From Amman; the unfinished story of Sultana and Khalid

Khalid, Ruth, Betty and George

Months before our tour left Canada for the Holy Land, Ruth Cross and Sultana Yalda, St. David's Iraqi Christian refugee Mom, talked about how special it would be if Ruth could visit with Sultana's husband, Khalid, while we were in Amman, Jordan.  We of course hoped that he would be in Calgary before now, but sadly, that has not yet happened.  He is so anxious to be reunited with his wife and children, whom he has not seen for 18 years.

Khalid and his relative, George, arrived at the hotel on October 21st after dinner, and a number of the St. David's folks from the tour showed up to say hello and to say how happy they were to meet Khalid.  Ruth received hugs from both Khalid and George.  We found a quiet spot to sit - there were about 8 of us -  and we had a wonderful chat.  Khalid apologized for his English, but we told him several times that his English is good.  He didn't seem to believe us, but it really IS good!  Both Khalid and George were thrilled to know that "all these people" know Sultana and the kids!

After others left, Ruth (feeling positively energized by the visit!), Khalid and George continued our visit until 11 PM.  We had a wonderful visit, and now St. David's can put a face and character to the man who is Sultana's husband.



Khalid is a delightful gentle man who smiled and laughed a lot.  George often said what a good man Khalid is, and that Canada should accept him NOW!  Ruth encouraged Khalid that having his medical is a good sign that Immigration Canada is moving ahead, if slowly.

We learned about Khalid's search for Sultana, Mary and Ben, staring around 2003 after he was freed from Iraqi prison.  He even went to Turkey when he heard that someone had seen them there, but they had never gone to Turkey.  They were already in Calgary.  It wasn't until 2010 or 2011 that he finally connected with them from Amman via internet and phone.  Khalid shares an apartment in Amman and works there as a machinist (the closest we could get in translation!).

Khalid asked about Sultana, Mary and Ben, and Ruth was especially happy to share how wonderful the kids are, and of what a happy, boisterous place the house is when Sultana's sister, Nadia and her kids are there.  We also talked about music, and Ruth learned of Khalid's and George's musical skills.  Maybe St. David's will be able to use a drummer when Khalid arrives!   

We parted with hugs and "See you in Calgary" wishes.  We sincerely hope that our visit will sustain Khalid until he is reunited with his family in Canada.