After almost a month of trying to practice the fasting ritual associated with Ramadan, I have only one thing to say..."Don't pass judgement on the resolve of Muslims." Ramadan lasts one month and it is practiced by Muslims around the world. Here in Afghanistan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, swearing, sleeping and enjoying fun entertainment between the hours of 0430 - 1830. And boy is this tough! By 1400, you usually feel like your head is foggy, mouth is dry and it is very difficult to concentrate. Ramadan is a time of reflection, becoming closer to Allah through prayer and a time to practice good Muslim traditions that should be carried on throughout the year. I have a new found respect for my Muslim friends.
Other than being hungry during the day, I've continued my travels to conduct training and repairs on our media satellite antennas. This time, I traveled out to FOB Shanks...the most dangerous base I have yet to visit. The base sits a few clicks from the nearest town and unfortunately has rocket attacks that happen throughout the day and night. I'm safe, all is well but this is such a stressful life for the military members living on that base. The soldiers I worked with were great and seemed very positive. Just wish we could do more to prevent outsiders from staging attacks on the base. While there, I laced up my running shoes, something I try to do at every new base/location I visit, and went for a run on a trail around the base. At the top of the largest hill, I could see out into the distance, high arching mountains, grassy patches, mud homes and at least 3 well-paved roads leading from one city outward towards the mountainscape. At night I returned to the top of the hill and could see hundreds of stars in the sky and all was quiet. A peaceful quiet I hope most of these soldiers seek out when they can.
After my trip to FOB Shank in Loghar Province, I returned to Kabul feeling very lucky and a little guilty about the walls and guards we have around our base, a base surrounded by a city that, for the most part, are friendly and generous. The walls of our base send a message, one that says we want to protect you but want to protect ourselves from you as well. Not a good message to send.
Now on to my current day. I'd like to stay positive at this point but reality is sinking in fast. After 7 months of working with the Afghan Government Media Information Center (GMIC) as a teacher, mentor, co-worker and liaison, my command has decided to minimize my work at GMIC because of political reasons...they say it has nothing to do with the great work I've provided. So, I'm extremely deflated at this point. With a few months left here in Afghanistan, I now have to walk away from the best thing I have every contributed myself to. Improving the lives of others through education. I've put up a good fight as long as possible, but feel that what is happening to me is a clear example of why the US Military and Government will continue to fail at helping to build governance in Afghanistan. A shift in commanders brings new, sometimes damaging changes to current processes...many times based upon the, "I must change things to show I have made a difference," instead of, "Let's closely observe what we currently have and make changes based upon true need." Instead of keeping me in my position until the beginning of January, I will move to a different base in mid-October and move ahead as the chief of our satellite system operations and will only have limited contact with the GMIC.
Well, I'll stay positive as much as possible and will try to make the last few months as productive as the last 8.
Ciao for now.
us an opportunity to meet new journalists, share a good meal and enjoy outside of the workplace. Great meal...especially after a day of fasting!!
