Osmia in Hiding: Messages from a Second Life Creator in Ukraine During Russia's Invasion - UPDATE: Her City is Now Occupied

While the Second Life community rallies to support Ukrainian users in the virtual world, such help during a time like this can only go so far. I've been thinking about that over the last few days while intermittently messaging Hanna, creator of the beloved SL fashion brand Osmia.

While Osmia is listed among the Second Life merchants based in Ukraine, Hanna has not been able to access her SL account lately, and her access to the Internet has been sporadic too. 

Or as she expressed it via a social media Instant Message: "You can ask questions. But if I disappear for awhile, it will mean that we are hiding."

Second Life users have been buying items from her and other Ukrainian merchants in the hopes that they'll be able to convert the Linden Dollar sales into local currency.

But in Hanna's case, at least, that won't happen any time soon:

"I am very grateful to everyone who is worried about me and my [Second Life] store," she tells me. "Unfortunately, getting money now is not realistic, currency exchange offices do not work with us and it is very dangerous to go to the bank."

Now sheltering in place with family in one of Ukraine's major cities, Hanna has more immediate concerns, than cashing out Linden Dollars: She is over 6 months pregnant.

"My husband managed to buy the necessary medicines, including the hormones that I need to maintain the pregnancy. We need to survive heavy shelling. My father and husband want to take me to Poland, but it is very dangerous to travel now. You can get on the road [but will need to face] looters and shelling. There is no clear plan, we are trying to survive."

Hanna has been posting frequent updates on her status in Ukraine to social media, photos and videos of her home city under brutal, sustained attack, and images of the shelters she has hid inside, to escape bombardment. Next to those are posts from Osmia fans who have tagged her in their screenshots, carefree fashion poses from Second Life. The contrast is surreal and wrenching.

"Honestly," Hanna tells me, "I don't know what to write to you. Children, families die, people disappear (they are found shot in their cars)... my city is surrounded. Now I don't know what this will lead to."

Another recent post by her suggests another way people who care about her and other Ukrainians might help, well beyond buying virtual fashion -- by donating real currency to the National Bank of Ukraine to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Update, 10:58pm: Checking in with Hanna tonight, she sent a harrowing new status: "Hi, my city is occupied. There are a lot of soldiers and equipment on the streets. We don’t go out because they can kill."

Comments

[Max_barrett]

I thoroughly wish her and her loved ones all the best, good luck and strength!
I donated money to a civilian charity organisation, here in Central Europe, instead of pushing more arms into the country.

[Noth Ackland]

Stay safe and strong! Hungary waiting you and your whole family !

[Zidders Roofurry]

I hope at some point Putin's forces are kicked out but I have a bad feeling this is going to be a long war.

[Minhilda Nordenskiold]

This is heartbreaking. War in Europe is something totally unreal. Please stay safe! Slava Ukraini!

[PrincessLillithea]

I hope everyone survives

[Teala Leef]

stat safe and praying for you and the country

[Bekks]

This is so heartbreaking, sending prayers.

[Brooke Carter]

Hanna, may God keep you and all of you in Ukraine safe. My SL name is BrookeCarter01 Resident. I know I have bought some stuff in the past from you. My Husband Liam saw your post and told me and I said, oh yah I have some of her stuff. Hey I have an idea all! If you know any Ukraine creators can you put their shop names here somewhere in chat please? And I am going to see what I can find in my inventory that I got from Osmia and blast pictures with it on :D This way people can see the awesome creations. I think we should support Hana and other Ukrainian creators as well. Perhaps one day they can get back safely onto their accounts to cash out. Please donate where you can and never mind the politics of past and historical events. As always in war times it's the innocent people that suffer the most from the doings of their and leaders. Hana, I have honest to God been losing a lot of sleep over this war I am so heart broken for the people. But I have been following all the news (hence heightened anxiety) and the people of Ukraine have been so so very brave. Stay strong Hana God willing, we WILL see you soon :)

[Son]

Hanna I wish nothing but safe passage through this very troubling time for you and your family. Sending prayers to you and yours ♥

[Brat Hoyer]

Just a thought....

I would like to see the good citizens of SL to get together and start a fund raiser in SL or something to raise the lindens to pay their rents until they can safely get back to us.

[Magdalena Bellic]

I'm from Poland. I sent a message to Hanna that I can help her in Poland. I invite her to my home. I don't know if she will be able to read this message. And I don't know that she will be able to get to Poland :(

[Wagner James Au]

Thank you, Magdalena! I'll pass your message on to Hanna.

[Bentley Scout]

Are there any new updates on how Hanna is holding up?

[Wagner James Au]

I messaged with her last night, she is doing OK, all things considered. Her city is occupied by Russians so is staying indoors.

[Vida Actor]

Hanna Deus cuida de vc e sua familia!Fe