Kurdistan (northern Iraq) team trip 2019
“What do we imagine when we think of the Iraq and Kurdistan? Sandy deserts, hot sun and war zones? Yes, there’s plenty of that, but surprisingly there’s also gorgeous mountains that come alive with wildflowers in the spring, refreshing waterfalls and crystal-clear streams that run through breathtaking mountains, plus unimaginable sunsets that photos can't do justice.” - Rachael Carter
On the 23rd of September, after a very long flight, Rachael Carter and Sam Grimes at last stepped out into the bustling city of Erbil. The week leading up to the trip had been plagued with problems - sickness, car issues, missing documents and a sick dog just to name a few of the dramas - and so it was a relief to have finally made it to Kurdistan, Iraq. After being treated to a local tour—complete with dinner—they were grateful for the comfort of a soft bed and air conditioning to keep the heat away. The next two weeks would be filled with exciting opportunities and new experiences; meeting with old friends, providing training to youBelong facilitators, being immersed in the local culture, and gaining new insights into how to further help refugees in the Toowoomba community.
After catching up with some good friends, the duo headed to Soran to give a presentation to Psychology students at the local University. The presentation was about the work youBelong does to assist refugees to overcome barriers to successful integration in Australia. Sam was also able to introduce music therapy as a tool for the students to use within their own communities. Some of the students attending the presentation turned out to be musicians themselves and serenaded Rachael and Sam with a stunning performance!
From Soran it was off to the city of Duhok via a crazy taxi ride not likely to be forgotten. Rachael and Sam had the opportunity to visit the Esyan IDP Camp and participate in a session of the GROW Program within the Yezidi cultural context. For Sam, it was very encouraging to see a bunch of young men completely engaged in the session, participating in the group and discussing topics that are easily ignored. Though he had no idea what they were saying, Sam could tell from their body language that they shared a very special bond and were eager to take in all that they could from the group.
“If I had to summarize the trip in one word, it would be ‘Courage.’ The courage of the Yezidi people. The courage of the refugees in Australia. The courage these people have to share their stories, the courage to look beyond the boundaries of their camp when thinking about their futures, the courage to undertake further displacement to another country.” - Sam Grimes
The next couple of days were spent experiencing the Kurdish lifestyle. A picnic in the breathtaking mountains North of Duhok, complete with good food and spontaneous dancing. A trip to a massive ridge overlooking the city to drink tea and take in the sights. A wander through the local Bazaar. A visit to the home of some Syrian refugees. Rachael found it a very humbling experience to be invited into their homes and be shown such hospitality—especially since they had no kitchen bench, and only a gas burner for cooking.
Rachel and Sam continued their Iraqi adventure with a trip to the Village of Akish – an Assyrian Christian Village, famous for housing the tomb of the prophet Nahum. Akosh is also home to the magnificent Saint Hormizd Monastry. The team were taken on an impromptu guided tour of the monastery by an Iraqi Police Officer who was once a smuggler of cigarettes and alcohol during the reign of Sadaam Hussein.
All too soon, the time came for Rachael and Sam to leave Iraq and return home to Australia. It was an amazing, eye-opening, and blessed trip and the pair were overwhelmed by the support they received from friends and family. They learned so much during the trip and look forward to seeing how they can serve the newest and existing members of our Toowoomba Community.
