Michigan, USA - No one would dare refute that Chaldeans often come from large families.  The Chaldean culture values the importance of family virtues and cooperation.   Chaldeans often hold large family gatherings, dinners, and celebrations.  

One family is taking the family gathering up a few notches.  The Yaldo(o|u) family is hosting their 2008 family reunion at Camp Chaldean in Michigan beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 27.  Nearly a thousand family members are expected to attend the family gathering.  

Saher Yaldo, a leading community entrepreneur and committed volunteer for the Chaldean Voice radio station has been instrumental in the reunion.  “We invite everyone with Yaldo(o|u) blood pulsing through their veins.  This includes all children and grandchildren whose mother or father are Yaldo(o|u), says Saher.

“Guests are also welcome to invite close friends and relatives as well. We will be holding a special Mass for all our guests led by Fr. Basel Yaldo of St. George Church at 4 p.m. and we have games, gifts, and more as well.”

The family reunion is the first for Camp Chaldean and promises to be a grand affair.  The Yaldo(o|u) Family Reunion will feature a special Mass, barbeques, family games, a magic show, memory t-shirts, photo swap, family tree book, memory table, goodie bags, organized games, and more.  Families and guests are asked to bring their own picnic baskets, coolers, barbeque items, lawn chairs, and any other item they often take to a park or lake.  

“With nearly a thousand people expected to attend the reunion we hope it will help kick-off a long tradition of family reunions at our community camp,” says Camp Chaldean spokesperson Robert Kakos.  “The Chaldean community is very strong and it is important to every Chaldean, young or old, that we grow stronger.  America is offering a unique set of challenges that we as a community must overcome.  Being a more unified, cooperative, and faithful community is the answer.  Organizing a family reunion is a powerful ingredient to the glue that keeps our community strong and reinforces the importance of these values.  We are honored by the Yaldo(o|u)’s that they have decided to lead the effort at Camp Chaldean.”