Safely Ensconced in Northern Iraq

This title may seem to be a bit of an oxymoron, but I truly am. After leaving the States on June 1 and overnighting in Amman, Jordan, I arrived in Sulaymaniyah (Suly) on the 3rd. I spent the first couple of days getting settled into my apartment and hanging out with some of the wonderful Samaritan's Purse staff here. I actually got to see Iron Man 2 my second night here! (Fun movie) I feel totally safe here. I have been shown (on a map) were the conflict areas are, and don't worry, I have no plans to go there. It's mostly cities you've heard of. Mosul & Kirkuk are the closest conflict cities, and they are not that close. Plus, you have to try to get to them. Again, I have no plans to try. Rest assured, all my worriers!

On Sunday I started work. I will spend the next 2-ish months working with the ICU nurses at the heart hospital enhancing their skills, teaching some advanced care concepts, and helping them put it all into practice. The heart hospital has been open for 2 months and treats mainly adults, but also some children. Fortunately, over the last 2 days we performed surgery on two 8-year-old girls (who are both doing well). If it's not obvious, I say 'fortunately' because I'm more comfortable working with kids than I am with adults. Adults tend to be so much bigger than I: scary!

Dr. Jaafar is the cardiothoracic surgeon here. Through a complicated network of networking, he requested that I come. Well, not me specifically, that would be weird, but someone with my kind of background to come and train the nurses here. And since I am in school, had a 'free' summer (thanks, CHOA, for my leave of absence), & in need of a project for my public health thesis (not to mention that I am actually interested in this kind of work), I'm here. He has basically given me free rein to do whatever I want, however I want, as long as it gets done.

There are definately barriers and obstacles to overcome, but with patience and a teachable spirit (on everyone's part, especially mine), I believe this is do-able. More about this later, I'm sure.

Okay, enough about that. The countryside here is beautiful! I have a lovely view of the mountains from my 3rd floor balcony; althougth there is a dust storm today, so I can't actually see them. It's hot, very hot, and getting hotter (like 120+ degrees). Thank God for AC. Ironically, today I have AC, but no running water in my apartment. The super is working on it. I'm sure it'll be back on soon. No shower for me this morning; it's okay, it would have been cold anyway. Cold showers are almost as good as coffee, almost. If anyone is wondering what to get me for my birthday, my french press broke leaving me no other option but instant coffee. Not a great option, let me tell you; however, anything is drinkable given enough milk & sugar. But for future refence Nescafe (the brand of instant coffee here) will now be referred to as Nes-crappe.

Thanks for checking in on me! And for those who have, thank you so much for committing to praying for me. I truly covet your prayers and God has made his presence known to me more than once in exciting ways. God bless!