When Cultures Colide (inshallah): We had more visitors from Salt Lake

Saturday and Sunday we had the privilege to spend time with visitors from Salt Lake and Saudi. Elder Price who is an Area Seventy over the Middle East, North Africa Area. He lives in Saudi Arabia. Sharon Eubank who is the Director of LDS Charities for The Church and Bro. and Sis. McMillan. Brother McMillan works with The Desk over the Middle East Area.

Saturday morning we started out with a tour of the schools that UB Holdings are building for the Kurdistan region. This is one of the schools being built here in Erbil by Jon's company.

Jon is explaining UB's goals in building and giving away schools.

Next to Jon is Bro and Sis McMillan, then Alan Morrell, Elder Price and Walter Plum.

We then met at UB Plaza to discuss a project with UB Holdings and LDS Charities for clean water for schools. Sharon Eubank shared the goals of LDS Charities and other projects such as teaching English and providing wheelchairs.

For lunch we drove down to the Bazar and Alan took us to a hole in the wall restaurant. We ordered Shawarma all around and we got Kurdish chicken and rice. Good thing everyone was starving because it was not very appetizing.

A picture of the Plaza from the top of the Citadel wall.

These two men saw all the white shirts and ties and wanted to take us on a tour. They didn't speak English, but they wanted us to follow them so we did and they took us in the new entrance and up to the top of the new Citadel wall. They were so please to have us there and wanted a picture with all of us.

One of the old beautiful villas in the Citadel.

A photo op with the two blond ladies. We had to hold his beads with him. Brenda McMillan was a good sport.

From left to right. Sharon Eubank, Peggy Plum, Elder Price, Walt Plum, Alan Morrill, Dave McMillan, Brenda McMillan, Me and our new friend.

As we left the Citadel this young man walked up to Walter and asked him if he was Chaldean. Walter explained to him that he was LDS, Mormon, and this man was so excited he said he knew all about the Mormon Church. He was a student at the university studying religions. He was very interested in talking to Walter. You would not believe how open and hungry the people here in Kurdistan are for the Gospel. Too bad it is against the law to convert.

After a short break we went to dinner at a nice Lebanese restaurant. We met with the Barzani Group who runs the Charities for Barzani who is the leading political group here in Kurdistan. Sharon talked with the leader about providing 4000 wheel chairs and training. They were very receptive and willing to partner with LDS Charities.

Hurray! No chicken and rice. I had a nice seafood platter. Nearly real food.

Sunday we got up very early and drove up to Dohuk to visit the member families there. First we went to the Tiari family and visited with them. Elder Price held a Sacrament Meeting that we all participated in. Brother and Sister Tiari were so pleased to have us in their home. Elder Price promised to come back and visit them and give them whatever support they need. Before we left, all the Brothern stood and gave Bro. Tiari a priesthood blessing. It was so touching and the spirit was wonderful.

From left to right. Peggy Plum, Walter Plum, Mark Tiari, Elder Price, Sharon Eubank, Edward Tiari, Me, Alan Morrell, Hannah Tiari, Joan D'ark Tiari, Solom Tiari, Bro and Sis. McMillan.

Then we drove like crazy up to the little village of San Diago to meet with the Homi Family.

This is the Homi's new house that they have recently moved into. They were so happy to have us. Bro Samir Homi was the first Iraqi member of the Church. He was baptized in Jordan over 16 years ago when they fled to Jordan from Bagdad during Sadam's regime. Samir's barber shared The Gospel with him and invited him to take the missionary lessons. Samir invited Hanna Tiari, his sister to join with the missionaries. Both families were converted and two weeks after Samir was baptized he was called as the Branch Pres. He served as Branch Pres. for 10 years in Jordan and Rita, his wife was the Relief Society Pres. until an unfortunate incident forced them to flee Jordan and return to Iraq. They settled in the peaceful region of Kurdistan, but lost all connection with The Church.