Yes, I'm still in Iraq

Well folks I have been back in Iraq for a week now and I would be lying to say that it's good to be back.

Things have changed slightly since I left earlier this month. The missions that we were running have been cancelled so we have been put on a new one. The good thing is that I won't be on the road as much, but the bad thing is that I will probably be working longer days more often. John, and Mike will be leaving soon to head up north and Sean already left for a small base up north working with the Iraqi Army so I'm losing some good friends for the next couple months. Other than these things life here is much the same as when I left.

There has been a lot of things on my mind since I have been back but mostly I have been thinking about home. It's coming to fall now which means that most of my friends will be headed back to school. If I hadn't been sent to this war I would entering my senior year at Gustavus and would hopefully be looking at medical school next fall. Apparently God had different plans for me because this will be my second year away from school. I wish more than anything that I could be back in school and graduating with my class and all of my friends, but that can't happen anymore. I get depressed thinking about it so I try not to remind myself.

In other news. Jake set up a Myspace page for me so I have that going for me. For those that know what that is anyway it is http://www.myspace.com/nickbope.

We had a good sandstorm here on the 18th, just take a look.

Well, I guess that I will end the post and call it a day. Have a great week everyone,

Nick

Leave Pictures

Back to Business

Well, I'm back. My, didn't that go quick?

I arrived back in Iraq yesterday after spendng two weeks of leave back in Minnesota and I can honestly say that I had the best two weeks of my life. Every day, hour, minute, and second were pure bliss as I was swept away by the sheer joy of being home. I know that it was supposed to be Rest and Relaxation but I couldn't help but fit as many things in as I could. I wasn't rushing everywhere, rather constantly going places.

Where to start? I saw a lot of good friends, had a few good beers, and went to many good places. Brainerd speedway, the Vikings game, a Twins game, the zoo, and bingo night to name a few. I was able to spend time with Mom and also Dad, Kathy, and Kristy; I had a great time seeing them all. I was lucky to have Carrie with me the whole time and I think she would say she had a good time also.

Now I'm back to work and it's back to business. Well, that's what I would like to say but of course my head is still lost thinking home. I had so much fun it's hard to be dissapointed being back here but I can't help thinking about it. These first few days are hard being back and I am facing the realization that I probably won't see those that I love for another seven months again. Luckily, I have some good friends here and they are helping me get back into the swing if things; of course I went to the gym the first night I got back and it helped a little.

The missions have changed while I left and so I can't say what my next task is going to be. I think I will be pushing for something a little more medically related because I have had enough time out on the road and I have seen enough. It's not that I have a choice but maybe I can work something out that will get me some hands on medical work.

Carl, we are thinking of you. Hope you are feeling better and keeping that food down!

Nick

P.S.- Thank you to everyone who made those two weeks the best time of my life, you know who you are.

Just Waiting

You Can Never Really Be Too Safe

In just a few days I will be whisked away on a plane that will eventually get me home. There are many different emotions and thoughts going through my head right now.

What will it be like to be back home? Will things seem normal or out of place? What do people at home think of me being gone? What do people think about soldiers over here?

Although going home is great and I am really looking forward to it there are some feelings inside me that are making me hesitant. First off, I have to come back here as soon as the two weeks are over and then I will still have 7 months left on this tour. Second, there are always the mysterious feelings you get that say you shouldn't leave your soldiers behind even though they aren't really alone.

All being said, I think I will deal with leave just fine but you may have to force me on the plane ride back.

Well, some of you lucky readers may be seeing me soon and I can't wait. Others who won't be seeing me don't fret because I am going to try and update the blog at least once while I am gone. Some of you reading this will still be in Iraq and I'm sorry that I am going to gloat and plaster pictures of home all over this site. And as for the insurgents reading this, I have no news for you but don't worry you can look at the pictures too.

As always, thanks for stopping by,

Nick