Homeland

What do you miss the most about your homeland?

Your homeland is not only the place where you were born and raised. It means something special to everyone; something personal, familiar, and priceless.

My name is Oksana, and I am from Ukraine, the best country on Earth. It is located in the heart of Europe. My homeland has many rivers and lakes, forests, and fields; there are mountains and seas, fertile black soils, and picturesque landscapes. Now I really miss my landscapes!

Fortunately, Canada reminds me of my home country because we are at the same latitude, so the climatic conditions and natural environments are sometimes similar. It pleases the soul! Of course, these countries are quite different in terms of territory. Canada is the second largest in the world, whereas Ukraine is the second largest in Europe but, in terms of population, they are approximately the same, about 40 million.

I certainly miss my relatives and friends who share my native nightingale melodious mother tongue. For me, the language is the DNA of the nation, that priceless treasure that is passed down to people from generation to generation. By the way, Canada has one of the largest Ukrainian diasporas. I was fortunate to join one of the Ukrainian communities near me. Sometimes I conduct classes with children and adults in Ukrainian.

I also remember the taste of traditional Ukrainian dishes. I often tie this taste specifically to my childhood, because only my mother cooked the most delicious borsch, and only my grandmother made the best dumplings and pies. That is why here, in Canada, I cook traditional Ukrainian dishes and treat my neighbours while often explaining our customs and traditions.

But today I can't help but think about the tragic page in the history of my country, where once there was so much beauty and the echoes of children's laughter, and now the war. It has destroyed cities and villages, fields, and forests, so what I long for and what I miss the most is peace in my homeland!