This photograph captures one of the most unexpected and deeply touching blessings of my entire journey. A teacher in Brazil, Ms. Vania Christina Arruda came across my “Undercover for Peace” photo the one taken during my dangerous mission in Iraq and she was moved to reach out and ask who I was and why I, a non-Muslim, was dressed like a Sheikh.

I shared the story behind the photograph, the ISIS crisis, the streets of Iraq, the moments of danger, and God’s miraculous protection. Ms. Arruda was so moved that she asked my permission to share my story with her class during Brazil’s Black History Month, much like Black History Month celebrated here in the United States.

She wanted her young Black Brazilian students to see living proof that a Black man, sustained by God’s grace, can walk through genocide, war zones, and danger and still rise to serve the world with dignity, courage, and purpose. That a Black man from the hills of Rwanda could end up in the halls of Parliament, the streets of Iraq, and the classrooms of Brazil.

Ever since that day, I have remained in contact with these precious children, and every now and then, on my birthday, cards arrive from Brazil, filled with the innocent love and warm wishes of young hearts who were inspired by a story that began in Rwanda and has never stopped moving.

To Ms. Vania Arruda and every one of those beautiful children, thank you. You inspired me more than you will ever know.