Why I'm going

When people ask me why I'm going to Iraq, I'm sure they usually expect a well thought-out response. But I don't have one... it's more of a hodge-podge of reasons that sort of are all mixed together.

The first reason is simple: If I'm going to do something like this, it would seem like now would be the right time in life to go for it. No mortgage, no kids, no wife, no girlfriend, no online dating prospects, nothing...

The second reason is that for the last few years I've seriously thought about going overseas. The idea of writing for an English-language paper in a non-Western country or working as a foreign correspondent has definitely appealed to me. So I guess this is an answer to prayer... which is yet another great reminder that you should always be careful about what you pray for, especially if you really mean it. Don't get me wrong, though, I'm definitely thankful. Like I've mentioned before, it's an opportunity I never thought was a possibility... but it's always too easy to forget that God doesn't think like us and doesn't get stuck on possibilities.

Coupled with this idea is also a bit of restlessness and an itch for seeing the rest of the world... I've read about it, but I really would like to live it. I don't want to go through my whole life not understanding the world. I guess if seeing more of the world is an itch, going to Baghdad is like using sandpaper to scratch it.

The third reason is that I'm curious. I'd like to see for myself what's going on Iraq. What's the reality? Is it as bad as it seems? Is there any hope? No better way of finding out than going, it seems. In fact, the reason I'm writing this blog today is because, on the anniversary of Independence Day, the question comes up: Will Iraqis be able to celebrate an independence day of their own some time in the future? If that is at all possible is of course the big question.

A friend of mine said yesterday that all my reasons sounded logical. I said: "Then how did I come up with such a crazy conclusion?"

That's a question I'll be able to answer only after years of therapy...