A Deployment to Iraq

A Deployment to Iraq

A lot of people don’t realize how truly blessed they are, until they have visited a third world country. Just having the basic necessities such as; nice living conditions, running water, electricity, and food. These are the things we take for granted. Being outside of your environment, and seeing people without the little things that we are accustom to in our everyday lives, one should be grateful for what they have.

My first visit to Iraq was an eye opening experience. It was 100 degrees outside, and the Iraqi children were outside wearing corduroys pants and long sleeve sweatshirts, with nothing on they’re feet. Not only were they hot and dirty, but they were also hungry and thirsty. Begging for any little items that we could spare. Not knowing when their next meal or bottle of water was coming from. So when I went out on mission, I made sure I had extra muffins, chips, donuts and brownies, along with a few bottles of water to give to the Iraqi people. Sometimes we would even put together little bags with school supplies to hand out to the children.

Next, the Iraqi houses were made of sticks and mud as the structure which wasn’t very sturdy and long aluminum sheets as the roof. In the middle of each wall there was little hole openings covered with dirty pieces if ripped clothe, which they used as windows and doors. The houses were built in the middle of what looked like a place where trash was dumped and smelt like sewage. This was the place where people would look through the trash for food or any other necessities that they needed for their everyday lives. There was no running water, plumbing, or electricity. Most of the chores or house work was done during day light hours, or the uses of candles were needed if the family didn’t have electricity. Food was cooked in homemade brick ovens, which were made of cement, fire, and wood. Since there was no running water, people had