When the war broke out, families fled from Ukraine to Bulgaria, hoping it would only be temporary. But as the years pass and the conflict shows no signs of ending, many now face the reality that they may never return home.
The war rages on, and life remains suspended in uncertainty.
More than three years ago, lives were upended in an instant. Children left behind everything they knew — favourite toys, bedtime stories, cherished routines — for a chance to survive. Today, more than 90% of Ukrainian children in Bulgaria live with only their mothers while their fathers remain on the front lines.
Lilyana is a teacher in the Convoy of Hope Children’s Feeding initiative in Bulgaria. Since the war began, her village has welcomed many Ukrainian families who arrived in search of hope and safety. And these families have begun to find those exact things and more in the feeding programme. The Children’s Feeding initiative is run through the local church, where the families receive hot, nutritious meals every day.
Every weekend, the church hosts a special gathering for the Ukrainian children. Lilyana stands at the door with a warm smile, waiting to welcome each child by name. She knows the importance of their bellies being filled with chicken, beans, and vegetables. As the children arrive, the smell of warm food and Lilyana’s kind smile draw them in. These gatherings are providing a safe space and a sense of stability, at least for now, in Bulgaria.
Though they still long for home, the children are beginning to laugh again. They are making new friends, singing songs, and finding moments of joy. Through the kindness of Lilyana and the support of the local church, Convoy of Hope is helping Ukrainian children find stability, nourishment, and a renewed sense of belonging. Though the future remains uncertain, the laughter of children and the warmth of shared meals remind us that hope hasn’t left. It’s waiting at the door, every weekend, in Bulgaria.
