy octopus. She misses her cat. “She is fluffy and gentle and so sweet to play with — and she loves to eat a lot,” Diana says. “She stayed in Odesa with my dad.” Diana spends her days at a refugee transit centre in the border town of Iasi, Romania, where World Vision is supporting vulnerable children and families impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. She has no idea when she will see her dad, her beloved pet, or Odesa again. Her family’s plight weighs heavily on her mind. “I have no plans for the near future …
For now I would just like all of this to stop,” Diana says.
Light a candle, as a visible sign of the light of Christ, who is the light of the world. Take a deep breath. Feel the breath of God that has given you life.
Centre yourself and pray…
“Lord, we come before You to pray for Diana, whose life has been turned upside down by the crisis in Ukraine. Lay Your comforting blanket of love around her and restore her sense of security and wholeness. Calm her anxious heart and mind.Show Diana Your love by sending kind and compassionate people her way to giveher and her family the support and care they need during this challenging time.
Eternal Father, we pray for the millions of children who have been forcibly displaced by this conflict. Only You can give children who are now refugees a senseof peace and stability that surpasses all understanding. Lord, surround all thoseaffected by crisis with Your supernatural protection and keep them from harm.
Amen”.
World Vision