Keresi Gaunavinaka Sorowaqili, a dedicated single mother from Fiji, embarked on a transformative peacekeeping mission in Iraq when her son was only eight months old. Deployed with the First Battalion troop in Baghdad, she stood out as one of just four female navy officers among 16 officers and a total of 143 soldiers from the Republic of Fiji Military.
Reflecting on her experience, Sorowaqili highlighted the profound meaning behind her service, marking it as her inaugural peacekeeping mission. However, the distance separation from her young son proved to be a significant emotional hurdle. “I really missed my son. I had difficulty trying to contact him because of the time difference. I think we were 12 hours behind,” she shared, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining that crucial mother-son bond while serving abroad.
Despite these obstacles, Sorowaqili views her son as her primary source of motivation, fueling her drive to succeed in her role. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder for other mothers, especially those who are single, encouraging them to aim high, set ambitious goals, and establish strong standards for their children’s futures. Through her story, she embodies resilience and determination, proving that challenges can be overcome with hope and dedication.
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