“LEADERS WHO UNITE” – Natalia: from Yakutia to Moldova, a story of courage, family and community service

Natalia was born and raised in Yakutia, a vast northern region with long winters and endless landscapes. From a young age, life led her along different paths: first to Primorsky Krai, and later to Vladivostok, where she worked in administration within a regional religious organization.

Moving to Moldova came as a life and family choice. She left behind relatives, friends and the familiar world of Vladivostok to begin a new stage in a completely different environment. Today, Natalia is a mother of four, is involved in community life, contributes to activities for children and, together with her family, develops a small beekeeping activity.

The interview is part of the “Women Leaders Who Unite” campaign, through which the Regional Center for Community Development brings forward the stories of refugee and migrant women who, through courage, engagement and solidarity, contribute to strengthening the community in Cahul.

Natalia, tell us a little about yourself. What was your life like before arriving in Moldova, and what were you doing?

My story began in Yakutia, where I was born and raised. At the age of 20, life called me to the road: together with my parents, we went on a missionary trip to Primorsky Krai.

There, while helping to build a local church, I understood that my calling was to serve people. Later, this path led me to Vladivostok, where I became an administrator in a Far Eastern organization specializing in religious matters.

“There, I understood that my calling was to serve people.”

How did this new stage of life and the move to another country begin for you?

Fate had its own plans. Through the internet, I met the man who would become my husband. He was from Moldova — a distant and sunny country.

I faced a difficult choice: to leave behind my friends, relatives, the ocean breeze of Vladivostok and the life I was used to, for a peaceful but completely unfamiliar rural life in another country.

The decision to move thousands of kilometres away required great courage, but the call of the heart was stronger than any fear.

How did your adaptation in Moldova go? What helped you feel more confident and more “at home”?

We arrived in Moldova at the end of July, during one of the most generous and sunny times of the year. I was speechless when I saw this country in full colour.

Here, everything seemed full of life: vineyards stretching to the horizon, golden fields and herds grazing on the hills. For me, as someone from the north, everything was new. For the first time, I saw corn reaching towards the sun, sunflowers blooming and grapevines promising a rich harvest.

Integrating into rural life turned out to be easy. The people here are special — kind, open and very hospitable, even though the region is multiethnic.

I did not feel like a stranger for a single moment. People’s kindness and the possibility to communicate easily in my native language removed many barriers.

What are you doing today?

Today, my life is a beautiful intertwining of roles. I am a mother of four, on childcare leave, and most of my time belongs to them and to our home.

Together with my husband, we have a family activity — an apiary.

Together with the bees, we produce and sell honey. Depending on the crops and favourable weather, we can obtain acacia, rapeseed and sunflower honey in one season.

Before, I gladly worked at the village kindergarten, and now I have the opportunity to teach Bible lessons at Sunday School.

How do you see your contribution to community life today?

I see my contribution through working with children. For me, this is not only about passing on knowledge, but also about the opportunity to speak with them about the most important things: the soul, light, love and kindness.

I teach them to see the beauty and richness of their country, to value peace and to build relationships based on mutual respect. I believe that educating children and cultivating respect between people are an important contribution to community life.

Once, this land welcomed me as one of its own, and now I want, in turn, to offer the warmth I carry in my heart.

What would you like to say to people in the community and to those who receive and support people who come from other countries?

I would tell them that kindness, openness and respect can help a person who has come from far away not to feel like a stranger. When a community welcomes with an open heart, it offers not only support, but also creates a sense of belonging.

I felt this welcome here. Moldova has become the place where I was able to build my family, raise children, work and give something back to the community.

I believe that people can be united by simple things: care, respect, work, faith and the desire to do good for those around them.

This material was produced with the financial support of the European Union, contracted by ICMPD through the Migration Partnership Facility. Its content is the sole responsibility of the Regional Center for Community Development and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union.