Massalama Iraq

After 8 months I am on my way to the 'next phase'.

Life in Iraq remains difficult for the Iraqis, and for the aid workers the security situation results in a 'confined to barracks' kind of life with limited movements, including simply being outside. The lack of light makes it hard to live, while the constant and unending round-the-clock style of working (for lack of other diversions) makes for a monotone existence.

Thanks to the national staff however, life was durable. The men and particularly the women with whom I worked were incredibly accepting, embrasing, warm, intelligent and singularly motivated to doing a good job. I have never worked with a bunch of truly autonomous folks and every day for me was a 'dance' of joy. While I did dance, and it became a daily event, my staff - my friends - danced internally but were similarly joyous nevertheless.

Nada, my Logistics Manager in Al Basrah, is a young mother and a educated and trained engineer. We were fortunate to have her work for us and similarly she found an outlet for her skills and abilities rarely found. She managed her work and managed her team despite her deficits in English and sometimes the cultural constraints of working with male contractors who could never 'deal' with women's 'empowerment'.

I bring up Nada because she talked at length of her work and she must have talked about me to her Father. A local and known artist, he undertook of his own accord to paint a picture. It is, I am told, a painting FOR me ABOUT me.

Thanks Nada, and Nada's Dad for this going-away gift. I know that the guys in Iraq will overcome all the terrible events of the past - Nada's spirit is incredible.