Lisa Tymoshenko

About Me:

• My name is Lisa Tymoshenko and I’m from Melitopol

• I am in Melbourne by myself

My Story:

Hi! My name is Lisa. I’m 22y.o.

I am originally from Melitopol. Now my family lives in Zaporizhzhia region. I have been studying, working and living on my own for 5 years in Kyiv.

When the invasion began, I was already at home with my family. Not in Kyiv. I didn't expect that it could be so serious and terrible. I don't know how, but the day before I bought a train ticket to home, I wanted to see my mother. I felt anxious, unfortunately, my sense did not let me down. 

When I left Kyiv, I took my backpack, a couple of sweaters, and my documents. At that time I didn't know yet that I wouldn't be able to go back to Kyiv. On February 24, life became unreal.. for each Ukrainian.

I got the news from my neighbor that the apartment I was renting in Kyiv had been damaged a bit. My close friend had lost her home. My father decided to defend Ukraine the way he could. He joined the territorial defense of the city. 

My mother and I stayed in the Zaporizhzhia region for a long time. Yes. We heard the explosions. In the morning we woke up to helicopters. There was no siren in our village, but the bells in the local church rang even at night. We hid in basements. We cried and prayed. We didn't want to leave. We hoped it would be over soon. Every night we felt scary to fall asleep. The explosions were getting closer and closer, and after a while we could already hear gunfire. That's when we decided to leave.

It's hard for me right now. I never thought this could happen. My heart burns with pain for my people.

We had to travel a long way to get to a safe place. My mom dreams of going home, but she wants me to try to move on. I made the decision to fly to Australia on my own. I want to do my best and start a new life. Without fear or anxiety. 

I know I'm strong. I need a little help before I can move on. I don't pretend to have much. Just a space to live in for the first time until I find something. Thank you for your supporting and help!

Lisa Tymoshenko