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