Yep. You read that right!
First of all, a personal update:
I’m graduating THIS WEEK with an MA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Social Justice from NC State University. This interdisciplinary degree has given me experience in social work, child welfare, systemic injustice, law and policy, and ethical and sustainable humanitarian aid. I wrote my master’s thesis on a topic that I’m so so passionate about – human trafficking in North Carolina refugee communities.
AND I just accepted a summer position with Preemptive Love Coalition in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq starting in June!!
Preemptive Love is a coalition stretching across Iraq, Syria, the U.S. and beyond, working together to unmake violence and create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible. They help families fleeing violence remake home and rebuild their lives through relief and job creation.
What makes Preemptive Love special?
I first learned about this organization through the founders’ (Jeremy & Jessica Courtney) memoir that details their first 10 years in Iraq. I’m not kidding when I say that this book changed my life. It’s all about how we, as Christians, are supposed to Love Anyway – even when it puts us in messy or hard situations. Preemptive Love’s mission is to put a stop to violence in the world through grace & peacemaking.
Loving Anyway is what Jesus did every day that He walked on earth. He died for those that hated him most. For his followers, a life lived like this isn’t easy, cheap, or safe. It’s dangerous, dark, and full of sacrifice. But that never stopped Jesus, and it shouldn’t stop us either. I want to show up on the frontlines and do what Jesus did.
This mission is something that Jesus has slowly been teaching me to pursue over the last year. I am convinced that this is what He calls me to do. Preemptively loving someone doesn’t mean not seeking justice. It doesn’t mean not doing everything we can do to prevent exploitation. It just means that violence doesn’t have the last word.
What I’ll be doing in Iraq
I will be using my graphic design, marketing, research, and communication skills to help PLC’s WorkWell students achieve their greatest potential. This includes teaching lessons, developing a graphic design curriculum, and working privately with students on various projects. Along with these responsibilities, I will also work alongside PLC’s Communications team.
WorkWell is a tech space where refugees are becoming entrepreneurs, coders, & freelancers. It’s giving back what war stole from so many people: education. There are so many bright minds unable to finish high school or university, unable to access well-paying jobs, and thrust to the margins of the workforce before they can even begin their careers. WorkWell is supporting refugees in learning and developing a career – if you want to see a beautiful story from a WorkWell graduate, watch this video!
Graphic design, communication, and storytelling can be used by God in the kingdom to bring people to Himself, to show love and grace, to proclaim peace, to free the oppressed, and to bring hope across so many platforms. I’m thrilled to be a part of this movement!
A great part of all of this is that one of my dearest friends, Sophie Stoddard, has also accepted a position with Preemptive Love for the summer! She’ll be helping with administration, programming, and organizational efficiency. I am so excited to let you all in on this incredible new chapter of my life. I’m doing some traveling before moving to Iraq & posting regular updates about my time with Preemptive Love so stay tuned!
