A selfie of Sara with the children in Minya.
Today’s guest post comes from Sara Awadallah, a fellow who attended The 21 Trip in June 2025. In this reflection, she shares how living a life of service transformed her understanding of faith, love, and Coptic identity—showing her that true devotion is not just learned, but lived each day.
“This past summer, in June 2025, I traveled to Egypt—Om El Donia—after living abroad for a long time. I went with Coptic Orphans to serve in a small village in the Minya Governorate. Little did I know, this trip would open my heart to a deeper understanding of faith, service, and God’s love. I stayed at the 21 Martyrs Church and had the privilege of serving the children at a nearby church. In the heart of the Minya Governorate, I met some of the families of the 21 Martyrs—a group of Coptic Orthodox Christian men who were martyred for their faith. It was truly humbling to be in such a spiritually rich place.
Before the trip, I had always struggled to wear my cross proudly or fully embrace my Coptic identity. I knew the theory—I read the Bible and went to church—but I lacked the practical experience of living my faith through service to others. This trip changed that. It wasn’t just about reading or praying; it was about living the faith every single day.
When I first arrived, I had no expectations. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a trip where I would be working from 9 AM until 10 PM every day, completely dedicated to serving others. But what I encountered was far beyond what I could have imagined. I never expected to fall in love with a place. I never expected to experience pure, unconditional love from people I had only known for three weeks. But that’s exactly what happened.
These children, with their boundless energy and deep faith, taught me how love can soften even the hardest soul. Before the trip, my feelings were focused solely on myself and what made me happy. I never realized that in order to find peace, I needed to receive the love of the children from Minya—children who had so little but gave so much.
As a Copt who grew up outside Egypt, I had never had the opportunity to serve in this way before. Coptic Orphans showed me that service is an essential part of being a Coptic Orthodox Christian. It is, in fact, the greatest form of love—because every minute of every day is spent helping others. The children I served became my teachers. They loved me with all their hearts, and I miss them deeply. Each of them had a unique personality that warmed my heart. I keep them in my prayers daily and will never forget their beautiful faces. They taught me what it means to have faith—faith as strong as that of the 21 Martyrs, after whom my trip was named.
One day, after a long class, I was exhausted and taking a break with my fellow volunteers. One of the children, who had been staying with us in the class, overheard me complaining, saying, “I’m so tired, I can’t do this.” His response shocked me, especially because of his young age:
“How can you be tired when you are serving God? You are for God, so tiredness doesn’t exist. Take the blessing of the service and don’t complain.” From that day forward, I never again said I was tired. I realized that when serving God—whether on a mission or back home—I must give thanks and find joy in the work I am doing. The service itself is a blessing.
During my time at the 21 Martyrs Church, some of the families of the 21 martyrs shared their stories with me and my fellows. I was deeply moved and overwhelmed with emotion. These men’s only “crime” was being Christian. Their story reminded me of what it truly means to live with unwavering faith, even in the face of extreme hardship. Despite the sorrow, I felt peace in my heart. I understood the true meaning and purpose of being Coptic: to shine brightly with faith in God. I know that all the martyrs’ suffering was honored both in heaven and on earth. As it is in heaven, so it is on earth. My Church is a living, breathing entity both on earth and in heaven.
I learned so much from these children. In a world full of distractions, the Copts of Minya live with enormous faith and great love for anyone ready to meet Christ. These children, with their infectious energy and simple acts of kindness, taught me the true meaning of compassion, love, and service. Whether it was playing soccer, drawing, making bracelets, or laughing while doing glitter tattoos, I rediscovered how to be patient, how to love, and how to play again like a child. Even something as simple as stickers made them smile with contentment. They showed me that a simple life, focused on love and connection, nourishes the heart.
In a world constantly moving, taking time to be with God is crucial. It brings peace, joy, and love. If you are filled with God’s love, you can radiate that love to others. That’s what the children of Coptic Orphans taught me during my time in Minya.
I am forever grateful for this experience. It has shaped me in ways I cannot fully express. I hope to serve again with this amazing organization, helping many more and continuing to grow closer to God.”