Jeff

 The second question I get asked most often after "Do you have to cover your head?" is "What does Jeff think of you leaving for four weeks?" So, here is what Jeff thinks, in his own words:

"Nearly one year ago, Lauren and I were married beneath an oak tree in her parents’ backyard. We just celebrated our one-year anniversary at a lovely Calgary bistro called Cucina. 

The evening also marked a farewell. For much of September, Lauren will be in Qatar. In Doha, she’ll work in a cardiac unit at a hospital as part of her final semester in the University of Calgary’s nursing program.

That much you know. What’s less clear – to judge by the raised eyebrows in some corners – is what I think about the trip. I’ll tell you: I think it’s wonderful.

A bit of background: Before we decided to get married, Lauren and I agreed that traveling independently was something we both valued. We also like exploring new cities together, of course, but there’s something special about arriving in a new place with only your wits as a guide. (Long before we met, Lauren volunteered at a women’s shelter in Nepal. I worked on a blueberry farm in New Zealand). 

My wife is leaving this week for the Middle East at a particularly volatile time (Google Syria and chemical weapons and you’ll be up to speed). There’s good reason to be worried – if you only read headlines. But I’m trying to resist the urge to conflate one country – its people, cities and culture – in the region with another. Which only makes sense. After all, we would hardly judge Canada by the actions of one province, never mind the decisions made by a lone Member of Parliament from Calgary Southwest. Or maybe we would.

Regardless, I feel lucky my partner is engaged in the wider world. I’m a richer person for it."