Overcoming Adversity

This month we celebrate the triumph of the human spirit. From the celebration of Iraqi villagers to those suffering with disabilities to the activities of the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF), our May issue tells stories of overcoming adversity. More photos from Wilson Sarkis bring us the joy of Holy Week in The Motherland. For years, Christians in Iraq could neither openly worship nor congregate for Mass - what a treat to see the pews filled on Easter Sunday.

For me, the Dr. Is In article this month hits close to home. My mother was diagnosed with melanoma in 2009, metastatic melanoma in December of 2010, and passed away from the disease on January 5, 2011. She was a nurse and knew the important of early detection, yet she put off going to the doctor to look a sore on her arm for many months. By the time she went in, the cancer had spread into her lymph nodes. The doctors thought they might have gotten it all with surgery, but a year and a half later discovered it had metastasized throughout her entire body. Christmas of 2010 was bittersweet as we all knew it was our last Christmas with Mother. Her strong faith served her well and she passed peacefully without regrets. Although that is a comfort to my family, how much more we wished she were still with us!

That deep loss of a parent is a sentiment many in the Chaldean community can relate to, having lost too many family members to violent crime in their places of work. The recent murders of Behnam Rasho and Saad Halabo remind us that we still have a lot of work to do, and Crystal Jabiro’s article shines a spotlight on one of the many unsolved murders involving the community. It is the first in a series of articles we have pledged to run because we will never forget.

Dr. Miri blesses us with the experience of returning to Iraq earlier this year, sharing his observations as only he can. His articles are always full of imagery and poetry, and this one is no different. He traveled through northern Iraq, the Kurdistan region, and the Nineveh Plains, meeting leaders and locals alike. His enthusiasm for the rebirth of Iraq is contagious.

Since summer is coming (eventually – I promise), we’ve given you an update on “Camp Chaldean” that includes information on how to register your child for mini-summer camp. If you are not familiar with Our Lady of the Fields Camp and Retreat Center, you are in for a treat. The Chaldean Youth Camp packs a ton of activities into a short time and teaches kids that faith and fun go hand in hand.

The CCF and the great work they have been doing has attracted visitors from outside the country. Officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government recently visited, and a delegation of mayors from Iraq are scheduled to visit soon. What a resource we have in the Foundation.

Another new feature we are including going forward is photos “From the Archive.” We have such a rich collection of historical photos, and we are interested in collecting more. Please look in your attics and storage spaces and share any you may find. They may end up in the pages of the CN.

This month I shared my opinion, such as it is, on the war in Ukraine compared with the U.S. invasion of Iraq. You may not agree with my conclusions, and that is okay! In fact, if you have a different opinion or even just want to put in your two cents, please email me at edit@chaldeannews.com. We love to hear from our readers.

Sarah Kittle, Editor