Hope in Every Step by Nurse Salah

It is easy to build something with people who are physically and mentally healthy. Today, however, I want to talk about a different group of individuals who face profound physical and mental challenges. Each one carries their own struggles and burdens, yet each one has a heart full of untold strength.

By the grace of God and the support of our administration, we have learned to work with these special gentlemen, we have learned to work with them in a way that promotes and nurtures their well being. Day by day they are changing in extraordinary ways, opening up to others, embracing life and finding joy in the little moments.

Over time, life no longer feels like a battle for them but rather a journey that they are gaining the tools to navigate with more ease. They now participate in our events, they actively seek joy and walk towards the door of hope.

Let’s be honest, this journey is not easy. In the beginning everything was overwhelming. The challenges seemed insurmountable. But through perseverance, unwavering hope and the incredible support of Springs of Hope, we found the way forward. Hope transformed what was once difficult into something beautiful. Today we see them smiling, laughing and truly enjoying life.

As a nurse, I remember how in the beginning my eyes filled with tears, tears of frustration, tears of helplessness. Today those tears have turned into something else, tears of joy. The impossible has become possible. We live in a world of miracles. We will always stand by these men because they are not just a group that we care for, they are family. A family who reminds us every day that for them, hope exists, we have opened that door for them.

Agha Sami Osman, age 18

“Today I feel truly happy deep in my heart because I am with you on this beautiful journey. It has been a long time since I have been in a place where I feel safe. I am safe with you and with this group.

After my father died I was always sad and distanced myself from others, but now in this wonderful atmosphere, in this sacred place, I feel a sense of peace which means everything to me."

Agha Sami Osman, age 18

“Every step with you has brought new hope for Agha, my son. His life has changed so much and this fills my heart with joy. I am deeply grateful to you from the bottom of my heart."

Jaleel Khider Sabri, age 22

"If you are seeking peace and comfort, join this wonderful group. Today I feel so immensely proud to be with you as you have opened the door to hope and happiness in my life. The stables and the places that we visit together fill me with a deep sense of gratitude. The joy that I experience at the stables is truly indescribable.

I came here and prayed that God will always guide us on the right path. This place is imbued with the aroma of peace, a peace that settles both our minds and our hearts.

We are all sincerely grateful to Nurse Salah and to SOHF who are our constant friends throughout this journey."

Jaleel Khider Sabri

Ahmed Haji Hassan, age 52

"Although this group consists of young people and I am much older, I do not feel that our age difference is a barrier or hindrance to our joy. I consider these young men to be my children.

It was wonderful to go on a day trip together, it was a truly significant day for us, creating a unique atmosphere as we sat together, grilled meat and ate together.

We took the time to pray for all the survivors of ISIS, particularly those who are still in captivity and those enduring hardship and we ask God to speedily grant them relief and freedom.

We are deeply grateful for your continuous support, you are the ones who bring peace to the hearts of those in need. This experience is a great blessing from the Lord of the World.

There were days when our lives were so different causing us to feel depressed, alone and sad. Now we are all comfortable and content. When Nurse Salah told us that Newroz is ill, we stopped to pray for her recovery. We pray that she regains her strength, and receives all the healing and love that she deserves.

Thank you Springs of Hope Foundation."

Ahmed Haji Hassan

Hakin Loqman Khudeda, age 36

Hakim Loqman Khudeda, age 36 is our dear and loyal friend. He is both deaf and dumb. Through my experience with him and what I see in his eyes today, I can tell that he has found peace and is truly happy. He enjoys his time with us and this place brings him great comfort and a wonderful sense of peace and freedom from pain.

Hakim was once isolated at home due to family problems, but today thanks to SOHF and his new family, he feels love and tenderness. Through sign language he expresses that God has granted him gratitude and favour since joining our group.

I clearly remember that when he first came to us he was deeply immersed in his psychological struggles but with time and by God’s grace, we now see him at ease, embracing life with love. Today he offered up prayers for Newroz, showing his deep affection for our beloved horse.

Harhat Sherzad Sadiq, age 18

"Today’s picnic atmosphere was truly unique. We experienced such peace in this place which brought us both comfort and joy, peace of mind and mental well-being.

We thanked God for our life and prayed for perfect health."

Harhat Sherzad Sadiq

Parwar Bushar Kode, age 21

Parwar Bushar Kode, age 21, is a man with a severe mental disability so his family speaks on his behalf.

“First of all when we decided that Parwar would join your group, we were very worried about him. Parwar is difficult to understand and presents many challenges in dealing with him. It is especially hard for anyone outside the family to communicate with him.

But thanks to God, and to you and your incredible efforts, you have made the impossible, possible. Parwar feels safe and secure with you. We want to tell you that this is a great blessing from God, and your kindness will be counted among your good deeds. May God always be with you in this noble mission.

Parwar is undergoing a remarkable transformation. When we look at him we can hardly believe that he is the same person. He feels more at peace, more connected, all the changes in his life are only positive. Yesterday when he returned from the picnic, he was bursting with joy. He expressed to us that the atmosphere was wonderful, and he especially enjoyed the grilled meat."

We close today with a reminder from Psalm 68,

"God sets the lonely in families, he leads the prisoners out with singing."

We are beyond grateful that we are afforded the privilege to witness this truth.

Thank you to all who are praying for our beloved Newroz.

In the words of Ali, our vet: "Don’t forget, We are fighting for Newroz. We know that it is impossible but we will do everything, so that God will heal her and that she will stay alive without pain."

We need another "Impossible" to become "Possible."