An Eventful Day

Hello All,

Well, it was quite the day!

First, I went to visit my counterpart at the Ministry today along with my big bosses and Asa (interpreter). We met in a most comfortable office of the Deputy Chief as the Chief was out of town. After the chai tea was served to all, we had a nice social meeting. My bosses then departed leaving me and Asa in the office with the deputy, we're becoming quite the team. He speaks little English but more English than I speak Dari. In the end, I believe we departed under most cordial circumstances with a good degree of mutual respect (whew). I will be working out of the Ministry most days now. Most exciting is that he wants me to work with the women within his department hoping they will open up to me on their issues of concern. I'm continually perplexed by this culture, mostly on the positive side.

Secondly, it RAINED today!!!! Of course I was out and about when the wind kicked up generating huge amounts of dust (you ain't seen anything like this) and then rain... not a good combination on my light blue blouse. It was nice to see the rain, actually a thunderstorm. I understand we're finally getting some relief back in NH too.

Thirdly, our active duty general is getting ready to depart after her one year tour of duty, so the company threw her a nice social... well, under these conditions anyway. We held the function inside our safe compound on the roof of one of the homes. It was nice to be in a social environment away from work. I'm sorry I did not get to work with her though, she seemed just amazing to me. I understand the new general is pretty good too.

Fourthly, I've been experiencing a problem my sister Mauria helped me resolve. The coffee cups at the chow hall are pretty chinzy and I'm continually staining my clothing first thing in the morning. I asked Mauria to send me one of those laundry sticks. Well, she recommended in lieu of the stick that I bring the cup to my slips before drinking to stop the staining... she's getting a major nuggie when I get home. She also recommended I get a sippy cup like my niece Maddy.... I had her there. I bought one already, so problem solved.

Tomorrow I only work a half day and then I have Friday off. I need a break. I'm now reading a book on the modern history of Afghanistan.... yup, I'm still a wild woman.

Love to All,

GAIL

PS: Tried to upload a picture from my trip today but my internet connection is too slow tonight