I have loved this deployment and loved my time overseas, getting to experience a different culture, landscape, job, and people.  It has been fascinating.  But I did not fully realize how much I missed America until I stepped off the plane in D.C.

Out in Qatar, it became normal to look around and see people with different coloring, clothes and language.  I didn't mind it, it was exciting and new, and really gave me the opportunity to think about what my looks and actions said to these strangers.  For example, if I showed too much skin (arm or neck) would that offend, if I talked to boldly would I become the stereotypical "ugly American"?  I saw women in Qatar who looked and dressed very western, as in what I'd expect to see in a US city, as well as those dressed in the traditional veils and long, flowing black dresses.  But we are always warned not to wear logos that advertise that we are Americans or military, so when out in town I always thought about the look we portrayed.

Once Baer and I arrived to US, we could look out the windows and actually see green grass and trees...everywhere! A simple little sight that I totally missed from the middle east.  And to get to open my cell phone and call Eddie and my mom--from the same land mass and similar time zone--was a simple pleasure I am so thankful to have again.  And blending in with the crowd was welcome too.

Pavs and Jensen were waiting at the airport for us when we arrived to Tampa Thursday evening.  They lugged our bags back to the MainSail (where we stay) and most of the Tampa-side unit met up for a beer in the lounge. And then, a nice long phone conversation with my Eddie and sleep in a big bed.  Life is so good!