A Young Lawyer Finds Unexpected Answers

When Nicola joined the Youth Project in Jalalabad, she didn’t think she would get much out of it. She was a very well educated young woman, and had gone to school to be a lawyer. When CDI leaders would pose questions to the group, she always had a quick answer. She was widely read and could answer philosophical questions as well. But she came to realize there was something she could not work through on her own. While the Youth Project often does lighthearted group activities, they also focus on discussions around topics like healing broken relationships. Conversations can range from romantic relationships, to families, and even to relationships between people groups. As Nicola learned to trust the CDI group leaders, she began to share some of her past family hurts. The weight of what she had gone through had continued to affect her all her life. By opening up with the CDI staff who she knew she could rely on, she was able to work through emotional wounds received from her mother. Letting go of the pain she had been holding onto has made Nicola a different person, free to be herself and not always strive for perfection. She is currently traveling outside of Kyrgyzstan, but keeps in touch with the group. Trust filled relationships can be the crucible for addressing and working through the relationships that have caused us pain.