Navigating Uncertainty with Abdi Iftin - Walk Talk Listen (episode 153)

In this enlightening episode of "Walk Talk Listen, Abdi Iftin, a remarkable storyteller and author, discusses his journey from war-torn Somalia to a new life in the United States. This episode delves deep into themes of resilience, hope, and navigating the uncertainties that life presents. Abdi shares poignant memories of his childhood in Mogadishu, painting a vivid picture of life amidst conflict and the challenges he faced growing up in a war zone. We discover how Abdi's passion for storytelling became a lifeline, and he recounts the perilous journey that brought him to the U.S., highlighting the moments of uncertainty and the incredible resilience required to navigate such a path. Maurice and Abdi discuss the cultural and personal adjustments Abdi had to make upon arriving in the United States, including the new challenges he faced and how he overcame them. Abdi offers inspiring advice for anyone facing their own uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of hope, perseverance, and the power of community support.

Abdi Nor Iftin was born in Mogadishu to nomadic parents and survived famine, war, and child soldiering. Teaching himself English through American action films, Abdi became a guerrilla journalist, sharing his life stories through the series "Messages from Mogadishu" on NPR, the BBC, and This American Life, and was shortlisted for a Peabody Award.

After surviving a bombing at his house in 2009, Abdi fled to Kenya, where he and his brother lived as refugees. In an incredible stroke of luck, he won entrance to the U.S. in the 2014 annual visa lottery, although his journey to America was fraught with challenges that nearly stranded him in Nairobi.

Now based in Maine, Abdi is a bestselling and award-winning author with ten years of experience in refugee resettlement and currently works as the communications specialist at Church World Service. As an advocate for the rights of newly arrived immigrants, he is dedicated to uniting people through his stories of survival and resilience. Abdi became a United States citizen in 2020 and graduated from Boston College with a degree in Political Science in 2022 and now pursuing his law degree. He is also a regular columnist for the Portland Press Herald.

 

For more information on Abdi's work at CWS, check this link.

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• Discover the songs picked by Abdi and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. 
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