Change of Weather

Springs of Hope
Aug 3
8 min read

As summer reaches temperatures above 40°C, we’ve seen many of the children and youth at our center—ISIS survivors—struggling emotionally. The ongoing global conflict, even though we are far from the frontline, still affects them deeply. News and social media constantly remind them of war, something they’ve experienced firsthand.

As we often do, we organized a seasonal outing for them—a healing picnic. This time, it felt especially necessary. Just being together, away from the tents and trauma, even for a few hours, brought visible joy and relief.

Some of our students are going through severe psychological stress, and I witnessed how even a short escape like this helped lift their spirits. It gave them a sense of hope and normalcy. On behalf of all of them, I want to thank you all for the support and generosity that made this possible.

These children face enormous challenges every day—most are still living in tents under extreme heat. Your continued care truly makes a difference.

Ayhan – Center Director

Avya, Early Learning Teacher

“As a Yezidi girl, I feel proud and honored to be part of the SOHF team and to serve people from my own community who need support in so many ways. It’s been years since we started this journey, and while people come and go, the need never changes. I’ve witnessed so many heartbreaking stories—people who have survived the unimaginable.

These children, especially, are deeply in need. Many of them feel like they don’t belong anywhere, and through our work—through programs like this healing picnic—we remind them that they do matter. I’ve heard their stories of ISIS captivity, and even now, it’s hard to believe what they’ve lived through.

Taking them out, even for just a day in nature and water during the summer heat, may seem like a small thing to some—but for them, it means so much. They’ve lost family, friends, homes. Some live alone. Some have no one to talk to. These moments give them joy, healing, and a sense of normal life.

I’m thankful to everyone who supports SOHF, even those we may never see or know—the silent heroes. These children often thank us as staff, but we, in turn, thank you for making it possible for us to be here, doing what we do. You are part of every smile and every step of recovery."

Avya – Early Learning Teacher

Ayman, Music Teacher

"This time, I joined the picnic not only as someone who was once rescued, but also to contribute by providing music. I had prepared to perform, but honestly, the kids were so busy enjoying each other’s company and the refreshing water in the summer heat—it was beautiful to see.

What mattered most was being there with them, sharing the moment, and feeling part of the activity. I was still able to participate and contribute in my own way. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’m thankful to everyone who supports this program and makes moments like this possible."

Ayman – Music Teacher

Dildar, ISIS Survivor

"The picnic was really good, and I enjoyed every part of it. It made me very happy, and I could see that it meant a lot to everyone. We’re all going through difficult times—not the worst maybe, but still hard—and this outing was something we truly needed.

It was especially meaningful for me because my brother, Diyar, who was recently freed from ISIS captivity, joined us. He’s now staying with us, and this was one of the first times we were all out together again. He had a great time—I could see the happiness on his face.

He’s still adjusting and not in the best physical condition. He lost an eye and a leg during the war with ISIS, but we’re just grateful that he’s back and we’re together again.

Thank you to everyone who supports SOHF and makes things like this possible. We feel cared for, and that means everything to us."

Dildar – ISIS Survivor

Yamen, ISIS Rescued Student

"It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to go out. I usually come to The Hope Centre for education, and they sometimes take us on outings like this. At home, where I now live in Khanke, it’s hard—I don’t have many friends, and we don’t hang out much.

Over the past two months, I’ve been feeling a bit off, though I can't exactly explain why. But today was different. It felt really good to be out with my friends, doing activities together and just having fun. It’s been a long time since I laughed like that.

I’m truly grateful to the SOHF team. They’re always here for us, no matter what we go through. This picnic was exactly what I needed, and I’m thankful to everyone who made it happen."

Yamen – ISIS Rescued Student

Jadlin Khalid, Longtime Participant & ISIS Survivor

"For me, this wasn’t the first or second time—I've joined more than ten activities with SOHF over the years. I’ve been part of this amazing group for so long, it feels like I’m growing up here. I’ve gained life experience, learned so much, and built deep connections. This place and these people are part of my story.

Going out on a picnic like this isn’t new to me—but every time, it feels just as special. It always seems to happen at exactly the right moment, when we all need it most. The staff and friends here are incredible, and I’m truly grateful for every one of them.

Yes, we are ISIS survivors—but we are also strong. We are healing and growing, and SOHF plays a huge role in that. You keep giving us hope. I know there are people behind the scenes—donors and supporters—who make this possible. To each one of you, I send my heartfelt gratitude and blessings. What you do truly matters—it reminds us that the world still has good in it."

Jadlin Khalid – Longtime Participant & ISIS Survivor

Asmaa

"I don’t go to school anymore. After I returned from ISIS captivity, I tried going back, but it didn’t work for me. Now, I just attend classes at The Hope Centre. I don’t have many friends, but the ones I have are here.

For the past few months, I’ve been feeling low—I’m not sure why or what’s wrong. But The Hope Centre always brings me a sense of joy and hope. It gives me something out of nothing, and I really like being there.

The picnic was amazing. I enjoyed it so much—the friends, the atmosphere, everything. It changed my mood and helped me feel better. I’m truly thankful and grateful to all the staff and friends at SOHF for always including us and making us feel cared for."

Asmaa

Jilan Jalal, New Program Participant

"It’s been a few months since I joined this amazing SOHF family, and this was my first time going on a picnic with the group. It was truly great—an incredible experience. I was so happy to be part of it, and my brother was too.

Living in a tent in the camp is very hard, and we rarely get chances like this to go out, relax, and enjoy ourselves. This kind of outing doesn’t happen anywhere else—only here. Honestly, I’ve never experienced something like this before in my life.

Being here, part of this group, means so much to me. I’m really happy and deeply grateful to everyone who made this day possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Jilan Jalal – New Program Participant

Dileen Diyar

"It’s been seven months since I first joined The Hope Centre, and I truly feel like one of the lucky ones to be here—with these friends, teachers, and this amazing community.

My 9-year-old sister and I were so happy to join the picnic. We had so much fun, especially playing in the water with our friends. It really helped us relax and forget our worries for a while. Our mood changed completely, and we’re so thankful for this beautiful day."

Dileen Diyar

Kareema, Participant in the Sewing Hope Program

"Being part of the Sewing Hope program at The Hope Centre has given us a sense of purpose, but going out like this—changing the atmosphere—is something very special. This picnic was especially meaningful to me because two of my sons were with us.I really appreciate the way we are being cared for. Inside, we all carry pain—sadness and trauma that may never leave us. Maybe some of the children will forget with time, but for us women, it’s often impossible.

That’s why these moments, being outdoors, spending time with friends and our kids, are so valuable. They help us, even if just for a little while, to feel light again. I want to thank everyone who is helping us and our children—you’re making a real difference in our lives."

Kareema – Participant in the Sewing Hope Program

Mloka, Sewing Hope Program Participant

"We, the women from the Sewing Hope group, went on a summer picnic to Bandawa, where the weather was cooler and more comfortable. It was such a good day—we had fun together, with our kids and with each other. It really lifted our spirits and gave us a break from the daily stress we live with.

To all the SOHF staff—you are truly amazing. Thank you for doing this for us. May God bless you and keep you strong in this world for all the good you’re doing."

Mloka – Sewing Hope Program Participant

Maha

"This water picnic gave us more than fun; it gave us memories that will stay in our hearts. Everyone felt free and happy, like a heavy weight had been lifted. The laughter echoing around the water, the shared stories over lunch, and the smiles we saw on the children’s faces showed us how much these moments matter. It truly helped change the atmosphere for all of us and reminded us of the joy in simply being together."

Maha

Bashiq

"I am an English teacher and joined our staff, students, and the Sewing Hope women on a water picnic to Bandawa. It was such a special day for all of us. We laughed, ate together, danced, and watched the children swim and play in the water. Everyone was so happy and full of energy.

The weather was very hot, and it had been a long time since we went on any picnic, so this trip was really needed. It helped everyone relax and enjoy something different.

Some people also talked about the war between Iran and Israel, and you could feel that this picnic gave them a short break from the stress and sadness around them.

What made me happiest was seeing how close everyone has become. The students, staff, and sewing women were all talking, laughing, and sharing moments together. You could feel the strong connection between them growing. It wasn’t just fun it was healing.

It was a beautiful day, full of joy, peace, and togetherness. One of those days we won’t forget."

Bashiq

"Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our Yezidi tribe here, and for understanding that even as the years pass, and decades change, there is still so much need as new and unknown situations, such as recent war, develop. There is no one but ourselves to help walk our kids through these times which bring intense flashbacks and fear for some.

We do this with joy, with gratitude and continually knowing that although a decade has passed, we are usually out of our depth, and constantly dependent upon the wisdom and guidance of and from heaven. We value your prayers for us as much as we value your ongoing support. Thank you for continuing to walk this Mesopotamian journey with us."

-LM

We have, with the help of God, built a strong foundation of Hope. Today we rejoiced to see yet another captive returned home after 10 years and 9 months. Her name is Dina, the cousin of Azher and Zahid, also related to our Dawood. Hope lives strong.