Training in DC before Home Leave

In order to travel to Wellington directly from the West Coast, I decided to get my training completed before my home leave.  So I've been in DC for the last few days and I just completed my training.  And tomorrow I get to get on a plane and head to Arizona for two months of home leave!!!!

:D :D :D :D :D

Sitting in the airport in Kuwait

I'm sitting in the airport in Kuwait waiting to board a plane to DC.

I can't wait to get back to the States!

:D

Last evening in Baghdad

On my last evening in Baghdad, I had a few friends come over for balsamic chicken, truffle mac & cheese and spiced apples al la mode.  I will miss these dear friends.

And look forward to seeing them sometime in the future.

Dinner at Giolli's in Baghdad

My second to last night in Baghdad, I went to dinner at Giolli's Italian restaurant in Baghdad with my friend Aaron, and Joan who works for the Dutch Embassy in Baghdad.

 During my time in Baghdad, I've gotten to know Joan and Aaron pretty well, and I will miss them when I leave here.  They have made my time here in Baghdad much more enjoyable.

The food was excellent...even if it was pretty expensive.



Farewell BBQ in Baghdad

BBQing on the patio is kind of a tradition here in Baghdad and I had my "farewell" final BBQ this last Thursday night.  Many friends came and we took photos.

The food was really good, and it helped to clean out my fridge.

This is Becky, Jedi and I

This is Keith, who I've spent quite a bit of time with my last couple of months in Baghdad.  Standing next to him, you can see just how short I am!  Or how tall he is...he's like 6'6"!

Next home...Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zeland Harbor

So after 18 months in Baghdad...I am ready to move on to my next assignment...And that is...Wellington, New Zealand!!!!! I am SO excited!  I get to move from sand and dust storms, to one of the most beautiful places on God's wonderful earth.  There is also a nice, good sized LDS population which will be be such a difference than here is Baghdad.  Its really been quite a challenge here because there aren't that many LDS people here and its hard to find good people to spend time with.  So I've gone through some challenges but I'm stronger for them.

And I know that blessings are just around the corner! :)

Plus, getting to explore New Zealand is going to make my time in Wellington very enjoyable.  Just being back to a normal life is going to make a big difference. :)

R&R continued...and finished

Lexie and Lance...'nuff said!  Lol...Just like the rest of the nieces and nephews, I cherish every moment with all of them!

I'm blessed with such a wonderful family!  And I hope one day to start my own.

Love you all!

Last R&R Continued...

Here I am visiting Kayson for the first time.  Crazy to think that I have a great-nephew! 

 After Adaline's blessing, the sisters and mom got our usual "sister" photo.  It was sad that Cynthia wasn't able to stay long enough to join us...but she was there in spirit!

William's family was able to drive up for the family picture and Adaline's baby blessing.  All my nieces and nephews are precious to me and here I am with two of them!  The second oldest and the youngest! 

Last R&R

It's hard to believe that I'm almost at the end of my 18 months in Baghdad, Iraq.  It has been a long and challenging time.  I've learned and I've grown in ways that I never imagined.  I pushed back my last R&R until Ruth had her baby so that I could be home for the blessing.  What a joy it was to go home and see the precious baby. 

Here she is in the cutest little tutu!  She's so tiny, it's hard to imagine that all the nieces and nephews were that tiny when they've all gotten SO big!  I just love them all and miss them terribly!