Pack it Up Pack in Let me Begin

My orders arrived. It is now official, I am going to Iraq. The anticipation, excitement and sadness of the past 25 days or so at leaving has culminated into me packing everything into one large duffel and a carry on (see left) This is just to start with. I will get two more at Ft. Bliss. As images splash across the screen about civil war and sectarian striffe, the hopeless part of me keeps asking "Why are you going over there? The Iraqis don't want democracy they are killing each other." The other more optimistic side is hopeful and always seems to prevail. Now more than ever, a calming force is needed to assist those who want change in Iraq to implement the rule of law and peaceful means of dissent without the use of a car bomb.

I want to thank everyone who has provided dinners and going away beers etc. I am pleasantly surprised and amazed at the amount of support and encouragement that I have recieved from each of you. It makes leaving all that more difficult yet re-enforces my reasons for going. I have the best life in the world. I am very lucky knowing that my support network is strong. There are some things you will not hear about on this site, such as job specifics and what it is really do there. If I told you, I would have to kill you. :) Operational Security or OPSEC prevents me from discussing these things not only for me and my family's safety but yours as well. No offense is meant I hope none is taken. Get ready, and here goes nothing.

PS: Oh I added another feature to my site. If you want to see what time it is in Baghdad you can click on the link that says "What time is it in Baghdad? Instead of 9 hours ahead of the U.S. I think that it is more like 11 hours. I was never good at math.

"Tell me, Muse, of the man of many ways who was driven far journeys...Many they were whose cities he saw, whose minds he learned of, many the pains he suffered in his spirit on the wide sea, struggling for his own life and the homecoming of his companions."
-The Oddessy of Homer