Hosting a Ukrainian Guest, Reflections from Esther and Charles Dunn.
Esther and Charles are members Of Battle Baptist Church in East Sussex. In December 2022 they became hosts to Anya, a 31-year-old woman from Ukraine. They are one example of a number of Baptist hosts that have opened up their homes to Ukrainian refugees through the government’s 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme and the Baptist Union’s Partnership with CitizensUK. Esther has been kind enough to answer a few questions for us about her family’s experiences of offering hospitality to Anya.
1. Why did you sign up to become a host for someone displaced from Ukrainian?
My husband and I were greatly moved when we saw the desperate and sad situation of Ukrainians having to leave homes, jobs and loved ones. We both wondered whether there was anything we could do to help. As Christians, we committed it to prayer and after a discussion with our teenage children, we agreed as a family to offer our spare room under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
2. How have your children found the experience of hosting?
Our teenage children have been amazing. From the word go they were even more open to the possibility of offering our spare room than I was. We’ve kept talking to them throughout the process, including how they have found it since Anya moved in. We are a family who enjoys our food and so, like us, they have particularly enjoyed trying some Ukrainian dishes!
3. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience as a host and the relationship you have developed with Anya?
In many ways the experience has been easier than we thought it would be. Anya has been a delight, she is respectful, kind and has fitted in to our family with ease. There have been challenges. Trying to communicate with someone who speaks very little English has been interesting but I feel that all of us have faced these challenges with good humour. Overall, the experience has enriched our lives.
4. From where have you found support?
Our friends and family have been wonderful at expressing their own welcome, helping Anya search for employment and English language support.
Anya came to church with us on a couple of occasions when she first arrived and people were extremely friendly and welcoming to her. She has popped into church during the week and our Church Manager has supported her in a number of ways, like putting her in touch with a Ukrainian speaking lady in Battle.
5. What would you say to other people thinking of hosting Ukrainian refugees?
We didn't feel that we had very much to offer. We don't live in a massive house with separate living quarters, and so I would want to encourage anyone who feels their home is too small to reconsider. I see hosting as a privilege and an opportunity. Yes, there is sacrifice, but the benefits and the learning experience far out-weigh any difficulties. If I am finding something about hosting hard, I try to remember that compared to what Anya is facing, my difficulties pale into insignificance.
We are so grateful to all those hosting Ukrainian refugees in their homes. If this is something you would consider for yourselves, please find some information here.
Should you have any questions about the Baptist Union’s matching scheme, please contact Steve Tinning by email or on 01235 517752.
If you are ready to host and would like to register to be matched via the Baptist Union and CitizensUK partnership, please fill in this form.