Live from Mesopotamia!

Things over here are very busy!

Iraq is hot in the summer ....about 55 most days and cools off to the mid-40s at night. Thankfully, it's a dry heat or no one would survive. It's hard enough as it is ....the soles of my shoes melted on the street in Baghdad the other day, and it wasn't because of a bomb!! Actually, the security situation has improved here a lot lately. There are still incidents most days, but nothing like it was. People are slowly beginning to return to normal lives ...it's impressive to see how resilient people can be. Families are close here, which has a big impact on people's ability to cope with the instability. Material things don't matter much ...it's a simple life ...but you can tell when people are happy and surrounded by the people they love. The politicians are just the same ...normal people for the most part. But they are truly heroic in the way they push forward to try to make this "thing" work.

I met a man who has become a friend over recent months. He is respected for many reasons, but I couldn't quite understand why he was able to cross certain ethnic and sectarian lines when others couldn't. Finally, he explained to me that he had spent seven years in Abu Graihb prison under the tyranny of Sadam Hussein. He was tortured and experienced things no man should live through. But while he was there, he got to know some of his fellow prisoners ....several of the survivors (not many in total) are now leaders of different political groups. As a result, they have a unique bond ...and an appreciation for the gift of life ....and the need to change things for the future of the country. It's not surprising, then, that they are so fearless in their resolve. They need help, but they will figure it out and in time. Hopefully, this amazing country will reach its full potential.

I will be travelling a lot over the coming months ....Baghdad, Amman, Cairo, UK, Rome, Dubai, Australia, Indonesia ...all before I head home for Christmas! The adventure continues ...and I am truly grateful for the experience!

Salam Alaykom! (Peace be with you!)