In 2001 I had a dream that I was in Baghdad, Iraq with my future husband, and three friends and their spouses. We were leading a secret Christian meeting in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces. In the dream I knew Saddam's regime had fallen and he was dead. I also knew it was a prophetic picture of a real experience I would have in the future.



In 2008 I met Canon Andrew White, the Vicar of Baghdad, through a friend. He invited me to go to Iraq with him and work with him there. In November 2011 I spent three weeks in Iraq, mainly in Baghdad. I brought 11 paintings friends did for specific leaders in Iraq. It was a sensational time of seeing hope arise despite the look of things.


In the midst of all this passion for the Middle East, and for Iraq specifically, I have begun a movement of outrageous hope for Iraq. I want to see that nation flourish. I believe much of what we see is based on our beliefs. If we stir up hope for a nation, we will see hope arise and transform that nation to fulfill its destiny.

Thus, the "I heart Baghdad" shirts. They are an easy way for people to express their hope for Iraq and to provoke others to think more optimistically about the nation and the Middle East as a whole.

The other bits of hope born here and sold here are all moving from the same desire that people live and dream with OUTRAGEOUS HOPE. SO, whether it's a shirt, a magnet, or something else, I truly hope and pray you are newly inspired to be fully you.

Let hope arise.

P.S. I also sell photographs here:
http://hopeiraq.imagekind.com/