Photo by: Mohammad Dargalayi

For Andrew Billy, a 46-year-old craftsman from the U.S. state of Georgia, life took an unexpected turn when his destiny directed his path to the mountains of Kurdistan.

What began as a leap of faith has become a five-year chronicle of discovery, meaningful relationships, and a deep sense of belonging to none other than Rawanduz, a city in the Soran District.

Billy’s first encounter with Kurdistan came from a photograph he found online of a group of elderly Kurdish men sitting on a stone wall, framed by the breathtaking mountains of Rawanduz.

Since arriving in 2020, Billy has built a life engrossed in craftsmanship and community. Drawing on skills he inherited from his father, he runs a woodwork shop where he creates custom pieces and mentors local apprentices.

Billy’s journey has not been without its ups and downs. Running a business in a foreign country requires adaptability and patience. “Some days, we don’t get a day off,” he admits. “But it’s worth it. At the end of the day, when a customer smiles and says, ‘This is better than I imagined,’ it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Billy’s journey has been marked by a deep respect for Kurdish culture. From learning the language to trying traditional dishes like kebab, kifta spi, and dolma, he has immersed himself in the rhythms of daily life.

One of his fondest memories is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for his Kurdish friends. “I told them, ‘My family is far away in America, but here in Rawanduz, you are my family,’” Billy shares. “We had a big meal together, laughed, and gave thanks for the blessings in our lives. It was a special moment.”

As Billy approaches his 47th birthday, he reflects on the unique bond he shares with both the US and Kurdistan. “I often tell people that half my heart is in America, and half is here in Kurdistan.”