After an hour delay, I am on the plane back to London. I’m flying back to where I live leaving the land I call home. I hadn’t been back for around a year and a half since I last stepped out of the country to pursue my education. My visit was for only 6 days yet I did so much that I don’t regret the long journey here for the short stay.

A lot has changed since I left, the streets of Hawler aren’t what they used to be, the faces of my people no longer beam in happiness and excitement. My country is weak yet strong enough to show the world that they can overcome any obstacle. My country doesn’t deserve this, with the economy at its lowest, where salaries aren’t being paid for months now, where malls and cafes barely hold the teenagers who once brought life to it.

I met friends and family, they all smile and laugh though they feel miserable with what is happening, as they hold onto the hope that the land will raise once again.

I come back feeling different, I come back wanting to change the land I call home, I come back wanting to once again return and bring hope to my people.

I will miss you Kurdistan.

I will miss the “Bakherbayt” wherever I entered.

I will miss the “Salam Sarchaw” wherever I left.

My Kurdistan I have hope in you

My Kurdistan you will not break

My Kurdistan be strong for this will pass, and the happy days will come

My Kurdistan stay safe and farewell