Eyes of Hope

Well it's been a while since I've updated my blog. I feel I have the routine of the job down. Sometimes I can't believe that I'm in Afghanistan. It's almost like I put it out of my mind that I'm here. Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet some native people to this country. It's crazy, on base there are tons and tons of what we call TCN's. Which means Third Country Nationals, they work in the Dining facilities, laundry, the list goes on and on. It seems that most are from the Philippines and India. They all seem to be very happy with their employment and it makes you even feel better that they are so happy to be here, so it keeps you upbeat. So back to what the locals I meet. They were working on a construction project and I took a box of pop tarts over to give to them. At first they didn't see that I had them, but as soon as I started handing them out they came running up to me. 2 of them wanted two and it worked out perfectly that I
had enough. I then took some pics with them. When I meet these men they seemed so nice and hopeful for their country. I hope and pray that this country will eventually settle into some time of normalcy to where the people of this country can live peaceful and not in fear. I personally don't believe this country will ever have the absolute freedoms that we are privileged to have, however I hope its better. I've attached a picture of the gentlemen I meet. I've also attached a photo that made my week. This handsome young man is my son. When I see that my kids are happy, it makes it all worth it. Its truly something how your world changes when you have kids…..I'm so blessed.

Good and Bad Days

Some days are good and some days are bad. The good days are quite, uneventful and drag by to the point where you have to keep checking your watch. The good days make you think about home and you wonder about every little detail of those you love and think about what they are doing. The bad days on the other hand come in like a hurricane and end the same way. We coordinate Medevac so our office is the direct coordination with them coming in and the hospital. We call the hospital and let them know the information they need. Every time I call I seem to talk to the same guy that runs the section and we sometimes for a minute will talk about the extent of what they are coming in or going out for, and I honestly feel for him that he is witness to so much. He and I have physically only met once. But sometimes we talk more times than I'd like given the reason I'm calling him during a given day. Every time I call it is for one reason and one reason only.
The bad days go by fast however I'm hopeful and optimistic that more good days are ahead…..