Time Flies

As I sit down to write this I realize how long it has been since I last posted.  No particular reason for the absence.  I guess it seems to me sometimes like nothing post-worthy really happens.  In this case, though, that is definitely not the case.  Since my last post we had an attack on our base.  It was a pretty scary experience and one that I will not soon forget.  I will leave out the gory details, but suffice it to say I am extremely thankful that all of my brothers and sisters here are safe and that we didn't lose any warriors that day.  Its certainly was possible and we were lucky that we all made it through safe and sound even if shaken. 

I have settled into my routine here and the days seem to be passing quickly enough.  I continue to find frustrations in my work with the local populace.  Being an advocate for women in this culture is a difficult thing and I don't feel like I'm making much headway. 

I recently took a little trip to one of our detachments for female engagements.  I was walking through villages, door to door to speak with the women.  While this was frightening at some level, it was very interesting to be invited, without much hesitation, into the homes of the families, to share chai and to talk and laugh with the women.  Whatever one's opinion of the people here and their culture, at a basic level we really are all the same.  The women I met were concerned mothers who, like me, want nothing more than safety, health, happiness and opportunity for their children.  The women here amaze me with their tenacity and hard work.

Lastly, a heartfelt Thank You to my friends and family who take time to follow this blog, and my adventures here.  I have recieved care packages from people I never expected.  To my fellow warriors, you have my word that when your time here comes, I will return the favor.  I probably have enough snacks to last me the rest of the time I'm here and each morning I have a delicious cup of coffee, sent to me by one of you.  Your thoughtfulness means so much to me.  Tashakor!

the mountains here, actually kind of pretty in their own way

common sight here, looks a little precarious to me

This girl was curious, but trying to hide from us

My interpreter with two of the village girls

Glimpse inside an Afghan home

We drew quite a crowd of children

Me waiting to be awarded my Combat Medic Badge by the General. 

One of the villages

LUNCH!

With the passing days and weeks, I miss my home and my family more and more.  As the days here get a little cooler with the beginning of fall, somehow I am even more homesick.  There is something almost magical, to me, about the crisp Bozeman air during a Bobcat football game or walking on the Gallatin trail with a hot latte in my hand.  I can almost taste it.....can't wait 'til next year.