Things are changing slowly and steadily, I knew from the beginning that this will slowly start happening. The whole of Europe is dealing with the refugee crisis. Not only, people have lost their homes, displaced from their loved ones, and fled the country to stay safe, but also they are suffering in each step of dealing with the refugee life. I started doubting my decision, I was scared of living in a war zone. On the other hand, I am quite frustrated living in the miserable condition of refugee life. No matter how much I try to stay positive, I can't. Mentally and physically I started feeling weak every single day. I really wished that this was a dream or I am living in a dream, a bad dream. I wished suddenly I woke up and realize everything is fine. I can't tolerate this focusless and degraded life. Don't get me wrong, you won't realize my pain until you are in the same shoes as mine.
Every day after leaving my bed, I usually take time to understand where I am now, I barely can sleep at night. I appreciate everything though but this unexpected life condition kinda making me sick. I couldn't spend a single moment in Kharkiv when I realized my safety was at stake, I had to leave. I was forced to leave because living in the dark basement for 9-10 days left a horrible experience for me. But what is happening now, actually nothing much, this was expected. It's me who is having a hard time here adjusting to everything.
Many things are changing, and even the mentality of the people is changing too. Everyone in this shelter feels stressed about upcoming life because many don't know what to do next, from where to begin. Everybody is dealing with their own concerns and I get that. Because I am also concerned about my future too. I don't know where to begin my life again. I talk to people every day, I have made some friends here, we share information with each other and try to motivate each other. But still, it seems like we all are standing at the same point and waiting to climb the mountain.
I completely forgot that this month I have to visit the food bank. It was completely out of my mind because I was dealing with other things. So, yesterday after having breakfast, I decided to go to the foodbank, otherwise, the credit I have got on my card will be zero and new credit will be added for the next month. I normally take the bus to go to the food bank. Public transportations were free for Ukrainians in Holland so without any hesitation, I ride on the bus. I was not alone, a friend of mine who also came from Ukraine was with me. We have been living in the same shelter for quite some time.
She suddenly informed me that from the next month we have to pay for the bus tickets as well. This rule is applied to all Ukrainian refugees. When I first arrived in Holland, intercity train tickets were free but 2 weeks ago, paid ticket services has started for the Ukrainians because of one incident. So no more free pass for train travel anymore in Holland.
Now new headache, I have to register for a monthly card for bus and train. It takes a minimum of 10 days to get a personal registered card. In Almere city, the municipality is not giving any transport allowances for the refugees. I don't know about other cities in Holland. I and my friend talked about different issues and our discussion was mainly focused on our current condition and what to do next.
After 20 minutes, we reached the Foodbank. while we were waiting to enter the shop, a volunteer came and informed us that, this was the last month for us for the free food products from Foodbank. From the next month, we won't get any credit for the food products. I was surprised but also understood that this was expected and reasonable. I am grateful for what we have got so far. The reason is simple when a Ukrainian refugee starts getting money from the government, the food bank stops providing free food products.
Unfortunately, I couldn't finish all of my credits, so I have to go again before 1st June. I still have a good amount of credits left on my card so I have to spend them before it becomes zero. I got 50 euros from the government this month and I haven't spent it yet. So, I guess now I have to spend that 50 euros wisely.
After coming back to the shelter holding 2 heavy bags, I realized that I have lost my room key. LOL... That's another story that I am keeping for the next post.
The whole day's experiences left a valuable lesson for me and that is I have to get my ass out of the chair. It's time to work.
I have prepared my cv for jobs and let's see what is waiting for me in Holland...
No more benefits, no more free food, and transportation. It was expected though. There are job opportunities here in Holland for Ukrainians and they don't need a work permit if they are registered by the municipality/ government. In this post, I only tried to express the actual scenarios of Almere city, I don't know about other cities.
P.S: Please do not take this post as a complaint post, I am grateful for all the help and support I have got so far. I tried to share the whole situation through this post...
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Priyan...
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.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily...
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