First Week Adventures

Choni? Bashi?


That is a common greeting here in Iraq and one we use often while meeting people on the streets, in the bazaar (market), or in stores.  Craig and I have already learned a lot of the language because on our first full day here we went out and did a scavenger hunt in the bazaar to get a few things we needed. It was also intended for us to learn how to ask for help and to learn useful phrases in the Kurdish language.

http://preemptivelove.org/

Our typical day looks something like this. We wake up and get ready in our sweet shower where we conserve water by turning on the water only to get wet and rinse off. Then we head out the door and walk to  the PLC office which is about 12.5 minutes away. After we get to work we start on our tasks for the day which for Craig and I have mostly consisted of writing, editing, and sending out press releases for us and the other interns. Yesterday the interns went out on our first lunch adventure without staff which proved to be very interesting and consisted of a lot of pointing and head nods. After lunch we head back to work until 5 and walk back to the house to start dinner.  Once we enjoy an amazing dinner there are many things we can do. Some of our nights have consisted of enjoying tea on the rooftop, hanging out in "common grounds" (a sitting area upstairs), or tonight we are going to meet friends at a local tea shop with a staff member Matt.

Craig and Tyler checking out "what's below" --Photo credit to Monique Ching

Living and working in Iraq has proven to be challenging and fun. I don't think I will ever fully adjust to the culture but it seems like everyday I learn something new about the culture that is different from our own, as well as something that we have in common. Thank you all for supporting me in this life changing experience.

Check out the Preemptive Love Coalition's blog here to see what they've been doing!