AUGUST 2023

FEATURE
Beyond Borders
Reflections from a Transformative Iraq Mission Trip
BY DR. RENA DAIZA
“
The fruit of love is service,
which is compassion in action.”
Mother Teresa’s words
echoed in our hearts as we embarked
on a remarkable medical mission to
Iraq in June 2023. With a team of nine
dedicated healthcare professionals
and two aspiring medical students,
we traveled to a land that held both
ancestral roots and a need for medical
assistance. What unfolded was an
emotional and impactful experience
that left a lasting impression on us.
As our team geared up for the journey,
I felt a deep sense of humility to
have been entrusted with leading this
diverse and dedicated group. It was
an honor that carried with it an air of
responsibility and a desire to ensure
that our mission would leave a lasting
impression. With half of our team
consisting of American-born members
who were unfamiliar with Iraq’s
current state, we trekked into the unknown
with unwavering enthusiasm,
ready to lend our skills and support.
Personally, this mission offered a
unique opportunity to connect with
my family’s homeland–a place I never
thought I would have the chance to
visit due to its war-torn history. Setting
foot inside the same church where
previous generations had exchanged
vows evoked a deep sense of connection
to my roots. It became evident that
this journey encompassed more than
healthcare; it also forged personal and
cultural bonds, bridging gaps formed
by years of separation and turmoil.
The impact of those turbulent years
was palpable as we ventured to villages
located just north of Mosul, including
Tel Keppe where my family is from.
These areas were captured by ISIS during
their invasion in 2014. As we made
our way toward Tel Keppe, we couldn’t
help but notice the presence of damaged
buildings, scarred with bullet
holes that had never been repaired.
Once bustling with our Chaldean
families, these places looked completely
desolate. Walking through the
remnants of our churches, witnessing
their destruction, stirred deep emotions
within us. Closing our eyes, we
could almost envision the marble
walls that once shimmered during
Sunday masses. The sight of religious
relics used as targets for ISIS fighters
was a reminder of the atrocities endured.
Despite the emotional intensity,
this visit held immense significance
for our entire team.
The final village we encountered
on our journey back to the city was
Alqosh, a village spared by the horrors
of ISIS. Although I had never set foot
there before, it immediately evoked
a sense of familiarity and a feeling of
home. We made a special visit to an
all-girls orphanage in Alqosh.
Our time with these angels proved
to be as enriching for our team as it
was for the girls themselves. Laughter
filled the air as we shared stories and
formed connections. Taking on the
Dr. Rena Daiza discussing urgent
health issues in Iraq with the
Minister of Health of Kurdistan
Region of Iraq, Dr. Saman Barzangy.
role of health educators, we shared
valuable knowledge on the importance
of proper dental care, making
healthy food choices, and safeguarding
their mental well-being. This experience
served as a genuine bond that
we will cherish forever.
Many of our days were dedicated
to visiting local hospitals and clinics,
some of which were established
to address the needs of those disproportionately
affected by the atrocities
committed by ISIS, including minority
Christians and Yazidis. Among them, a
particular clinic in Duhok made a profound
impact.
This clinic specifically focused on
providing support to Yazidi women
who endured unimaginable suffering
at the hands of ISIS. These women
faced immense challenges in readjusting
to life after their captivity, with
Mission team after a productive
meeting with Ano Abdoka, Minister
of Transportation and Communications
of Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
some expressing a preference for the
life they had with their captors rather
than risk being rejected by society. The
clinic emerged as a sanctuary, providing
a safe haven for these courageous
survivors to reclaim a sense of normalcy
and heal from their traumatic
experiences.
Our mission extended beyond medical
care as we engaged with religious
leaders, government officials, and
health ministers to address healthcare
needs in Iraq. These discussions paved
the way for future medical missions as
we explored potential collaborations
and partnerships.
We also seized the opportunity to
visit medical schools and universities,
initiating a medical student exchange
program between the United States
and Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Through
this program, we aim to enhance medical
education on both ends, fostering
cross-cultural understanding and nurturing
the next generation of healthcare
professionals.
Despite its reputation for conflict,
Iraq unfolded as a stunning country
that captivated us with its natural
beauty and embraced us with the genuine
warmth of its people. The Kurdistan
region in particular left a lasting
impression.
We discovered a developed area
where we felt safe and secure, surrounded
by vibrant markets, stunning
mountains, and cascading waterfalls
that showcased Iraq’s natural splendor.
However, what truly made our
journey unforgettable was the genuine
kindness and hospitality of the locals.
Their belief in bridging cultural divides
was inspirational, fostering an
environment where genuine connections
could flourish.
Our medical mission to Iraq was
a journey of compassion, connection,
and hope. The trip was more impactful
than I could have imagined. From
visiting clinics to creating a bridge between
students across the globe, our
efforts sought to pave the way to these
connections and encourage others to
venture to places unknown. We left
with hope, inspiring others to visit this
beautiful place and give back to their
communities. For in the fruit of love,
we find service, and through service,
we discover the true essence of compassion
that transcends borders and
unites us all.
30 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2023