Cyndi Scarlett in Baghdad

Yesterday my colleague and I were on our way to a meeting and we were late.  While nothing is physically more than 10 minutes away in the IZ, it can take a lot longer to get around because of the arbitrary road blocks that are set up in various places that always seem to be moving.  I haven’t yet figured out why there are these road blocks.  Usually they are manned by Iraqis with a few US service men thrown in for good measure.  At first I thought perhaps this was a way to teach the Iraqis how to man a road block.  Now, I’m not so sure because after three months of being here, they don’t seem to be any better at their hand signals or figuring out what they want once we stop.  Most of the time, they do look official - and most of the time, I stop.  Really.

Yesterday was no different - at least it appeared that way.  We’re driving along, minding out own business when up ahead we see a guy standing in the middle of the road with an AK47 - motioning for people to pull over.  It happened to be right at a corner so most people just turned the corner and kept driving.  We however, couldn’t because that road wouldn’t take us to where we needed to be.  The clock is ticking and I’m telling my colleague to just go through the block - he’s telling me he is not going to go around a man with an AK47.  I tell him to at least pull up to the guy, tell him that we have to get where we’re going and we need to pass.  So, he does.  The guy comes over to our car and the only thing he could say was “Malaki, Malaki”  - that’s all he HAD to say.  Maliki is the Iraqi Prime Minister and it appeared that his convey was going to be passing by.  Ok - I guess the PM does trump my getting by to make it to the meeting on time!

Not too much later,  the sirens started - and the convoy drove slowly by.  Leading the pack was a humvee full of US soldiers - fair enough - then a couple of 4X4’s - another humvee full of soldiers - a few cars - didn’t look too special to me  - and then running behind all of this were about 10 Iraqi men - some with guns out - had to have been part of the convoy - but as the convoy started going faster, they couldn’t keep up.  This was something funny to see.  It was mass chaos as they started looking around for vehicles to get into - they comandeered a police pick up truck that was sitting there full of police who had to get out.  They got in and went chasing after the convoy.  We sat there wondering what in the world we’d just seen. 

It’s clear to me now why we can’t seem to get security right in this country. If what we saw yesterday is representative of their security forces - and I’d venture to say it’s representative of at least the people that Maliki feels comfortable with in terms of his protection, no wonder things are a mess!  One would think that perhaps it is difficult to train an entire army or police force quickly and therefore make excuses for their not being able to perform up to standard.  One would also think, given the situation here and knowing that Maliki is a prime target for assassination, that at the very least his security would be top notch.

While this gave us some light relief yesterday, it’s actually quite tragic.  Thousands of people are losing their lives every month because no one seems to have control of the country. 

With every day that passes here, I am less hopeful that this situation will be resolved any time soon.  I have been watching the debate in the US that is going on about Iraq as we come up to the mid-term elections.  Everyone seems to have something to say about what’s going on here  - from retired generals to the politicians - to political pundits… I have not been impressed by what I’ve heard.  If I were there and voting - and I admit I could vote from here but won’t, I’d vote the whole lot of them out - every single one of them - Republicans and Democrats.  Washington needs a good shakedown… I can see I’m about to get on my high horse again.  I’d better quit.

Peace to all!

This has been another tough week.  We are coming to the close of Ramadan - the closest I guess we have to this in the Christian world would be Christmas.

You all might have heard that this has been a really bad month for our troops here.  I believe we’ve lost more lives this month than any other since the beginning of the war.  We have certainly felt this inside the IZ.  Yesterday was particularly bad - lots of incoming mortars - heavy at times - one hit the British Embassy and did quite a bit of damage although thankfully no one was hurt. They are still coming in today, although thankfully, far fewer than yesterday. 

While it is tragic for all of us, I can’t help but be aware of just how many more Iraqi lives have been lost.  My colleague and friend is now temporarily out of the country with his family, hoping to return to work by himself.  I got an email from him the other day where he told me that not only was he and his family threatened with having their heads cut off - but to emphasize the seriousness of the threat, it was accompanied by the head of a small dog.  I must say that I am disappointed by the lack of response that I received regarding trying to help this young man and his family.  I do realize that I am always crusading about something - and I’m sure some of you get quite tired of hearing me blather on about stuff - but I really do believe that we can and should try to do something to help others when the occasion arises.  Who knows but that someone could be the catalyst to not only changing this young man’s life - but what he could end up becoming and do in the future in terms of bringing his culture and ours together.  OK, I’ll stop preaching.

On another note - it has cooled considerably here in the past few days - today it is raining and a little cool.  It’s hard to believe that it’s actually going to cool down to the point of having frost in the next few weeks.  While the weather feels great, the flies have decided it is now cool enough for them to be out as well and out they are - in abundance.  They are driving me nuts.  One doesn’t dare open the door for more than a few seconds or else there will be several in the house - and they’re wiley - not easy to catch and  swat and get rid of.  The birds are out as well - which is a very nice thing.  I didn’t realize there weren’t any around until they were back.  Their singing woke me up yesterday morning.  What a treat!  I’m usually awakened by either helicopters, incoming mortars or tanks rolling down the street.  I never realized what a racket tanks make!

As for work - it’s hectic.  I’m up against several very tight deadlines by month’s end.  I’ll make them, no doubt but it’s been a bit stressful getting there.  I have to rely on so many other people to get me the information I need to get my work done - some of whom would rather I not have the information - for whatever reason.  So, one has to cajole, beg, bribe - whatever necessary to get what’s needed.  I think most of the time it’s just a matter of everyone being so busy - and I am just a nuisance to folks and they wish I’d go away!  C’est la vie as we say in French!

Blessing to one and all.

So remember I told you that one of the unusual gifts I received for my birthday were field dressing kits?   I’ve actually had a chance to use them these past few days.

I woke up the other morning with the beginning of a sty on my eye - quite painful - swollen, red - you get the picture.  My PSD took me down to the CASH (military hospital) for the doctor to look at me.  He gave me some antibiotic ointment but told me the best thing I could do is put warm compresses on my eye.  Ever the innovator, I took one look at the field dressing kits and realized I had found a use for them.  They come with long strips of gauze to be used as ties with the padding in the middle.  All I had to do is put hot water on the padding - tie the ties around my head in a huge bow and voila - not only did I have the warm compress for my eye - but it was a fashion statement as well!  The boys were so impressed they took a picture which I tried to upload to my blog (you can’t see my face) - but wasn’t successful. 

With one eye swollen shut and draining, it might be a bit of an understatement to say I haven’t been looking my best.  As my logistician in Goma used to tell me “a little makeups would help” - I’m not a natural beauty by a long shot.  God has a way of keeping us humble.  Today I had to do a video conference hook up between here and Washington to discuss an upcoming project that we are heading up… painful as it was to have to go out - see people and host the video-conference - I’m sure it was MORE painful for those who had to look at me!  I’m noticing tonight that it’s starting to feel better and I suspect with a few more warm compresses and ointment, I’ll be A-OK in no time.

Humbly yours,

Local people here that work for the US government - or any US group really, are considered collaborators with the “enemy” and are often killed - or their family members are killed - it’s a tragic, EVERY day occurance here in Iraq.

I have been working since coming here with the most amazing young Iraq man.  He has a degree in Physics and is obviously very, very smart but he is working with us on our program as there are no jobs for him here in Iraq. 

He is newly married and says that he won’t have kids because he doesn’t want to have them born into this mess.  He is a wonderful guy - and despite huge pressures is always smiling and willing to help out no matter what.

He takes about 3 hours to get into work each day and the same to get home.  He has to be sure that no one is following him - he has to make sure he has nothing on his person that could identify him as working for the “Americans” - his family don’t even know where he works -  they think he is doing something else.  He was hoping that taking all of these precautions would help him and his family stay safe.

Over the weekend however, he and his family got a very serious death threat.  As a result, he is moving his family - hasn’t been to work since last Thursday - and doesn’t know if he’ll be able to come back or not.

This is a HUGE loss for us.  I cannot begin to tell you how important he is to the program. 

I want to help him get out of the country.  Most Iraqi’s who have money have long gone…. he doesn’t have the money to take his family and leave.  He’s stuck and I would hate for anything to happen to him, or his family as a result of the work he does for us.

So, there are many of you who read this blog - who are creative - who know people, who know people - you know how that goes!! I would like to get him and his wife out of the country.  I really believe if he stays here and keeps working, he is going to end up dead.

I cannot give you any of his personal details in a forum like this - but will send them to you through the email.  Would all of you reading this prayerfully consider helping this young man and his wife?  Perhaps he could come to the States on a student visa - or be sponsored by one of you?

I know my friends - and most of you all are “doers” like I am and are able to make things happen.  I know we can’t possibly save everyone in Iraq - but if we could just save ONE family - wouldn’t that be amazing?????

Please take this seriously - and think about this very seriously and prayerfully.  If you can’t do anything, but know someone you who you think may be able to do something, please, please send me their contact details and I’ll follow up with them

Blessings to all of you!

Today our piano player was gone at church. 

You haven’t lived until you hear a group of soldiers singing “Amazing Grace” accepella - and when they got to the verse

“Through many dangers, toils and snares

We have already come

T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far

And Grace will lead us home”

They knew what they were singing about.  Most, if not all have been on the front lines patrolling Baghdad.  All lived through the mortars earlier this week - they landed on their base - and all were giving praise that there were no casualities among the soldiers in the 4th this week.

I looked around as they sang - almost all men - just a handful of women.  Many sang with their eyes closed - some had their eyes open looking up - most had tears running down their cheeks.  But they sang with gusto and in three part harmony.  It was absolutely beautiful.

After being around the military for a while, I have realized that there is a real pecking order between enlisted and officer.  In church, and especially this morning, all of that seemed to just slide away as we stood there - colonels standing next to corporals giving praise for being alive and God having brought us all this far.

A lot has been written about what’s wrong in the ranks - and not nearly enough, in my opinion about what’s right.  These men and women have been out here facing deadly force every day for the past year.  They will all be headed home in November, maybe even in time for Thanksgiving.  I would imagine that many will have some sort of stress related issues to deal with once they get home.  I don’t see how they can’t, really.  This is a tough, tough place.  I’d ask you to remember them all in your prayers.  That God will keep them safe in this last month they’re here and give them peace of heart and mind when they return home.

Peace to you all!

Yesterday I passed a huge milestone.  I had my 50th birthday.  I am wondering, as I am sure many do, where the years have gone.  All of a sudden, I realized that I’m middle-aged now - and I can’t quite figure out how that happened!  Time does have a way of creeping up on one, doesn’t it?

I spent my 40th birthday in Qubec, Canada studying French.  I didn’t really know anyone there and my birthday passed without much notice.  I decided that regardless of where I was, or what I’d be doing, I would have a party on my 50th - of course not realizing I’d be in Baghdad!

So, I planned a party - a BBQ inviting the few people I have met here or knew before, like my Ambassador and asked them to invite their friends as well.  As a result,I had about 30 people at my party and I’d say there were probably 20 that I didn’t know!  We were all taking pictures and I remarked that usually one looks at pictures 10 years later and wonders who the people were in the picture.  I said I’d look at the pictures the next day and wonder the same thing!  We all had a good laugh at that.  I got a variety of interesting “presents.”  You can probably imagine that there isn’t much to purchase in the IZ and no one goes out to shop so we’re quite limited.  I was touched that people I don’t even know made an effort to bring me a present, even though I clearly stated no gifts.  Among the gifts were field dressing kits (in the event I’m ever injured) - a camo floor mat, some boxes of fruit juice and a couple of small bottles of champagne.  I got some great home made cards - it was really touching.

I’m looking forward to my 50th year.  I know that God has something good in store for me - He has to have, otherwise I wouldn’t be here!  I got a note from my driver in Africa for my birthday.  He is a wonderful Christian man, a pastor and so godly.  He said that God woke him up twice in the night to pray for me - and that he is assured that I am coming back to Africa, that we will see each other again - and that we will have a big party.  My Ambassador asked me the other night if I thought about going back - I didn’t have a clear answer.  I’ve never really planned my life but rather have been open to going where ever God leads.  If it’s in His plan that I return, I’m sure I will.

In the meantime,  here I am in Baghdad.  Who would have thought?  Certainly not me.  While it isn’t immediately clear to me what I’m doing here, I do recognize there is a purpose in all of this and am excited about what this next year will bring.

Peace to all!

Had an exciting night here last evening.  Around 2230, incoming mortars started - the first one was a ways away - loud enough to make me look up from my computer - but nothing too distressing.  Second one a few minutes later was close enough the entire villa shook - followed by another that shook the villa even more.  I decided I’d perhaps get up and go find my security manager and see what was going on.  I wasn’t too excited as in-coming usually come in threes - then stop - so we’d had our three, no big deal - I just wondered how far away they’d hit.

Then another boom - and another.  By this time, I’m probably a little more anxious.  I find all of this very upsetting - not for my own personal safety - but because I know where I hear things like this, more than likely people are losing their lives and I just hate that.  Within about a five minute period, we had eight incoming, seeming to fall all around us.  The choppers as usual were up in the air - sirens were going - someone was in the street broadcasting messages in Arabic to people - of course we couldn’t understand what was being said. 

Out came the body armor - full dress - get it on - get into the safe room… my security manager, who has the driest sense of humor, which catches me all the time, said - “OK, come on, get under the bed and I’ll tell you when it’s safe to come out.”  I’m thinking I didn’t want to do this - but my PSD are all extremely professional and I tend to listen to them and do exactly as I’m told - so, as I’m making my way back to my bedroom, I hear this laughing… it was all a joke.  No, I didn’t need to get under the bed.  I was fine with my armor on in the safe room (it’s safe because its all sandbagged).  He knows exactly when the situation needs lightened with a little humor!

Initial reports were that the mortars were falling in and around the new Embassy compound - which is literally just a stones throw away from where I live.  Luckily it’s still being built and so I knew if that was the case, no one would have been hurt.  I did feel a tinge of guilt as not very long ago, I made an off hand comment about wishing someone would bomb the place because it’s so obscene - 108 acres of buildings on prime land along the Tigris river.  When completed, it will be the largest US Embassy in the world.  I’ve watched it go up since coming here and it just puzzles me to no end - why we are spending billions building the largest Embassy ever in a little country like Iraq - which we hadn’t paid attention to in years really in terms of diplomatic relations  - and now this?  My security manager reminded me of what I’d said and said  “from Cyndi’s mouth to God’s ears, you’d better be careful what you say!”  Naturally, that didn’t make me feel any less guilty.

As things quietened down, it seemed that more explosions started  - but seemingly different. Farther away - so I felt somewhat better about that - but they just seemed to go on and on and on.  By this time, it was after midnight, I was tired and decided I was going to go to bed. To which my security manager said - OK - but be sure to wear all your armor.  He got me again!

You all probably knew what was going on because of the time difference before I did.  Turns out yes, there were incoming mortars - about 10 in all - but most of the noise and fireworks was due to a munitions depot being hit which set off large explosions.  Thankfully, initial reports say that there were no casualites from that.

So - a little levity in an otherwise rather serious situation.  All’s well that ends well at least in this instance and we were able to laugh a bit in the middle.  Can’t ask for more than that here!

Peace to all!

I heard in church this morning that there were 92 attacks on the 4th Brigade this past week alone - that’s just in Baghdad and does not reflect the rest of the country.

The 4th has 6 more weeks before heading home and I’d say it’s fair to say that most of them are on edge - they’ve made it this far - and they want to make it to the end without being hurt or killed. Tension is high.  Everywhere.

The other day driving through the IZ I came across two Iraqi’s standing in the middle of the road with machine guns stopping traffic. I was the first car to stop - and soon a line grew behind me.  I looked up ahead and traffic was stopped as well - these guys were not in uniform - did not have badges - and didn’t appear to have a reason for doing what the were doing.

So, true to fashion, after sitting there for a few minutes, I decided I was going to ask them for their identification - so, I got out of the car - approached the men - who spoke no English - showed them my ID and asked them for theirs.  Of course they had none to show.  Some might think I was a bit foolish approaching men armed with AK-47’s - but they didn’t have them raised - nor did they the entire time I “talked” with them.  It was clear they didn’t know what to do - I’m sure they’ve never actually had someone get out of their vehicle and ask for their ID or challenge what they are doing.  Long story short, they let us all move on.

Not willing to let things rest there, I wanted to lodge a complaint.  There isn’t supposed to be road blocks set up like this in the IZ manned by un-uniformed, un-identified people.  Who knows who they could be - or what they are doing there - or what their intent might be.  So, off I go to find someone to report this to.  I’m told, upon reporting it, that there is nothing the US Embassy can do about this…  this is all part of Iraq being a ’soverign’ country” - I wanted to laugh out loud at this.  In talking to some of my friends, they tell me this is why they never go anywhere in the IZ unarmed.  I’ve decided that I will no longer drive around by myself but rather will take my security detail with me.  One just can’t be too cautious here.  It’s dangerous and getting more so every day.

Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting started about a week ago giving me the opportunity to observe “ordinary” muslims practising their faith up close and personal.

Every muslim I know is observing the ritual of fasting from sunup to sundown for the month.  This is not an easy thing to do as you might imagine - and yet - not once have I seen anyone gripe or complain about being hungry - thirsty… nothing, can pass between their lips - not even a piece of gum - or if they are smokers, cigarettes. This is their pleasure - something they look forward to doing - it’s a time of spiritual contemplation and renewal.  This is all taken very seriously - by the most “ordinary” of Iraqis.  These are the muslims you don’t hear about - they aren’t extremists. 

Of course the extremists are here and leading the charge with the clerics at the forefront telling the faithful if they are going to be martyrs, this is the best month to become one because the path to paradise is immediate.  Unfortunately, many are so caught up in this that we are now on high alert during this month as suicide bombings are increasing daily.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my own Christian faith - with a heritage that goes back several generations - one could say my faith is to the bone.  It’s hard not to think about one’s faith in this environement as we are daily confronted with an Islamic culture that embodies their faith to such an extent that nothing is separate from it - all is entertwined. 

Internally, I feel just the same way -  I can’t imagine my life without my faith - wouldn’t want to.  It defines who I am as a person and the decisions I make with my life. Yet, yet - would I spend a month in fasting and contemplation not just once in my life, but yearly?  I think of myself as a committed Christian - unafraid to live out my faith  - to share my faith with others - to live openly as a Christian in what is one of the most secular environments in which one could live and work. And yet, as I have watched my muslim colleagues this past week, I find myself questioning just how deep my commitment to that faith is.  The faithful here and around the world still stop and pray five times a day.  We on the other hand, have gone from attending Church twice on Sunday and once mid-week to once on Sunday, for the most part.  Do I commit myself to five times a day prayer - every day.  No, I don’t.

I have asked myself - what drives these people?  While I respect and even admire their commitment, I believe what they are committed to is dead wrong - so what keeps them committed?  How is it that this is the fastest growing religion in the world? What do they have - that we don’t?  I would argue nothing - in fact, I would argue that while they are resolute in their faith and it’s admirable - which it is, they have it dead wrong.  So, what is it?  How is it that we - who know the Way - the Truth and the Life - find ourselves busy - too busy with living to really invest ourselves and our time and our talents in the One who gives Life. Where did that go?  Do we really believe it?   Have we become so tolerant in an effort to “fit in” and for sure not be labeled as a fanatic right winger that we have diluted our faith out to little more than a social gospel?

I had an interesting conversation with one of my PSD the other day - he’s a self confessed agnostic at best - probably closer to an atheist.  He thinks all of this faith and Christianity is a bunch of hooey.  If one knows his background - brought up in an orphanage until aged 14 and then sent off to the merchant navy - finding out later in life that he had a mother - and eight brothers - all with different fathers - a basically miserable life - it’s pretty easy to see how he cannot imagine there is a God - let alone a loving God. Even he says as he joined the army and became a highly decorated paratrooper who has been to war and in many tight situations, he could not pray because to him, there is no one out there to pray to.  Of course I just can’t imagine that!  So, I share with him every chance I get, my faith - how I know there is a God - and that He knows about me - and cares about me.  How He has been faithful to me all through my life in every situation - many of which looked bleak but He had His hand on my life. 

Then one day came the tough question. Why, he asked, if I am so convinced there is a God and what He has done in my life, why am I so concerned in saying the wrong thing - or being diplomatically incorrect  - a HUGE faux pas in my line of work - dancing around what my muslim colleagues are saying so not to offend - when while they are polite, have no concern at all about offending me and my Christian beliefs.   I have to hear about theirs all the time - it’s in my face - every day.  My chef won’t touch or cook pork - I wonder, how many Chrisitan Americans do things for their job because it’s required that they know doesn’t necessarily go along with their belief system?  How many times have I done that?  Well, you won’t find that here - there are no excuses - no apologies - no explanations.  This is who they are - and we just have to accept it.  Funny, I don’t find the reverse to be true. It seems we’re always apologizing -always explaining hoping that no one will take offense.

It’s tough being here.  There is no doubt about that by just about anyone’s measure.  I guess though, a good thing, at least for me - is has made me sit up and take note of just how far I’ve gone to be “politically correct” - even to the point of at times not speaking the truth in love (yes folks, hard to believe but even I can at times be quiet and not speak the truth as I believe it to be.

It seems in today’s world we hear most press given to what is considered the extremes in religion - evangelical fanatics or islamic extremists.  It seems to me anyway, that by most American standards, islamic extremism is more tolerated than the evangelical right - and I must admit that I wonder - in this world of “tolerance” that the very proponents of this tolerance are often the most intolerant of Christians.  Why is that I wonder?  Then I see myself - and my Christian friends - who don’t want to be labeled intolerant - who don’t want to be labeled fanatical - so we go along - and get along - not wanting to offend. Not wanting, heaven forbid, to be labeled a “fanatic” or extremist.  Meanwhile we preserve the Muslim’s right to prayer - we defend and protect the Quran - again, not wanting to offend - we think twice about speaking the truth - not wanting to offend. 

It’s a pretty amazing thing when an agnostic can see more clearly the persecution the Christian church is under world-wide than we can ourselves.  We all say we see it - but it seems to me that in many ways we are complicit to it.  I’ve always been told that people can only treat you like you let them treat you.  If that’s true, and as Christians we are getting no respect, perhaps it’s because we aren’t demanding it.  That, and we maybe, just maybe, aren’t living our lives out in such a way that demands respect from others rather than demeaning comments and ridicule.

I wonder what would happen if Christians all over the world took up fasting for a month - with prayer and contemplation.  Could we do it?  Would we do it?  Are we disciplined enough?  Am I?  The closest thing we have to this is giving up something we like during Lent - to deny ourselves as Jesus did - but even that pales in comparison.  Lots of questions - not easy answers - well, easy answers perhaps - but not easily palatable!  I’m coming to the place in my life where I am beginning to believe more and more that true Christianity is a radical way of living - it certainly was in Jesus’ day - it calls for going up against everything that the secular world finds successful.  Well, I could get off on another whole tangent but will refrain. 

As you might tell, this Ramadan season has caused me to take a hard look at some of my beliefs and how I have chosen to live out my life.  I thank you for your patience with me in allowing me to share this with all of you.

Peace to all!

Well, what exciting news this was - an unexpected visit from the Sec State.  Of course she was in and out before anyone knew she was even here.  We are never told who is coming or when for very good reason.  This kind of information is definately on a “need to know” basis and I am sure not one that “needs to know” anything!:)

She is addressing issues that need to be addressed and should have been addressed months ago.  We are going to have to take a very tough stand on the government here  - from top to bottom.  I find myself going back and forth between hope and despair - thinking one day we need to bring in more troops and stay the course - and the next, believing we should pull out of here and leave these folks to their fighting… it’s been going on for thousands of years - and the US certainly isn’t going to stop it. 

Today I believe that as the government - both central and at the local level, apparently don’t seem to have the political will to turn this situation around, why should we stay?  They have to get tough.  It’s hard, really hard to hear the stories from folks that are out on the front lines - rounding up the criminals/insurgents/militias - it’s hard to tell who or what they are - putting them in prison - and then rearresting them two days later because someone in authority has come behind and had them all released. 

I asked one of my Iraqi colleagues the other day if there is any leader in the country who has the gravitas to stand up and say enough - who has the respect - and the fearlessness to stand for right - and for the best of the country.  He told me no - there is no one like that - who can think about the best for Iraq as a whole - and for the country and her people as a whole.  That every leader is only worried about their particular party or constituency - and, at least it’s his perception that they don’t care about what they or others are doing to the whole.  I find that so sad.  Then, after watching CNN and Fox on the TV, I wonder if Iraq isn’t much different than the US really. 

I am happy at last to see that our government is now publically telling the leaders of Iraq that they have to shape up - and that time is short to do so.  I’m not sure exactly what that means - and I’m not sure our government really knows what that means.  At least the elephant in the room that we have all seen is now being recognized for what it is.   It’s the old adage you can’t solve problems that you don’t recognize.  I sure hope so.

The situation just seems to get worse and worse.  I don’t write often because I just don’t know what to say.  I want to be positive - but it’s hard to be positive when the situation appears to be sliding into an abyss.

Well, being true to my name, I’ll think about all this again tomorrow….

Peace to you all!