12:16 AM
MorethanaMilitaryWife
Well, yesterday started out like any other here in Afghanistan... but quickly took a different turn. Everyone has been trying to move into the tents or rooms where they are going to be living for the next year. It has been hectic. Chaotic. Stressful... to say the least. It doesn't sound like much, but everyone has their own ideas of how they want things done. Unfortunately in the middle of the madness, a Soldier ran over my foot with a Gator (one of those small vehicles that make it easy to get from Point A to Point B on the camp). I let out a big scream and was taken to the Aid station. From the Aid station I was sent to the Afghan hospital located within a couple miles of our camp for X-rays. I was the first one from our battalion to utilize their facilities, and it was an interesting experience. Since I am female I had to be escorted by a female at all times in the hospital. Even to use the bathroom (which, mind you, was a hole in the ground). She interpreted for me if necessary. When not doing that she told me all about herself. I quickly learned that she has a big family that she goes shopping with downtown ever Friday. She is currently enrolled in school and loves her job, and speaks better English than most Americans. She intrigued me. Her stories were compelling and she was very easy to talk to. She often reminded me of the freedoms of America by telling me of how she cannot wear her hair down or marry for fear that her husband will not allow her to work. She reminded me of how important mentorship is here in Afghanistan, and of how we are making a difference to the people by being here.
7:43 PM
MorethanaMilitaryWife
I made it to my final destination a couple nights ago. Travel went surprisingly well. Upon arrival at the manifest site I was able to secure an awesome first class seat on the biggest plane I have ever seen. I'm talking full recling, glorious elbow room, bed-like, first class seat. What a way to celebrate my 25th birthday... however, it definitely would have been better if my husband could have at least been there. Speaking of him, I have actually gotten to have a few small conversations since deploying. It's been nice. It in a way keeps me sane. Time has been going very fast, and so far I'm doing really well. In a way I am glad that I never deployed, because many previous Iraq veterans are not used to the way things are in Afghanistan. For example, prior to getting to our final destination we stayed in tents outside for a few days without heat or electricity. Not too big of a deal... however, for those Soldiers who went to Iraq... unheard of. Sleeping 8-20 people to a tent instead of 2 man rooms... impossible. I actually went into the situation with that "glass half full" mentality and it has made the transition easier. We are awaiting the arrival of the rest of our unit, and I am excited to get into a routine. I think having a routine will make the time go by faster. (at least I am hoping so) Nate should be getting ready to leave soon as well. My countdown for R&R has already started, since I am hoping to go in the fall. The big countdown for redployment has already started too! Less than 365 sounds wayyyyyy better than a year. I think...
9:06 AM
MorethanaMilitaryWife
Packing is so... SYMBOLIC. I never realized it until I had to try and pack my life away for a year. The process of packing means a "change" or some sort of new beginning. Whether you are packing an over night bag to visit a friend for the weekend, packing a suitcase for your much deserved week long vacation to the caribbean, or packing those two duffel bags, a ruck suck, and an assault bag for that year long deployment, they all are the beginning of something different. As I finish up my packing and get ready to board the plane out of here, I'm already looking forward to next year's packing… the packing that will bring me home.
8:05 AM
MorethanaMilitaryWife
Well, I'm getting ready to leave for Afghanistan this weekend. Not only am I getting ready to depart on a huge adventure doing something that most people who knew me in high school would never have guessed I would grow up to do, but my husband is getting ready to do the same thing. While I leave this weekend (the same weekend as my birthday, go figure... Happy Birthday to me!!!), my husband, Nate will not be leaving until the middle of next month. It's like we are going on a "vacation" to a foreign country, at the same time, where the weather will be warmer and there will be sand... but without the cocktails or that whole being with each other aspect of it. I will be in a different location than Nate, so unfortunately we will not be spending anytime during this "vacation" together. However, knowing that I am on the other side of the world with Nate in the same country has a rather calming effect, irregardless of not being within close proximity. Hmm, I never knew I had the capability of being so positive. I wanted to start this blog initially for family and friends to keep up with us on this crazy journey, but I think it will be my "comfort item" while I am gone. It will help me feel more connected to all the things I am leaving behind. I would love to open my experiences to you, and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I am going to enjoy sharing. Now on one of my last nights in the states for a year I think I am going to indulge in some ice cream, TV, and time with my husband before my "vacation" begins...
