Odyssey Notes
Reflections on Life, Leadership & the Road Less Traveled
Our Team of Local Legends
One of the things that we are so thankful for @therefugeinitiative is the incredible leadership, friendship and partnership we enjoy with these remarkable men.
Kak Krmanj, the Mayor - a humble and devoted leader of those he serves. Kareem, the Doctor - smart, industrious and incredibly generous. Hersh, the Fixer - the hardest working, multi-talented guy in Kurdistan. We owe so much of our success to these local Kurds who are making daily sacrifices to ensure that those without a helper, find help. We are so proud of them and humbled that they are part of our team and our families.
Kurdistan or Switzerland?
The magical countryside of Sakran, which could be mistaken for Switzerland (minus the land mine signs!!).
Gotta love Kurdistan! 📸 @missjessieparks
Fresh Hot Bread Anyone?
It's the perfect day to bake some bread.
Thanks to our neighbors, Elliana has learnt a new skill... and it tastes amazing!!
Meet Bishop Moses
Built in 361AD, Mar Mattai Monastery still stands unshakably crafted into the side of Mount Alfaf overlooking the city of Mosul. It was an incredible honor to visit there again and spend time with Bishop Musa (Moses).
In the midst of all the chaos this Christian monastery has stood as a testimony of hope and refuge on the frontline.
After learning about the history and heart of the church, we were graced with a tour inside the inner sanctuary and treated with a reading from the book of Matthew in both Greek and Aramaic.
Although the number of monks and priests living at the monastery have decreased because of recent hostilities, there are dozens of Christian families that were forced to flee from Mosul that have found refuge within its walls.
Summer eNewsletter Out Now
There are just so many ways to describe our life in Kurdistan, but "dull" is definitely not one of them. Ever since we moved to the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq a little over two years ago, we have experienced some the most enriching times of our lives. Sure we have had our fair share of challenges, but nothing like the challenges endured by the incredibly resilient people we find ourselves serving and living amongst.
We are back in the thick of the action after taking a break in the US this summer visiting family and friends. We also traveled quite a bit, raising awareness and support for the work we are involved with here in Iraq.
Now, with the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS looming and the anticipation that a further one million people will be displaced, there is a real sense that we are living on the frontline. We are more convinced than ever that God has placed us here to respond and serve those in need through shelter, education and holistic care.
We have lots to share in this Summer 2016 edition of the flickerflame eNewsletter, and some exciting ways you can get involved. Also, we have a new flickerflame.org website and blog with the latest updates and images of our life and work in Kurdistan.
Enjoy and thanks for journeying with us... Tim, Sarah, Elliana, Charlie & Lily xoxox
Pray for Our Peshmerga
Last week a few of us had the privilege of sharing a meal with these fine Peshmerga soldiers. They are holding the frontline against ISIS, enduring our protection and fighting for freedom I behalf of the entire world. Most are from my home town and many of them also happen to be my neighbors.
I got the sobering news that ISIS shelled this outpost - just 300 yards from this tent - that we were visiting on Wednesday, killing 1 Peshmerga and injuring 3 others.
Any day they will be taking the fight to ISIS as they make plans to recapture Mosul. Friends, they are in need of your prayers.
First Day Of School
School has officially begun in the Buxton home. I'm so proud of my amazing wife who has worked so hard to put together an incredible learning environment for our kids here in Kurdistan.
We are so stoked to have Ingrid with us from Norway who will be helping Sarah teach the children and volunteering at the new @therefugeinitiative school for refugees. #lifeinkurdistan #firstdayofschool
City On A Hill
Mar Mattai Monastery. Built in 361AD, today it still stands crafted into the side of a mountain overlooking the city of Mosul.
It was an incredible honor to visit there again and spend time with Bishop Musa (Moses). In the midst of all the chaos this Christian monastery has stood as a testimony of hope and refuge. #cityonahill #lifeinkurdistan
Hanging Out With Bob Goff
It was such a blast hanging out with @bobgoff the last few days here in Kurdistan.
Along the way we spent time with some remarkable individuals... the Mayor of Soran who carries the weight of the entire city on his shoulders; the Bishop of a 4th century Christian Monastery that overlooks Mosul; Army Generals and Peshmerga fighting on the frontline against ISIS; Patriarchal leaders now living in refugee camps; and the Spiritual Leader of the Yazidis - a people who are literally fighting for their survival. It was humbling to witness the hope in the eyes of each person we met, despite enduring such great adversity. Each possessed a courage that gave fear it's marching orders. What an inspiring few days. What can I say... I 🎈 Bob! #lovedoes
Meet Rashoul
Meet Rashoul, the family leader at the Rwandz Camp built by @therefugeinitiative
He carries a heavy burden to care for the 42 Yazidi families within the micro-camp. He is always kind and greets me with a big smile each time I visit. I often wonder what he must be thinking, knowing that so many are looking to him for leadership.
Lily And The Mayor
I think this image captures the heart of our friend Kak Karmnj, who also happens to be the mayor of our town. He's an incredible leader, who has always put the needs of his people before his own. He is loved by everyone, adults a children alike. Our own Lily had so much fun playing in the water with him at his village home. I think you can tell lot about a leader when you see the way they welcome little children.
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
Mourn With Those Who Mourn
Some of our closest Kurdish friends in our home town have are going through a season of heart-wrenching loss and pain. It is just so difficult to know how to comfort them, but we know that they are in the loving arms of our Father. They are such a precious family and our kids would go to their home every day to play if they could.
Photo by Michael Dean McDonald
How cute is Charlie and his Kurdish friend Laren in this photo... They trying a few moves on the dance floor. If you are a praying person, would you lift them up in your prayers?
The Best Kind Of Selfie
If you've got kids, you probably have a gazillion photos of them taking selfies pulling crazy faces, taking photos of the wall, their nostrils and other random screenshots. In fact, you've most likely run out of storage on your phone from the shear number of "kid junk" photos they take. But every know and then you come across a priceless photo that steals your heart, and makes all the others worth it. This is one of those photos! My two daughters - goofing around - reminding me how incredible blessed I am. #tonguesout #sisters #thebestkindofselfie
Never Get Tired Of The View
Early in the morning as I walk up the stairs to the roof and water the plants, I'm always flabergasted by the stunning view that we get to see every day. The mountains of Soran are a constant reminder of the majesty of our God and the safety we feel nestled behind their fortress walls.
Photo by Dalton Thomas
This photo was taken on a frosty winter's afternoon. Unreal.
Pray for Mosul
Overlooking the Nineveh plains you can almost see Mosul from this 4th century monastery. Today, the battle for Mosul is slowly ramping up, with Iraqi & Kurdish forces with the help from Western Allies on the verge of outright war to eradicate ISIS from the city and surrounding towns and villages. Can't help but think of the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis now fleeing the next wave of violence, most likely heading our way to seek refuge. In fact Mar Mattai Monastery currently houses persecuted Christians that fled the Mosul region, forced to flee ISIS back in June 2014.
Mar Mattai Monastery is located atop Mount Alfaf in Northern Iraq and is 20km from Mosul. It is recognized as one of the oldest Christian Monasteries in existence. It was an incredible experience to visit there in July of 2015 and also very sobering to think of the thousands that have lost their lives at the hands of ISIS in villages and towns within it's spanning view. #MarMatthaiMonastery #BattleForMosul
Beach Days
Some of my fondest memories as a kid were made at the beach and it was almost like reliving my childhood watching my kids in the water. I distinctly remember my brother @dbuxton and my sisters Esther & @suze_evans teaching me to swim at Glenelg beach, South Australia.
I don't know about you, but when I'm at the beach surfing or just splashing around with the kids, its like there isn't a care in the world. I'm so glad we got to enjoy the salty ocean during our Summer trip to NY. Though there isn't the deep blue ocean in this Iraqi oasis called Kurdistan, we are going to climb some majestic mountains and discover secret caves to make up for it. I can't help think that God created such a beautiful world so that we could revel in it. Life is too short to be serious all this time. Be a kid again and do something crazy fun in this wildly beautiful world of ours. #beachfun #theadventureawaits#lovemykids
With Bob Goff & Friends
A couple weeks ago I got to hang out with some great friends in San Diego. It truly was one of the highlights of my trip back to the US.
It was such a joy to see @milesadcox again and meet his soon to be bride @vanessaevigan... So excited for them. The cool thing is that @bobgoffwill be visiting us here in Kurdistan in a few days and @michaeldeanmcdonald not long after. Hands down, @love.does and @hearthecry are a huge reason for the ongoing success of the education of Iraqi refugee kids at @therefugeinitiative school. #lovedoes
School Roof Top View
It might be a dusty afternoon, but that's a pretty cool view from the top of the new @therefugeinitiative School for refugee children. Check out the soccer field in the distance... It's part of the @worldorphans community center property and will be used by the school kids on a daily basis - you can count on that! Can't wait for school to begin.
