Making sense of what’s happening in Iraq
Iranian General Qassem Soleimani was killed by U.S. forces in Iraq Friday morning after violating a travel ban prohibiting him from entering Iraq and for allegedly planning attacks against U.S. diplomats. President Trump ordered the strike against Soleimani, a...
On the Syrian border: A plea for help
“People come and go, promising to help,” Tariq said. But that help rarely comes.I met Tariq this week in a refugee camp, where his family is struggling to survive. I’ve changed his name to protect him. They receive a stipend of just $15 per month — an impossibly small...
On the Syrian border: True healing for refugees facing trauma
For many families I’ve met on the Syrian border, their journey to becoming refugees was a traumatic one. They arrive at the camps bearing both physical and emotional scars. This was certainly the case for Mrs. Zin and her family. I’ve shared the beginning of her story...
On the ground at the Syrian border: An impossible choice
Almost a year ago to the date, I was huddled in a tent with refugees I had met on the Syrian border. Today, I’m back again … and I’m still just as overwhelmed by the stories I hear and the needs I see. I’m more convinced than ever before that we — as the body of...
A refugee needs your help to survive the winter
Freezing to death is probably not something you’ve ever had to worry about. But it’s a very real threat for refugees living in northern Iraq and Syria.Refugee families are counting down the days until the temperature drops and the freezing winds blow. They aren’t...
Every day, I try to live my life in such a way that I accomplish at least one thing that will outlive me and last for eternity.