Dear Friends,
|
An English Experience
Well I am yet again thrilled to be back on Iraqi soil. This trip was particularly
hard after three very special weeks with Caroline, our boys and the four
visiting teenagers. It had felt as though we had brought part of Iraq back to England. It was the best of both worlds for a short period.
They enjoyed themselves immensely. I asked them if there were any particular highlights, and the answer? "Everything".
Though I understand that does not include our food and weather.
Turmoil in Baghdad
Back in Iraq, the landscape is much less quaint and the differences extend far beyond
the weather. Terror has increased, the bomb blasts have become far more fierce
and once again church leaders are being targets. Only today two priests have
been killed in Kirkuk and one in Mosul.
Church life of course wonderful and truly a haven from what is
going on around us. I met with Brigadier General Greer earlier today about how
he would like to expand our clinic and provide for the construction of a
school. It was a great meeting and his wife Susan, who works for us, was also
present. They are both members of our US Embassy congregation.
A new role
We are all reflecting on the draw down of US troops. Most of us
had not even realised that is only one week until we have no Green Zone
chaplain. Bear in mind that there
are many thousands of staff still in the US Embassy. Therefore I have agreed to take on the role and conduct a
weekly protestant service, as of tomorrow morning. We will keep the Anglican Episcopal
chapel, but the reality is that there will be much more to do.
The other sad fact is that many more Christians are fleeing Iraq to claim
asylum from other countries. The USA has also opened its doors to many of the
Iraqis who once worked for them. We estimate that 40 families will leave the church
in the next few weeks. Also leaving is Lena, my former PA. She once worked for
the US Army so she has just moved to Virginia. So it will be a difficult time
but we will not give up and we will not stop praising G-d and through Him we
will do valiantly.
Update on Caroline
I am absolutely delighted to
report that Caroline continues to recover well. She is now pain
free for the first time in almost five years - praise G-d. Do continue to pray
for a speedy recovery as doctors will operate on her other leg as soon as they
can. Thank you so much for your messages of support.
With every blessing,
Andrew
Canon Andrew White,
Baghdad, Iraq
|
