Jihad, Egypt

«I didn't want to write about this experience, then I realized that I was running away — that's why I'm sending this message so late... I remember that when I decided to go on a journey, I ran away from everything: my family, my anger, the traditions and this cruel world. I no longer wanted to look back, but I also couldn't move forward. Then I met you.
I thought about how different we were: we don’t eat the same food, we don’t have the same features, nor the same religion. But you seemed kind, not like I expected. So I wondered how long these two weeks with you would last and what state I would find myself in after leaving my job and my family.
I used to be very brave, to face everything and everyone, so I didn’t really think about it.

Day after day, we talked, we helped each other, we ate and shared everything together. Suddenly, I felt something different, and in fact, it was the first time I had felt it. I didn’t know that this was love—or what it meant to be loved. Because before, I had never received it; I had only been used to giving it.
Receiving love from each of you has brought me a peace I had never known before. I see and feel everything differently now, and I can be myself. I no longer want to run away. I have realized that I am facing everyone… except myself.

Today, I am proud of who I am, and I feel God’s love instead of fearing it, even when I am not doing anything wrong. Now I understand how extraordinary it is to be so close to each other despite our diversity.

When I was a child, I dreamed of paradise, but I found it in Bel Espoir: our home, our memories, our prayers, our laughter and our tears. If there is a purpose for which God created us in this world, I believe that is it… to be one.
I will never run away again, because you are all in me now.

I returned to my country like a fire: I found an extraordinary new job, a phone, a home, and even friends. I see you in everything around me, and even in myself.
Our goodbyes were not easy, but I can say that this experience has healed my soul.

To conclude, I want to tell you that you can’t change the world, but you can change someone’s world.
Thank you all, because changing wasn’t easy, and I will continue to move forward in life carrying your words, your love, your warm hugs, your stories and your prayers… until we meet again and we can share everything again.»

Jihad