Sadly, all things come to an end. Particularly good things. Today will be my last day of my four-day pass; I’ll be back in to work tomorrow, the dreaded “V-day”. That is, Valentine’s Day. Not that it, like any other holiday here, will be much different than most days! People get their packages and valentines in the mail (I got some from friends and family; it was very nice!), but otherwise life goes on as usual.
I’m glad to have made it through the holidays here. I was still new enough to Iraq by the time that Thanksgiving rolled around that it was still an adventure, and Christmas was a little harder but still doable. I think that if Christmas had hit at my four-month mark, instead of my two-month, I would have had a lot harder time of it.
One thing that I’ve noticed around here is how very much it wears on people to just be here. I’ve been watching my roommate, who got back from her two weeks at home in early January. She’s had a hard time making peace with being back. I understand; being reminded of all that one is missing out on would be even more difficult than just continuing on, being here.
I noticed, a week or two ago, as I looked around the conference table at our morning meeting, how exhausted and careworn everyone looked. You can tell new people by their cheerful attitudes, as you’re walking through the hallways. Well, that and the fact that they don’t have dark circles under their eyes. I think that’s why it’s really important to try to keep a good attitude about things. Yes, I have my moments of despondency, particularly when my space is taken from me, but I’m finding that, now more than ever, it’s really important to keep going, and keep going with a pleasant spirit and a good attitude. The only person that I really hurt, when I let myself wallow in the depths, is myself, and, paradoxically, the people who care about me, because they’re worried about me.
In reference to those who make my life harder, I think I’m going to have to go with the tried and true “heaping coals of fire upon their heads.” Treating others with respect and dignity and patience can be difficult (particularly when they’re not doing the same for you), but then, who said that life was supposed to be easy? I don’t think that was in the contract. Just ask any of the Iraqis living out in Baghdad proper.
Posted by Kjirstin 
