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.

“I remember being in prayer one day, and I felt the Lord speak to my heart,” Billy recalls. “He said, ‘I want you to go to Iraq.’ At the time, I didn’t know much about the region, but I started researching and discovered Kurdistan. It felt like a door opening to a place I was meant to be.”

A new home in Rawanduz

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. “The beauty of the landscape spoke to my heart,” he says. “When I saw the caption ‘Kurdish men in Rawanduz,’ I knew that was where I needed to go.”

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. “My father was a craftsman, and I think I inherited his gift for working with my hands,” Billy explains. “It’s a blessing to be able to pass that on to others here.”

His shop has become a hub of creativity and cultural exchange helped by locals Steeve and Danial, who have worked alongside him for years. “We’ve built more than furniture here,” Billy says. “We’ve built relationships. These aren’t just coworkers – they’re lifelong friends.” Another coworker and friend, Dawud, runs a second shop in Erbil.

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.”

Embracing Kurdish culture

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. “I believe it’s important to speak the language of the place you live in,” he says. “It shows respect and helps you connect with people on a deeper level.”

His efforts to learn Kurdish have been supported by friends and language teachers. “At first, I had a language teacher who taught me the basics,” Billy shares. “Then I took a crash course in Erbil. But the best lessons come from daily conversations with the guys at the shop and the people I meet on the street.”

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.”

Challenges and hope for the future

While Billy’s experience in Kurdistan has been overwhelmingly positive, he acknowledges the challenges faced by many young Kurds. “A lot of young people feel discouraged because of the lack of opportunities,” he says. “They want to build families, buy homes, and pursue their dreams, but they often feel stuck.”

Billy encourages them to look for opportunities closer to home. “Kurdistan is a beautiful place to live and raise a family,” he says. “Sometimes, when you’re surrounded by beauty, you forget to see it. But if you take the time to look, you’ll find that there’s so much potential here.”

He also emphasizes the importance of faith and patience. “I believe that when we align our lives with God’s plan, things fall into place,” Billy reflects. “It’s not about doing what we want – it’s about doing what He wants. That’s where true peace and purpose are found.” 

A heart divided between two worlds

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,” he says. “It’s like I’ve found a second home – a place where I feel loved and accepted.”

Billy’s appreciation for Kurdish culture goes beyond its strong family values. “In America, there’s been a lot of confusion around gender and family roles,” he observes. “But here in Kurdistan, there’s a clear structure that prioritizes family and respect. I really admire that.”

He also notes the warmth and hospitality of smaller communities like Rawanduz. “In bigger cities, people might pass you on the street without saying a word,” Billy says. “But here, everyone greets you. They say, ‘Bayani bash, choni?’ It’s so welcoming.”

A life of service and purpose

For Billy, his work is more than a business – it is a way to serve others. “I’m not here to chase money,” he says. “I’m here to share the love of Christ and help people in whatever way I can. That’s what gives my life meaning.”

His faith is the cornerstone of his journey. “I believe God brought me here for a reason,” Billy explains. “He gave me a specific love for the Kurdish people, and I feel blessed to be able to share that love through my work and relationships.”

Billy’s story is a testament to the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing a new culture. His journey highlights the importance of cultural understanding by building bridges between different worlds through respect and curiosity, in addition to how faith and service can lead to finding purpose in serving others and trusting in a higher plan.

The journey has also given Billy resilience and hope, with which he encourages others to see the beauty and opportunity around them, even in challenging circumstances.

Toward the future

As he looks to the future, Billy remains hopeful about finding a life partner who shares his values. “I’m still single, but I believe God has someone special for me,” he says. “Kurdish women are respectful, kind, and family-oriented. Those are qualities I admire.”

For now, Billy is focused on living in the moment and cherishing the relationships he has built. “Life is about more than money or success,” he reflects. “It’s about love, service, and making a difference in the lives of others. That’s what I’ve found here in Kurdistan.”

For Andrew Billy, Kurdistan is more than a destination – it is a testament to the power of faith, friendship, and the beauty of finding family in unexpected places.

Mohammad Dargalayi is a journalist and photographer with 14 years of experience. He is a member of IFJ Global.