George with the children in El Fashn.
Today’s guest post comes from George Wasef, a fellow who served in El Fashn during The 21 Trip. In this heartfelt reflection, George shares how the children he met taught him the true meaning of love, humility, and faith — reminding him that Christ’s love transcends language and circumstance. Through their pure joy and simple faith, he discovered that the greatest lessons often come from the smallest hearts.
“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 18:3)
When I first applied to serve with Coptic Orphans, I included this verse in my application, not fully grasping the depth it carried. I had heard this verse countless times before, but it wasn’t until I arrived in El Fashn, Egypt, that it truly came alive for me.
During our trip, our group decided to create an icon for the children we visited during home visits. The icon depicted Christ embracing children—a powerful image of His unwavering, personal love for each of us. We are all children of Christ, united as one body in Him, and this image would become a quiet reminder to the children that they are deeply loved, even in their most isolated moments.
I’ve seen this verse come to fruition in the children of Egypt—children who have endured more tribulations than anyone should yet still illuminate with joy and gratitude to God. Throughout the trip I was blessed to truly experience Christ, but what was implanted in my mind was the love these kids handover, despite their harsh circumstances. They showed me what it means to truly experience Christ, not through grand gestures, but through quiet moments of love and presence.
One example is Abanoub, a boy who initially portrays himself as the class bully, tough and closed off, but as I got to know him and heard his story, I saw a child full of love and life. During a home visit, I handed him the icon and shared with him that no matter how alone he might feel, God is always with him, embracing him. Around that same time, I was feeling homesick, missing my friends and family back home. Yet as I reflected on what I had told Abanoub, I felt a deep, quiet peace—a reminder that God’s love is always near, even when we feel far from home. I was sitting in the back of the bus, genuinely feeling God’s embrace, just as depicted in the icon. As the last day of class approached, Abanoub would ask me to sit with him, calling me his brother: “George, don’t forget me, my brother for life.”
Jan, another child who initially came off as a bully, became a dear friend in those final days. I grew up unable to read, write, or speak Arabic, and despite the language barrier, Jan showed me that love is not bound by language. We would scroll through my camera roll, play games, and laugh until we couldn’t breathe. I sometimes felt disheartened that I couldn’t speak to him fully, but one of the girls in my group reminded me, “The language of love has no barrier.” This stayed with me because Jesus Himself exemplified this truth through the way He loved those around Him, reminding us that love is expressed through action, kindness, and presence beyond words. He was the prime example of how to express love, and how love draws people in unison. As St. Paul Writes, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (I Corinthians 13:4-5, 7). We are one body in Christ, and without this kind of love, the body of Christ disassembles apart piece by piece. These children taught me that even with nothing material to give, they could give love freely and fully. They showed me that the greatest joy is found in humility and loving others as God loves us.
Despite Abanoub and Jan’s sometimes tough, bully-like personas, they were softened by love—the love of God. The moment you show genuine love to these kids, they open up and reveal their true innocence. I believe this holds true in every interaction we have, even with strangers we encounter. A simple smile can go further than we realize, and I saw this firsthand, especially since I couldn’t speak the language. It connects us humans together, and the truest form is the love of God.
Without a doubt, these kids have impacted me far more than I could’ve ever prayed to impact them. They’ve taught me what it truly means to love and give—even when they have nothing to give. They’ve shown me that the greatest joy in life is found in humility and in loving one another, just as God loves us. Their laughter, radiant smiles, and warm hugs reflect the heart of Christ. Through these children—and the incredible people around me—I’ve witnessed what it means to radiate Christ. Whether it was Youssef hugging and giving me gifts every time I saw him or Jan and Abanoub transforming from the class bullies into boys who now call me brother, I’ve witnessed love in its purest form.
I’m beyond blessed to have been part of this journey. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to be among these kids and this group that strives to reflect the love and humility of Christ. Although I am the one teaching the lessons, I always find myself learning from the kids more. Their humility and their compassion is something I really admire in the kids. This is because of their purity and their Christ like nature which is something that I find happiness in.
Growing up, I was often told to set aside my childlike nature, as it could hinder me from maturing. However, this trip has solidified that abandoning that childlike spirit leads to a life distant from God—a life lacking true joy, peace, and happiness. Embracing a childlike faith teaches us to rely on God fully, bringing every thought, trial, and moment to Him as we would to a best friend. In doing so, we discover a simpler, richer life anchored in peace and happiness as we grow deeper in our relationship with God, our Father.
I have spent 3 weeks with kids who truly love me, and I would give anything to feel the love of Christ in that way again. This trip has taught me to approach every situation in life with patience and every interaction with intentionality. It has reminded me to embrace a childlike mindset—meeting each person with love, humility, and openness, regardless of the circumstances. Love has no barriers, just as God is not limited by language.
Let us take a moment to learn from these children—whose unwavering faith and joyful spirit amidst hardship teach us what it means to truly live a Christ-like life and grow closer to our Heavenly Father. May we also remember them in our prayers. Through the intercessions and blessings of the 21 Martyrs of Libya, may we be strengthened. Glory be to God forever. Amen.