A Different Reality.

Original Post Date:
Sunday, September 02, 2007

I am finally out of Iraq and sitting here in Kuwait awaiting for a flight out of the Middle East. I had a very long past two days traveling out of Iraq. It seems like forever ago since I was wandering around the streets of the International Zone. When my unit was waiting for the convoy to leave the International Zone, our interpreters showed up to say goodbye. I had a few last cigarettes with "Lisa" and she told me she was sorry for blowing up on me a few months back. It made me feel really good that she wasn't holding a grudge against me. Our other interpreter "Susie" cried when our convoy showed up. "JJ" showed up also and he did his impression of our Senior. I kind of felt like I didn't want to leave. This was my life for the over 200 days. Also I didn't want to leave our interpreters in Iraq. They were basically part of my unit and they risked so much to better their country. I will pray for them everyday to get out of their country that has turned against them.

Now, sitting here in Kuwait I feel this feeling. I don't know how to put my finger on it other than it's like my body is trying to wined down for always thinking the worst. We had to put our weapons in an armory. Since in Kuwait the Air Force does not allow their airman to carry weapons on base. I keep forgetting that and thinking I forgot it somewhere. I woke up because they were taking out the trash and made a large bang. The first thing I thought of was a rocket and injuries. I can't wait until I get home and when I hear the garbage truck, I just rolled back over to sleep...