On the 21st or 22nd, I found myself in the Kuwait International Airport on my way to Spain via Dubai. A coworker and I had just finished eating in the food court (actually he was eating, I was watching people and keeping myself amused). As we were walking toward the check in counters, I noticed the shirt of one of the oncoming people: -PO.... I couldn´t help it, I stopped and asked him if he was a brother.
Not only was he an APO - Philippines, but he was there with a large number of the Kuwait Alumni Chapter of APO- Philippines! I was now under obligation to meet all of those who were there, even the little APO baby that accompanied them! We talked for a few minutes, they took pictures they are supposed to email me (if I didn´t accicently delete them from my account when I cleaned out the inordinate amount of Spam), and they gave me a ballcap from one of the APO-Phillipines´ National Convetion.
This was a very great precursor to the events that are yet to come! I am ready to meet old friends, possibly make some new ones, and just have a good time relaxing and not thinking about the job that I have to go back to way too soon.
It started out fairly normal considering everyone thinks of me as temporary site lead, but I don't really have much of the authority I would truly need in order to get anything done. It is a role I held before, however, so many of the students were sure that I was going to take it once again.
Early in the morning, around 5:00am, I hear my roommate fumbling around in anticipation of his early morning cup of coffee. He leaves, and I feel I can sneak in just a few more minutes rest before I finally get up, but it is not to be! Around 6:00am, my roommate returns, turns on the light, and continues on with whatever it is he feels needs to be done. I was not ready for the brightness, and grumble to myself.
I go to the office, pour a cup of coffee, taste it, dump the rest of the carafe, and make a fresh pot. This seems to be the routine I have gotten myself into somehow. I then sit down at the computer to see if I have gotten any emails. The Internet doesn't work!
Of all the problems I could be having, this seems like a minor one. However, as much as it can get monotonous, the routine is what keeps things around here going, sane. I decide to take my coffee back to my room to see if the Internet is working there. Fortunately, it is.
The first part of the day went off without a hitch. The first period after lunch, my students were taken by the British mentors for Aviation class. I managed to actually accomplish a lot during this time, which surprises me to no end! Then the final class period arrived! Eager to get back into the classroom, I entered with a smile and an enthusiastic 'hello'. My students were ready to work, so we dived right in. Then it happened! My student started a conversation, and it all went downhill after that (or rather much better if truth be told).
S1: Teacher! I don't know what is wrong, but my lips are dry and hurt.
S2: You need lipstick!
Me: What color lipstick do you need?
S1: Red!
I then went on to explain that what he wanted was chap stick, but the "damage" was done!
One of our vocabulary words this unit is "maneuver". Apparently this is pronounced "manure" in Dari. This combined with the difficulty of some of the Pashto speakers to say the 'v' has led to some mistakes that needed to be addressed. This led to the interesting idea of words sounding the same in English as in Dari and having an unfortunate correlation! Aside from "manure"
Dari: English
go stool (human feces)
care penis
mar-me bullet (I just thought this was an interesting one)
Now I know why all my students found it so funny when I told them "I don't care" so often.... (We have an understanding.) Furthermore, did you know that in Dari the Teacher takes the test and the student gives it? How is that for confusing?!
A simple graduation ceremony for 14 young Afghan officers whose next step is to move on to pilot training. I am not fond of such things for the most part, but they were my students, and I am very happy to see them moving on in their careers. Being the military, what should be a 15 minute operation takes at least an hour because we need to hear speeches from both the American and the Afghan Colonels. My boredom was far surpassing any interest one could really have listening to a speech in a language one does not understand, when a little excitement pepped up every one's day.
One of our students who unfortunately was unable to pass the exam was very frustrated and decided that he had had enough! During the Afghan Colonel's speech, he stood up to air his grievances. As soon as he stood, I knew there would be trouble of some sort. He had been speaking to me just before the ceremony about how his English was better than that of most of the students who had graduated. He was sure that the previous graduates had cheated, and the head of our organization had something against him personally, which is why he didn't graduate. He state he was going to burn his uniform in front of the Parliament building in Kabul with the media in attendance. Yes, I knew he was angry, but I didn't think he would try to do something during the ceremony. Perhaps I should have sat with him. Maybe I could have done a better job calming him down during our discussion. Unfortunately, none of this was the case, and my student of nine or so months wrote himself a one-way ticket back to Kabul to face whatever disciplinary measures the Afghan military leadership wishes to dish out.
Fortunately, the trouble was limited. He stood and started to say whatever he needed to say (in Dari of course). The leadership attempted to reason with him and get him to sit down. I instructed another teacher to get closer to an exit, and one could hear the clicks of safeties and holster latches being undone. One of the American leaders rushed over and escorted the student out. On the way, the student tore off the patch of our organization, which is worn on the left sleeve, and his Afghan military uniform top. The buttons flew in multiple directions as they separated from the uniform, and he threw the shirt to the floor. A civilian helicopter pilot instructor picked up three buttons and put them in his pocket.
The graduation continued on mostly as planned. I congratulated my students on their achievements, had many pictures taken with them (none with a camera of my own), and indulged in the cake and pop (soda). It was a happy time for them, but for me, an air of sadness, and perhaps guilt, tainted the celebration. I just hope the "what if I had...." doesn't stick around too much longer.
It has been a long couple of weeks! We have been in the midst of preparing for the ALCPT, and the students are really inundating me with grammar questions no matter how much I try to focus on their listening which is the true area in which they need help.
Today, during my lesson, I was asked about eggs, chickens, furtile, and all this. I decided to do something that is usually very helpful when teaching, but also something I tend to be very bad at: drawing! Hopefully you will actually get to see the drawing, as I took a picture of it with one of my student's phones (I just need to figure out how to upload it here).
Erratic vs. irritate and the process of chicken growth all in one!
In addition to the drain being caused by trying to figure out questions like '"Why do we say the police are" but 'the army is'?" GRRRRRRRR... I know the answer to the latter but not the former, so I went online to look, and every website that claimed to have the answer is blocked! I have yet to crack the code the military uses in blocking websites, but I do know that it doesn't currently make any sense at all!!
Outside of the academics, I have to deal with the friendly British officers. These two are quite nice and very laid back. I am hoping that this will allow me more ability to relax and learn just how to not be stressed all the time. It seems that while people tend to discribe me as being laid back, this is not generally the case. I tend to worry and stress over things that have nothing to do with me. This is definitely not a good thing, so here is to hoping.
I am not sure what tomorrow will bring in the terms of test results for my students. There are a number of them that I know have the ability to pass, but they always seem to do things to keep themselves from that goal. I hope they don't do that this time. Once again, I will keep my fingures crossed that I will be able to kick a number of them out of here and get others in to teach!
Now that it is the Sunday after Thanksgiving, I think I may have digested things enough to be able to finally write about them. The meal, while taking place in large hall with more than 500 people, was actually quite good. I sat with two other teachers and the military staff here: 2 US Air Force personnel and 2 British Royal Air Force officers.
The smorgasbord they served consisted of turkey and some large cut of beaf which was carved in front of each person who chose one of these main dishes. We also had the options of honey glazed ham, baked lobster tails, green bean casserole, garlic mashed potatoes, baked mac & cheese, glazed sweet potatoes, collard greens, cornbread dressing, corn on the cob, gravey, rolls, carrot cake, peach cobbler, and various cakes and pies. They also offered egg nog and ice cream. No, I didn't take everything, and yes, I was soooo fulll!
After our managing to scarf down our fill of food and comiserate about not being able to be home with family, we came back to the office and generally passed out. We accomplised nothing for the rest of the day. Then it was back to business as usual on Saturday and today. The students are really worried about the upcoming test and are really focusing on grammar. For some reason they have decidedd that of all the teachers, I am the one to ask. I am not sure how I managed to be voted this dubious honor, but I do my best to live up to their expectations while making sure they are the ones that come up with the ideas as much as possible. It is such a thin line to walk!
I am loooking forward to my trip out of here! It should be coming up soon! I like the people, I even like the area, but spending more than six months without time away is enough to make me crazy!!! I am also looking toward March when I will be leaving here. What will I do next? Where will I go? Where will I work? I have pretty much mapped out my April - first part of June, but it gets a bit fuzzy after that. I have applied many places, both in and out of the country, so I guess I just have to wait and see what happens! GRRRR......
It has been seven months without a respite. I have been confined in a prison like environment eating, sleeping, and working with the same people day after day with no end in sight and no possible chance to get away! All I would ask for is a weekend jaunt to the mountains, a day trip to the beach, a nice walk through the meadow; anything that would be a change of pace for just a little while. Then it happened!
My supervisor in Kabul decided that since all of the students around the country would be going home to their families to enjoy and celebrate the Eid holiday, that all the English Language Teachers (ELTs) around the country could come to Kabul for a bit of professional development. I nearly jumped for joy (internally) upon hearing this. I am always up for professional development, but I was even more up for the possibility of going somewhere else.
There were a few problems that led me to believe I may be severely disappointed, but finally we were confirmed on a direct flight in a small plane owned by the Afghan Air Force but piloted by US pilots. An eight seat plane with no pressure cruising along at 11,500 feet. The peppermint gum gave relief to the ears, the stomach, and the taste buds! As there was no inflight entertainment nor services, I decided to spend my time looking at the desert landscape below. What I thought would be boring and monotonous presently surprised me!
I looked out upon the desert expecting to see the sandy brown I have become so accustomed to seeing on the ground. What appeared instead was a rich array of reds, oranges, and greens. It was as if the sand new that while there were no trees, we would still enjoy the changing colors of autumn. The landscape was a masterpiece created by one of those who uses colored sand to make pictures. In addition to the sand, when there were towns/cities, one could see the different colors of the houses as well. There were lots of yellows and purples.
And now I am here. Grateful to have finally gone somewhere; lucky to have run into someone I know and have lunch together; and a little tired from having the ability to just kick back for a time. Perhaps I will get a coffee and the Greek Coffee Shop! I love the international atmosphere of the base here in Kabul!
There it is. The idea that everything is 100% safe is no longer the case! Of course, I never really believed that anyway, but somehow people wanted me to. I still feel safer here than I would in any major city in the US where if you don't know what part of town you are in, or where it is safe to go, you could easily get yourself killed! While all the coalition forces have weapons, and even the Afghans outside our compound have weapons, the feel of the place is one of safty and concern; they haven't let their guard down, but they aren't being overly hyper about things either.
Unfortunately, no matter where one is accidents do occur. In this instance, we had a cargo plane crash. The accident was handled tremendously well, and no one was hurt (at least seriously... I am sure there were minor injuries, but those weren't reported). The major casualty of this accident was moral! Apparently, this plane was carrying much desired mail for those working and living so far from home. There were apparently even pictures of one guy's boxes, what was left of them anyway. I can only hope that while I have been waiting for a number of official letters as well as a box, that those were not among the wreckage.
That possibility, however, brings me to the matter of burn out! It is definitely accumulative, and it has been accumulating. I feel it worst when I am not actually teaching, so perhaps a 7 day work week would be better for me at the moment! Not being in a position to actually travel somewhere is apparently not the best for me. I need the ability to move around and do things. I need the ability to get away from the people I am working with on occasion, to be able to guiltlessly escape to my room and find myself wherever my latest book takes me.
So, knowing that I am out of here in March, I am trying to plan my future. I am really beginning to think that I should take some time off. I have been given this suggestion by a couple of different people who have been through such times, and they stress the goodness that can come from regaining one's equilibrium after such postings. I have a feeling they are right. I have to go through my budget and see how long I can last without an income, and then be prepared to get a job soon after that time (if not before).
I think a bit of housesittng, if possible, during that time would be great as well as visits to various people I haven't seen in a long time. I guess I could make a list and plan things out.... but planning has never been a strong point of mine..can I plan out relaxation time without getting myself stressed out over it? Perhaps there is a study in here somewhere ;)
For my 200th post, I would like to write something special, but as things here are so unusual most of the time, I am not sure what exactly would qualify for such. Therefore, I have decided to just write and see what comes.
First of all, I can't help but wonder what will happen next. As some of you are probably aware, I have managed to knock my hard drive into a state of uselessness. I have read that there could possibly be a way to recover/repair this problem (if I am lucky) using the recovery discs. Unfortunately, I left the discs elsewhere. I have made a copy of a repair program that one can obtain from the Apple website, but as it was done from a PC, I am not sure that the DVD will even be readable! Then I attempted to download a Windows 7 repair program (dual operating system), and the government computer I use will not allow me to do it (even to save to my own CD). I was then going to use the non-governmental computer that we have in the office only to find that it doesn't have a disk drive! They just don't like to make anything easy!
On the teaching front, the students had their book quizzes today. They are doing well, and I am hoping that we are able to get another 10 or so out of here and on to pilot training in the near future. Yes, only time will tell.
My students are starting to come up with jokes and stories that they just must tell. Apparently, Afghans are not humble people! They are generally pretty funny, and even when slightly inappropriate, I can't help but laugh. We get into discussions we probably shouldn't, but we do so with respect, and it generally works out alright.
I find that my mind is starting to wonder more, and my writing is getting a bit hard to follow. I think I may need to really sit down and start to work with it again! Perhaps I need to take a vacation to do just that. No work, no traveling, a few friendly visits, and lots of time to write at a coffee shop, while house-sitting, anything like that! It is definitely a plan!!
There has been a lot happening here! The students were chastised for not being professional or following the chain of command, and they have to go through a professionalism course put on by the Afghan military. This is a very good idea as they will be taught what is expected of them in their own military, and hopefully some of the problems that were occurring will stop.
On a slightly more interesting note, an Afghan 4 Star General came to visit us recently. The students were really glad to meet him! He is the equivalent of our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was an excellent speaker and even speaks good English! Apparently, he attended DLI and, therefore, knows the problems that students and teachers have with the process. It is interesting to know that someone here knows something about what is going on!
Overall, I am doing alright. I am a little more tired than I should be; a little more irritable, perhaps.. and I definitely am feeling the pain in my legs and back that come from wearing my sidearm day in and day out. Strapping 7-8 pounds to one leg just can't be good for you! It has placed me all out of alignment, and I am feeling it!
(If you don't like to read much, skip to the last two paragraphs.. that is the most important stuff.)
How could I have neglected my writing for so long?! There have been a number of times that I have meant to post, but was "unable" to due so for one reason or another. I am taking the time now to do it because one must start somewhere.
Life here in Afghanistan is interesting. Like anywhere, there are good things, and there are bad things. The worst of it for me is the isolation I often feel. I find this a bit odd given that I like and need my privacy, but I suppose that is really a different thing. I don't have the ability to go anywhere, even when we don't have actual work to do! For example, the students left for Ramadan, but we were required to remain on base and could not go anywhere. One would think that all that extra time I could spend by myself would be good, but without my teaching I quickly fell into a bit of a depressive state.
Things are definitely on the upswing now that I am back into the teaching, and the new people have arrived, but there have still been some issues that I am not sure about. I suppose that happens everywhere though.
Lately, there have been visits from many high ranking individuals. We had the (4 star) general of the US forces and ISAF come visit. Then we had the new 1 star come. And just recently the 1 star returned to accompany a 3 star. Along with them came the head Afghan general and a number of his colonels. This particular event was very interesting.
The students were all told about this visit. It was happening on a day we don't usually have events in the evening, so they had to come specifically for the general's visit. They were having tea when we were told that the general's visit had been cancelled. We decided that we would all sit together and have tea together anyway. As we were no longer expecting visitors, the Lt. Col here decided to don an Afghan shirt for the occasion. We were in the midst of taking pictures and the like when the general showed up!
The Lt. Col had to go and meet and speak with the general, and then brought the whole entourage in to meet the students. They were very excited to see the general, and there were a couple of speeches, and then everyone left. The naturalness of him catching us with our guard down was probably the best thing that could have happened. He got to see the real us and what we do. Apparently he was very happy with it as well, so "GO US!!" The students and the people I work with are doing a great job, and I am glad to be a part of it!
Today was the day of the infamous ALCPT. The students need to get a 70 in order to get into Aviation training and an 80 to move on to Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). As this is everyone's goal, even those who were very week in English thought they should get these scores; when they didn't, they were very upset. Fortunately we were able to finally convince them that, for the most part, the scores were in the normal range and that the little up and down movements are normal. There were a couple that I would question as to whether they should actually be here or not, but that is not my call.
As today was Thursday, it was also a half teaching day. That is why we choose to do testing on this day because we don't have to worry about cancelling classes and such. After the tests were done and corrected, we all decided to go and celebrate the fact that 9 students will be graduating on to UPT! We went to the Italian compound for pizza. It is always and adventure going to the Italian compound as we have to sign in, sign out, unload the weapons, and then watch as they sell alcohol to Italians only... a very interesting look comes into the eyes of the Brits and some of the Americans when they see the beer they long for but are not allowed to have. Such suffering over a drink.
Tomorrow is Juma (Friday). This is my one full day off. I am not yet sure what I am going to do with it, but I plan on relaxing as much as possible. I may even start running with the group as I really need to get into and stay in shape! I am by no means overweight, but I am not fit either. Perhaps this is a good chance to do that. I guess we shall see what happens.
The discussion with my coworker went fairly well; not quite as I had rehearsed, but when does that ever happen? There were agreements that were made, though I am not sure they are really being met, though I think that is just part of the fun. I have never understood how so much drama gets going in places, but it seems I have set myself smack dab in the middle of it here! Just one more part of becoming part of the real world yet again (though some may say that I am still living in some fantasy world with little basis in reality).
I am learning various words and phrases in 3 different languages: Dari, Pushtu, and Uzbek! It is a swarm of vocabulary that keeps coming at me, and it is amazing how many coincidental words there are! It is very humorous to learn these great words and to maybe one of these days form a sentence or two. I really need to focus on studying some Dari though. I want to be able to have a good grasp of it when I return to the US; perhaps I will be able to study it further then.
I keep seeing jobs posted that I would love to get, but either I can 't apply for them, or they are requiring people to be there before I will have the ability to be there. I guess this is another time that I just have to be patient and hope that things work out for the best. I am here until I leave, and I am not even sure when that is now. I guess I will have to discover that soon enough. I am not sure if they are going to give me the paperwork to stay for the full year that I am supposed to stay here for, but I will definitely let everyone know when I find out. This will affect when and where I go on R&R, so I really would like to find out soon!
That is all that is happening at the moment. Here is to hoping that it keeps going in that direction!
It seems that my mind has been so overworked that I have been neglecting the very thing that could relieve the frustrations of this life I am living. I find that on Thursday afternoons and Fridays I am worn out from all the contact with people that I need to find time for myself, yet it is very difficult to do that here. Part of it is that there is really no place to go outside of my room that other people aren't located, and part of it is that I crave human contact! The problem comes with the type of contact that I need. I need contact that is stimulating but not with me as the teacher. I have to get out of that role, and that is very difficult when you live with your students and everyone else is busy seeing you in that role as well!
With that said, I did manage to get a little reprieve when I agreed to do a grammar lesson for two of our female students. I explained some of the grammar they were having diffiuclties with and then it turned into a discussion about lotion, cosmetics, and oily vs. dry skin. It felt good being able to just talk and not have to worry about people telling me that these are things that men are not supposed to talk about. Oh, how we limit the freedom of those around us and ourselves with stereotypes and artificial boxes!
The regular site lead came back this past Thursday, and it was such a great thing! We have been able to get classes settled where they need to be, and I have a lot less to worry about now. I am still skipping lunches and such, but that is pretty normal for me. I do have a problem with one of my coworkers though. I am hoping to be able to talk to her about it soon, though. I told her this morning that I needed to talk with her about it, so I should be able to either right after lunch or early this afternoon. Hopefully it isn't too late by then. It is a huge problem that has been brewing for quite some time. I guess that if I would have just confronted her in the first place it wouldn't have been this large, but that is me: always wishing to avoid confrontation when possible (all this while still reserving the right to argue just for the sake of arguing of course).
All in all, I am feeling alright today. I think I had way too much coffee, but that happens sometimes. I don't sleep well, so I need to do something to stay awake while I teach. After that, I can either take a nap or do someting to keep me occupied so that I am tired for the night. It doesn't seem to work, but I do it anyway. Here is to hoping all goes well with the discussion. Until next time, take care!
Yesterday afternoon I spent 2 hours after class drinking tea. Normally during this time I would be doing reports, reviewing the day, preparing for the following day, or other such useful things; however, this time it seemed more beneficial to drink tea. One may not generally think of tea as being beneficial, but I have since learned its true value, even if it is not the healthy green tea that many talk about these day. How did this all come about in the first place, you may ask; and why do I care? Both of these are very good questions; let me attempt to answer them.
After class yesterday, I had to make a teachers' account on the computer that sits between the two classrooms. Eventually these are to become part of the language lab for the students, but we have to wait for the rest of the computers to come for that to happen. In the meantime, since the Afghan contract instructors are unable to bring their own laptops onto base, I have decided that they can get some use out of these computers and use them to plan lessons, prepare other activities, and all the other things they need to do that does not require Internet access (which is unavailable to them). I will have to find someway of transferring this information to another computer that has the ability to print, but that is another problems that will just have to wait.
During this time, I made plans to go and observe my non-intensive class instructor, which I managed to go and do today. I didn't realize where I had to go to do the observation, and I went with just him and myself. This was NOT a smart idea. I had to walk through Afghan National Army territory and into their headquarters. They were supposed to search me but decided not to. It appears that I was supposed to remove my sidearm, but I did not do this. I went upstairs to the Chief of Staff's office which doubled as the classroom. When I was leaving (halfway through the class), a guard was sitting at the end of the hall. He was holding a machine gun and there was what looked to be a 50 caliber, belt-fed machine gun on the floor. It came into my mind that perhaps I shouldn't be in this environment as the lone armed American. At least I had tea just before class started; I will never do it again! I am not sure what I am going to do about observing the other class, though I think that one is in one of the tents. I guess we will have to see what happens tomorrow. It definitely isn't so important that I need to do something that is dangerous; I will just teach!
Things are a bit stressful at the moment. Part of it is due to the new increased workload I obtained as the acting site lead. The new contract instructor (CI) joined us just as I came into this position, there have been many changes that were implemented since this time, and I have had to catch up on work that was unable to be addressed previously due to lack of time. I have, fortunately for me, not been teaching during this time so I could devote most of my time to dealing with such issues. Unfortunately, during this time my students have been feeling neglected. They are not happy with the CI as he is not American and teaches very differently than they are used to. He spends too much time on each lesson while all the students wish to do is move on.
There have also been issues on the military side as well. We have been going back and forth about various things in an effort to solve many of the problems. For now things are workable, but far from ideal. This means that these issues will keep coming up again and again. I guess I can live with that, especially when I get back into my class! I was questioning whether I really wanted to teach anymore, even when they actual site lead gets back. I think I do. If nothing else, it distracts me from the almost hopelessness that seems to come over me otherwise.
Of course part of that feeling could be that I haven't been sleeping well. Last night I managed to get my 4 hours, or thereabouts, but previously I only got an hour and a half at best. This is causing my mind to reel with irrational thoughts and delusions and such. Not to the point of not being able to recognize them, but enough to cause problems with some of my interactions with coworkers and such. Some days I must wonder about all this ... what am I doing? Why am I doing it? Am I making a difference? What kind? Am I contributing to something I believe in? So many questions that really have no easy answer. Darn this lack of sleep!!!
All in all though, I am happy I am here; I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to work with these students and the military personnel that I am working with. There is a lot I don't understand, and probably never will, but what I do is of benefit to me and some of the others that I have daily contact with.
Yes, it is misspelled, but I did that on purpose! Sometimes you have to make mistakes in order for people to actually hear (or see) what you have said (or written). They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease; well it is quite similar to that. If everything is fine, well laid out, and has no noticeable mistakes, one pretty much dismisses what you have to say laying aside whatever it is you wrote and going about their busy life. If, however, you manage to throw in a few well places "mistakes", their eyes/ears pick up on this and try to process it. Sometimes they feel that any authority they may have placed in it to begin with is diminished, but they really only placed that authority in your writing because they now want to eliminate it, so the net benefit is actually positive. On the other hand, there are those who will process it and take those ideas and use them as their own. Sure this is not the best of all possible solutions, but at least the ideas are heard and perhaps something will get done. Or, the status quo will be maintained and nothing at all will get accomplished, which is the more likely outcome.
But, in this case, the misspelling is actually a commentary on my mental location at the moment. I feel like I am indeed living in a pair of dice. Things constantly change and are almost always given over to chance. It isn't even like these dice are loaded; they just roll along their merry way waiting for something to stop them. Hopefully they will come up 7 more often than not.
I have heard that my new teacher will be coming in soon... possibly today!! I am sooo excited!! I really want to have someone here to help out with the teaching and to bounce ideas off from. He has tons of experience and will be a great addition for both the students and myself. Of course this will also make it easier when the teacher who is on R&R returns as well. We will be able to move the new CI, whom nobody likes, to a non-intensive program or to be used in a standby capacity. Oh the improvements that are on the horizon.
I was also given word that I will be receiving a shipment of books sometime in the near future. Of course not near enough to be of the most use, but that is alright. They are being shipped in the name of the instructor on R&R, so I won't be notified when they get here, but that is alright... I can wait! I don't know where I am going to put 20 boxes of books, but we will find a place; the students will have their books, darn it!
Now, on to the work that is never done or else nonexistent. One cannot assume that just because it doesn't exist that it doesn't still need to be finnished. And the wheels continue to turn!
The past few days have been a treasure trove of experience and frustration! While we managed to hire a new teacher before the actual site lead went on R&R, none of the real problems came about until afterward. First, we managed to get more students. This was expected, of course, so it wasn't really a big deal... really! The problem was that the students who came and those we had on our list were not necessarily one in the same. I had to go through all the people that were in the files that we had in a different system to see if we could find them and figure out where we were supposed to put them. I initilally placed them based on what they told me their scores were as well as how well I believed their oral proficiency to be. Of course, with this course oral proficiency is the least of what matters!
After getting them split into classes, everyone starts complaining. With the site lead leaving, I had to take over his class which had grown to 18 (a MAX of 15 is allowed in a class). My old class started to complain about getting an Afghan teacher whom they thought was not going to do them any good. My new class found it necessary to complain that I don't teach like the site lead, so therefore I am doing it all wrong. In addition to that, the new students have already been aviators or have an English ability that would enable them to go on to training, so they resent being there and cause problems for me. One likes to show off and find obsure words, use them, and tell me that I don't know anything because I don't know the word. I have taken to ignoring him for the most part, but it is really frustrating.
After almost working through these problems, my old students took their book quiz. They didn't do too badly, but it marked the time for them to move on to the next book. Unfortunately we do not have the book they are going into, so I gave them the following it. This caused many expected problems as well as one unexpected one. I had just enough books for the students, so I felt fortunate. Then I found out that whoever had taken inventory of the books prior to me had placed about 4 or 5 in the wrong place: they were Teacher Texts instead of Student Texts! Now the students need to share a book until the new ones get here. I am not sure when that is going to happen, but it really should be soon as I ordered them about a week ago.. I just hope the same doesn't happen to my class as well as I will be giving a book quiz tomorrow.
Today is Wednesday and both my Contract Instructors (the Afghans) are going home to their city. This means that this afternoon and tomorrow, I will be the only instructor for the 3 classes. I am thinking I may cancel classes for the others, give the book quiz, and then let them go as well. This is hopefully not going to be a problem in the future as we are in the process of getting one more American here as well as the site lead will eventually return. Hopefully we will have enough staff then to man all the classes we need. Hopefully we will also recieve the books that we are supposed to have so that we can properly move from one level to the next. I also don't feel bad saying: I WANT my old class back!!!!
I am so glad that my day off is coming... hopefully it gets here quickly. I have not been eating lunch and dinner, nor have I been sleeping well. I guess this is probably not the best of things for this environment, but there you have it! I am staying safe, so now if only I would make sure to keep myself healthy as well.
My day off has arrived! I have been wondering what to write for the past couple of days because I know how little people would be interested in what I really have to say. Most of my happenings are the mundane parts of life: going to the DFac, attempting to find something other than work to do, hanging out with the students, and thinking about what it really means to be "homesick". Last night, however, something of note did occur. We had a birthday party of sorts for one of the British mentors here. This actually involved me putting off my work and haging out with her and the students for the day. We sat around, drank tea, played cards, and watched activities of some of the other students. It was a great way to get to know some of the students a little better.
I am having a little difficulty with this actually. As their teacher I have to be cognizant of how my interactions with them outside the classroom will affect their behavior inside the classroom. When will I become seen as more of a friend then as a teacher? That line is not easy to see, and I flirt with it everyday just by not staying in my room and refusing to interact with them at all. Of course that would be a bad choice all the way around, which is why I have not made it, but each night is becoming more and more difficult.
I am now officially the acting site lead as the real one has gone on R&R. It is going to be a difficult task as we have a load of new students coming in today, the local hire teachers have come up to me to ask when they will be able to go home (only once a month), and if it would be possible to get them computer and phone privilages. I am not even sure who to ask about such things, but I am going to attempt to look into this. What a weird way to start my assignment! I hope this is not indicitive of what is yet to come.
I was up until 2 - 2;30am last night and still woke up at 5:30 this morning! I am sitting in the office getting more work done... The start of my administrative duties have officially began, and I really do think it will be a wonderful thing!
Last night I went to the other side of the base to the American compound because one of the people who tried to get out last night was detained due to weather, but his luggage was on the previous plane which was not! We went to pick up some things he would need for the night, and I got a Caramel Smoothie from the Green Beans. I then went to the Exchange and found what I have been thinking about getting for quite a while now: a different belt for my side arm. I had looked previously, but they didn't have any at that time. This time, however, they had a riggers belt. I was a little hesitant to purchase it because it was $35, and I wasn't sure it would work the way I wanted it to. I put aside this fear and decided to buy it.
As it turns out, the belt works PERFECTLY (at least almost!). This was definitely a pleasant surprise, and I don't have to worry about my pants feeling like they are going to fall down all the time because of the weight of the weapon. The wonders of modern technology!
In addition to belts, we have computers and the internet. Apparently the internet I paid for is being rather obnoxious! I tried to get online today, and my computer is recognizing the line as some other server than the one I am purchasing my service through, so I am unable to sign in. What kind of rediculousness is that? I am paying top dollar for a service and some other company (or something) prempts the wire? It would be one thing if their service just went down because the line through Pakistan or Iran or wherever they get it from were cut, but to be preempted? Maybe it is the Taliban forcing them to not operate at certain times. This is what they do with the main cell phone company here. They have told them they are not allowed to opperate after 7pm, and so we have to find different ways to communicate after this.
The day was interesting. We got in our new teacher, but he won't actually come into my class until tomorrow. I will also, hopefully, give a book quiz. My students do not think they are ready, but they have done everything they need to with proficiency, so I believe they are. I just wish it were easier to get them to realize it. I guess we shall see what happens. The days are not as exciting as they were or could be, but day by day, I live and do what I have to do. This must be more exhausting than I realize because I fell asleep this afternoon and missed dinner... not the best idea, but it is all good!
(Hopefully I will be able to get pictures soon, but not until I can get my own interent up and running. I am not able to do it on government computers.)
Unbeknownst to all of you, I have been sleeping on a mattress on the floor for the past few days. I took apart my bed frame and placed it outside the door because I was tired of sleeping on a frame that squeaked every single time I moved! It got to the point that I was waking up my roommates when I got out of bed in the morning. I figured enough was enough and that a mattress on the floor was good enough for me!
Today, I went into the "schoolhouse" and moved the 65" TV off the stand it was on and placed it on a large desk. It seems that this pine structure upon which it was sitting was actually made to be a bed frame! Oh, how fortunate I was to find such a great treasure. As it is pine, it is not too heavy, yet it is sturdy! And no noise! It is also high enough to be able to store my boxes underneath it as well. I am feeling very blessed right now.
As you may be able to tell, I am doing well. The students will be ready to take a test again on Tuesday, and I will take over site lead responsibilities on Thursday. There is a new Afghan teacher coming in, and I will be responsible to mentor him, and then for supervising him; a task I am truly looking forward to!
As I look just off to the north, I see dark clouds and lightening. Directly above us and in the distance, it is a totally clear, star-filled sky. I am not really sure what to expect, Which seems to be indicative of everything here in Afghanistan. There were a couple of security issues today, but nothing came of them. My students can't help but ask the same questions over and over; the idea of actually listening to what is going on seems quite foreign to them! One is like a child and needs constant attention. And the frustration reigns!
I lost my phone today. I looked all over for it. I checked my desk in the office; I checked my classroom; I checked my living quarters; I checked my pockets. I asked around and just decided to give it up for the night and look again in the morning. It was quite upsetting as I know that if I lose it, I will end up paying $100 for a $20 phone! As I started relaxing, I looked in my pockets yet again, though this time for something completely different. Lo and behold! There was that elusive phone. It was sitting there as calm and innocent as could be, as if it had always been there and I was too stupid to come across it the first two or three times I actually looked there. At least I was able to find it, even if the phone will be able to laugh at me for years to come.
The meals seem to be getting worse. There was almost nothing to eat for dinner. My roommate has been receiving many care packages from the US, and he has put a lot of the sweets that people have sent him into the office. This is not very good for me because it means I have easy access to them, and I tend to snack on the Twizzlers and Gummi Bears. There is even popcorn there as well, but I haven't sampled that yet.
I think I need to start carrying my camera around so I can take some photos and post them. People keep telling me they want to see some pictures. Who knows. I guess we shall see if it actually happens.
The students had what one would think was the final test they will ever get to take, and the score of which would determine the outcome of the rest of their life. In reality it is an important test: they need to reach a certain score before they will be allowed to start pilot training, but the scores they received are generally in the range they are supposed to be for the books they are in. They were, however, devastated that they didn't get the 80 they are working so hard for (at least most of them are working hard for).
We have a lot of ideas in the works to help them out, but it is difficult to get them to believe that what they have been doing previously is actually not very helpful in the grand scheme of language learning. They want an easy way, and anyone who can give it to them is the one they are going to listen to.
We have finally received a bookshelf type piece of furniture and large stable tables for the classrooms! Hopefully these will serve their purpose quite well. The students are still not really listening. They have an idea of how things should be done, and they proceed that way no matter what I say! I explain something both verbally and on the board, and the very next thing they ask is the very question I just addressed! Talk about frustrating....
I am learning a lot as well! Eating with the students and also sitting and talking with them outside of class has lead to some interesting conversations and lots of joking! Sometimes I am wonder if I am doing the right thing by joking with them and such, especially as I am their teacher, but it would be difficult not to since we live together and have few other outlets. I rationalize away any possible problems by saying that they students have a positive attitude toward it, use English during this time, and actually participate! I think that these are all huge positives in the language learning dynamic. I hope that it doesn't affect the classroom itself in any negative way.
I am still going strong. I have my good days and my bad days like everywhere else. I am learning about all the things that need to be done as I am the assistant site lead and will be taking over for 2-3 weeks when the site lead is away on R&R. I guess I will finally get the chance to be the one completely in charge and overseeing a program that includes 3 Afghan teachers! It is going to be very strange, but a very good experience, I am sure! As always, more to come later.
The day started out pretty much the same as always: I got up, sneaked into the shower, went to breakfast, came back and prepared for the students to come to class. When they returned from breakfast, they stood in formation and were informed they would not be having class this afternoon. This was news to us teachers, but teachers are always the last to find out these things anyway, so that was of no surprise. During the third period of class, one of the military personnel came in to inform us that we would actually be having one hour of class after lunch after all; the person who was coming would be arriving late. Who could be so important that we would take time off to go down to the flight line to speak with? A retired Brigadier General of the United States Air Force!
A retired General would not engender so much interest for Afghan pilots unless this general was a pilot as well, and so he was... and interestingly enough, at 89 years old, still is! But he was not just any pilot; he is a pilot that has flown numerous missions in WWII as well as flown research aircraft and taught Pakistani Pilots. Furthermore, he developed the program to help train NASA astronauts. All of this is interesting, of course, but you probably know him better for being the first person to break the sound barrier: Chuck Yeager.
The students were very excited to speak with him and asked him a ton of questions. He had his picture taken with all of them and even ate dinner with the students a couple of hours later. He seemed like a pretty nice guy with some very interesting stories to tell. All in all, I enjoyed watching the interactions.
For myself, I was told that my bosses from Kabul would be coming for a couple of days to observe classes. While we were waiting, we were told that they wouldn't be coming due to the attacks in Kabul. Apparently they got it under control because they did in fact manage to leave and made it here just a few minutes ago. So, tomorrow I will have a US Army Colonel and a Canadian Lt. Colonel observing my class and looking over the conditions here. I hope they find everything satisfactory. I am not a big fan of when higher ups come to visit, but I figure that if I am doing everything right anyway, there is no need to worry. I just hope I am doing every thing right!
After turning in our reports and updating the files, the site lead and I decided that we had plenty of time to take the bus to the other side and partake of the food in the large DeFac. It wasn't really that great of a selection this time around, but to make up for that, I had a nice bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream! Yes, the ice cream bar is once again open at the DeFac, though there is no telling for how long. It looked like they had about 8 -10 5 gallon containers, so that should last a day or two depending on how many people decide they need the nutrition that such a collection would give them. Perhaps tonight will allow me another opportunity to sample another flavor.
The meal and a stop off at the Exchange and we were off again; back to the small compound we call home. Every time we enter, we are greeted in Dari by the guards. It is almost like we have our own doormen to a luxury location that could be costing us millions. Of course, I would prefer a better neighborhood, but the price was right for this one.
This morning I decided to be productive. I went back over to the other side to the finance office to get my cash card renewed. This is the easiest way (and in some cases the only way) to pay for things here, so it was an important undertaking. I finished that and then stopped by the post office which was next door. I was able to get a couple of envelopes pre-postaged so I could come back to the office and fill out and print some documents that need to be sent out ASAP. I just hope that the weight isn't over 13oz, or I could be in trouble.
I managed to get all that accomplished am now working on updating my resume. It appears that they have now posted openings for permanent positions at DLI, so I may wish to get one of those as opposed to a term position. If they are willing to wait, it could be a good thing. Of course I may also wish to apply for a similar position with them that isn't teaching but looks just as good if not better. All of this while I am waiting to hear back from the State Department about a possible interview! I have so many rods in the fire, I am not sure what is going to happen... I think my brain would explode if I tried to figure it out at the moment. So, I will just enjoy the adventure as it comes my way and wait and see what happens!
No, it really isn't that bad, though sometimes it feels like it. I didn't eat breakfast, but I managed to have a nice lunch. This was after I became frustrated with my students for not listening. I tell them a page number and they just do what they think I should be doing rather than what I asked them to do, and they all think they know the perfect way to teach because of their previous teachers. One told me that back at KELTC (the program they were previously in) things were done a certain way, and that that way was good. I told him he could go back to KELTC if he would only accept that way because I had my style and it did not include doing what I felt was educationally unsound. The students all laughed, but I don't really think they understand or are happy with various things. I guess we shall soon find out. I do attempt to explain my reasons, but they were used to a certain way, and my being different is strange to them.
On the other hand, I am just trying to make it through the day. Today being Thursday means we have a short teaching day. After lunch we don't have classes; the students do whatever it is that the students do, and the site lead and I do the reports and paperwork that we need to send up to our leaders in Kabul. I am not sure what they actually do with this information, but we send it nonetheless. I am still learning the ins and outs of certain things and figure that I should be careful what questions I ask.
The present commander of Thunderlab is leaving very soon and the new guy will be taking over. He seems like a nice guy, but they are looking to send him home soon too. I am not sure who they think is going to run the program, but it doesn't look like they are attempting to leave anybody here to do it. Pretty soon it is just going to be me and the Afghans! Anyway, here is to hoping someone knows what is actually going on. I cannot afford to worry about such things right now, they are way above my pay grade!
I am down to eating one meal a day. I am just not very hungry, and this seems to serve my purposes well. I am also a tad irritable lately and seem to constantly be tired. These are all common side effects of the medicine I am taking to prevent malaria, but I really have no way of knowing if this is the cause or just a coincidence. I am thinking about stopping the medication to see if the symptoms go away as well.
There has been a lot going on around here, but it usually culminates in nothing. The head of the NATO forces here in Afghanistan was supposed to come visit, but weather was bad, so it was postponed indefinitely. The Afghan leadership did find their way here, however, so the students were able to air some of their grievances to them. Today we had a field trip to the flight line. The previous students of the program were finishing their solo flights and getting certificates, so it was a motivational thing for the students. They really enjoyed it, and it made it impossible to teach them in the afternoon!
I gave a book quiz to my class a couple of days ago. We have a rather small class, and the students must sit really close together. To discourage cheating, I used binders to set between them, and also a role of paper towel with one end wrapped around a water bottle making a little scroll. They were able to stare at the butterflies and dragonflies that decorated this scroll while they attempt to think about the answers to the questions. They mostly did well, so I guess it was an overall success.
Attempting to get anything accomplished around here is like pulling teeth. The military tends to look at us as more of a bother, even though they keep telling us how important what we are doing is. They seem to have brilliant ideas only to implement the exact opposite. I really am not sure just how much more of this I am going to be able to handle! It is going to be a mind game, but I am not on my best at the moment. If I am able to start to sleep and get back to normal, I can handle just about anything they throw at me.... here's to hoping!
Yesterday I did nothing! Yes, nothing. I was so tired that the thought of even getting out of bed was overexertion! When I did get up and leave the room, I ran into a couple of my students. Two seconds talking with them, and I was in the worst mood I have been in in years! I decided it would be safe to go back to bed! Of course that leaves laundry for tonight, but I am glad I did it nonetheless.
The previous day was a productive one, however. I helped to test and interview 3 Afghans for teaching positions here. This was quite the task! We had to walk down to the entrance of the base and wait for them to show their paperwork to gain entrance to the base. At this point 2 of the 5 who were supposed to be testing were stopped. One forgot his paperwork and the other one had paperwork where the picture was too old. Then we went through the process of collecting biometrics on them (fingerprints and retinal scans) and getting them visitor passes. After this process, we had to walk the 20 minutes back to the classroom to get them tested. We used this time to assess their oral English ability as well as get background information on them.
The test took about an hour - an hour and a half including instructions and such. The grading was pretty fast, but we didn't do that until later. After the test we walked them back out to the gate so they could leave. We may hire one of them, but we have to see what happens up the chain of command.
After all this, I was able to make my room into the living space it is today. I moved the now empty wall locker and large cubby-like monstrosity to my side of the room, flipped my bed so my gorilla boxes could fit underneath it and strung up my rain poncho to complete the wall. I now have my own private space that my roommates can't constantly peer into! All of this moving was exhausting, but the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.. I think I should have just went to bed right after that.
Instead, I went to dinner and then sat down with the site lead to discuss the problem of lack of teachers with the probable incoming students. The Colonel is not very happy at the moment because he wants to bring down more students than we can accommodate. Fortunately, we (the site lead and I) may have been able to solve this problem... It seems I am becoming an assistant miracle worker and will take over the job of head miracle worker when he goes on R&R and then eventually goes home. What a position to step into!!
All in all I am alright. I felt really sore yesterday and today (to start). I think it may be due to dehydration, so I am upping my water intake to compensate. I wonder about it though because even in Iraq I seemed to suffer dehydration symptoms when I was drinking plenty of water. Maybe I am drinking too much and am getting hydration sickness. Wouldn't that just be like me? Have to do the opposite and cause problems whenever possible ;) For now, I am off to meet up with the students for dinner. I hope it is something good! (The ice-cream bar is back at the DeFac at the American compound, but one has to take a bus to get there... maybe Wednesday I will have the opportunity to finally sample some wonderful, cold sweetness then!)
The days are pretty long here after work. I wish they would have kept the 12 hour days! I am going to have to come up with some sort of hobby here. I would do some online studying, but we won't have internet in our room until the next week or two, and even then it will cost about $100 for the equivilant of a 14.4 k modem! I guess I can't complain too much though considering where I am....
The students are treating me well and seem to really want to learn. They may not really like how I do it, but they are coming around. I am still gettting used to the time here as well, so I am really tired a lot. I don't really want to go eat dinner around 6pm,. but I go because we go with the students, and it is good for them. The food isn't all that bad, but it isn't all that great either. I am hoping to get out to the other side of the base one of these days because they may finally have the ice cream back over there. The compound I live on is quite small, so it is easy to go stir crazy! As you can probably tell by my typing.
We are getting a new British woman in today to help with the supervising and counseling of the female Afghan students who will be coming in in a day or two. It will be interesting to see how that works out. I am really anxious to see how the male students act as well as how the other Afghans who live on the Afghan part of the base react. We have to leave the Nato Training Mission compound, walk through part of the Afghan compound, and then into the American Compound (this side) in order to get to the DFac (dining facility). The logistics of all this still boggles my mind. It was much easier in Iraq to understand. I think because I am working on a NATO mission, it is run quite differently. I am sure it will all come together eventually. At least my portion of it (teaching) is something I can handle.
Today was my first day of actual teaching. I didn't have all my students yet, so we did some review of the book that comes before the book I will be teaching. I put it this way because it seems that there has been some movement of people up and down within the curriculum based on teacher availability (there are only two of us) and test scores. Some students were in higher books, and while their test scores were technically at that level, they were borderline, so the decision was made to move them down. I never really like having to make decisions based on reasons other than pedagogically sound ones, but this is the real world we are dealing with, and that is what needs to be done. I need to figure out a way to not live in the real world so I can be happy in my own nice, naive, little world.
I am still attempting to catch up on sleep. After class today, I went to my room for something and I managed to fall asleep for a couple of hours. My body still doesn't know what time zone it is in or what is happening around here. The food is good, so I really can't complain about that! Actually I could, but only if I needed to find something to complain about. It is generally pretty much the same stuff all the time, and the dining facility I eat in is quite small, but it does the trick, and I really wouldn't want much bigger. Besides, if I went to the other side of base, I would be able to enjoy all the comforts of a large, impersonal dining facility with way too many places to attempt to choose from, lots of people I didn't know (who would not want to talk with me) and way too much noise and bustle for my fragile mind to take! And they say the grass is always greener!
I am part of a program called Thunderlab. It is an immersion program to teach English to Afghan military... I am really excited about the prospect of finally getting started and helping the students here move on to flight training. The students are all attempting to become pilots, so it they are quite motivated. We live on the same compound, which is a very unique thing here. It is a great set-up and sort of reminds me of when I was teaching at university summer camp in Korea where we lived in the same dorm as our students. They have classes at night with others (I am not sure how this works just yet), and we eat dinner, and sometimes breakfast) with them. They get a great deal of exposure to English during this time, and we are hoping that this will help increase their scores so they can meet the requirements sooner rather than later.
My things that I mailed to myself from where I inprocessed are here. They have been at the post office here for a couple of days, unfortunately we were unable to pick them up on Saturday, it is closed on Sunday, and I have no idea if I am going to be able to get over there tomorrow to get my things. I would really like them because I wasn't really thinking when I packed everything, and I didn't leave everything I needed in my 72 hour bag. I can get by, but it is a pain. I also need to go buy sheets (they should hopefully have them at the Exchange). As I am living in a room with 3 other guys, I have little privacy, so I could use the sheets to make a barrier and provide myself some protection from that glass bowl feeling. Of course I am right by the door as well, so everytime it is opened I feel like the world can see me. Not a pleasant feeling by far. Soon, though, soon I will be able to have a little more privacy, and my life will be almost complete! Of course, I live in a room that has an actual roof, walls, and a floor! and the showers and toilets have actual doors! Compared to what I could have, this is like the Hilton!!! I am so grateful for having been placed at this location; there are so many positives! Of course, it is still outside of my comfort zone, but what isn't? It is going to be quite the 6 months - 1 year here... I hope to be able to take you along on the ride with me..
I have told you about the backtracking I have been told to do, as well as my first attempt to mail my belongings off to where I will eventually be going to. I did not, however, fill you in on the process of getting away from the place I was required to in-process at (where I spent one day as opposed to the two I was told I would need to be there for) and to the place I am presently stuck in. It also turns out that my backtracking has taken a new twist, though more on that in a moment.
As one is not usually able to recount information with any real emotional content all at once, I had left out part of the story I am sure most of you are just dying to here, even if you don't know it yet. On Sunday, as I am sure you remember, I had a slight issue at the post office. This is what happens when one is forced to travel in a manner outside their comfort zone while already outside their comfort zone...it can cause brief bouts of insanity :) Having overcome that bit of delirium, I returned early the next day at the bequest of my supervisor. He assured me that the post office opened early, so going into the office and packing all the rest of my things into the second gorilla box at 6:30 in the morning was a logical thing to do. Around 8:30am, I went over to check if the post office was indeed open. It turned out that it didn't open until 9am, though this time I was smart enough not to take my things with me!
Around ten until nine, I took one box over (taking two would have been way too cumbersome) and got into the already forming line. As the time drew nearer, someone came out of the post office and told us that it would be some time before it would open as there had been a theft the previous evening and they needed time to process the scene and take statements and pictures and such. From the time the post office opened until I was able to have my first Gorillabox footlocker sent just over an hour had passed! This did not really concern me until I returned to the office where my boss asked me "are you almost finished? It took you over an hour to get that done. You need to make sure you are done in time to meet with the Colonel and then to convoy out of here." There was no way to guarantee this, but I told him I would do my best.
Off again I went to the post office with my second Gorilla box. I stood in line for about half an hour this time and was able to get finished just in time for my meeting. Thankfully things went smoothly after that. I have since convoyed over and am waiting to catch a plane out. I was first told that I was to go to one place, but then I received an email telling me not to go there, but to go to some other place first as there is more of a chance to get to my final destination from there. So, I had to return to the passenger (PAX) terminal to change the desired destination.
I managed to get wait listed on a flight. When I went to check in for the flight, however, it was no longer on the list. It seemed that it had been postponed. All in all, the flight was delayed five or six times. I am not sure if it was able to get out the last time as I decided I was tired and needed to sleep. I went down today to see when one would be leaving today, and the two flights listed are full. I should still go and see if someone decides not to show up, but the chances are slim. It appears that the next best time for me is in the morning! One more day here waiting to get out; eating food fixed more toward a British palate; thankfully sleeping in the permanent billeting. Eventually I will get there, I am almost positive!
I was to go back to where I had just come from; to retrace my steps back to places. Then, after having convoyed back to the previous, setting myself up for any flight that may be going to the destination I had been to before, I get a message telling me not to go there! I need to get to either Harat or Kandahar in order to make it. So, I have probably managed to get myself on a flight out today.
Having come back to here was not a bad thing for me though. I managed to meet up with a couple of people from my flight from Air Advisor Course, so that was a good thing. Unfortunately, I managed to lose my hat, but one of my friends gave me an extra one they had but would be unable to ever use along with a duffel bag that she had extra; one of the straps on mine won't stay hitched for some reason! I guess I am just destined to have problem after problem until I finally make it to where I am going. Is it no wonder I don't like traveling?
I am not sure what time lunch is around here, but off I go to figure it out. I hope all is going well on your side of the world. Don't be strangers!
I have been having a difficult time with the whole posting thing as the internet would not allow me to do so. I am once again attempting to update you on what is happening with me these days. I spent only one night in Manas, though I was told it would be a long time. I think I was able to expedite the process by making them question my existence. I am not sure exactly what happened, but I was on one of their lists, but I was not manifested anywhere. I told them where I was trying to go, and they put me on a plane with a company of Army personnel; a strange adventure indeed.
I arrived to my next destination. I was sure I was going to spend the night here as I was told this was to be the case. As it turns out, however, I was able to just catch a flight from there to the airport of my final destination. Of course, the flight show time was about 20 minutes after the arrival of the first, and I had to get my luggage and such. Thankfully they were able to take their time (not quite sure it was on purpose) so that I was able to make it with a couple of companions I met in Manas.
When I got to the airport of my new location, I once again had to spend the night. Spending the night in tents is becoming a very interesting and common occurrence. In Manas, there were about 150 or so others in the tent. In the next location, I was fortunate that it was down to about 20, which is also the number in the room I am currently in. To get to where I am now, I had to convoy through the city.... somewhat of a dangerous prospect that took much longer than it probably should have.
Today I spent my time in-processing and repacking things so I could send them via mail to my next destination. I will have to convoy back to the airport, and then see if I can catch a plane sometime within the next 3 days... not really a prospect I look forward to! All of this lack of sleep and traveling has caused me a great deal of frustration. When I went to send my first box, the post office was closed. This should be of no surprise as it is Sunday, but this is not something that is easily remembered when you have been traveling for sometime. I was so frustrated that I decided it would be a good idea to just throw my footlocker into one of the large, green, metal garbage bins. It had recently been emptied, so all that was inside was the muddy water from the rain that had been coming all day.
After having hoisted it into the bin (surprising that I could even lift it!), I started to walk back to the office. A major who had witnessed the incident asked me why I had done that, and I told her that having stuff caused too many problems. She told me that I should at least put a note out that I have a Gorilla Box for someone to have. Of course, she was right; one doesn't generally become a major and not know something.
After 5 minutes or so, I returned to the bin to somehow collect my footlocker. I had to actually climb inside in order to get to it. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to accomplish this mission as it was very slippery due to the water that had collected on the surface of the green, metal bin. Fortunately, the major had apparently made a comment to another major about seeing me as this new major came looking for the box. He helped me to retrieve it and be on my way back to the office, gorilla box in tow. I guess sometimes you have to do something just a little stupid to relieve the frustrations that arise in this rather odd life.
A little later I went to my bunk to take a nap. I slept for maybe an hour or so and got up to see if I could find where they have computers connected to the internet that I could use. During my search, I found the Green Beans (coffee shop) and a big tent in which there were chairs and a band practicing praise songs. I went to get some coffee and then came over to participate in the service I didn't even know what going to happen. It was odd seeing a number of weapons at the service, as well as carrying my own, but it seemed oddly (or not so oddly) appropriate. I also stood next to a general during the service. When asked who was there for the first time, he introduced himself by first and last name, but never mentioned his rank. I thought this was an interesting decision on his part, though I am not sure what his rationale behind it was as everyone else made sure to include their rank in their introduction.
Even during the passing of the peace, it was very much a military environment. They would shake hands and formally say "sir" or "ma'am".. It was not really a surprise, but it was interesting to note. So many different things going through my mind about this and all things related to it!
I was able to talk with the Chaplain (Navy) afterward. He told me about some of his past assignments and how he came to be a Navy chaplain at all. Very interesting stories to hear! Then I walked out with the supervisor of the language programs here (my boss's boss). We had a short friendly discussion before I went back to my bunk to unsuccessfully attempt to get some sleep.
As you know, I started my first leg of international travel in Baltimore. I started out about 5ish or so, and I haven't been to sleep yet! (It is currently almost 7pm right now). My computer says it is still Thursday; I left on Wednesday. I don't think the days really exist like they used to!
I flew first into Germany where I had a layover, then onto another airport with another layover, and then to my present location of Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan. I am still not sure how long I going to be here for, but as I am officially a transient just passing through, I get to stay in a huge tent with 30 - 40 other men. Not my idea of a good time, but I guess it beats sleeping outside, or not sleeping at all... though it seems like that is going to be the case anyway. I will be so glad to finally get to Afghanistan!
The flights were not as bad as I had been led to believe. I got 2 meals on each flight, watched a few movies I probably would never have otherwise (Footloose; Crazy, Stupid, Love; etc). The food, while not great, was decent. They had a lot of chicken, and they kept the galley open for people who wanted to come back and take soda, water, juice, cookies, or anything like that from the cart. The plane wasn't full, so no one was in the middle seat. I was comfortable, well fed, and entertained. Unfortunately, I was still unable to sleep.
The evening at the hotel was great! I was able to relax, change around my packing a little, and have a nice meal of a Beef Patty MRE. I didn't leave the hotel, but with the catching up on some much needed time alone and online, I had a pretty full night. I went to bed around midnight. I woke up at 5:30, which really surprised me because I was sooo tired last night! Around 6:30am, I heard church bells. I hadn't seen a church around, and I couldn't figure out why they would be ringing their bells so early. It was then that I realized it was the alarm clock!What wonderful way to wake up in the morning!
This morning was a slow morning. The breakfast was small, but with more of a selection than I have seen at many other places. After breakfast, I spent a leisurely time in my room preparing to leave. I requested a late check out and left for the airport around 1pm. Perhaps I shouldn't have done that as it meant that I had to spend an inordinate amount of time here, but I would much rather spend my time waiting at the airport than waiting elsewhere... I figure I am much more relaxed when I am able to do that.
I hope these updated don't reflect the extreme boredom that is liable to be part of this trip. It is an anxious time for me, but the waiting with little to do is hard to make exciting even given where I am going... So until next time, have a great and wonderful day!
Believe it or not, there is a nonstop flight from San Antonio, Texas to Baltimore, Maryland on Southwest Airlines no less! Such an efficient airline when it comes boarding, though a little strange for those who have a desire to have an actual assigned seat as oppose to a numbered place in line.
As I was in the B group, I found a spot near the back where there were few people sitting and plenty of overhead space. I had quite the large bag this time around and was almost unable to place it into the bin myself. I achieved this difficult task and sat down next to the window, a place I normally do everything to avoid, to wait for those who were going to join me on this 3ish hour flight (does this ring any bells???)
A slightly older man comes along and sits in the aisle seat and places a legal pad on the middle seat. I was not sure if he was attempting to save the seat, or if he was just being weird. As I was pondering this rather mundane question, I noticed a young woman standing a little forward in the plane. It was obvious that this middle seat was the first that was open to her. I found myself looking at the remaining people wondering which ones would attempt to assault people for this seat next to me (and no, not because it was next to me.) I found myself thinking that I would like to have her be the one to sit beside me because she looked a little more comfortable. Much to my surprise, she actually sat next to me!
Normally when I fly, it is a nerve wracking flow of adrenaline constantly pumping through my veins until I arrive wherever it is I am trying to arrive to; this time it was different! I told her good afternoon, she responded, and from there it just kept going! We discussed each others families, my job and my travels, and her travels and education. We kept talking the whole three hour flight! I felt I was getting reacquainted with an old friend I hadn't seen in a while. When we finally were forced to part ways because she was on her way home to Massachusetts, and I was going to the baggage claim, we separated with a hug.
Normally I do not engage with strangers on the plane other than to find out the time or something similar. This time I opened my mouth for reasons I cannot begin to fathom, and I had a wonderful time! Things do seem to have a way of getting done, don't they?
It seems that we under thunderstorm warnings here until tomorrow morning. I can only hope that this doesn't interfere with my flight tomorrow. We may even get a tornado as well! They are afraid that there may be flash floods as a result of the storms as well. At least I don't have to go into work until 11am tomorrow! It is good to finally be leaving! I have been waiting for what seems like forever!
I still have a lot of packing to do. It seems like it never ends when you have to pack everything you own while still trying to decide what to take and what to put in storage. I am not sure it is going to be possible to take everything I need and still keep it to one carry on and one checked bag!I will definitely give it my best, though.
I am up in the air about what to do about school. There have been some issues, but I guess I have to just see where things finally end up. At least this quarter is over!
The past three months or so have been quite full. I have been working, but most of it entailed training to prepare me to go to Afghanistan to teach. Normally when I obtain a new teaching position, it doesn't take so long to travel there and start; the extended time of this particular prep time has been quite difficult for me. That being said, I am very grateful for it at the same time. I know that when I was in Iraq, there were many things that I didn't understand, and I felt very lost. Having received the this training, I will have an idea of what is happening, even if I never actually use the skills and information I have acquired.
My month at Air Advisor Course was one that was physically and psychologically demanding. Somehow I managed to be put in a group that coalesced from day one. We not only got along and accomplished all the tasks and trainings together, but we also hung out in our off time as well; I am really hoping to be able to meet up with them when I am in Afghanistan; they were all such great people. I think I learned more from hanging out with them than I did in the classes themselves.
And now I am down to a couple of days before I once again leave San Antonio. I haven't been able to bring myself to pack up my room just yet, but it needs to get done quickly! I always hate packing and getting ready to go... as much as I do it, the feeling never goes away. Here is one more time of stepping out of my comfort zone into the great unknown.
Have you ever had a day you thought would have been better if you had stayed in bed? I know that is a common question, but this is definitely one of those days for me! The main cause of this problem was that I thought it was tomorrow! I knew I should have taken a better look at the calendar.
First, I woke up (for the final time!!) around 4am. I left the house around 4:35am and drove to the airport to turn in my rental and pick up a new one. They wouldn't extend the rental and said I had to turn this one in. I turned the car in and went to get another one from a different rental agency, but there was nobody there! I waited for a little while and decided to ride the shuttle to the airport to see if I could contact anyone from one of the phones there. I managed to reach one company, but they didn't have any cars available.
I then decided to return to the rental agency as it would definitely be open by then. They fortunately were willing to give me the rental a day early, though I ultimately paid much more than I was expecting. I am hoping I will find a cheap car to purchase before I have to turn this one in; it will be a better deal. After I managed to get the new rental, I proceeded to drive to work.
I managed to get on the wrong highway and drove to the other side of town, and even exited it. I realized I was doing this and turned around and 'felt' my way to what ended up being a place that would get me to where I needed to go. I thought I was going to have to call in to say that I was lost, but that thankfully did not happen! And I was only 15 minutes late for work!
Sure, finding the correct road may not be the most efficient, but it works for me! I just hope that tomorrow is a much easier day in that realm!
