STAFFORD – Natalia Shtubel, 21, vividly recalls when her family opened their doors to refugees fleeing conflict in the east of Ukraine, providing a safe haven in the western part of the country.
In an amazing twist of fate, Natalia and her parents now find themselves as refugees in the United States. A humanitarian program “Uniting for Ukraine” has enabled the three to join Natalia’s brother, Andrii, and his wife, Mallory in their home in Stafford.
As she adjusts to a new culture and navigates the challenges of being away from her homeland, Natalia’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of conflict and the profound impact it can have on even those who thought they were safe.
“My father created a refrain that sticks in my head,” shared Natalia. “East or west, home is best.”
A trained and talented artist, Natalia created a poignant photo essay that captured the essence of her father’s message, focusing on his features and using imagery to convey the emotion and meaning behind his words. Through her art, Natalia offered a powerful commentary on the universal experience of seeking a place to belong.
“There is no home,” Natalia wrote. “The home is in your head and my head.”
The Shtubel’s hometown of Uzhhorod was fortunate enough to be spared the catastrophic destruction caused by Russia’s war on Ukraine. Nonetheless, Natalia was deeply moved by the plight of her fellow Ukrainians and felt a strong sense of empathy and solidarity towards them. She found herself determined to contribute to the war effort in any way she could – despite the relatively safe conditions in her own community.
Day in and day out, hundreds of people streamed into Uzhhorod, seeking refuge after being forced to flee their homes in cities like Kiev. The local train stations were inundated with a flood of people looking to escape the dangers of a war that had even civilians living in constant fear for their lives.
Natalia teamed up with other volunteers to prepare sandwiches for the refugees stranded at the train station, ensuring that they would have at least one bite to eat. She and the others also did their best to help the refugees navigate a path to the next stop on their journey.
“We’d ask them where they needed to go,” said Natalia. “So many were lost and traveling across the country from one place to the next to get away.”
Local families in Uzhhorod opened their homes to the refugees, providing them with temporary relief from the struggles of displacement. Natalia’s parents were among those who offered their hospitality, welcoming different groups of refugees into their three-story house and providing them with food and shelter.
Meanwhile, Natalia also found herself determined to aid in the battle for her homeland. Natalia’s volunteer work expanded to the assembly of Molotov cocktails – a stark contrast for the young woman who studied art and worked during the day as a preschool teacher.
Exorbitant rises in fuel costs made it bitter cold in the winter months. And even though electricity could only be used six hours a day, children in Natalia’s hometown continued to attend school. Nonetheless, despite being spared from the bombings that plagued other regions, Natalia’s students were not shielded from the harsh realities of the ongoing war.
For one, many of the children’s fathers joined the army of Ukrainians seeking to keep their country’s sovereignty. As she shared a treasured picture drawn by one of her students, Natalia explained that it was more than a display of affection.
“I asked the child to tell me about the picture,” Natalia shared, as she pointed out different aspects of the drawing, “I was told that this was me, and that this was a gun pulling hearts to me.”
“This is how children are influenced by war right now in Ukraine,” nodded Natalia.
After finding refuge with her family in the United States, Natalia has resumed her passion for teaching preschoolers in Manahawkin. Devoting much of her free time to her art, Natalia finds she most enjoys painting abstracts that leave room for personal interpretation.
As she’s adjusting to her new life in a foreign land, Natalia has found some of the differences between the two countries remarkable. For example, in Ukraine, it’s uncommon for people to even nod as they pass each other on the street. Natalia was initially taken aback by the fact that strangers would greet her with a smile and a hello. She has since come to appreciate the friendly gestures.
The lack of sidewalks where Natalia now lives has posed an interesting challenge. In her hometown, Natalia was accustomed to walking everywhere. She didn’t have to rely on anyone for transportation, as she could easily get to work, the local shops, and her friends’ houses on foot.
But in Stafford, sidewalks are not only few and far between – virtually nothing is within walking distance. The only way to get around is by car, which has prompted Natalia to work on getting her driver’s license to give her some independence.
Natalia also admitted she was a bit confused by how the two countries handle taxation.
“Taxes are also different here than in Ukraine,” said Natalia. “There, if you pay for something, the tax is already in the price. Here, tax is added to some of the things I buy.”
Natalia’s first paycheck provided her with yet another tax lesson. She was surprised by the difference in her wages after requisite deductions.
One of the best parts of Natalia and her parents coming to the United States has been the opportunity to reunite with Andrii and meet his wife and children. It had been seven long years since they were altogether, and everyone was eager to make up for lost time.
The integration of customs turned out to be easy. Mallory is a second-generation Ukrainian American and grew up with some Ukrainian culture. Her in-laws brought with them foods and tradition that reminded Mallory of time with her own grandmother.
Most recently, the family enjoyed decorating pysanky eggs in preparation for Easter. Pysanky are Ukrainian Easter eggs that use a special method to create beautiful designs that are resistant to the dye.
After attending Easter mass at St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toms River, the family returned home to a delicious meal laden with traditional dishes. They ate and talked and laughed, savoring every moment together.
Natalia is grateful to be in the United States, but admits she misses her friends and family back home in Ukraine. Uzhhorod is seven hours ahead of Stafford timewise, so it can be difficult to figure out when to call or message them.
There is no doubt that Natalia holds strong sentiments towards her homeland. She firmly believes in Ukraine’s ability to emerge victorious in the war and takes immense pride in both her roots and her fellow countrymen.
“The home is in your head and my head,” reminded Natalia. “Home is best.”
Whether Natalia is in Stafford or Uzhhorod, she knows she’s home. After all, her father said it – home is best.
