FOB Smart at 1730 - Sunday
Another Sunday comes quickly to an end. We completed another mission outside the wire into Old Qalat City this morning. We observed progress on five nearby projects. Along the way we encountered a mass of people waiting outside a local ministry responsible for distributing wheat to the people. We had to brave this crowd of humanity, complete with the looks of hatred or disdain with our mere presence, in order to access one of my projects. This was one of the more uncomfortable times I have experienced to-date as a result of the majority of looks of the faces of these Zabuli Afghans. I think we all felt the feeling of maybe we should hurry up and get in or get away, but nothing happened and we are all no worse for the wear. Here's knocking on the proverbial wood once again!
We enjoy our time outside the forward operating base no matter what, but lately it has again become very rewarding simply for the warmer weather, the increase in our local partners' activities outdoors, children running and playing all around, and, for me, knowing I am leaving so very soon. This is one activity of many I am sure that I will look back on with a great deal of fondness.
Tomorrow resets the Groundhog's Day effect for our week ahead here in Qalat. There is something to be said about the benefit of extreme routine. This is actually essential for survival in many ways and allows for planning, if we can rely on it, from week to week.
143, Kaesen.
Good night and good day.
No comments:
Post a Comment