The Elephant

(Alternate Title: Why We Decided to Serve in Iraq)

There are thousands who have gone before us. And I'm sure there will be thousands more to come. From those we have known, some of whom have served multiple times, we've learned the importance of articulating a few points about our reasoning with the decision to go to Iraq and certain expectations.

Why did we decide to go?
E and I have similar, but not altogether identical, reasonings here. For me, this decision is about integrity. We wish to continue working in the greater Middle East, and Iraq is the elephant in the room with every Middle East engagement effort. I want to be able to pursue my professional and personal relationships with that region and to be able to speak about what the U.S. is doing in Iraq from first-hand experiences.

Being able to go to places like Iraq is also a major motivation for my having joined the Foreign Service. I want to be able to apply energy, skills, and knowledge in places that need it most. I have learned over the past few years that there are limits to what I could do, and where I could go, from the NGO world, and I'm eager to find a way in now with more established systems of support.

On Communications
Ixnay on the word "regular" here. We anticipate being able to communicate with friends and family often while in Iraq, but we're stressing the importance of not setting the expectation of a "regular" schedule. As with any location of great distance, there are a huge number of variables that can interrupt communications at any given time. Iraq will be susceptible to those and then some, and our friends and advisors suggest that the expectation of "regular" causes far more harm in stress and anxiety, than good.

When Reports of Bad News Hit the Media
This part will be really tough. Bad things are still happening in regions very near to where we'll be. When the media reports a tragedy, we ask that you not assume the worst. Our parents will be on the forefront for questions about every large and small report from all ends of their communities. We will communicate as often as we can, and keep them as much up to date with situations as they unfold as we can. But there are going to be gaps. Acknowledging this in the beginning should make getting through those bad news reports just a little easier.

And Finally
We are grateful for the support and well wishes of friends and family. We will do our best to stay aware and safe. We will try not to cause un-due worry. And we'll try to get in a good story or two when we can. Peace, love, joy to all.