Krystyna and Tetiana’s Guide to Welcome
A friendly guide inspired by two sisters' journey from Ukraine to Northern Ireland.
Hi, I’m Krystyna. I’m from Ukraine and have been living in Northern Ireland for three years now.
And I’m Tetiana - though lots of people just call me Tanya! I’m also from Ukraine, and I’ve been here for around the same time.
Krystyna:
When the war started in Ukraine, everything changed. I had to leave within a couple of days, had to just pack a small suitcase and go. It was my first time on a plane. Tanya (Tetiana) had to explain to me the workings of the airport and how to check in.
In the first few minutes and hours, I was just happy that I got out. I was in survival mode and didn’t really process it all until later…
1. Language and Cultural Barriers are Sometimes Bigger than We Think
Krystyna:
My biggest challenges after touchdown were language and cultural barriers. It’s not enough to just know the English words and grammar. People tried to understand me, but I couldn’t express myself fully. It felt like I couldn’t be myself.
The way we act in our culture is also different, and doing what we used to do back home could look strange to the locals. Culture is like an unwritten set of rules - if you're an outsider, you don’t understand what’s happening.
Tetiana:
Then you become aware of how different you are, and sometimes you don’t even know why. For example, here in Northern Ireland, people smile a lot. For us, being relaxed is just keeping a neutral expression. So some people here might think we were not having a good day. But that wasn’t it - we were just being ourselves! It’s so important to bring awareness to cultural diversity.
2. Invite Us to Do Something Together!
Krystyna:
The first time we visited Lagan Valley Vineyard (LVV), we got there really early! Yvette, who is our friend now, was at the door sorting food bank donations. She showed us around and said, “just feel like it’s your home,” and told us we could make tea anytime. Then she asked if we could help sort the donations. She explained it, then left us to it.
It might seem like a small thing, but for someone who had felt like they didn’t belong for months, it meant so much. It made me feel trusted and accepted. Yvette didn’t know me, I could barely speak English. But at that moment, I felt like part of something.
Tetiana:
Yeah, I remember that too. That first moment - being asked to help - was so important. When I arrived, I was constantly asking myself, “What am I doing here?” You feel confused, lost, disconnected. But when you’re given a task, even something small like sorting donations, it gives you a reason to be there. It eases the awkwardness. It’s something to start with.
3. Create Space for Everyone to Be Themselves
Krystyna:
Through our All Nations meals and community events at LVV, people have a chance to meet others going through the same challenges and just be themselves. Everyone is welcome to join in with setting up, decorating, baking, sharing their culture through food, crafts, or conversations - however they want to contribute, really.
Tetiana:
Yes, it’s a relaxed space where people can connect and build friendships. When they help out, it gives them that same sense of belonging we experienced. Being part of something makes a big difference.
4. Belonging Happens Through Relationship
Tetiana:
Knowing the church would give us a place to just be, made a big difference for us. When you come here, you know you'll be welcomed and loved. Then, over time, the church becomes a place where you know what you're doing, where you're going, and who you're with.
You feel you belong.
Krystyna:
People here know us. I feel I can be myself. I can say, “In Ukraine, we don’t do small talk,” and people will laugh and understand. They know I sometimes struggle with English, but they’re intentional about being friends and getting to know my story.
That’s why I love inviting others from international backgrounds to my church. I know they’ll be truly welcomed. From the very beginning, the message this community was saying was: “We’re going to journey with you - no matter what.”
Final Thoughts
Krystyna:
Some people can live here for ten years and never integrate because integration takes conversation, time, understanding, and cross-cultural learning. This space makes integration possible. We were welcomed with our whole background - and people wanted to learn from us.
Our community, All Nations, brings about so much awareness. People like Yvette and other leaders truly appreciate other cultures and understand how they enrich our understanding of the global church - and of God. We want to carry that forward.
With love,
Krystyna & Tetiana
🫶🌍💬
Want to help Krystyna and Tetiana to carry this welcome and understanding forward?
The sense of belonging Krystyna and Tetiana found in Lisburn does not have to be a rare miracle. With training and support, local churches across the UK can be equipped to welcome refugees and people seeking asylum with compassion, practical support, and the love of Christ.
At Welcome Churches, we help churches across the UK to open their doors to those seeking safety - offering friendship, activities like English classes, practical help, and a place to belong.
Will you support our work, so more people like Krystyna and Tetiana can find a welcome when they need it most?