One, Last Blog before You Go...

I am training a girl, Nicole, at work. She is going to replace me because, as I recently stated, I am moving on to a new job. She has worked for United before but moved in with her parents in Texas because her husband was recently deployed to Iraq. She has decided to move back and try work again.

I got a chance to talk to her about his experiences. One thing that she said really stuck in my mind. Her husband, Brian, has told her about the children in Iraq. These kids love school and they think receiving pencils (those yellow No. 2's) are a treat. I can't tell you how many times I've complained about No. 2 pencils or have thrown them away because they were "too dull".



These children love learning. But don't have many resources. They don't have markers or cool Trapper Keepers (I know they're old-school). Regardless, they love going to school. Imagine if these kids got to spend one day in an average American school...they would never forget it.

His Squadron decided to repair the local school. They repaired the plumbing and fixed leaky roofs. Nicole, Brian's wife, asked her church to help gather school supplies for those children.

The media portrays the Middle East as this war-torn, impoverished country-which they are-that doesn't want our help. But according to Brian, they want help. Some families are torn apart or tortured because they choose to learn from the American soldiers. But they make that sacrifice, knowing that it may one day better their lives.

These are things Americans don't take into consideration. We don't see the need for aid in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even the most impoverished children in America have a chance at a decent education. We need to look beyond our peripherals and realize many people in this world are not as truly blessed as we are. Don't take this for granted.