A Sad Sight To See

I had to go outside the ministry yesterday to obtain a passport picture. While standing outside the photo shop I heard a woman wailing. As I looked toward the direction of this incredibly sad sound, I noted an older and obviously very poor woman stopping everyone who came in her path... to include police vehicles and police officers. At first I thought she was just a crazy beggar, but Asa quickly set me straight. Turns out the woman's son was arrested a couple of weeks ago during a large protest against the government. Because she/her family have no money, she could not pay to get him out of jail. Her only choice was to stand in the streets where influential police tend to congregate and appeal her son's cause in this most sad manner. Fair trials and equal rights for all just aren't yet in existence here, which is why I am here. What a lesson learned for me too... I am most humbled.

I'm noting that Ramazan is really taking its toll on those who practice the fast. The Ministry folks are beginning to look quite haggard; the men who I find are normally well groomed aren't shaving and their clothes disheveled, demeanors aren't as pleasant, and I swear people are looking thinner. As of today, 9 days left and then EID. I will share the EID story later.

Hugs for all today... gotta hit the road real soon. I'm finding my work days are getting longer and I'm getting a little slower in the morning.

Peace be with you all,

GAIL

A Great Party

Hello All,

I received this poster in the mail from the Dave/Karen Brien family and posted it on my wall in my very small but private room. Needless to say, the poster brought me great joy because (1) I loved getting this act of kindness from the Briens and (2) It reminded me of the great bon voyage party they hosted at their home to send me off to this Great Adventure in Afghanistan. The memories of my large extended and loving family gathering together just for me will be something I will always remember. The poster reminds me of that wonderful event every day... a very good thing.

I'm sure by now that most of you have read about the horrible death rate of our American young men and women over here in the last couple of days. Being here brings it even closer to home. On the international military base where I have an office, eat, and obtain support, they have an alley of flags representing all the international forces serving here. When one is killed, the flag is brought to half staff... our American flag has been in this position waaaaay too much of late. As for me, I just want you to know that Kabul, where I work, is much safer than the Provinces outside of Kabul where many of our casualties are occuring. However, as the national elections draw near, I anticipate security in and around Kabul will be increased and my personal vigilance will be on edge. So, please know that I'm well protected and cognizant of my environment at all times. At the same time, I do not want to put you in a false sense of security... Afghanistan is a combat environment and the threat is ever present.

This blog hug goes out to....... THE DAVID AND KAREN BRIEN FAMILY TO INCLUDE TIA AND NICK XXXXXXX00000000000000

Happy Kids

My colleague Rick received a box of WALMART style boys shirts and toys from family members back home. Well, as the big day for distribution approached it was determined that I would serve as the official photographer (there's a story there too). When the kids saw Rick with his bag of goodies, it turned into a feeding frenzy but good order and discipline ultimately prevailed... I pulled the Mother role and insisted they stand in line say PLEASE and upon receipt of gift, THANK YOU... just like Elena and Maggie do. Turns out the kids just love the bright colored clothing, I guess that's just not an option here. Another great day indeed, the joy was all around us. Toys included plastic badmitton paddles/birdies, bubbles (the kind Ann just loved for the kids) and frisbees... another new experience for the kids.

I'm working pretty hard to help the Afghans develop a criminal justice system to ensure rule of law so that we can ultimately leave this country, a country that will be terrorist free and safe for all citizens. Winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people is key to that development... I can't think of a better way to win hearts and minds than small acts of kindness.

So, if your heart leads you I would love to receive children's clothing (we can't forget the girls) to include shoes, socks, hats, gloves, coats, underware, toys whatever. The military post here sponsors an orphanage (the wars left a lot of these) which is in dire need. Please, no pressure from my end. But, I keep getting notes asking me what I need... that's what I need. And, nothing expensive just WALMART kind of stuff. Used items in good repair would also be appreciated... but they do love getting brand new stuff 'cause that's a very special treat.

This blog hug goes to my good friend and greenhouse partner, a woman not too keen on children but a woman who has an amazing capacity to love those in need.... TEENA HAYDEN!!!XXXOOO

Elections are Coming!!

National election for the Legislature is to be held on September 16 so there are campaign posters everywhere one looks. You see an example in this picture and I'll try post even more as time draws closer. Inside Kabul, candidates appear pretty active and there are ongoing campaign rally's. Outside of Kabul is a different story. Already a number of candidates have been murdered by what are believed to be Taliban who do not support the candidate, it's an awful thing. The government of Afghanistan, along with the international community, are gearing up strong to prepare for these elections particularly determining polling locations and security of ballots. This is a huge challenge in this very unstable country. It was recently announced that there would be no polling in schools as this generates too significant a threat to the educational system so critical to the future of Afghanistan. The impact of this decision is great as there will be far fewer available stations which will concentrate larger numbers of people at the limited stations ... more on this issue in upcoming blogs.

OOOPs, gotta head off to work.

HUGS for all readers today.

Street Fighting

I was walking home with my friend Scott the other day when we ran into one of the "regular" kids who was not with the normal "gang". In time, the two "boys'" roughhousing turned into quite the thumb wrestling match. Never have I heard such deep laughter come from a child, or for that matter a firefighter. The Afghan people continue to amaze me with this great sense of joy in their hearts, an amazing feat after 30+ years of intense conflict.

BREAK

I spoke with Asa about medical care in Afghanistan. She told me there are a few options for the people:

1. Free hospitals for those without money or anyone who wants to receive care there. These hospitals, as you can imagine given the significant poverty here, are quite overcrowded. She also said the qualifications of the doctors working there are questionable, so those with any disposable money avoid these hospitals. Oh ya, people do have to pay for any prescriptions.
2. Commercial hospitals will also see anyone for a fee. There is no medical insurance in Afghanistan. When Asa received treatment the other day, the appointment and the prescription cost her $10. This doesn't sound like much, but she only makes $100 a month, so that makes for (wait, I'm doing the math in my head) 10% of her weekly income. God forbid she ever get really sick.
3. Private clinics. Asa tells me these are very expensive and possess the best doctors this country has to offer. She has no idea of the cost, but knows it exceeds her ability to pay.

Until the next blog my wonderful friends and family. Sorry, I dropped the ball for a couple of days, but I'm back to it now. No excuses, they would be lame if I tried.

This blog hug goes out to my cousin Lynda OOOOOOOO and she knows why.

GAIL

More on Work

I caught this picture on my way to work the other day... these guys were heading into the incredibly congested center of Kabul. That's one gutsy donkey!!! And, the only thing worse than the drivers in Kabul are the bikers, walkers and donkey pulled carts. I'm just amazed every day watching this traffic mix and can't comprehend why there aren't more accidents.

My work in the Ministry is getting pretty interesting. I have a meeting early this morning to address the development of a personnel selection process for the directorate to ensure qualified people are serving in this critical department. During this meeting, I will put forth some proposals and get to work with a personnel officer who will be charged with actually building and obtaining approval for this process (hopefully a formal policy approved by the Minister), I will serve as his mentor. During this same meeting, we will also be discussing their progess on implementing their already developed Strategic Plan which is actually quite an astute document. I hope we'll be able to turn the plan into a self-inspection program so they can measure challenges and improvements. Once again, there will be an officer from the Ministry who will take the lead on that effort and I will serve as his mentor. And then there's training. I hope to take their lead trainer out to a meeting at the Afghan National Police Academy for a meeting with numerous representatives from the international community. Other than that, it's pretty quiet. And, thank God for Asa who is now feeling much better.

Summer vacation is now over for the kids I meet walking to and from work. So, if anyone wants to send any of the following items it would be greatly appreciated: school supplies, socks, underware, shoes, etc. ... there are both boys and girls ranging in age from 5 to 15. As winter draws closer, I'll be putting out an appeal for heavier clothing.

Oops, gotta head out soon and still haven't done my morning stretches.

This blog hug goes to my Friend Greg/Murph who has promised to build a shelter around the exterior oil tank outside our greenhouse... he's a great guy whom I hope to introduce to you all upon my return. Melva, could you please make sure Greg sees/feels this virtual hug?

Here's One for You

Let me start by saying there is nothing feminine about the men here, but I've noted many (maybe 10%) walking down the street holding hands like lovers on a walk in the park. Many of the younger boys/men (higher proportion), walk arm in arm. I asked Asa about this and she said it's because they are "best friends". Definitely not what one would see in America, but this is far from America for sure. I thought you would find that interesting.

Asa came to work sick yesterday and was going to the doctor after her 1/2 day... the company only requires our interpreters to work 1/2 days during Ramazan unless work dictates otherwise. Anyway, I asked her the process to see the doctor. She says she goes to the hospital near her home and waits in a large room to see a doctor... they do not have assigned doctors, you get who you get. Forgot to ask her about payment. I do know that many of our senior interpreters are medical doctors; however, the pay is so low they work as interpreters for the Americans during the day making significantly more money. At the end of their normal work day, they volunteer as doctors in hospitals/clinics to keep their skills up. One must ask: "What's going to happen to these people when the Americans leave." And, our focus here is all about the exit strategy, shaping the Afghan infrasturcture as much as possible so we (the international community) can depart without leaving a HUGE void.

This blog hug goes out to probably the most talented man I've ever met and also my brother-in-law................... DAVID BRIEN XXXOOO

It's HOT!!!!!

Good Morning All,

This is a picture I took the other day on the way to the Ministry. They're digging ditches along the major roadways these days for "sewer". In reality it's an open ditch the sewer runs through. Speaking of which, I still haven't found the clean facilities in the Ministry... we'll try again today.

Oh man, it's been just brutal hot the last few days. The mornings aren't too bad, which is good because I walk into work... yes, it's relatively safe and gets my heart started in the morning. But later in the morning as it gets hot, I have to get all dressed up in my body armor, blazer and scarf to head to the Ministry. This encompasses a walk of about 100 yards along dirt roads (no clue why I keep polishing my brown leather shoes) and then getting into one of our very warm, okay hot, vehicles for about a 15 minute commute into the Ministry. By the time I get to the office I'm sweating like a pig... sorry Ma, I'm glowing profusely.

Now let me remind you that it's Ramazan. So, it's rude to drink in front of your Afghan colleagues. I'll admit I keep a bottle of water in my commute bad and slip a sip when no one is looking. Poor Asa though. She commutes in for an hour and her Ramazan outfit is quite confining. Unlike me, she cannot slip a sip. By 11 AM, she's just beat but keeps up a very good heir... I know she's horribly thirsty.

The dust/grime seems to be worst these days too. Like going into work, I like to end the day with a walk home... it's about a mile. This is where I run into all the kids and it gives me great joy to experience their laughter. Oh ya, Asa told me the Ramazan fast starts for girls at the age of 9 and boys at 15... not fair in my book, but that's just the way it is. Lately, the wind's really been blowing this very fine dust/grime and needless to say when combined with my "glow" I'm like a mud ball when I get home. But, it's worth it for the walk.

Well, gotta get ready for work. I've started stretching in the mornings along with some wall squats and pushups and it seems to be helping this rapidly deteriorating body of mine.

This blog hugs goes out to my most wonderful nephew AARON or AJ as most of you know him. I miss you much. xxxooo

Work

Good Morning All,

This is what I am faced with when we drive into the Ministry.... there's a guy with a machine gun on top of this vehicle. A most warm welcome to start out the day, but here it's actually a good thing.

I now have a most spacious office in the Ministry that I share with a couple of other advising agencies, all men of course. The office has 3 desks and a desktop computer that works quite well. When first assigned last week, Asa and I immediately noted the stench and many layers of dust/dirt in the office. We asked the cleaning guy to come in to at least clean off the countertops... he did in his own way. Still nasty, but Asa and I corrected that the next day and it even smells much better now. The guys we share the office with are not impressed with the
"woman's touch". Don't even get me going on the bathroom across the hall, it's absolutely unimaginable even for me who has experienced nasty in various places in the world. Unfortunately, with all the required coffee in the morning, it becomes a necessity. Rumor has it there's a decent bathroom a couple of buildings over.

Most importantly, this office affords me the opportunity to be more efficient in my work. I now have a work plan that addresses the development of a personnel selection process for investigators and then a training program which will train the RIGHT people. The combination of these programs will ensure a career path for national level investigators. The Director is now selecting personnel from his staff, personnel and training, to develop these processes... I will serve as their mentor so they can learn how to develop and then implement policies and processes.

This was probably boring for most of you, but some have asked so I'm trying to comply with requests. Let me know if you have one.

This blog hug goes out to my dearest friends and previous Alexandria, VA neighbors....

MARY RYAN and ERIN ROTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XXXOOO

Girl's First I Pod

Rushing today, so not much time. Thought I'd share this picture of a young Afghan girl experiencing her first I Pod (music) encounter. My friend Ken (the one who attract all the kids) let her use his and just look at the results in her face!!! He told me he had a heck of a time getting it back, she was just fascinated with the concept.

Something about the camera makes the young boys want to salute with their left hand. You will note the better clothing of these kids... they go to the private German school so obviously come from families who have a little money. The blue shirt/khaki pants are the same as my uniform.... that's just wrong!!!

Love and hugs to all.

Gail

My Afghan Church

I thought some of you might be interested in my church conditions, so here goes. As always, I remain Roman Catholic and they actually have a priest assigned to our Camp... Father Matt (his Polish name is way to much for me to handle). Father Matt, a US Army Lt Col, gives very spiritual masses and most compelling sermons... he teaches us which I really appreciate. The "church" is really just a big tent that they use here for a number of events; large staff meetings, yoga classes, concerts, and various denomination services. The alter in the picture is really a food transporter they put a tablecloth over and then decorate from there. I found the background picture quite compelling the very first time I saw it and hope you do to. I saw Father Matt heading out on patrol with the troops the other day in his full combat gear (cross in the center of his helmet)... he's really an amazing guy.

Now Ramazan. Not sure of the bathing traditions during this period, but I've noted the body odor in the Ministry these days is quite strong to say the very least. Oh man, at least another 30 days to go before it's over. I had a meeting with the Chief of Criminal Analysis the other day in a very closed up room with a whole lot of people and for some reason they do not like to put their air conditioner on... it just wasn't pretty. Here are all these guys in full suits in what I thought was a sweltering room discussing their issues and not sweating in the least... I was soaking wet. Finally, one of the younger guys noted I was wiping the sweat with my hankerchief (learned to keep one of those on me at all times) and turned on the a/c... it was getting embarassing. Anyone have any extra hankerchiefs lying around I could use a few more... laundry here only comes once a week.

Poor Asa. I've noted during Ramazan she has become very conservative in her dress. She now wears a black skull cap to completely cover all hair and ears. She then covers the skullcap
with a scarf that matches her tunic but now wraps the scarf tightly around her head and neck... she used to only wear a scarf and wrapped it loosely so there was a flow of air. Couple this outfit with a long walking commute in heavy/dry dust and no water during the light of day and it's got to be miserable. In consideration of her and my other Afghan colleagues, I do not drink or eat in front of them during the day... it's killing me and I only need to go a few hours. More on this stuff later.

This blog hug goes out to my dearest friends and spiritual mentors in my Arlington Church... Dee Dee and Peggy Gott. I think all your work is paying off here, finally!!!!!! XXXOOO

It's Not All Fighting

Good Morning!!!!

I saw this jet ski for sale on the side of one of the main roads to the airport and made our driver turn around so we could take a picture... just not something I thought I'd see here. Well, I was wrong again. I'm told there is a beautiful large lake just outside Kabul that is a playground for the local Afghans. Of course the women cannot go swimming in the presence of the men... at least in anything we would consider a bathing suit. Asa tells me her family goes to this lake often for picnics and there they rent jet skis. I'm now envisioning an Afghan woman jetting around this lake in a burka!!

The only water I see around here is the Kabul River. Unlike the flooding going on in Pakistan (our neighbor), the rain just has not come here so the river is quite low. Being so low, it's obvious all the trash that's been dumped in the river and it stinks pretty bad. But ocassionally we still see kids playing in it... I'm talking really gross river. Like our own Merrimack River used to be when we were kids.

Today's blog hug goes to ............... my dear friends, loyal blog followers and avid jet ski riders Mike and Lisa Brien xxxx00000

Life in Afghanistan

Hello All,

I hope all is well with everyone reading this blog... keep them comments coming, they bring me joy. The picture today was taken in inner city Kabul... it's a closer up version of the mud homes. I've been told they are very stable facilities able to withstand heavy machine gun fire so that makes them good places for "insurgents" to launch attacks from all over the country. I'm also told that they do not withstand earthquakes nearly as well. So let's hope during the next attack there's an earthquake? I think that's called faulty logic.

With Ramazan traditionally comes greater threats to infidels... that's us. So, for today I thought I'd share a general threat warning most recently put out to us:

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan. The security threat to all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. This is to remind U.S. citizens of ongoing security risks, including kidnapping and insurgent attacks. 2. No part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against American and other Western nationals at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and the al-Qa'ida terrorist network, as well as other groups hostile to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)/NATO military operations, remain active. There is an ongoing threat to kidnap and assassinate U.S. citizens and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) workers throughout the country. Afghan authorities have a limited ability to maintain order and ensure the security of Afghan citizens and visitors. Travel in all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe due to military combat operations, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry between political and tribal groups, and the possibility of terrorist attacks, including attacks using vehicular or other improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The security environment remains volatile and unpredictable.

The intent of my sharing this information with you is not to scare you but to share in "in their words" the conditions I'm living under on a daily basis and why I'm so very cautious over here. Many of you have asked for the less rosey side of my life, well this is it. The guards I showed in previous BLOGS are not there as an employment opportunity... they serve a critical role in my protection.

THIS BLOG HUG GOES OUT TO...... (you've been waiting for it and now here it is and generating a longer pause) my wonderful nephew Joey and his beautiful daugher/my niece Maddie xxxx0000

love to all,

Auntie Gail

Ramazan is Here

Hello All,

Ramazan, it's like the Catholic Lenten period on major steroids. Let me explain. In most Muslim cultures, this holy time is called Ramadan... I have no idea why the Afghans call it Ramazan. But here's the meaning behind this most holy time for them:

•Celebrates the month in which the Qur’an (the holy book of Islam) was revealed to Muhammad. In 2010, the published dates for Ramadan are: August 12th through Sept 9/10th
•Celebration includes: Fasting, Repentance, Increased prayer, Increased charity.
•Official working hours are generally reduced from 8 hours to 5 hours during Ramazan
•Fasting (nothing put into your mouth) is from dawn (one half hour before sunup) to dusk (one half hour after sundown).
•The Night of Power is most important night . (This year 05-06 SEP)
•Ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr: Day of celebration and gratitude.
•Appropriate to greet Muslims with “Happy Eid” during this time which should be 10-12 SEP.

TYPICAL DAILY ACITIVITES
•Sahoor: Meal before dawn and the first prayer of the day.
•Iftar: breaking of the fast at Sunset (coincides with the 4th daily prayer).
•Ziarat: Social gatherings e.g. visiting relatives, sharing food with neighbours, friends, and the poor.
•Tarawih: Optional Prayers at early night (20-21hrs*)
•Qiraat: Reading of the Qur’ãn during free time.
•Qiam: Optional late-night prayers in the last 10 days (02-04hrs*).

I'm told by the 2nd week of Ramazan we'll see a change in personalities of our Muslim counterparts... the lack of food, caffeine (no chai tea) and water during these hot days takes an effect. I'll keep you up on how it goes.

This blog hug goes to my interpreter Asa who will practice her faith completely... I'm thinking it'll be extra hard for her given she's so very frail already and has a crazy busy schedule with family, work and full time college.

Love to All,

Gail

Afghan Squatters

Good Morning Friends and Family,

I took this picture from the back window of the Kabul police headquarters. These "homes" you see are found all around Kabul (the capitol city) which is surrounded by hill/mountainsides. The homes are primarily made of mud and I'm told are illegally built and occupied by squatters. Needless to say, they are not built to code or take into consideration the earthquakes Afghanistan experiences on the occasional basis. There is no electricity (outside of generator powered) or running water. Poverty is prevalent here in Kabul, although lots of signs of opulence too which I'm told is primarily the result of drug money. The picture also illustrates the hectic life of the city, traffic jams mixed with people walking in the streets which I'm convinced is one of the primary causes of slow traffic flow. The light poles you see at the very bottom are within the police headquarters compound and are there primarily for security purposes. The Taliban and other insurgents like to attack/kill the police because they are easier targets than the Afghan army. More on that in another blog.

Off to work. Today is the start of "Ramazan" which I will describe in a later blog. No work for the Afghans today.

Today's blog hug goes out to my other brother.... Tom Ireland xxxooo. I thought of you and your amazing contractor skills when I saw the condition of the pictured homes. Given your skills and love of God, you could make a huge difference over here.

GAIL

Asa & Gail

Good Morning All,

This is Asa and I off to our Kabul District Police Conference. It was her first experience with any body armour. What she has on is a much lighter weight vest that she is capable of wearing... mine is about 20 pounds. This was a major scrounge accomplishment of mine, and I'm quite proud of the vest. Back to Asa, isn't she beautiful? She's as bright as she is beautiful too. She was interpreting for three different people during the conference while also keeping notes which she will convert into English and submit a report in the very near term. I've got to stop sharing her as much with others, I'm afraid they're going to steal her away from me.

Today, it's back to the Ministry. I'm still working to assess their current capabilities and get from them how they wish to evolve... we will then work together to help get them to their desired end results. We were supposed to meet with some US Embassy people yesterday to try and figure some of this stuff out, but they never showed. I was not a happy camper to say the very least.

Off to work!!!!

This blog hug goes to my dearest brother.... Normand Hebert!!!!!!!!!!

Hams

These kids just love to get their picture taken with Ken and Scott... I can't blame them either. These two guys have great hearts despite their tough exterior.

I've been quite busy over the last few days and have to head out early this morning for the Ministry for a meeting with US Embassy and EUPOL team members as well as to meet one of the Ministers... it's definitely a makeup kind of day. Yesterday, I spent the day in the Kabul Police Headquarters with all the district police chiefs discussing community policing. There is an amazing woman who works with the United Nations who is working this initiative, more to follow.

I thought of my nephews Nicholas Hebert and Maxwell Ireland when I posted this picture. So, my big blog hug today goes out to (very, very long pause 'cause this is a big double hug):

Nick and Max!!!!!!!!! oooooo they don't like the kisses.

Wedding Halls

Hello All,

Running behind the power curve today and gotta head out for work soonest. But, thought you might find this picture interesting. This is an example of a "Wedding Hall" where many Afghans spend their life's savings. Asa's sister held her wedding ceremony at one of these halls, delaying the wedding for years to pay for it. Asa showed me pictures, which I cannot share because men read my blog and we cannot share pictures of women with men. Women however can see pictures of men... go figure. Anyway, the weddings are just over the top and expensive even under our standards.

Gotta head out.

Love

GAIL

Significant in History

Hello All,

This is such an awesome picture. An armed woman police officer (note bandelier around neck camoflauged by her scarf) speaking with local men unescorted by a male family member... no burka either. They obviously offered her some chai tea (it's what they drink here) and are actually listening to what she has to say. This is just huge!!! I wish I could take credit for this picture, but I can't. I found the picture on a posting down in Kandahar... the most dangerous region in Afghanistan and where many of our young men and women are being killed.

Helping to integrate women into the national police investigation forces is one of my many challenges here. I'm fortunate that my Minister has personally requested I address the women in his Division which shows a genuine concern. Indeed, there is a clearly defined goal in the Nationla Police Strategy to recruit, train and integrate over 5000 women within the next few years and he is complying with this. This endeavor demonstrates a recognition by those running this country that women involved in policing operations are essential to the ultimate establishment of rule of law. So, when I don't have my feet up on the desk reading or throwing water balloons I'm working hard on this type of effort and more.

Right now I'm battling a cold, but hope to have that kicked soonest... I cannot afford another one of those killer sinus infections I tend to get. Too much to do here.

Today's Big Blog hug goes out to my longest standing and dearest friend who's been there for me since our young teen years.... Jude Chaput. Thank you Judy!!

Love to All,

Gail

A Day in The Office

Hello All,

I wish this were my office!! I was hanging at the Boss' office the other day and decided to kick back for a moment to read THE STARS AND STRIPES... it's a military published newspaper. It's not my beloved Washington Post but it will do. I'll take a picture of my office for you... no room to kick back which keeps me honest.

My work is getting more interesting now that I'm digging deeper and working closer with my partners in EUPOL (remember, the European Police sponsored through the European Union EU) and the Afghan Ministry (Afghani is not an appropriate term I've learned). The Ministry is reorganizing to become more efficient and to improve better communication flow... I love this kind of stuff. But, it should prove a battle. In these types of reorganizations someone always "loses" which means someone "wins". Funny, I've been out of the police business for a lot of years now, but it's coming back to me. Whew! Read the Afghan Constitution the other day and found it a most intriguing document.

Well, time to get out of here and head off for work.

This blog hug goes out to... one of my oldest and dearest friends Susan Morgan in Pensacola!!! Luv ya Susan and please pass on a hug to David

Love to All,

Gail

Balance

Hello All,

Sorry about missing a day, but it wasn't my fault... geeze, I feel 8 years old again. Tried to publish the blog yesterday but something went wrong, what went wrong I have no clue as the
"went wrong" message was in German. This ain't as easy as it looks you know :-}

To balance out my previous blog picture, I snapped this shot of this woman and her baby sitting alongside the road begging... she did get some money out of me. But, look at the smile on that baby's face. I'm guessing this little guy is not much younger than our own Seb and Eli. I later saw the woman sitting the child on the sidewalk, with pacifier dragging in the dirt. Man, he could have used some individually packaged handi wipes. Speaking of which.

My friends CT and Dody in Florence, SC most generously offered to send me the products I mentioned in my earlier blog. Thanks are coming CT and Dody. Later I received an offer from my friend Dianne in Alexandria, VA... thank you too Dianne I'm sure there will be more I'll ultimately need here. Speaking of which... got a whole lot of comments on the whole "delicates" issue. My friends Kt and Judy both inquired about my need for delicates here in the dessert offering up quite humorous alternatives. My response: "hey, I'm still a girl and we need certain things even in a combat zone."

The job is getting more intense and I should be traveling more extensively now. However, I promise to be safe and keep my head down.

This blog hug goes to my beautiful friends CT and Dody and their Gang in South Carolina.

Love to All,

Gail