I met Polina as I wandered into the grounds of an Albergue one very cold morning looking for a coffee whilst walking the Camino de Santiago. There was a sign they had put out on the Camino just the day before saying, 'warm up' with an arrow pointing away from the path. I followed it and found myself at Alberuge Amanecer.
There I had a coffee and some fresh banana bread but it was the conversation with Polina that really moved me. Polina is 26 years of age and with her parents, recently fled their home in Mariupol, Ukraine. They have come to Spain and the Camino seeking refuge and to work, to build a new home and establish a new community.
I was deeply moved by talking with Polina and asked her if I could share her story. This conversation is some of it.
Link to the Facebook group mentinoed - TBC
Alberuge Amanecer is where Polina and her family work, please support them if you find yourself on the Camino.