[Ragtime Cowgirl]

((Hugs)) for the post and pings. *g*
~~~~~~
"In my country, we kiss goodbye," Abas told us.

One of our soldiers spoke what we were all thinking. "In our country, we hug," he said, visibly uncomfortable with kissing another man on the cheek.

"You are not in your country," Abas reminded him as we all laughed, and the cheek-kissing commenced.

~~~
A really good one for sharing with neighbors who get their news from the mainstream media, and the troops who then know we're getting news beyond the news.
~~~

If you want on or off my Pro-Coalition ping list, please Freepmail me. Warning: it is a high volume ping list on good days. (Most days are good days).

[EternalVigilance]

Brought tears to my eyes.

Praying blessings on our people, and on all Iraqis who love freedom.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Thank you! That kiss goodbye probably cemented the goodwill between the simple Iraqi man and the American soldier.

BUMP

[windchime]

"We met Abas' son, Kazi. He is about 4 years old with large, inquisitive blue eyes, blond hair and tan skin."

Lots of interesting information in the article, but the introduction of Kazi provokes questions. How did this child happen in a country of dark eyed, dark haired people and how do the villagers respond to him?

[Old Student]

add me to your ping list, if you would. I keep hoping I'll run into mention of some of my troops, find out how they're doing these days.