My name is Simon and I am from Brisbane. I’ll be heading to Northern Iraq in October with Operation Hope. My day job is an engineer for Boeing Defence Australia, but I’m taking some time off to head over with the rest of the team.

I have a heart for helping those that are hurting, particularly at the hand of natural disasters and those suffering persecution. I have been on a number of trips before through organisations like Open Doors, Samaritan’s Purse and Global Interaction, mostly involved in construction projects.

This trip will be a little different, going in with no expectation. I could be doing anything from construction through to helping in the English classes. Whatever happens, I know it will be a fantastic experience working with the rest of the Operation Hope team, and meeting amazing people.