Ukrainian refugees Olena and Lila have successfully rebuilt their lives in Vendée, France, after fleeing the devastation caused by the Russian invasion of their homeland. Arriving shortly after the conflict began, they now hold full-time jobs and have become integral members of their local community, particularly at Les Jardins du Lavoir, a pizzeria located in the town of Les Herbiers.
Olena, who arrived on September 23, 2022, and Lila, who came just months earlier, share stories of resilience and determination. "I arrived in France on September 23, 2022," Olena recounts, her French now fluent but still tinged with her Ukrainian accent. Lila, also adapting to her new life, adds, "I arrived in April of the same year." The pair's journeys to safety brought them from Marioupol, a city devastated by war, to this picturesque region of western France.
Stéphane Giralt, the chef de cuisine at the pizzeria, praises their contributions. "They are incredible," he claims, highlighting not only their hard work but also their positive impact on the team dynamic. Both women have quickly taken on responsibilities: Olena manages the bar and drink orders, ensuring everything runs smoothly, whereas Lila is responsible for preparing desserts. With the support of the local community and their eagerness to learn, they are thriving.
Upon their arrival, things were not easy. "At first, I didn’t speak a word of French," says Olena, reflecting on her early days after fleeing her war-torn home. Thankfully, they received aid from local charities, which helped them secure housing and jobs. "Everyone here is extremely kind to us," she expresses with gratitude.
Over the past three years, Olena and Lila have not only learned the language, but they have also embraced the culture, slowly integrating themselves. While Lila understands French well, she still relies on translation apps to feel more comfortable expressing herself. "The war is frightening, but now we have a home, work, and we are surrounded by good people," she confides.
Both women have found joy at the pizzeria, quickly becoming beloved staff members. Léonie, the restaurant’s manager, notes their exceptional work ethic and how they have become trusted colleagues. "We’ve never seen anyone work so well; we can always count on them," she remarks. Customers, too, have noticed their presence, frequently asking about them and forming bonds. They have even begun to pick up local expressions, with Léonie joking about their use of phrases like ‘c’est chiant’ and ‘oh la vache’.
Yet, the shadow of their past lingers. Olena, whose family is dispersed across Europe, including Switzerland and Germany, laments her inability to return to Marioupol. "I can’t go back to Marioupol; my city is annexed," she says mournfully, illustrating the deep scars left by war. The two women, now almost 3000 kilometers away from Ukraine, gracefully navigate their new lives, but the distance from family weighs heavily on them.
The experience of these brave women is not just about survival; it’s about creating new identities and finding belonging. Through their challenges, they have become symbols of resilience, and they are redefining what it means to integrate. With the support of their employer and the local community, Olena and Lila are not just surviving; they are thriving, proving the strength of the human spirit to adapt and flourish even under the most pressing circumstances.
Today, three years after the Russian invasion began, both women shine not only through their labor at the pizzeria but also as testaments to what it means to rebuild and find hope amid uncertainty. They navigate life with a determination borne from their past, with laughter, hard work, and kindness lighting their way forward.