Navigating in a New Country
Embedded Files
Seth Berry
Team Cliff & Vi
Story Summary
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The Safonov family moved from Donetsk, Ukraine, to Sedalia, Mo., in Feb. 2022, after fleeing the imminent invasion by Russia. For the nearly two years they have lived in Sedalia, the family of seven has experienced the growing pains of living in a new country.
Roman, 38, the father at the center of the household, is supporting his family by working in construction and is studying for his commercial driver’s license. When he’s not working, he’s leading his family in prayer to help them cope with the transition. Roman’s wife, Victoria, 38, longs for home, where her family still lives under Russian control. With limited English language skills, chores outside the home are often difficult. She is a stay-at-home mother for the five children.
David, 11, Philip, 9, and Tymofii, 5, are learning a new language and keeping their mother on her toes.
In contrast, their two teenage daughters are thriving. Liia, 15, plays Junior Varsity volleyball at Smith Cotton High School, has perfected English and acts as her family’s main translator. Elina, 17, is struggling to learn English and works at Ni-Kuni Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar as a hostess to save money for a new car. Although the family is assimilating into their new life in Sedalia at different paces, one thing stays true: the importance of a family support system.
Tymofii Safonov, 5, plays with his mother, Viktoria, 38, while waiting for a medical appointment on Sept. 26, 2023, in Sedalia, Mo. Tymofii is getting a general check-up because he will need anesthesia for an upcoming dental surgery. The Safonov family came to Sedalia after fleeing Donetsk, Ukraine, in Feb. 2022, as the Russian invasion was imminent.
Roman Safonov, 43, second from right, reads a bible story to his family, at their home in Sedalia, Mo. Practicing Baptists, the family attends the largest Slavic church in town.
David Safonov, 11, center, practices playing his saxophone in his home in Sedalia, Mo., while his brother, Tymoffi holds sheet music, and his father, Roman, and brother, Philip, 9, watch on Sept. 25, 2023. David is a beginner saxophone player, but getting better as his mother and father encourage him.
Tymofii is tickled by a doctor while receiving a general check-up before he is due to have anesthesia for dental surgery. During the check-up, his mother, Viktoria, calls her sister-in-law, who speaks fluent English, in order to communicate with the doctor. The Safonov family came to Sedalia after fleeing Donetsk, Ukraine in Feb. 2022, as the Russian invasion was imminent.
Elina Safonova, 17, top center, stands with co-workers at Ni-Kuni Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar. Elina works as a hostess three days a week to save money for a new car.
Liia Safonova, 15, stands in line during gym class at Smith-Cotton High School. Liia is in the same class as her sister, Elina and tends to stay together with other Ukrainians in the class. She plays volleyball at Smith-Cotton High School.
Elina shares contact information with a friend from Ukraine while in an English Second Language class at Smith-Cotton High School. Nearly half of the ESL classroom students are from Ukraine.
Roman leads a prayer circle with his family at their home. The family prays together every night before going to bed. While in Ukraine the family were active members of the Baptist church. Their faith keeps them connected to each other and the larger Ukrainian community in Sedalia.
Viktoria watches her son, Tymofii as he sleeps in their home. Of all the family members, Viktoria misses Ukraine the most because her parents and many family members are still living in Donetsk under Russian control. She speaks to them multiple times a week and prays for their safety.
Brian Kratzer, Co-Director
Alyssa Schukar, Co-Director
Hany Hawasly, Technical Director
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