JANUARY 1 – I am sitting in the kitchen of my house in my favorite chair that faces the backyard of my house. As I am sitting here watching the different birds enjoy the food in the bird feeder that is just about 10 feet from my window I am reminded of how I really miss being home. It is a quiet morning. My mind is drifting back to Iraq where I had left just a week ago some of my friends. The thoughts about their safety and new mission still consume me.

I can only summarize this experience as one that has changed my life and understanding of the country of Iraq. Iraq has the potential to become a great Arab nation among its neighbors in the Middle East. The people of Iraq deeply want some kind of a change but the truth is they are unwilling right now to make such a sacrifice to get it. They are greatly dependent on American support for every aspect of their lives. The water and sewage systems are still not available. The source of electrical power for most homes is still generators. The lines for fuel can stretch as far as a mile on any given day. Unemployment among men is very high also.

This is only in my opinion that I make these statements. Sometimes we can fool ourselves into believing that we are helping a situation when in essence we are causing more damage. I truly believe that once we get the basic needs set up for the Iraqis (water, electricity, and jobs) only then should we back away from our responsibility to help this country. I do believe that some of the problems here were here before we came here.

There is a proverb that says “When a man is hungry, don’t give him a fish to eat for a day; instead teach him to fish because he will eat for a lifetime!” Iraq needs to step up to the plate and start taking responsibility for its needs. There is also another proverb that says “How can two walk together unless they agree.” Iraq needs to unite as a country that is void of religious and political special interest groups to form a strong and cohesive nation. Right now Iraq has become a country of ‘alliances’.

My tour is done. I have written about the people, places, and situations that I faced while being here in Iraq. I am so grateful for the support of my family and friends. This experience has changed my life forever. Thank you all for sending care packages, cards, and emails to let me know that you were thinking about me. “Thank you!” So it is with gratitude I close this chapter of my life to begin another one. I look up from my computer one more time to take in the view from my kitchen window. This brings me such peace and inspires me to finally say “I’m home now”.