“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time..."

...to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”- Bill Bryson

I want to start off this post, the first in this blog, by thanking all of you, my family and friends, for having traveled with me this far, through college, seminary and continuing with me as I make my way across an ocean and a few time zones to spend a year in Northern Iraq.

I first heard about this opportunity though a newsletter sent out by Darrell and Cheryl Phenicie, asking for a few interested individuals who would like to help out at the LIFE Community Center, a place that hosts both English classes and a coffee shop. Other couples working in the area had a year of language study ahead of them, leaving the center a bit short handed. As I had already developed a love for the Middle East during a short-term trip in 2003, this seemed like an amazing opportunity to return.

While in Sulaymaniayah I will be teaching English, working in a cafe (a position for which I seem suited having worked the past year as a barista in Starbucks) and being useful in whatever way I can. I am so excited to meet new people, have the opportunity to make lasting relationships, plus participate in activities such as dancing, picnics and the bazaar, which I have heard so much about from friends already in the country!

The year in Kurdistan has an estimated cost of $9000, and thanks to many individual's generosity I have already been able to purchase my plane ticket, leaving on October 5th, 2009. The breakdown of costs is $550 per month ($450 for room and board, $100 for other necessities) and an approx. $1700 for each one way ticket. If you feel led to donate please either send checks to the address located to the right or follow the link to make an online PayPal donation.