Reflections from a Transformative Iraq Mission Trip
The mission team, after a productive visit to Maryamana Hospital Hospital in Ankawa, with His Excellency Bishop Warda.
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.
Dr. Rena Daiza discussing urgent health issues in Iraq with the Minister of Health of Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Dr. Saman Barzangy.
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 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 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.