※Translated with Notion AI. (Plus version)
(At the contributor’s request, this translation maintains the original text without editorial modifications. While we acknowledge there are various perspectives on the Ukraine situation, Seren believes there is value in accurately conveying the thoughts of Ukrainian refugees living in Japan.)
We will spend another Christmas in Japan.
Carols echo through the streets, and illuminations sparkle brightly.
Yet even surrounded by these warm scenes, the hearts of my children and I remain stranded in Ukraine.
My husband continues to fight on the front lines.
I cannot help but worry that my young children might lose their memories of their father.
The moments we spend praying before his photograph each day are the only bond holding our family together.
How much longer must these days of prayer continue?
War brings nothing but destruction and pain.
Nevertheless, with the support of many people here in Japan, we have managed to survive until now.
Whenever we experience the kindness and warm touch of volunteers, our hearts overflow with gratitude.
And we realize: simply being alive is the greatest freedom we have left.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with anti-nuclear activists in Hiroshima.
Their words, “There are no winners in war,” deeply resonated with me.
