Breaking the breakaways

Georgia: Russia’s invasion tests the grit of former Soviet satellites | Jamie Dean

Bombs coursing through the air, tens of thousands of stunned Georgians fled north and south earlier this month to escape an unexpected outburst of fighting between Georgia and Russia that left at least 2,000 dead, and 30,000 driven from their homes.

They poured into shelters and public buildings, traveling by foot, car, and bus, and often bringing little more than the clothes they wore. Some were separated from family in the chaos, and many said their homes were destroyed.

For one 11-year-old boy from the village of Ergneti, clothes and homes weren't his first concern. The boy and his family, including his father, mother, and 4-year-old sister, sought safety in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after enduring -bombing while traveling. The child told World Vision staffers at a local shelter: "I don't need anything but peace."