FINALLY heard from family in Baghdad

[eissa]

It's my uncle and his family. I have been calling for months, but no phone service. I wrote a letter over two months ago basically saying if you're alive please call. They went to a friend's house who have a satellite phone and called from there to say they're ok.

Some background: my father filed their immigration papers and received approval for their visas back in the early 70s. At that time, and all these years, my uncle's response was always, "If the road from Baghdad to America were paved with gold, I will not leave my country." Well they're kicking themselves now. The situation is unbearable. There is sporadic electricity, and with the heat rising to 100+ with no air conditioning, they're going bonkers. Too afraid to leave the house because of all the chaos. No jobs as most are "contracted out." One of the cousins went to Jordan to see if they could find a foreign embassy that would grant them a visa, but no luck. One of the other cousins is married to an Armenian man. They're hoping to go to Armenia (where he can get easy citizenship) and then maybe leave from there.

All I could do was listen. I felt so helpless.

[etherealtruth]

1. I am glad all are "OK" now ...

It must be hellish worrying about loved over there.

I am not sure Americans (at least the RW'ers) fully understand the horrors that war imposes on "regular" folk ... mom's and dad's no longer trying to make a 'better life' for their kids ---- now, just trying to keep their families safe and alive.

[stellanoir]

2. Glad they're okay and that you heard from them at last.

The way in which the Iraqi people have suffered and are suffering is criminal.

I hope they make it to Armenia very soon and travel safely.

[eissa]

5. Unfortunately,

Now that I checked it out a bit, Armenia is little better (infrastructure wise), AND there's no guarantee that they could leave from there any easier.

[smbolisnch]

3. Thank goodness they are alright.

Please keep us updated on them.
:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[myrna minx]

4. I'm so thankful that they are alright.

I'm so sorry that things are so horrible for them. :-(

[Coventina]

6. Glad to hear that. I remember your thread from awhile back

that you have family over there.

I think Armenia would be an improvement. At least there are not daily bombings. Maybe they would at least be able to leave their house.

It's just so sad.
:cry:

[qanda]

7. I'm so glad they are alive

I hope they will be able to find a way to leave soon. You must be so relieved that they are "okay".