Jill visits Monitor newsroom
Jill Carroll's return to her family
More reunion photos
Reactions to Jill's release
Efforts to free Jill
Photos: Reactions to Jill's release
There is nothing sweeter than seeing Jill, at home with her family. Thanks to the Carroll family and the Monitor for sharing these moments with us. The pictures and videos say it all so perfectly.
Keith Bramwell, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
Dear Jill,
Did you hear the shouts of joy from the Midwest when we learned of your release? A group of friends has been praying daily for you and your family, and we were all overjoyed to see you reunited with them. We know that the prayers from around the world will continue to bless you and your family.
Erin Blake, Geneva, Ill., USA
Dear Jill (and your very brave family),
My husband called me from work on Friday to tell me of your release. We had been thinking of you, speaking your name, and calling in every favor from the universe to encourage your release for these past three months. Did you ever wonder if one life could change the world? Now you know.
Every blessing for healing and health and a long life in the light,
Kate Pett, Weaverville, N.C., USA
Dear Jill,
I am glad you are home. We were with you all the way! With love, respect and admiration,
R.R. Hattab, Amman, Jordan
Dear Jill,
Your heartfelt response to the Christian Science Monitor newsroom was aired on our local TV station last night. Thank you for your humility and honest acknowledgments. It is so right that your story be told, since it universally touches hearts.
Just as I was educated and uplifted by your researched articles in the past, I can't wait for more because I feel an uncanny searching and yearning to find the truth in your words.
The fact that you are safe, home, brings me tears of joy!
Katherine Gavarini, Los Altos, Calif., USA
Hey Jill,
Welcome home to family, and thank you for your reporting through The Christian Science Monitor that's helped us learn about the larger family of humanity in Iraq. That care for "family" is sure felt in all the prayers and other tangible actions by your Monitor colleagues and others.
Keep it up, and thanks!
Carol Douglas, Wellesley, Mass., USA
Dear Jill,
We worked together at States News Service years ago when we were both first starting out in journalism. I was struck then by your commitment to the field and your good cheer even as our paychecks bounced.
I was so proud to learn you went to Iraq, and deeply haunted and horrified about your kidnapping. At a time when there is much cynicism about the media and war coverage, you have really been an inspiration. Your purity of heart and conviction have made you a hero at a time when there are so few to turn to – especially in our generation, unfortunately.
How weird it must be to be on the other side of the coverage. I'm sure it will only make you even more sensitive as a journalist, if that's possible. I was moved to tears by the videos and photos of your reunion on this website, and wish you all the best in your future.
Love,
Lisa Fine, Bethesda, Md., USA
Jill,
As a soldier who returned from Iraq in January of this year, I know Iraq and its dangers. But like me, you chose to go anyway in hopes of doing something good and just. You accomplished so much more. You showed everyone that you can stand up to adversity and fear, and confront them head-on. You stayed strong, kept your faith, and made it through.
I am glad you are home, as is the rest of the world.
"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me" (Isaiah 6:8).
PFC Shane Kudisch, Fort Stewart, Ga., USA
Wow to Jill's Mom and Dad. Wow! Would you please write a book so we can know what you did to raise such a wonderful child? Your poise, dignity, selflessness, and love all seem to come through. I shed a few tears when I watched the video of Jill and you speak at the Monitor's offices.
I'd also like to compliment the Monitor on the grace it has shown. It is now my favorite newspaper.
Annan Hassan, Washington D.C., USA
The most uplifting news of the Iraq fiasco has been the safe release of Jill Carroll.
As I viewed photographs of Ms. Carroll being reunited with her family, the Old Testament story of Abraham and Isaac is heavily imprinted in my mind. Surely the Carrolls must feel the joy that Abraham felt when his son was spared from sacrifice. Ms. Carroll’s return to the loving embrace of her family after having been in captivity for nearly three months is indeed nothing short of miraculous.
Benin Dakar, Duluth, Ga., USA
Jill, (I have prayed for you and so I boldly call you by your first name; forgive me, but you are part of my family) I am very proud of the way you handled yourself. You represented yourself, your sex, your generation, and your country with so much dignity that we can all share in being proud of you.
Sure, you didn't ask to take on such a broad burden, but it was put on you, and by your very response you triumphed over evil. And so, we all did.
You were willing to cross into their culture; you willingly honored their systems even before being kidnapped; you responded intelligently under duress; and when freed, you responded with measured truth.
And what words! Excuse the hyperbole, but that thing about not wanting to polemicize and then laying out the facts about your abductors just about knocked me over!
You demonstrated heroic greatness in your response to evil. In years to come, do me a favor: Become our first woman president.
Barbara J. Schulz, Stanford, Ky. USA
Dear Ms. Carroll,
You are absolutely correct: The kidnapping and deliberate abuse of civilians is barbaric and inexcusable. I am a Muslim. I felt, and continue to feel, enraged and and demeaned by acts committed in the name of my beautiful faith. What was hardest for me was the fact that the organization you work for has historically provided the most unbiased coverage on almost all issues that they address.
You, your family, and The Christian Science Monitor have my sincerest apology for your ordeal. I am utterly gratified by your safety and return home to your family and friends. If you are ever in Grinnell, IA (I know, why should you ever want to go there!) it would be my family's pleasure to host you. Stay well and don't lose the spirit. The good ones still outnumber the uglies.
Sincerely,
Kamal Hammouda, Grinnell, Iowa, USA
Carissima,
We are so happy that whoever kidnapped you was capable of mercy. This gives us some hope. Some of us Iraqi journalists now must leave the country temporarily, but we will return. Hopefully once this paying the price for democracy in Iraq is finally over, we will have you back with us.
Anna Zayer Al-Sabah Al-Jadeed, The New Morning, Baghdad, Iraq
Dear Ms. Carroll,
All we can say is that we are so happy for you and you twin sister and your Mom and Dad. We are twins too, and our family has been praying for you everyday! Welcome back, and have fun with your sister.
Love,
Matt and Gannon Lee, age 8, Wilmette, Ill., USA
To those who would criticize Jill Carroll for her statements in captivity, let me remind you that she is neither a soldier nor a government worker. She did what she had to do to survive, and this veteran is more then happy to see the joy surrounding her return to her family. Welcome home Jill, we're glad you made it!
Keith Stanton, Macomb, Mich., USA
Jill,
Our family is so grateful to hear the good news of your release! I'd often pray for you over the past three months. Sometimes before I fell asleep, I would include you in my prayers for my own children.
I want you to know that I am not through praying for you. Why you've had this amazing experience, I don't know, but I will continue to pray that you will have good counsel and discernment to use your experience for further good. God bless you!
Nancie Carmichael, Camp Sherman, Ore., USA
Dear Jill,
For three months, I have been praying for your release and your safe return home to your family. Tears of elation streamed down my cheeks when I heard of your release and while viewing the television reports and photos of your homecoming.
I thank God every minute now that you are safe and that you are back in your family's loving care. You are such a beautiful, brave, inspiring woman to me. I have felt so close to you throughout your terrifying ordeal – even though I've never met you.
I am 23 years old and studying professional writing. Like you, I have a twin sister with whom I am incredibly close. I can not even fathom what you and Katie have been through since Jan. 7, but seeing pictures of your reunion was so emotional for me. I've had countless dreams of your reunion with your sister, especially, and to see these dreams come true is just amazing.
My sister and I look up to you, we support you, we are proud of you, and we know that you have a wonderfully rich and happy future ahead of you. We look forward to reading your work and we will continue to pray for you and your beloved family.
Lovingly and respectfully,
Natalia Lauren Fiore, Tampa, Fla., USA
Jill, my family is so grateful for your release. As Scott Peterson's sister, I was following each news snippet during your captivity, hoping and praying for your safe release. Scott (and so many others, I'm sure) put their lives and families on hold while they worked tirelessly for your freedom. The world held you in its arms during that time, and still does. We're so very happy you're home.
Karin Heath, Bowen Island., British Columbia, Canada
Dear Jill,
So glad you're back!
As a subscriber to the Treeless Edition of the Monitor I had the chance to go back through my saved issues and reflect on your previous work as I thought about situation.
What I saw was a wonderfully talented, highly objective reporter. Please know that there are many of us who look forward to learning and growing from your continued good work.
Rich Hines, Portland, Ore., USA
I am so relieved and so happy for Jill's family. Being a twin is a very special bond making seperation more tragic and reunion doubly joyful. To Jill, thank you for your heroism. You are our hope. Your youth, your commitment, and your bravery represent the best of the human spirit. LIve long.
Norah Kute, Louisville, Ky., USA
Jill,
Welcome home, and congratulations on your release. Your bravery and courage are something to be proud of, and are a fine example of what America is all about. The nation is thinking of you and all those involved in the war.
Welcome home and God bless you and your family!
John Earl, Trinidad, Colo., USA
Dear Jill,
Believe us when we say that we, Arabs, were as concerned for your safety as your fellow citizens in the US. We have long prayed for your release and for the end of violence in our name.
You have been through undescribably tough times – you can't change that. But you can make use of it! Make use of it by living a happy life, and spreading joy around you. Keep that smile – it never left our minds!
With love, respect and admiration,
Dina Abdul Sater, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Your photograph of the Carroll family all together again sent chills down my spine. To be on the brink of losing your daughter and then have her back to wrap your arms around must be surreal. I'm going to hug my own kids a little tighter tonight.
Lori Nerbonne, Bow, N.H., USA
Our dearest Jill,
We wish we could all have been there in Boston to welcome you home with open arms. Your aunts, uncles, and cousins are so very proud of you at this moment!
Can't wait to see you – soon!
All our love, Aunt Joanne, Uncle Mike, Laura, Michael and Dan.
Joanne Teichman, Bay Village, Ohio, USA
Hey Jill! Glad you're back. Having followed your work for some time, I must say you were missed.
I have always been struck by your absolute objectivity and your refusal to join the popular propaganda machine we are confronted with every day. Having said that, I can imagine how conflicted you must have been to be forced to abandon the very thing that makes you an exceptional journalist in return for your freedom. Please don't regret any of that; anybody who knows your work knows you for your integrity.
I'm a fan and I'm looking forward to the rest of your career.
Paul Parent, Morgantown, W.V., USA
Dearest Jill,
I have tried to view the photographs of you reuniting with your family several times, but my tears of joy keep getting in the way. Your story has touched us as no other.
Jill, we have cared for you and your family every moment during these 82 days. Your lovely spirit has been such a sterling example of what we all would aspire to be. You are forever in our hearts.
With love and admiration,
Sharon Mooney Welker, Prescott, Ariz., USA
Please tell Jill to just ignore the people who are criticizing her. She did what it took to survive and I support her 100 percent. She wasn't a soldier – she was a young woman – and no one should expect her to put her life on the line just to be "politically correct." She did exactly what she needed to do and what I hope my daughter would do in the same situation.
Susan Hobert, Castleton, N.Y., USA
I just wanted to express how happy and relieved I was to hear of Jill's release and her safe return home to the US. Jill is a true hero in my book! I deeply appreciate the difficult, dangerous work she did in Iraq to help the rest of us try to understand the situation there. Welcome home, Jill! We're with you all the way!
Rod Hansen, St. Louis, Mo., USA
Congratulations from us kids at Potomac Elementary. You must have been very brave in hard times. We hope you have a peaceful life.
Sincerely,
Matthew Anderson and Andrew Tsao, Potomac, Md., USA
Welcome home, Jill! The nation's arms are around you and always have been since the day you were captured. You were never alone. Welcome home!
William F. Hagen, Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
Ms. Carroll,
There have only been a few times in my life that I have been so thrilled to see the ending of a story that had nothing to do with me. I kept you in my prayers even after I had given up hope.
I hope this will become something much more than an experience that brings you closer to your family and to God, but something that has a continuing impact for many people from all around the world.
As a modern Muslim woman, so often I feel I cannot join hands with those in the West who are fighting terrorism because so much of the ignorance and hatred we're shown by our media suggests it is a war against us all, and not just the terrorists. But every so often someone like you comes along who is willing to join hands with us and fight this together, and I believe it's the only way we can win.
I cannot wait to read your future articles, and please realize that thousands feel the same. Now you have the fame and power to truly use your words as you've wanted to all along, and I wish you congratulations and the best of luck with this.
Djamila Nesuvic, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Congratulations, and thanks for your clear April 1 statement on your ordeal. It is a pity that ideologues in this country started to try and "capture" you again as a symbol for being either for or against war or President Bush. Your statement, and your continued search for truth, should lower that unseemly rhetoric.
I respect that you wish to be considered first and foremost for your journalistic professionalism, so I will be watching for your reporting in the future.
Heal well, and my prayers are now for all those still being kidnapped in Iraq, both nationals and foreigners.
Tim Gammell, Portland, Ore., USA
Jill,
Your courage and grace in the face of terrifying cirumstances are a example for us all. God bless you and your family. Welcome home.
Pam Jones, Knoxville, Tenn., USA
Jill, this old man has prayed for you every day! I am so happy you are free, able to share your many talents, and tell your story of captivity.
Please, know how deeply you are loved! "Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty..." Jill is free at last!!!
Fred Suedmeyer, Eugene, Ore., USA
Dear Jill,
I am very happy that you are free. Being a Muslim, I regret and apologize for your mistreatment in Iraq. But I think we should try to know about the problems of the Iraqi people. I am glad the kidnappers didn't hurt you. My good wishes are with you. I think the Abaya which you wore in the TV interview suits you. God bless you.
Mudasser Aziz, Karachi, Pakistan
The watchword of The Christian Science Monitor from the start has been "to injure no man, but to bless all mankind." Your courage, strength, and integrity have certainly exemplified this watchword – in your life in Iraq before your captivity, and certainly while you were held hostage. The integrity and respect you show toward the Iraqis and their culture have touched hearts around the world. Your example has been enough to galvanize support across the board culturally, religiously, and nationally, to fight for your release, and for the release of others who, like you, were taken and held captive. Your example, then, must indeed "bless all mankind" because of its unfailing standard of goodness.
Churches all over the world have been praying and staying with their prayer daily, not only on your behalf, but others in such captivity as well.
Bless your heart, Jill. We are all in awe of the power of goodness in the face of what seems to be cruel challenge.
Donna Fay, Ypsilanti, Mich., USA
Jill, I'm so proud of you! Proud of you for being such a tenacious journalist and proud of you for surviving! I can't wait until you can hug your family and sleep in a familiar bed. I wish you normalcy, peace, and the space to recover and move forward.
Joanne Williams, Coram, N.Y., USA
Dear Jill,
I thank God so much for your release. I heard the news I have been waiting to hear for nearly 3 months. You are free to be yourself once again. I join in a big hug and kiss with all the people who have prayed daily for your release. Thank you for all your work on The Christian Science Monitor and other publications. I will continue to watch for your excellent writing. Much Love to you and your family.
Linda B. Drummond, Henrietta, N.Y., USA
The release of Jill Carroll has reinforced to me, and shown to skeptics around the world, that there is more hidden good in the world than visible evil. I rejoice in this display of God's government over mankind. During a prayer meeting in February, a testimony about gratitute for the Monitor's campaign for your release led me to the revelation that Jill Carroll was, at that moment, a liberated child of God. I have rested on that elevated view of her true situation since then. Now the world sees it with me.
Blessings to her for her entire life.
Jack Hames, Chico, Calif., USA
Dear Jill,
I was thrilled to hear of and see your release. Thank God for that. All the prayers from all over the world have been answered! I can only imagine the emotion when you are reunited with your family.
The next time you're in Boston, I would love to get you front row seats to the Red Sox at Fenway. Heck, they should let you throw out the first pitch!
So glad you are safe.
Michael Doyle, Medford, Mass., USA
Dear Jill Carroll,
As a journalist who has covered the Middle East, I just want to say that you are a very sensible and brave woman. Don't listen to anybody who accuses you of sympathizing with the kidnappers. Being in captitivity for three months is such a stressful – really more than that – such a traumatic experience, and I would do exactly the same as you did: say anything they want to get your freedom. I hope that you will recover well and continue to do your good job in Iraq. Best wishes and brava.
Karin Davison, Rutherford, N.J., USA
Dear Ms. Carroll,
I am so happy you are free and that you will be home shortly. Please do not feel ashamed or regretful for your final statements prior to being released. I wish you all the best.
Charlene Kalbfell, Pawling, N.Y., USA
I want to commend Jill Carroll for her personal strength and professionalism. I felt a great deal of compassion for Jill because we both went to UMass Amherst, and while she practices journalism, I teach it to young women like her in the United Arab Emirates. My students have read about Jill's work in Iraq and greatly admire her character and sense of purpose. She is a role model for many young people here. Jill, I salute you for trying to get the real story for the rest of us at such a high cost to yourself. I hope that you will one day return to a peaceful Iraq. I pray for the safety of all fellow journalists in Iraq and Palestine.
Badran A. Badran, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dear Jill,
I am so grateful that you've been released safely. You've been in my thoughts and prayers every day. When I first heard that you'd been freed, a felt as though a weight had been lifted from the world.
I pray that the actions of your captors in releasing you will be a catalyst, and that we'll see more evidence of the best that humankind is capable of.
Best wishes,
Barbara Piper Green, Dorchester, Mass., USA
My mom was watching the news on TV when suddenly my sister and I heard her yelling bravo, bravo! I knew it had to be about Jill. We rejoice with her familiy about her release. To me it is an irrefutable proof that prayer works. So lets keep praying for those who have not resurfaced so far and hope they will be back soon too.
Eduardo Torfer, Mexico City, MEXICO
Dear Jill,
I just sobbed when I heard Jill was free. I can't seem to stop crying. I'm so happy.
Our prayers have been answered. I have agonized over Jill's ordeal. I was so afraid she was being mistreated. Thank you, Lord, for not allowing that to happen.
Thank you, Christian Science Monitor. Living in Arkansas, I DEPEND on your wonderful news coverage. Keep up the good work.
My best to Jill and her family. May they recover soon, and have a wonderful life. I'm so glad she is safe.
Louann Gilbert, Paris, Ark., USA
She is free! That's what I shouted yesterday morning when I was doing my normal review of the day's news on the Internet. When my wife heard me she didn't need to ask me any additional questions, she knew whom I was talking about.
We are thrilled and thankful to Allah that your (and our) nightmare has ended.
Welcome back Jill.
Ahmed Khattab, Mountain View, Calif., USA
Am happy by releasing Carroll. It took from my heart to free her. Good bless her and bless CSM. God bless her for all what she inspired us of courage and determinancy. Am happy because I contributed my part by messages and calls to kidnappers to release her. If I haven't, I would have felt guilty all my life.
Nagib Nassar, Professor Universidade de Brasilia, Brasilia, BRAZIL
Dear Jill,
Like many who have written today, I too cried tears of joy at the fabulous news of your release. What a gift you have been to the world through your hard work, courage, and kindness. We are a better society for your presence, and I can only imagine what promise your life will bring to our world community in the future.
As I've passed my colleagues in the school hallway today, we've shared our individual observations that today is a very good day – a very good day indeed.
Kate Kinsella, Chicago, Ill., USA
This is one of those days that caring people around the world are likely to be able to recall what they were doing at the very instant they learned of news that they knew would profoundly affect the rest of their lives.
For me, the time was 5:08 a.m. at our New Mexico home, an hour earlier than my wife and I normally arise. I switched on CNN, saw the "Breaking News" crawl, called out to my wife Mary Ellen, "Honey, wake up! Jill Carroll has been released and is safe!" Then we shared a good cry, along with prayers of thanksgiving. We thought: How remarkable that today's news, unlike Pearl Harbor, JFK's assassination, and 9/11, has to warm the hearts of everyone on earth – including Jill's captors!
Mary Ellen and I will continue holding all of you in our prayers as you recover from this ordeal and decide what you will do for the rest of your lives. We know you will make the right decisions.
To you and all my former colleagues at The Christian Science Monitor, I pass along three words that former Los Angeles Times Editor Nick B. Williams often used to praise his writers: "You done superb!"
Lew Little, Silver City, N.M., USA
What thrilling gratitude and joy I have for Jill's release. Now I ask myself, "How can I convert the energy of this joy into positive efforts to correct the tragic mistakes that led to this war and injustice?"
Bill Kilgour, Madison, Wis., USA
Welcome back, Jill. Come to Philadelphia, the birthplace of freedom, and I'll buy you a cheesesteak.
Michael Bankus, Philadelphia, Pa., USA
Dear Jill,
I can't explain how happy I am to read of your release. You are an inspiration to me and so many others. I'm a student at UMass, like you once were. Support for you could be seen everywhere on our campus. Your story reminded us that one person, each one of us, can have the courgage to make an immense difference in the world. I am humbled by your bravery, and I will always remember your pursuit of fairness and justice. Thank you for your sacrifice and I hope that you realize the world is a better place because of you. You are amazing.
Brian Dugdale, Amherst, Mass., USA
In a world too often burdened with a heavy collective heart, particularly when it concerns events in Iraq, I feel an overwhelming sense of worldwide gratitude and renewed hope at the news of Jill's release. Let us all pray that this momentous event be seen as a natural outcome of the core goodness that is truly ours as a world family, and that it be just the first of many such occasions for joy and humble gratitude. Let us all continue to pray.
Sandy Warren, Hurricane, Utah, USA
It is a gray day in Iowa, but all one feels and sees is brightness and light on hearing of your release, Jill. Many thanks for your safe return and for all you can do to help us understand important issues in the world. May all others kidnapped soon be freed, too.
Becky Soglin, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
Jill Carroll's release is a perfect example of the power of prayer, and of the common bonds of human compassion.
A miracle? Well, probably. But this global moment of joy is also an example and an opportunity. With God's grace, this small flash of much-needed decency and understanding may spark a universe of tolerance and reconciliation among the Iraqi people.
David Burgess, Arlington, Va., USA
I'll quote James Fenimore Cooper about how I feel about Jill Carroll's release:
"Brave your storms with firm endeavor
Let your vain repinings go;
Hopeful hearts will find forever,
Roses beneath the snow."
I feel like my own sister has come home.
Michael S. Woodson, Denver, Colo., USA
I woke up this morning with tears of joy at hearing the great news of your release. I don't pretend to understand what the war is about, and the kidnappings seems pretty senseless. I do know that the world is changed one person and one heart at a time. You have made a worldwide impact by uniting millions of people of all faiths in hope and prayer for a common goal.
I know this time has not been easy for you and your friends and family, but I hope you all find comfort in knowing that in three months of your life, you have given more to the world in promoting love, peace, and unity than all the wars in the history of mankind. Celebrate your life, enjoy your freedom, and then please continue your work to help us understand, to heal, to forgive and pray for our enemies, and to live together in harmony.
Jacci Reuteler, Denver, Colo., USA
I am so thrilled to hear of your release and I look forward to seeing you back in the United States with your family. I was moved by your sister's recent statement about you. I am your age, but am humbled by your experiences.
I also just want to commend you for emphasizing that you were not mistreated. That type of first-hand account must be heard.
Again, welcome home.
Rachel D. Jaffe, Philadelphia, Pa., USA
Dear Jill,
Your situation and sacrifice inspired my 11-year-old daughter to study and report on your situation for her Social Studies Project "Taking a Stand, Making a Difference in History." At the time of the Social Studies Fair, your whereabouts were not known and the third deadline had just passed. She was so concerned on how to treat your situation that she ended her exhibit by adding a statement urging others to keep you in their thoughts and prayers. She was elated this morning at the news of your release. You have made quite the impression on her. We look forward to your articles.
P.S. She took 1st place!
Catherine Storch, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., USA
Thank you Father for your infinite goodness and care of all your children including Jill. Thank you to the Christian Science Monitor for your ceaseless prayers and work for Jill's release. Thank you to the captors for your compassion and humanity. Thank you to all those who prayed ceaselessly for Jill's safety and freedom. And thank you to Jill and Jill's family for your grace and courage under fire.
Elise Moore, Nashville, Tenn., USA
So many prayers have been answered with Jill's release. Many are hoping that Ms. Carroll will resume her reporting, which, in Iraq, provided balanced coverage in an impossible situation. This is simply wonderful news.
Michael Pressley, East Lansing, Mich., USA
My prayer upon waking and before sleeping for the past three months has been the same one, and the only one. It was a prayer for the safe-keeping of Jill Carroll, peace and strength of her body, mind, spirit, and soul, for the members of her family, her colleagues, her friends, and those seeking her release. I prayed for her captors that their wills may be bent to that of God's. My only prayer this morning was, "Thank you, thank you, thank you God." This is a joyous day for all those who kept watch, known and unknown. God indeed is merciful.
Carol Seischab, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., USA
What beautiful news! I am crying for you all. Finally, a strong hint of humanity underneath all this carnage in Iraq. Bravo to Jill and her family for their abiding strength.
John Fiske, Arlington, Va., USA
The joyful news of the release of Jill Carroll is evidence to those who dare to hope that God's grace and mercy prevail. It is by Jill Carroll's return to her family, friends and supporters that her mission to a hurting world will be most deeply felt. I hope that Jill will remain healthy and untroubled by this long ordeal. As a fellow UMass graduate, I hope this period of forced captivity will inform her future literary contributions. I'd be interested to read about her experiences.
Anne E. Stohr, Minneapolis, Minn., USA
Words cannot express the joy we felt when we heard of Jill's release. We did a dance around the breakfast table! Today we have seen goodness come out of Iraq. It is a good reminder that the prayer "Our father" indeed includes all mankind.
Susanne van Eyl, Evansville, Ind., USA
Please tell Jill Carroll that she is in my thoughts and prayers. For the past few months, I have been seeing her safe and well. I hope her freedom can be a model for those who want peace. I wish these words could express how happy I am for you. Very warm wishes.
Barbara Brenner, Arlington, Va., USA
I was soaking in the bathtub when I heard the wonderful news of Jill Carroll's release. In seconds there was more water in my eyes than in the tub. God bless her and her family. Keep on plugging Jill.
Shirlean Streater, Lilesville, N.C., USA
Jill,
I have been keeping my fingers crossed and praying for you and your family daily. I am thrilled to hear of your release. You are an important voice during these trying times in Iraq.
Carolyn Dolit, Wiesbaden, Germany
Congratulations to Jill and her family for her safe return. And deepest gratitude to the Monitor for being a capable catalyst and an exemplary employer for providing such stalwart support for a remarkable woman. I look forward to Jill's own commentary on her experience and what she may have learned about the Iraqi situation, the motivations of hostage takers and other salient points. While it is unfair of the world to expect more from Jill, she is now uniquely positioned to provide substantive commentary on all of these issues, and I hope she rises to the challenge if she is able to do so without experiencing additional hardship.
Steven Tucker, Forestdale, Mass., USA
Thanks be to God for Jill Carroll's safe release!
A petition for her safe release and return to her family has been mentioned each morning in our all-school morning prayer since January! Today we shall thank God and pray for her spiritual and emotional healing.
Please tell Jill that all of the students and staff of St Anne Elementary School send her their warmest wishes for her return to her family and friends! God bless!
Carmen Norkiewicz, Warren, Mich., USA
Great news of Jill Carroll's release! Our love goes out to her and her family, and her extended family at the Christian Science Monitor. You are all in our prayers. Peace!
WTND-LP Macomb, Ill., USA
We are thankful for Jill's release. Her family and all her supporters deserve thanks and praise for their steadfast support and endurance. May we hear more from Jill in CSM in the future.
P. Walters, Washington, D.C., USA
The news that Jill has been released is the best we've received this year. Many congratulations to the Monitor for its superb campaign on her behalf. You can be very proud of her, and she can be very proud of you.
John Simpson, BBC News, London
Finally, word of Jill's release! Jill you have been thought of and prayed for every single day! Once a stranger to us, you are now a part of all of us. We're proud of your strength and courage. God bless you and your family. Can't wait to see you! Hurry home!
Jean Simoes, Taunton, Mass., USA
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