My name is Alina [name changed]; I am from Kropyvnytskyi and live in Bielefeld. I came here with my child in March 2022.

First, we came to Poland, and there were people from Germany inviting us to their homes. So we went there. We lived at that house for two months and then moved to a separate apartment.

I⁠had an ART supply for 2 months. And when the therapy was over, I began to look for ART through my friends through Volodymyr. He helped me on every step.

I did not get to the doctor very quickly because I came and did not know anyone, where to go, or what to do. Then I was introduced to volunteers [service administrators], who gave me the hospital address where I went. Although it was difficult because I did not have a referral from the family doctor, so I had to travel a little. Volunteers also helped me with translation during a visit to the doctor (by phone).

Now I make an appointment with the doctor by myself; I go to the appointments myself. But the pills that I was prescribed here in Germany made me sick. Therefore, Volodymyr helps me with this; he brings me therapy from Ukraine.

Here I also take my classes. We are 25 Ukrainians in the group, and we are learning and communicating with each other. And so I speak with my neighbor, she is from Kazakhstan, and she talks to me in Russian.

It was difficult at first. I did not know German at all, and we lived with strangers, with the Germans. We are very grateful to them; it was just a little uncomfortable. Finding a doctor nearby was difficult. I was a month without pills. Adaptation is difficult.

My kid is OK, and attends kindergarten. This year, the kid will go to school and learn German.

After arriving in another country, it is very important and very easy when someone can help find a hospital nearby and tell you what documents you need to make so that the person arrives and already understands where to go so as not to miss therapy.