That's pretty amazing! Like you, if I weren't married, I might consider it, given the safety conditions, but I don't think I'd go if there was a chance of not coming home to the family, or if leaving them would cause them any stress. It sounds very compelling though, not so much for the writing, but for the other reasons you mention. Did the military guy you talked with have family?

I like adventure, but I don't know how far I'd go just for research. There'd have to be a bigger reason if I were to ask my family to make that sacrifice.

But in general, I think I like to make most things up or just do internet research. ;> For instance, I wouldn't bungee jump for a book, or eat those fermented bird eggs like on Survivor, LOL. I would travel, but I don't think I'd ever put myself in real danger for a book, I'm just not that adventurous.

Sam

Now that my kids are out of the house, I'd probably do it. But I don't think my husband would let me go alone--do they do package deals?

As far as how far I would go for research--not too far out of my comfort zone. Roughing it in extreme wilderness conditions--I'd do it. Climb to any kind of height--forget it.

Jeannie

Karen, I'd totally do it if I weren't also in your situation - one small boy at home who wouldn't understand why Mommy was gone for six months (he actually doesn't understand "six months" yet, let alone Mommy gone).

How far would I go for research? I'm actually in the process of applying to attend my town's police academy for citizens. That's a big leap for me! After that...we'll see!

Margaret

What an interesting opportunity! I am not sure I would do it though...of course, I am a big chicken and most of my research is done secondhand through books...LOL...but if I were a writer, I might be tempted...of course, a different location would be more ideal...like a beach somewhere...with cabana boys...or a cabin in the woods...with a cute woodsman...LOL

I don't think I would like to go to Iraq or Afghanistan for any reason.

Karen, if it weren't for having to be apart from your family for that time and of course, the risk involved (however minimized), it sounds like an amazing opportunity personally and for your research! Maybe something else will come along, but in the meantime, I agree with everyone who's suggested a vacation! :)

I like to think I'm more adventurous than I am in reality, so I doubt I'd go for it, but I've also got fairly young kids, so maybe later? And I'm definitely height averse, so no bungee jumping, zip-lining, or cliff-climbing for me! (I'd be a terrible contestant on The Amazing Race!)

I'd go pretty damn far, I have to admit, lol. Dangerous stuff? Not so much. Uncomfortable stuff, a little further. Painful stuff? Nope, not at all.

But I'm a wuss. So there's no accounting for that. :)
Dee

is worth even a slightly increased risk of leaving my kids motherless.

I used to be in the army, and would have happily gone off on active service pre-children, (though I'll admit to having a bit of an epiphany when I faced a mock 'enemy' only meters away when patroling on exercise - I'd have been dead if it was for real, and that thought was not a pleasant one!)

Personally, I think when you're a parent, you really need to balance adventure with responsibility. DH doesn't paddle high grade water anymore, and I've forbidden him to go parachuting. (My cousin's hubby died parachuting.)

Sure, you still have to follow your dreams, be a role model, not be a martyr, all that good stuff. But surely you can do it without risking your life. I don't for a minute think Iraq is a 'piece of cake', looking at the news headlines.

Geez I sound like a right party-pooper I know, but well, that's how I feel about it.

I should add, though, that the opportunity to do some good, and add some value - well, that does make it more complicated.

Would your skills still be valued and useful in a couple of years, when your kids are a bit older and the violence has settled down?

Wow
I don't know that is a tough call, I'm 42 and I can see were you're coming from but I think the reality of being there would be a real eye opener

And read Euri's post -- having been in the Army, Euri, you probably have a good idea of things, and we hear of a lot of contractors getting hurt/kidnapped/killed too. It sounds like Karen would be in a safe spot, of course, but then most people are hurt/kidnapped/killed on their way to and from, right, on the roads in between?

That said, you can get cancer, have a car accident, fall down your stairs, get electrocuted by Christmas lights, or have a heart attack -- who knows what each day brings? I think danger has to be considered, but none of us are here forever. I also think Karen, that you know what you want in your heart, and you know what the risks are as much as you can.

I guess you need to ask, IF something did happen, would it be worth it? Does it mean that much to you to do it?

You make a difference in the world by raising your children, doing your work, writing your books -- but would doing this add meaning to your life in some way you don't get otherwise? If so, how does your family feel? If they had objections, I guess I would put them first. I know a lot of contractors have to go, it's how they support their families, but here it just sounds like the money would be gratis -- nice to have, but not necessary. I don't think money can be a motivator for something like this, really.

It's tough. You sound like you would miss your girls, and they would miss you, too. You might be making a difference there, but you're making one here, too. You could fall and bump your head and bloop, that's it, but you can't see that coming, which is different than walking into a potentially dangerous situation.

It's a hard choice, but it's YOUR choice (and your family's). As long as you could blog, *G*, we'd support you no matter what.

Sam