Sprinting through Washington, D.C in the sudden downpour that had decided to unleash itself upon us, the four of us stopped momentarily underneath a very small (and very ineffective, cover-wise) tree. We were all drenched, so keeping covered wasn’t really a priority at this point- we just had to figure out if we were going in the right way (we weren’t- thank you, Layth). Once we got Google Maps to tell us which direction we were headed in, we started sprinting. At this point, my backpack was soaked through, my shoes were squishing, and mascara was running down my face. I could hear Azher behind me yelling, “my coins!” obviously hilariously unaware that the rain would not have any effect on the nickels and dimes he had in the wallet that hung around his neck. We were all exhausted, delirious and out of breath from running and laughing at what was happening. “You will always remember this moment!” Layth shouted from next to me. And I knew I would.
Debrief for readers who are unaware of what I did this past month: I worked as a program mentor for a program called IYLEP- the Iraqi Youth Leadership Exchange Program. It’s run through an organization called Meridian International, and funded by the U.S Embassy in Baghdad. One hundred college-aged Iraqi students are chosen and split up among four universities. One of those universities is my alma mater, VCU. I’m thankful for that, because I got to have the most incredible month with people I will never forget.
At the beginning of the month, I was tired, emotionally and physically. I was going through a few other things when the students arrived and it was hard to push those things aside and be present with them. One day I felt like the Lord was telling me to choose in; choose in to this opportunity He had for me to get to know these students and be there to love and encourage them. So I did. I put aside everything I was feeling and I decided to go all in and get to know every single one of them. And I’m so glad I did.
I’ll always remember watching Zoey fly into the foam pit at Jumpology head first and then having to dig her out but not being able to because we’re both laughing so hard.
I’ll always remember watching Sura call a goose “sweetheart” to try and get it to come over to us.
I’ll never forget watching the Kurdish boys dance together (side note: the Cupid Shuffle has nothing on Kurdish dances) and seeing Juma’s huge smile because he was so good at it.
I’ll always remember the moment when Zena gave me the portrait she drew for me and crying together because we knew we had to say goodbye soon.
I’ll never forget each and every meaningful conversation I had with all of them because each and every one of them changed me in some way- and that is an amazing gift.
At the end of it, I thought to myself- is this what the next year of my life is going to be like? Building relationships with people in each country we go to, only to say goodbye to them at the end of each month? How am I supposed to do this 11 more times?
I think the only answer to that question is: because God has called me to. Because this month was just a testament to how much He can work through us by just showing up and choosing in. Because there’s still work to be done for the Kingdom.
So, I miss my Iraqis. But I know I’ll see them again. I’m so excited for these upcoming months and the year ahead. As C.S Lewis said, “there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” And as the great philosopher Layth Slewa said, “Believe me. That’s a fact.”
