While the terrifying sound of sirens from the other side of the border was freezing the blood in people’s veins, the air got filled with the beautiful voice of a young girl singing about love. Lina, a 24 years old artist from Kharkiv, had just crossed the bridge and was sitting in the middle of the registration tent with her Ukulele, singing song after song, putting smiles on the faces of the people around her.

“Singing is the only thing that helps me forget about what is happening around and stay hopeful for the future,” she said smiling, flipping her small notebook full of song lyrics.

Back at home, in Kharkiv, Lina worked as a makeup artist as art and creativity is the best form of self-expression for her. She stayed in the country until the 7th of May, going along with her life, hoping for better days. She entered Romania alone, only with a small bag and her guitar; however, it was noticeable that while waiting for her bus at the border, she was hugging and helping other people.

“She is such a kind girl. There was a lady who got terrified after hearing the sound of sirens from the other side of the border. She was comforting her and hugging her as if she was her family member” Says Bianca, Volunteer from YMCA Romania.

As Lina said, she believes that change starts with individuals, and to create a better tomorrow people should start acting today.

“It is too late to go and change the past, but it is not late to strive to help create a better future.” 

Lina’s journey from Ukraine lasted a few days, leading her to Germany and then to Turkey. Hopeful that she will go back home soon, she shares her hopes for the future:

“One day we will meet again.  

One day we will all be home.  

One day we will all breathe a sigh of relief.  

One day the sky will be clear.  

One day the nights will be quiet.  

One day we will all be free.  

One day we will be able to hug our loved ones.  

One day your soul will feel at peace.  

One day we will all be able to recover.  

One day we will be happy again.  

Everything will be fine.  

Everything will be Ukraine.”

And while the war goes on, individuals like Lina bring the hope that peace is possible, as peace starts from individuals striving for it, and acting for it with humble, humane actions.