Oksana has come to Daugavpils from Vinnytsia. At times, the homeland and the relatives left behind are so compelling that Oksana decided to return to Ukraine. However, news of particularly intense air strikes came on the morning of her departure. The bus left without Oksana and Anna.
Thus, Daugavpils is becoming more and more like home for Oksana. She works in her profession as a pharmaceutical consultant, mastering the Latvian language. Anna is in the school, the first grade.
Ieva and her family have been living in Daugavpils for a few years and say they feel comfortable here. Ieva is involved in the activities of the "Other Daugavpils" association and has been organizing gatherings for immigrants from Ukraine for some time. Welcoming guests into their home is a logical continuation of the openness and friendliness with which Ieva and her family view the world.
The evening was cozy, calming, and inspiring. Delicious pancakes and interesting activities were provided by Ieva. She prepared materials and tools, showing the guests how to create figurines. Anna particularly enjoyed it! She created a bird, which might be a sparrow or perhaps a magical bird.
As the visit neared its end, Ieva`s son Jēkabs returned home. He practices hockey, so he could only be at home after practice. However, he managed to meet Oksana and Anna and take a photo together.
Thanks to Ieva and her entire family, including those family members who weren`t home this time. Together, they created the atmosphere of the home that allows warmth and friendliness to be shared with others.
Thanks to Oksana and Anna for their courage to participate in the event and for being part of Latvia now.
Thanks to Ilze Čāmane, the coordinator of "Safe House" Daugavpils, for organizing the dinner.
"Dinner in a Latvian Family" is one of the events in the project "Man Stays Human," which the association "Safe House" implements with financial support from the US State Department.
