Ukraine Is Only Two Days Away From Here

Ukrainian refugees are here in Bergen; mostly women and children whose men stayed to fight Putin. These people have been traumatized by the losses of their homes and loved ones. In the early days of the invasion by Russia, we regular people gathered everything we thought the Ukrainians would need in order to get out of danger. I gathered most of my camping gear and some crutches. When I dropped the gear off, someone had just donated a huge pile of diapers. A theater group drove trucks with these donations all the way to the western border. They returned with trucks full of people. Then, we took in these folks, finding them places to live, health care, language lessons, and support groups. It wasn't always smooth sailing: Somebody burned down a hotel when its owner announced that he would use it for refugee housing. What the *&*? We take care of each other, here in Norway.

Since then, Norway's directorate for social security and preparedness (DSB) has asked all of us to prepare for 6 days with no power, water, or grocery stores. For me, who raised a family in an earthquake zone, that's normal, but Norwegians don't seem to get it. Yes, it's very depressing to read or watch the news. But people, you have to be able to survive if the worst comes to pass. The worst seems more and more likely. Turning up the music on your headphones doesn't stop another war. 

More recently, I've seen children of Norwegians going in to the military, spending a year training, getting out, but then being called back only a few months later. A neighbor had to spend time in northern Norway practicing his sharpshooting. The impact of Putin's invasion on people's lives and careers can't be overlooked. Even vitally important careers. Must practice sharpshooting. Even young people looking for a job with the likelihood of being away for 3 months as soon as they start working. Must teach tank driving.

What I'm saying is, the Ukraine war is personal! Real people are affected! Including me, so I beg you: Do not buy into the Putin lies like Trump has. Resist!