Always a Queen in Narnia

15 hours ago
3 min read

FIELD UPDATE

“Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia. May your wisdom grace us until the stars rain down from the heavens.”

– C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Kristina is unforgettable. She came to us at 12 years old after five long years in the captivity of ISIS in Syria. Whilst alone, separated from her family, she dreamed dreams. She dreamed of a lion, a lion that came to her in many a dark night and told her that the day would come when she would meet him in person. She dreamed, or she saw, a white horse that told her that one day she would meet him face to face.

As young as she was, she believed her dreams were God’s way of taking care of her, of giving her hope. She never shelved or forgot them, waiting for the day of meeting. Kristen was different.

Kristen, as broken as she was, came as a Queen, one whose crown the evil men had not been able to take from her. We just helped her to carry its weight, and provide the platform for her to meet her lion and horse.

We could write a book about Kristina, one whose light was not extinguished, whose vision had not been blinded. Yes, she was fragmented and frightened, but her strength and resilience shone through. She painted, she danced, she choreographed dance after dance, drawing many rescued girls under her wings. Kristina was and is a visionary, one who saw that which exists in the unseen realm. It was that sight and faith in the unseen that preserved her.

Kristen and her family eventually relocated to Australia; it was a bittersweet day with many tears as we said goodbye. We sent her with our blessing and committed her to the hands of God.

Yet we have not parted ways, and today Kristina speaks to us from her new home.

“I am now 19 years old and live in Australia where I have begun a new chapter in my life. Springs of Hope immediately became my family. There was an instant bond of trust and after all that I had endured, I knew that I was safe.

I saw the art department and something deep inside me recognised that art would be a method where I could tell my story, yes a story of suffering, but also of the deep hope inside me that refused to be extinguished.

My time, day after day, that I spent with Springs of Hope became my platform for Australia, whether it was learning English, computers, or my much-loved art. I am currently developing my talent for painting and have created many paintings which I have been able to exhibit, sending the money back to Iraq to help people in need. I live in a house today but I cannot forget the years of captivity and the years of living in a tent. I will continue to give all that I can and help my people.

One of my most meaningful artworks is a painting that I named “Hope in the Darkness”. I chose this name because it is connected to Springs of Hope and tells part of my own story. I sold several copies of it and even printed it on bags which I gave to my friends as gifts - a small reminder that hope can survive even the darkest of times.

At the same time I am working hard to improve my English and am now studying to become a professional chef. I chose this field because I will never forget that during my years of captivity there were months where I had no food to eat, nothing; I literally starved. That experience taught me to respect and value food, and has inspired me to help others who lack food. I have completed my first year of study and keep moving forward to reach my personal and professional goals.

I am still in contact with Springs of Hope. How could I not be? When I was redeemed from captivity I had lost all belief and hope in life. It was everyone at Springs of Hope who reset my compass, guided me into the right way so that I could find that great and wonderful hope. We continue to journey together although it is from a distance. Our lives have not separated.

And yes, I met my lion and white horse who met me in the dark room in Racca. The Lion and I became one in Shariya; he has never left me and continues to carry me."