A World Away

They "bling" out everything from tractors to trucks
A traditional bathroom...yeah, I think I'll hold it

My workplace for the next six months

Another day has gone by in the world of Afghanistan. I say world because at times it feels like we stepped into a time machine and ended up in a different world. We are trying to do our best in a place that is totally foreign to us in every sense of the word. Judging by the look on the Afghan people’s faces they feel the same when we try to explain how things are in the states. From complex things like handling a trauma to something simple like picking up a broom in the hospital hallway the level of difficulty seems to register the same. I guess it could be worse. I could be in a kindergarten level map reading class like some Lt. I know. That’s right bunkie, I’m talking about you. Before I get too ahead of myself I need to explain my staff that I work with.
In the states pharmacy school is a very daunting task to accomplish. It takes a certain level of intellect and a great deal of determination. Here you just have to know the right people. One of my “pharmacists” was enlisted and not a pharmacist last year. This year he is a major AND a pharmacist. He comes from a wealthy family. He hasn’t produced any documentation, but I’m sure that is just as easy to procure. He is my problem child at the moment. He insists that this country will never change and we are wasting our time. I have to remind myself about the history of this war torn country and not take it personally. I didn’t travel thousands of miles leaving my family at home so I could come and get a door closed in my face. I’m sure it will be the first of many. My predecessor explained his trials and tribulations to me and explained you just have to keep kicking them down if they don’t open up. I can do that. When it comes to expectations I told my staff I have one word: progress. I will accept nothing less.
The rest of my staff consists of a couple nurses that were assigned to the pharmacy by their commander and a few more legitimate pharmacists. A few of them are on board with the vision we are trying to create. Hopefully they can help me persuade my problem child. If not it could be an even longer six months than expected. Damn dry country!

Different, But The Same

I've been in country for a short time and already feel as though I have learned volumes. One lesson taught me as different as we are, they are still people just like us. Recently one of our interpreters lost his 5 month old daughter which is a perfect reflection of their infant mortality rate. We had the honor of being invited to what would be the equivalent to a memorial service for her. It was as heart wrenching as if it were one of our own. Grieving knows no cultural boundries.

Patience, Patience, Patience

The word of the day is...you guess it patience. My job involves working side by side with the ANA in a mentor role. The culture is different to put it mildly and it takes a special approach to get through to them. The problem is this country has been doing things this way for such a long time it is a major stretch for them to see things differently. I have the opportunity to take on some major projects that would positively affect the way they take care of their people. I am excited and overwhelmed all at the same time. But then again I have nothing but time. Here goes jumping in with both feet.

No Longer Jobless, Just Homeless

We have a purpose!!! We have jobs!!! I never thought I would be excited to say that. I was beginning to worry about some of my teammates. You can only read so much, play so many games, workout so often, and "Base X" is only so big. Cabin fever was starting to set in. Tell tale sign was counting down until the next time we got to eat at the dining facility.

I am really excited about the challenges of my new job. I will get to do some things here that would never be possible in the states. All of us will get the chance to interact with the people of this country in some way and that is exactly what our training prepared us for. It's nice to know that the time we spent in Kansas wasn't wasted.

Currently we are in temporary housing stacked like wood. The next item is finding something a little more permanent. I don't want to spend a lot because I know I'm not staying, but...just kidding!! Housing goes by rank, so we'll see how that goes. We are doing fine where we are now, but it would be nice to have some space to call our own for a while.

I should have an address soon, so if you would like it contact Jill and she can get it to you. A big thanks to everyone taking time to think about us and wish us well. Not just my team, but everyone over here. It means a lot to know people back home are behind us. I appreciate everyone reading my blog and really like the comments. As silly as it sounds it's almost like getting something from home.

Will Work For...

We've been hanging out in country just shy of two weeks now. Some members of our team have gone on to their FOBs and begun working. The rest of us are sitting in limbo waiting for the word to leave. We have a meeting soon, so next time I post HOPEFULLY the rest of us will be at our FOBs. I am with a great bunch of people. I believe I would have gone out of my mind without the camaraderie of our group. We all just want to get to work. Did I just say that?!?!

In Country

We have arrived in country and we have started in processing. If there's one thing for certain it is everything changes. We have had some changes to our itinerary since we have arrived and should find out some specifics soon.
It is such a different world over here. You can look at all the pictures or sit through every briefing, but until you have actually laid eyes on this place you can't really grasp what this culture is like. This will be an educational six months. And anybody that is unhappy about living in the USA should come stay here for awhile. I bet most would change their mind.

On Our Way

We left Anchorage Wednesday and arrived in St. Louis to spend the night. The Air Force considers Elmendorf an overseas base requiring us to be in St. Louis 24 hours prior to our load date. It is hard knowing I will be away from my family for six months, but seeing my team again makes it a little easier. These guys have become my second family and we take care of each other like brothers. We have pretty much picked up where we left off in Kansas.
So here we sit in Virginia at one of our many stops waiting to leave the states. We have a long day of flying ahead of us so it will be interesting to see how jet lag will affect us.