SAR SARI MIN - SAR CHAVA KURDISTAN "Forever in My thoughts and Eyes Kurdistan"

 SAR SARI MIN - SAR CHAVA KURDISTAN 2016

"Forever in My thoughts and Eyes Kurdistan"

Until next time...

When I first, came to Kurdistan, I was fortunate enough to accomplish two "check-off's" on my list. 

I remember telling Donna after watching some show on NAT GEO, about the Palms Island in Dubai, UAE, I am going to go to Dubai one day and I am going to that man made island one day. I know, "Okay", right(?)

While I was still in Saudi, RMSI called me up and interviewed me via skype after applying for the position, on a friend's recommendation, way before, I had applied for the position in Saudi on another friend's recommendation. Obviously, it went well, but I couldn't leave Saudi fast enough.

When, I went for my induction for RMSI, I was so excited that it was in Dubai. I also remember telling a dear friend at work kind of the same thing I told Donna. "Girl, I am going to that Palms Island one day". I am sure she was like "hmm hmm cra cra." But, she did tell me when you do, I want that picture. 

So, I did go to Dubai, I do work for a company that has a base in Dubai and I did get on that Palms Island, and stood in front of the Atlantis of Dubai, UAE.

Then, it was time to go to work. What an immediate difference it was for me in how Kurdistan was compared to where I had just left. 

I immediately also noticed how beautiful this wonderful country is, with its' gorgeous and epic mountain scenery. I was so fortunate that my first "gig" was to support a seismic expedition. I was able to travel within the country of Kurdistan, and can only wish that I could give you my eyes and memories of all the beauty I witnessed. 

Shortly, after my first "gig" the bad guys came close enough to making some trouble in Erbil, Kurdistan. 

  

Thankful, that sooner, rather than later, that the US and US coalition forces along with the Peshmerga of Kurdistan repealed the bad guys. But prior and soon after a lot of business and people moved on and pulled out of Kurdistan. 

For a few of us, we were able to stay on and hang in there. We rebuilt, re-branded, and charged forward. 

International SOS Erbil , Kurdistan (Medical and Rescue Services) 2016

My brother Ahmad, forever "take care."  All the best bra! Never forget!

Larry, can't wait to see you in the USA, and we can "beast out" at the gym. All the best bra. Likewise never forget"

Amer, soon friend wherever you may be... Daewood, all the best... Also all the best to all my Kurdish brother presently there in Erbil and the ones from the past.

 But, during the acquisition of RMSI by International SOS, I was placed in my new home.

HKN ST1

Abdullah Hussein and Buhaadeen Mustafa 

Brothers what can I say, I can't say enough, it would fill this page. I thank you both for being the men you both are and for being there not only for our patients, but for me, as a friend. 

"God's Blessing on you both"

To my International SOS family. As you can see above, so many memories. We will have more, I am sure. So, not good-bye but until next time. Thanks to all the Doctors and Managers and Staff there at the Erbil clinic and abroad.  Sincerely, "All the best", you know that, brothers and sisters...

For all our upper leadership: Thank you. Thank you for everything and the support and wisdom.

As the sunset I leave you with these last words.

Click play for my final farewell

My journey here @ HKN in Kurdistan Iraq is soon coming to an end for now. I have truly learned a lot from great mentors like Bob, Blair, Dave, and Ron from HKN. Thankful for HKN for the opportunity to serve them and their people. Bill, HSE  and all HKN HSE guys, Mike, Philip and Stig, thank you for your support and help. HKN security always the best to you gentlemen. That goes for all the HKN, Oilserv, VSC, and Dozvan personnel thank you. Also, the mentor-ship from VSC Darran, then his father John, when I first got here, will always be appreciated. VSC Sam and Charlie thank you as well. "Tickety-Boo" 

Then to all my Kurdish family here, I thank you, all of you, for welcoming me, being patient with me, and truly showing the heart of Kurdistan through each one of you. (Manager, Security, Driver, Cook, Helper).   

"Same Same"

"No Doctor, My name is Roger, we are brothers"

Dave Taylor, 

It has been a pleasure being your back to back. My family and I are forever thankful to you. When my Dad was deathly ill, you stayed without a second thought. Also, I hope that I have reciprocated our friendship. I could say more, but again, it would absolutely fill this blog. You know, too many people go through life being without a heart. I have learned after losing son(s) that you may never get the chance to say what you  wanted to say to someone. It is hard to say "farewell" to you. You are a friend, forever. My friend until next time, all the best for you and your family. If it works out, we'll meet up one day in Vegas with our families. Mahalkita Kuya Dave. Bahala na.

To all:

I truly feel I have been able to be who I am, and again give to others, my very best at times. By the grace of God, I am so thankful for the opportunities I have been giving. So, thankful that God allows me to help others. So, thankful for the friends who have become my family. There is a saying here in Kurdistan:

"Hami tbl nashti ek"

(All the fingers not the same)

Basically meaning not all people are the same. There are good and bad, in all people from anywhere. No matter where you are in the world, some people you either grow to love as brothers or sisters, and then their are others, the "not so much". However, there is another saying here in Kurdistan: 

"Am ek khezanin"

(We one family)

Though we may not all be the same type of people or come from the same background or belief, we truly became one family.

So, International SOS, and my HKNST1 family, and for everyone (even those, "not so much") my farvorite saying of all: 

"Salmati bota dkhazm"

(I wish you good health) 


"There will always be more of us that choose love over hate". I am so thankful to continue to meet beautiful people from all walks of life. I truly believe I am because we are... peace to all...
 Love God, Love People, and Serve the World

Until next time...
Unless, if any of you, are ever in the United States of America and near the "cornfields" of NC, come on by, we'll leave a light on for you...