Mustafa is walking

Two nights ago Yasir and I visited Mustafa and his brother. We had an appointment for a long-delayed game of chess, which of course he won. Since April of 2003, when the blast from a US missile swept him from his roof in Baghdad, Mustafa has faced almost inconceivable obstacles - including paralysis, botched surgeries, kidnapping, flight into exile as a refugee, and more - and has overcome them all.

Now, after doctors told him he would never again have the use of his legs, Mustafa is thriving in physical therapy paid for by Americans who recognize their responsibilities to Iraqis, through Direct Aid Iraq.

The progress he has made in healing and rehabilitation is inspiring. The video below shows Mustafa, who, when we met him, was unable to move his legs, and had suffered serious muscle atrophy in many parts of his body. What you see in this video would have been unthinkable one year ago.

Here’s a post several months ago, which tells Mustafa’s story in more detail.

Here is the link to video of Mustafa on YouTube, if you have difficulty viewing the embedded video above.

Noah Baker Merrill is in Jordan during the month of July accompanying the Iraqi DAI team in Amman. To support the work of Direct Aid Iraq with and for Iraqi refugees, click here.