Today I found that a friend quit. He's going to go back and pursue his education but he was bummed out in that he didn't like how he was treated at times here. Did he quit because of one reason or a combination of both or something that he didn't even mention? I'll never really know. Most people don't last more than 6 months. They either they don't like it or can't hack it. Some even say "it's too hot" (as if they expected something different in Iraq in the summer!)

I'm bummed that he quit but can't blame him at all. The allure of a 'normal' life in the states is very, very appealing. Time, in a way, stands still here. But life, in the states, marches on. You don't 'live' here, you just do your 'time.'

R/Chris