The Russian Army nears Kyiv. The giant formation of military vehicles that sat idle so long is now enveloping the city, and battle can be heard from afar. Nalya reports having spent many days and nights in an underground shelter/subway since the invasion began. She first realized that Putin was serious when a national curfew was imposed.

“At first, everyone was panicked, but now people are willing to fight for their family and homes,” she said. “Being in the underground shelter is a nightmare. One woman gave birth there. It was a mind blast.”

When she is above ground, she said it’s challenging to find food because many of the markets are closed. She said she spends many hours trying to find enough to eat.

Leaving Kyiv is not an easy task. The Ukraine army has destroyed bridges and flooded roads in an attempt to make travel by land difficult for the Russians.

Bethlehem residents Phil and Eileen Gentile continue to communicate with Nalya. Using Google Translate and Instagram, they have also been able to connect her with Daniela who lives in in the Republic of Latvia, a country in the Baltic Region of Northern Europe.

The Gentiles met Daniela when they hosted her for five weeks the summer of 2013. Daniela grew up in an orphanage. The Gentiles have stayed close to her and refer to her as their “daughter.”

Phil spoke to Daniela about helping Nalya get out Kyiv. Both girls report communicating with each other regularly since March 1. Nalya has steadfastly resisted any suggestion of leaving Ukraine. Daniela has presented several ways Nalya could be evacuated from the Ukraine to Latvia.

“She would be given a place to live here (in Latvia) as a refugee and an allowance,” Daniela said. “Then when it’s over, she can return it.

“If she could make it across the border of Poland, you only need an ID; you don’t need a visa.” Daniela has even offered to pick Nalya up in Poland, but Nalya does not drive and is fearful of traveling alone. Daniela has suggested asking friends of hers in Odessa if they may be able to help in transporting Nalya. Odessa is a city in southwestern Ukraine near the Black Sea.

Several days passed while Daniela continued to encourage Nalya to come to Latvia. She has gone so far as to send Nalya a train schedule. Daniela is hopeful that Nalya is thinking about evacuating and will come to Latvia before it’s too late.

The Gentiles communicate with both the girls regularly.

“Even though Nalya has not taken her up on her offer,” Phil said, “Daniela has shown not only courage but also compassion and a willingness to sacrifice.”

Nalya said she appreciates Daniela’s offer.

“If I have to leave, I will make arrangements with her,” she said, “but for the time being, I have decided to stay.”

When she was asked what she will do when and if life gets back to normal, an optimistic Nalya says, “I want to go to a beauty salon and get my hair done.”

Continued next week pending communication.