Everyone Has a Story to Tell

As Abdullah reflected on his journey, he shared, “Every time a stranger passes by with a generous smile, it gives me hope—hope that there are still people out there who appreciate diversity.” When asked about his strongest memory from the years spent away from his homeland, his voice softened. “I can’t forget the day I truly understood what racism meant. That was the day I faced it, and even though many years have passed, that moment is still stuck in my memory.” Abdullah left Iraq at the age of 15, and now in the UK, he takes on random jobs

As I walked alongside him, I asked, “What are you doing?” Without missing a step, he replied, “My dog got lost in the snowstorm and spent the whole night outside. I’m just taking him back home now.” (Neelum, Kashmir)

“Yes, I go to school,” the little girl nodded in response to my question. Just then, her brother joined us in the frame. When I asked their mother for permission to take a photo, she smiled warmly and said, “You must be cold, tired, and hungry. Come, have something to eat and sit by the fire.” Her kindness was a comforting gesture on a freezing day as I roamed through Neelum, Kashmir.

As I journeyed through the harsh desert of Tharparker, Pakistan, a thought crossed my mind: How precious is water for those who lack access to clean drinking water? I wished I had stopped to ask the woman I saw, balancing a water pot on her head. In a place where it’s unsafe for children and women, her resilience spoke volumes about the challenges faced by many in this unforgiving land.

After our conversation about the struggles of living in such a harsh desert, he paused, turned around, and gave me a lingering glance. “Why have you chosen to live in a desert filled with hardships?” I asked. It took him a moment to gather his thoughts before he finally replied, “We’ve lived here for generations. We don’t have the resources to move to places with easier access to water and basic necessities.” His words echoed the quiet resilience of those who endure life in Tharparker, Pakistan.

“Hello everyone, do you want to see our group selfie?” I asked, and in that instant, everyone gathered around, eagerly searching for their faces in the photo I had just taken. The excitement was infectious as they laughed and pointed, thrilled to see themselves captured in that shared moment. (Rautahat, Nepal)