Dispatches from the Front

I apologize for the long delay between my posts, but I've been incredibly busy. I've been spending quite a bit of time trying to truly embrace and absorb Iraqi culture, and I had a wonderful experience with our head interpreter, Haitham.

Haitham is one of Iraq's true heroes. He is a 23-year old Christian, born in northern Iraq, whose family lives in Baghdad. He has worked for us for over two years, and risks his life every day simply to come to work and support the Coalition. He varies his route, taking multiple buses, taxis, and walking to different places so that it is more difficult for anybody to follow him. He has been forced to leave his home for weeks at a time when a nosy neighbor has indicated to him that his cover is blown.

I spent an entire afternoon with Haitham, learning Arabic. He was a very patient tutor, as some of the sounds I was making certainly would not have impressed the local population! I learned a great deal from him about the lives of Iraqi citizens and the challenges and dangers that they face daily. Yesterday, Haitham left for another country to finish processing his visa. Within months, he will be residing on the east coast of the U.S. I shall miss him greatly and am hopeful that I will see him again on friendlier soil.

Until next time, dear friends...