Married on a Mountain?

Allow me to introduce the man who sang me a song, did a dance and appeared to marry me on top of Gahr. We didn't expect to run into a group of shepherds with loads of goats. I have no idea what he was doing while singing and motioning around my head, but we can only guess he was attempting to trade me for about 10 of his goats upon meeting us on top of this mountain. We decided to celebrate our union with a very serious picture as he wanted me to stop laughing after pulling my hat off my head. This was about the only thing I understood, beside his fascination with my unveiled head. This is the last part of the trail to the top, slightly dangerous. As you can see, the marines went for a serious work out and wore ALL their gear, adding about 50-60 pounds. This was the bet part of the hike... as some of you know, I'm not really a fan of climbing mountains, and would have likely turned back but continued on in hopes of losing my 'husband' who was following us up...
I'm not sure what a shelter is doing so far up there. Maybe for the shepherds, a strategic military type position, super sweet fort? I don't know.

It was an awesome break from working, and tiring. 97 degrees in all these clothes gets intense. Jill will be happy to hear, I did not quit though.

heart forever, Mrs. Abdul.

ihelp

Can someoen tell me how to load a video onto my video ipod? It'd be nice to put a movie or show on there. And I'm stumped. Hopefully I don't have to be connected to the internet...

This morning we went to a grand opening of a generator. It was a fancy ceremony, they put big rugs out on the dirt and hung a tapestry as a mock wall to shield everything from the street. The generator is for an advanced learning school. They had to get a generator because now that this old bombed out university was fixed to be used as a school again, and they recieved 30 computers, they realized they had no power! The crazy thing is, connecting to the city's power will not be enough to support this.

(Picture of Afghan National Army Soldiers)

I went wandering around all the other buildings on the compound, they are all shells of buildings. Bullet scars cover the outside, "inside" they are burned out or bombed out. These buildings are down to the bricks, not even window frames or the paint on the walls are left. It's hard to imagine the school being in the same state as the other buildings on the property, but just a couple years ago it was.

I couldn't help but feel a little mad at the Taliban who did this, who ruined this country. And thankful for the people like the Major who are so dedicated to progress, even in the form of such baby steps. This Major is truely fantastic, and projects like this need people like her.

More pictures of my visit

BLOW!

I wanted to take them all home with me.

Things That Impress Me

That one persons absence can have such a major impact on everyone around. Like how when TSgt Faz, our NCO left, his absence left a huge hole, we all expect him still to be there.

That the organization that has been ranked as #1 more than any business, company or franchise in the last 80 years is a sports team, the NY Yankees. And they still aren't my favorite team ~ sorry boss.

That my boss has and still uses a hair comb that is older than me.

That these little ladies are so loving and fun, even though they have nothing and play on a field surrounded by landmines. That they are enamored by bubbles and think jump rope is the coolest thing they've ever done. That they have to pet my hair because the blond is so foreign to them and they will talk your ear off then look at you very disappointed realizing you have no idea what they are saying. So they say it a little louder and slower, realizing this doesn't help they go back to hand holding and jumping rope.

I got to play with these little girls when delivering toys and school supplies to their community.