I am grateful the gift of direction, a gift that is perishable and fragile, that needs protection and one I do not take for granted.

The beauty and the brutality, the wonders and the weirdness leave deep impressions.

There is destruction and deep wounds visible in the earth, making it feel alive.

I supposed it said more about how men of the culture show pain: they don't.

I knew that there are some out there who reads, but hearing it meant a world of difference against loneliness, my biggest adversary.

A deep kind of knowing that has no proof, and doesn't need any. But how do I measure it? Or more importantly, should I?

It was a joy to see him so unfiltered, with an undying love to a place that has seen so much hate.

There was curious caring with a touch of worry. How can a grown man know so little about his place in the world?

Where there is goodwill, curiosity, initiative and drive, people find ways to make beauty together.

Onwards means homebound, and so in times of loneliness, the bicycle and the road are the ways out of it.

From the cute center, to the lush paradise above the dam, to the epic mountains of the east and back into town for one more game.

I gave him my word that I would return to him. And If I give my word, I aim to keep it, or die trying.

The land faded into green. Seas of tallgrass waved in the wind and beyond, rolling hills foretelling the mountains in the horizon.

The long journey is my own metaphor, an outward quest that is an expression of an inner struggle.

The feeling remained, a lingering reassurance that even in this strange place, my family walks with me.

The people need healing, and time, and I can only pray they will have it. Insha'Allah.

You keep telling yourself what you know. But what do you believe? What do you feel?

If there would ever be a sign telling me that this path of life was the right one for me, that was it.

To value the time, effort, resources and care gifted to us.

Whatever happens in the theatres of politics and war, there have always been teacups, chairs and smiles in Iraq to welcome you.

"I am in way over my head and there is no turning back. I am afraid."

From the rivers of Euphrates and Tigris, through the mountains of Kurdistan, and on.