Election

Greetings everyone!

I'm giving this blog thing a try, I won't be able to add to it all the time, but I have a few spare minutes today and I just happen to be at a location working with the State Department so I can actually access my blog.

The big thing on everyone's mind lately has no doubt been the Afghanistan elections. Well, that and Brett Favre playing for the Vikings.... but I don't have any insider information on that subject, so we'll go ahead and focus on the first topic. I'm very happy to say that the elections in the western region of Afghanistan were a big success. The west had the highest turn out and lowest violence per capita of anywhere in Afghanistan. The local police and army did a good job, now hopefully the local populace will start having more faith in their police force.

Other than the elections the biggest thing we have going on here is growing pains. The Army is switching up how it does business here in Afghanistan, so everyone is trying to figure out how that is going to work and where everyone needs to be. I know a lot of you have been asking for an address and appreciate your enthusiasm. I'm hoping that within the next week or two the Army will finally figure out where they want to put me for good, so until then it's probably best to just hold off on mail. I would hate for your package or letter to get lost in this chinese jigsaw puzzle they call the postal system over here. I've had mail come in as fast as 7 days, and as slow as 4 weeks, so to play it safe I'll wait until I figure out where I'm going and then you can all send me all the cookies you want. :)

Take care everyone

New Author!

Phil and I have been discussing some blog ideas for him and I think we're going to have him do the reports from across the pond himself. I think it will be much more interesting to hear his perspective, rather than mine! Check back soon for words from The Man!

Living in the Limelight

As the guys settle into their jobs, the paparazzi have appeared to detail their every move! Click here to see just how quickly they are becoming famous.

Phil has been able to call and email more often than I had expected. That could always change, but it's good to hear from him. He's had the chance to see some of the terrain and he commented to me about one location, "I imagine that this is what it was like in Biblical times." He said that other than the motorcycles, everything else seemed to be still in Biblical time.

Phil's new room!

Phil just called. He is moving into a new room! He said it's about seven feet by seven feet, but he was excited to have his own room. The past few months he has roomed with as few as one guy to as many as 324! So a room to himself is a luxury!

His job has picked up a bit this week. He seems to be enjoying it. They have been out a few times to check on how the mentoring groups have been doing.

The weather is hot, low 100s. But Phil said it's not as hot as Kuwait. Although, things could change as August creeps up! They guys are in desert conditions but there are some small mountains. If Phil finds a fast enough internet connection I think he'll send some pics.

Phil also sent me his address. If any of you would it, please email me. For security purposes, I cannot post it online, but I would be happy to send it your way.

It sounds like they may be moving in a couple months, but I'll keep you updated!

He's there!

Phil called this morning. He finally arrived at the location a couple of days ago and has started working in his new position.

They had a few changes and a few extras, so Phil is currently working as a supply person. We'll see how things progress as they face some changes in the upcoming months!

Phil sounded good. I think that he will be busy. I am hoping to share more information as I learn more about where he is at and what he is doing!

Waiting game

I talked to Phil yesterday and they were still waiting on transportation to their "final" location. No word yet on when they would be heading out.

To celebrate the Fourth of July, Phil said that they had a huge cake in the Chow Hall (about 4 feet long!). He also mentioned that the food was good at the place they were at. It's always good to hear that!

When I hear more information, I'll be sure to let you know that he is doing okay!

Final Destination

Phil has finally made it to Afghanistan. I have not heard from him directly, but from two other wives whose husbands called. Rumor has it the guys are jet lagged and still grungy. It sounds like the accommodations aren't too good at this particular location either. Baby wipes and hand sanitizer will be in my first care package to Phil.

In the next few days the team will head out of the location they are at right now to their "final" destination.

I say "final" because it could all change in the next couple months as the Army does some restructuring.

I have attached a few pictures of the mountains in Kyrgyzstan that Phil sent me. Take a close look! He said they were beautiful.

And what's an email from Phil without something goofy? Here they are trying on some traditional dress at a shop on base in Kyrgyzstan.