Damian Williams, a 21 fellow, writing about the experience in Egypt.
Today’s guest post comes from Damian Williams, a fellow who served in Nazlet Ebeid during The 21 Trip. In this deeply moving reflection, he shares how the children, mothers, and families he met transformed his understanding of love, generosity, and faith.
I don’t even know where to begin, because no words can do this mission trip justice.
However, I can say with complete honesty that my life will never be the same after the 21 Mission Trip with Coptic Orphans. It was a truly life-changing experience, one that brought me closer to Christ. We all thought we’d be the ones doing the serving, but I’m sure everyone can agree that we were the ones who ended up being served.
The blessed kids we served in Nazlet Ebeid were so rich in love. Every morning they would run at us and greet us with love and so many hugs, they were so joyful. Every day they would come and give us handmade bracelets and get us little gifts and would teach us games and songs. Their generosity was so pure and it was truly a blessing to witness first hand. Safe to say that every moment with them felt like they were constantly filling our hearts. These kids were practising Christianity on a whole other level and I learnt so much from them. “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” This is truly what I cherish most from this trip, the unconditional love I received from the kids. I pray I can one day be like them.
One of the most special and meaningful parts of the trip was the home visitations. Sitting in the homes of widows and orphans, yet seeing their love for Christ, and witnessing their faith… It shook me. Spending one on one time with the kids, talking to them, playing with them and learning more about them was such a blessing and it really strengthened our relationship with them. They would always be more comfortable with us and show us extra love the day after their visitation. All the mothers had one thing in common, their immense love. They didn’t treat us like strangers or guests. Instead, they welcomed us like family, like genuine family members. And we felt truly loved. They didn’t just smile politely or offer surface-level hospitality. Their love was powerful and authentic, they welcomed us with genuine warmth. Walking into each home, the atmosphere was so natural and heartfelt that any sense of being visitors or strangers simply disappeared. Again, we went to serve them in their homes, yet they served us instead. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
We were also so blessed to visit monasteries, meet priests, monks and bishops and to hear the stories of the Coptic martyrs. We were able to visit the church of the 21 martyrs of Libya and to hear from their wives. Hearing these stories allowed me to feel connected with my Coptic roots which is an experience that I am so so grateful for, and something that Coptic Orphans does so well. From early on, it was clear that prioritising this connection was one of their main goals for us and I am so blessed to say I now feel a strong connection to my Coptic identity.
However, in saying all this, I can’t forget that one of the greatest blessings of this trip were my fellows. Sammy, Selvia, Sarah, Marlien, Sarah, Marco who we met in Nazlet Ebeid, our coordinator Mariam and of course Marina who we were blessed to have on our site. I learned so much from every one of them. Spending time together, praying together, reflecting together, it really changed me in a way I didn’t expect. Witnessing their love for God and their encouragement pushed me to build a deeper relationship with Christ. I was truly surrounded by people who were so much better than me both spiritually and in how they served, and that allowed me to grow. Watching them serve the kids so selflessly, seeing their deep love for them and hearing them pray for them, it was so inspiring. I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t have been impacted the way I was if it weren’t for them. God worked through them in powerful ways, and I’m so grateful I got to witness it up close.
I came home changed, with a heart full of gratitude, a stronger connection to God, and a deep pride in who I am as a Copt. I learnt that this experience wasn’t meant to be a spiritual high, but a reset – to build daily habits that keep us close to Christ in the ordinary.
You always hear the term ‘life-changing’ but you never truly know what it means until you experience it.
Thank you so much to Coptic Orphans it was truly a blessing.