Last evening a group of us were together and we were able to talk with both Mustafa’s mom (Nidhal), and Ahmed. So much thanks to Abu Bedour and Abu Zahra for translating. First the news, then some impressions.

Most important is that Mustafa is doing well. He has not had any signs of bladder or kidney infection. They are doing fine with  the catheterization procedure. He is only using the prosthesis when strongly encouraged to do so, and seems to prefer the wheelchair. He still plays floor soccer at every opportunity he has. Since they arrived home to Iraq after this school year had started, Mustafa is not now in school. However, he will start going next school year.

It was such a warm conversation–Ahmed greeted everyone here and said they look at pictures from Portland every day. He sends his love to all. Nidhal said Mustafa told her about ALL his friends in Portland. She said he loves to talk about his time here (and we KNOW he can talk!!), so she feels she knows all of us, too. As you might recall, Mustafa made two very special friends while he was here–Jack and Lucy. He recently got 2 pet birds and guess their name?! Yes, Jack and Lucy!! A tribute to the bonds of friendship.

Nidhal is currently in the hospital in Fallujah. She has been a patient there for the past 9 days. Apparently, she is suffering from blood clots in her leg and some sort of lung problem or infection. They did say that this was a result of her injuries which occurred at the same time as Mustafa’s. We asked if there is anything we could do to help her and she assured us that she is getting the care she needs. Obviously, we are concerned and realize that her being ill impacts their family greatly. As best we can, we will continue to stay in touch.

Some impressions the day after the call (my impressions, to the others of you there, please feel free to send your thoughts on and I will send them out, if you’d like): First of all, it was such a relief to hear Ahmed’s wonderful familiar voice and his laugh. It was a special treat (I think for all of us) to have the lengthy conversation with Nidhal, also. We’ve all thought about her so much.

It left me a bit unsettled to feel so close and caring for these wonderful people who are so insurmountably far away–not just their physical distance, but the circumstances and difficulties with which they live and which exist between us in the form of obstacles to the possibilities of seeing them with any ease. My yearning is to be able to sit with them over tea and hear their dreams or to watch Mustafa grow up, play his powerful and energetic floor soccer, to get to know all of their family. This desire was heightened by talking and hearing their voices again. I think we all feel the commitment to do whatever we possibly can for Mustafa, Ahmed and their family to repair and live a life of fulfilled possibilities and of peace. For me, talking to them strengthened that commitment and the determination to always keep in close contact and to be ready to help them in any way needed and possible.

We will stay in touch and will keep you linked in as well.

Best and peace–remember to call congress and voice your opposition to $83.5 billion more for war.

Maxine