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?