Kurdistan Iraq

Dear Family and Friends,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Yes, we are homesick and missing you all but the joy of the Savior brings comfort and peace to us as we focus on the gift we are trying to give Him through our service here. Our friend and neighbor in Herriman, Larry Madsen, said it best---"You get to travel around Kurdistan and play Santa Claus with humanitarian aid." That statement reminded us, once again, of our purpose during this time of year: Help Bring the World to Christ, Help Prepare the World For His Coming, and Help Relieve Suffering for the Poor and Needy.

Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like in a Muslim country or even if Christmas is celebrated? We know the answer!! There are 5% Christians in the Middle East. They usually live together in villages or certain sections of the cities. They celebrate the birth of the Savior, but the rest of the Kurdish people just look at it as a winter holiday season. Decorations are in the stores; trees with lights, decorations of Santa, snowmen, elves, bells, and holly. The part of "Christ" is left out. It's sad. We can't even shout from the rooftops that "He Is the Light of the World".

HUMANITARIAN

We visited the United Nations Offices with a partner named Eva Said. We visited with a doctor to ask for his verbal support in a Nursing and Midwifery program for her NGO (non government organization). As one can imagine, security is a huge part of visiting these government offices. This poor country has security everywhere and for everything. Half of the roads in the city are blocked off just to have control over traffic in case of an emergency or invasion. Yesterday we went to the Parliament Building and visited with Muna Kahveci, a Secretary of Parliament, to ask for permission for Eva to build a building to teach nurses and doctors how to save newborns and keep the birthing mother alive after delivering a baby. Her training has saved hundreds of lives already in this country but she needs an office building with classrooms to enlarge her program. LDSC helps with her vital programs.

We went to a celebration for the conclusion of our project for Hope Center in Barhaka Camp. All the children had a cute performance for the audience to show what they are learning in the new community center.They have classes of dance, literacy, tumbling, art, and music. They were adorable and so happy to preform---something that was new for them. Many of these children, about 50%, cannot go to school because they don't have correct papers for the government. LDSC also provided $$ for a sewing center with new sewing machines, tables for cutting, irons and ironing boards, and other materials. The adult women of the camp, involved in the sewing center, modeled the dresses they have made and they were so happy to show off what they have been creating. They will start selling the dresses for family income. It was exciting for us to see the camp members celebrate their accomplishments.

KURDISTAN BRANCH

We had 9 people in attendance at Sacrament Meeting in our Erbil apartment on Sunday, December 9th. Dr. George Bennett and his wife Marcia, from St. George, Utah were here training doctors and nurses. Also form Provo, Utah, was Dr. Donna Thompson. It was the largest group we've had in a meeting with just Erbil Saints. We had beautiful talks and testimonies. It is always wonderful to have guests and hear from them.

Our faithful and amazing Kunbi from Nigeria completed her assignment in Kurdistan and will be going to Myanmor for her next assignment. We will miss her deeply. She added so much to our little twig of a branch in Erbil each Sunday evening. After much faith on her part, she was finally given a visa to go to the US to see her two sons and new daughter-in-law. The members in our branch are still anxious about a temple trip and we are hoping there is a country with a temple that will permit them entry. It is not easy, but we will find a way. They are ready!

Last Friday we drove to Zakho, a city on the boarder of Turkey and Iraq. We needed to visit a woman with two little boys. Her husband was taught gospel lessons on line from missionaries and was ready for baptism. Three months ago her husband was arrested right from the home and taken away by Asayish (the FBI here). She doesn't know why or where they took him or how long he will be gone. She is thinking he may have said something political at work that someone didn't like. She doesn't think it had anything to do with religion. We took her some cookies, candy, and toys for the boys and other financial assistance. She is worried but was very kind and appreciative of a visit.

LIFE IN IRAQ

As we watch the shepherds in the fields with their herds of sheep and lambs, we try to visualize the shepherds who followed the star on that night many hundreds of years ago. We bear witness of the child who was born that night, for He is the Son of God. The Son of our Father who loved all of us so much that He gave us the gift of His Son. What a privilege to be able to understand those words. To have the knowledge in our minds and hearts of eternal truths---and the freedom to live our lives accordingly. Maybe part of Christmas can be reviewing the "Living Christ" and appreciate those inspiring words.

We love you all but love the Lord more. If Kurdistan, Iraq, is where the Lord wants us to be this Christmas, this is where we want to be.

With So Much Love,

Elder and Sister Asay

Mom and Dad

Grandma and Grandpa

Ken and Joyce