Day 242: Hot Chocolate

Every where you go in Afghanistan, no matter who it is you meet, you will be offered a cup of chai or tea at some point during the encounter. Actually, you will probably be offered multiple cups of tea. Afghans live off this stuff. They have chai for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everywhere in between.

So what do you do if you don’t drink tea? As most of you probably know, in my religion we have a health code called “the word of wisdom” in which we avoid alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and illegal drugs. Consequently, every time I meet someone for the first time I have to quickly tell them that I don’t drink chai. It actually is usually well received by my Afghan counterparts. It almost always leads into a discussion about some of the shared beliefs between my faith and Islam--avoiding alcohol, abstinence before marriage and fidelity afterwards, giving contributions to the poor, dressing modestly, fasting, etc. The Afghans always seem to be impressed that many of our beliefs are similar.

Well, today I had a few of my Border Police colleagues over for a meeting at Camp Stone. After explaining to them that I didn’t drink chai, I asked them if they wanted to try some hot chocolate. Most of the Afghans have never tried hot chocolate before. I have introduced several Afghans, including my interpreter Shafiq, to hot chocolate. Most seem to like it--I mean really how could you not like hot cocoa? These guys unfortunately were a little more wary of this new hot beverage and didn’t want to try it. They were like kids who don’t want to try a new food, just because it is new. So during our meeting I sipped hot chocolate while they had chai.

If only they knew what they were missing...I’m sure they probably thought the same thing about me.

Day 240: The Burkha

I grew up in a family of five brothers and no sisters. Consequently, I never really learned much about women. Sure, I learned some from interacting with the girls at school, watching how women acted on TV, and of course my mom was always around. However, living in a generally testosterone dominated home, I never truly grasped the subtleties and mysteries of women. I was (and Sue would probably argue that I still am) pretty clueless in the ways of the double X chromosome.

It wasn’t until I was married that I realized an important and life changing fact--women are different than men. Ground breaking discovery I know. One of the first and most important lessons I learned about women was that their preparation to leave the home is different than the average man’s preparation. I thought you just jumped in and out of the shower, quickly brushed your teeth, and maybe, if time allowed, ran a comb through your hair. Usually no more than five minutes were required. Little did I know that there are many more fine details and intricacies involved in making yourself presentable to the outside world. There is eyebrow plucking, make-up application, hair (we won’t even go into all the components of preparing the hair), moisturizing and don’t forget analyzing every square centimeter of exposed skin with a magnifying mirror. Then of course, different outfits and shoe combinations have to be tried until just the right mixture is discovered. Also, I learned that there is something that still exists called ironing--I had heard of it before but thought the practice had become extinct after the days of the pioneers. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to say by this that Sue is a high maintenance woman. She is actually very down to earth and sensible and did I mention beautiful (how was that for a good save?). I am only trying to make the point that a few extra minutes of preparation are generally needed for the average lady to prepare herself to go out.

Well, by now you are asking yourself what this rambling post has to do with Afghanistan. I will try to explain. Ever since I have been here, I have noticed women in blue burkhas (I’m not sure why they are blue...although it is my favorite color).


Anyway, these coverings are put on by many women when they are outside of their homes. They cover from the top of the head down to the toes, with only a small opening at the eyes from which they can catch a glimpse of the world around them. During the time of the Taliban, burkhas were required of all women when they were out in public. Now they are optional, but still surprisingly common. I had always viewed the burkha as an oppressive article of clothing, created by men and forced upon women as a way to yield power and dominion over them. But now my opinion has changed...at least a little. As I have been reading A Thousand Splendid Suns (a story about two women who lived in Afghanistan before and during the time of the Taliban) I have been interested by the women and their reactions to wearing the burkha. In both cases, they at first hated the idea of donning this piece of clothing that their husbands forced them to wear. However, as time passed, they both discovered that they preferred the cover offered by their burkha. With the burkha on, they were able to go out among others in a discreet way, avoiding the gaze of onlookers and not having to worry about their appearance or the expressions on their faces. In a sense they are able to be out among the world, but still in a way were invisible to it. It is kind of like Frodo in The Lord of the Rings--you put on the ring (or burkha in this case) and suddenly you are invisible to everyone else (although I guess the ring “called” all kinds of bad, scary guys to Frodo--okay bad example).

Anyway, the point is that a burkha can offer some advantages to women...even to those of you back home. Have you ever had a bad hair day? Have you ever had a zit that the concealer didn’t quite cover adequately? Have you ever run out of time to put on make-up? Have you ever had a run in your panty hose (actually with a burkha you would never even have to wear panty hose again)? Have you ever been in Wal-Mart and suddenly seen an old high school “friend” that you had hoped you would never run into again? Has your husband ever been waiting “patiently” for you out in the car on the day of the big game? With the burkha, these things are no longer a problem. You just throw on the blue beauty when it is time to go and you are gone. Everyone is a winner. You are happy and of course your husband will be happy that you are always ready to go in a moments notice (not that this is about us men...this is all for you ladies). Sure Disneyland or the beach may not be quite as fun in a burkha...but at least you won’t get sunburned (yet another advantage of the burkha).


So to any of you out there who may be interested (or anyone who actually finished this long, scatter-brained post), I probably could get you a good deal on a blue piece of clothing that could revolutionize your life and revitalize your marriage. Let me know if you need one.

And to think I used to not understand women...those days are obviously long gone.

Day 237: Looking To The Future

A few days ago, as I was driving in downtown Herat, we passed the boy in the picture below. We came storming by him, five up-armored humvees, gun’s in the turrets, horns honking to move people out of the way in front of us. Driving downtown is always interesting because of all the objects that crowd the road in front of you--women in burkhas, cars driving by, motorcycles with three or more people on them, donkeys pulling carts, and an occasional camel. It is preferred to drive quickly to avoid becoming a target although you have to balance that speed with the risk of hitting something or worse someone.


Anyway, back to this boy. I am always curious about what others think about us, the coalition, as we drive by them in the streets. Of course, the most common reaction is a wave or a thumbs up (mostly by the kids) or just a dismissive look as yet another American convoy rolls past them. Rarely, we see someone who truly looks unhappy for us to be there and every once in a while someone (again, usually a kid) throws a rock at our vehicles (although this is preferred over the alternative). I’m not sure what to think of the boy in this particular picture. He has a pretty neutral look to him--not really happy to see us although he doesn’t look particularly upset that we are there either. For probably half his life he has gotten used to our noisy vehicles roaming his streets. The other half of his life was spent as a little boy watching the Taliban control and terrorize his city. Hopefully, as he grows he will come to appreciate what we are trying to do for him, his family and his country.


There is often criticism of how the war in Afghanistan is being fought. I have to admit that it hasn’t been run perfectly and mistakes have been and will probably continue to be made on our end. However, there is one thing that I am sure of...and that is that on a daily basis, coalition members are sacrificing and working to make Afghanistan a better place. We all get frustrated at the setbacks and the slow pace at which progress comes here. It is amazing the roadblocks on both the American and Afghan sides that impede progress. However, I can honestly say that the American, Spanish, and Italian troops I work with on a daily basis want the same thing. They want to leave Afghanistan a safer and better place than they found it. They want the people to finally find some measure of peace and some sense of order in their lives. They want this boy, to one day be able to find a good job, raise a family, and feel safe as he walks the streets of his Herat.

Day 236: A Tragic Accident

Yesterday, the Afghan National Army regional commander, General Sayar, and several of his top advisers were killed in an accidental helicopter crash south of Herat. After the news arrived, I spent several hours over at the hospital awaiting in case any survivors were discovered. It was pretty somber to see the hospital workers loading up a truck with wooden caskets and all the ambulances heading out to recover the bodies. Ultimately, no survivors were found--leaving a total of 13 people dead in the accident. The Taliban of course tried to claim that they had shot down the helicopter, but it really looks like a weather related accident.

I had met General Sayar only one time. About three month ago, I went to his office and discussed a proposal to bring medical training to his troops. He was a gracious host and was receptive to my proposal. At the time it was pretty impressive to meet with the top General in all of Western Afghanistan. It is an unfortunate and tragic loss and I hope his family, his soldiers, and his fellow Afghans are comforted at this difficult time.

Day 234: Sloppy Dogs

Have you ever had an idea that you were sure was going to make you a multi-millionaire? My brother Jeff always seems to be coming up with plans or schemes that he is sure will help him “hit the jackpot”. His ideas have been numerous and at times creative. My favorite of course was his plan to open up a business selling “sloppy dogs”. A sloppy dog is basically a sloppy joe in a hot dog bun--I think. My brothers and I have never quite understood the sloppy dog and it has been more of a joke among us than anything we have ever taken seriously. Although, we probably should be careful. All famous entrepreneurs have had their skeptics--and now they are laughing all the way to the bank!

Sue also has a plan to hit the big time. Her plan has nothing to do with sloppy dogs. Rather, she has an invention that she is sure will revolutionize the world. I probably shouldn’t mention it in a public forum like this as someone may try to steal her idea. However, for all you out reading this post, consider the following idea patented and protected by copyright. We have a patent lawyer in the family who we may have to employ if anyone tries to copy Sue’s brilliant plan. Anyway, Sue’s idea is to create a call button, that when pushed, will ring a buzzer on a remote control--thus allowing you to find a missing remote. For example, let’s say you lose the TV remote and need to find it fast because the new episode of American Idol is starting in the next five minutes. No problem...you push the call button and whoalla, your remote beeps and informs you of its hidden location. This is especially attractive to those with toddlers in the home who love to take the remote, play with it, and then deposit it at the bottom of a pile of toys. It is much the same idea as the call button you push to locate your cordless phone.

I have often thought of Sue’s idea since I have been in Afghanistan. Her idea could be applied to one widely found object here--the heating and air conditioning units. The picture below shows the hallway of the B-hut where I live (kind of looks like prison doesn’t it). At the end of the hallway, above the door you will see the air conditioning/heating unit. These things actually work pretty well. However, they can only be controlled by remote control. That’s right, if you lose your remote you are stuck...there is no way to change the temperature. There have been a few times, when it was really cold out, that we have been unable to turn up the heat because the remote has gone missing. In those moments, what I wouldn’t have given to have simply pushed a button and then let my sense of hearing guide me to the missing remote.

I’m not sure it is a million dollar idea, but who knows we might be able to make a little money doing this. So maybe after this deployment is over, I will pack up the family and bring them back to Afghanistan and we will start up a “air conditioner remote control buzzer finding business.” I guess if it doesn’t work out we could always sell sloppy dogs.

Day 230: On the News

Here is a nice story about our Afghan Children Project that so many of you helped to make successful. Thanks for all of your efforts.

I will hopefully be able to get out soon and help deliver the items you have donated. Stay tuned for pictures and updates as they become available.

**UPDATE: Several people have inquired about donating to the project in order to help with some of the shipping costs. I have added a donate button at the top of my blog for those who want to help. The button takes you to a secure link where you can donate through PayPal.

Day 229: The Cougar

After two weeks of traveling, I returned back “home” to Camp Stone today. Over the last few weeks on the road a lot has happened. I said goodbye to 2008 and welcomed in 2009. I celebrated my 33rd birthday. I helped process over 800 new police recruits. I (or the members of my team) gave over 3000 immunizations. I ate several times at the Afghan dining facility...luckily without getting sick. I ran over 50 miles, did several thousand sit-ups, and spent quite a bit of time lifting weights (although you probably would never notice the difference). I read a popular teenage vampire romance novel sent to me by my wife (title withheld to save my reputation). I was able to spend several days hanging out with the Spanish doctors and practice my Espanol. Overall it was a very successful trip. A lot was accomplished and it was nice to change up the routine and the scenery a little.

One thing that was nice about this trip, was that we traveled in the next generation of up-armored vehicle--the Cougar. Below you will see some pictures of these vehicles. Over the last several months these vehicles have been replacing the fleet of Humvees found throughout the country. These vehicles are designed to more effectively shield their passengers from the dangers of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which are the most common cause of casualties in the region. I have to say that driving in the back of one of these gives an added sense of security and safety. It is reassuring that the military is acting so quickly to replace the Humvee with this much safer vehicle. The only down side to this vehicle is its lack of a suspension. Especially if you are sitting near the back of the vehicle, you really get thrown around when the truck hits a bump. Oh well, I think I can live with a few bruises in exchange for the safety this vehicle provides.

By the way, thanks to all of you who sent letters, packages, or just commented on my blog over the holiday season. I really appreciate hearing from you all and for your thoughtfulness.






Have you noticed who is hiding in every one of my pictures. It is my interpreter Shafiq. He tells me that he is the "most handsome man in the world" and constantly sneaks in the background of my pictures.

Day 227: Marathon Training

Today, I went to the gym here in Adraskan for a little run. I was amused when I stepped on the treadmill and noticed the control buttons. As you can see in the picture, the increase speed button has a picture of a man on it, while the decrease speed button has a woman on it. “Wow, this is pretty sexist,” I thought when I first saw it. Can you imagine a treadmill that was designed for the U.S. market with those kind of icons? I don’t think it would go over very well. Perhaps in Asia (where it looks like this treadmill was intended to be sold) this is acceptable. I have gotten in much better shape since I have deployed. However, I am pretty sure that there are plenty of women out there who can outrun me without too much difficulty. In fact, if we were to put all the readers of this blog on treadmills, I would not be surprised at all if the women in the group were hitting the increase speed button more often than the men in the group. Anyway, I thought it was funny and thought you all might enjoy it as well.


By the way, I am still continuing my marathon training. I will be running the Lake Tahoe Marathon on September 23 if anyone is interested in joining me and the family up there. If you don’t want to run the marathon, then perhaps a 5K or 10K would be more reasonable. If none of the above sound interesting, then just come up for a weekend getaway.

Day 225: On The Road Again

Over the past week I have been traveling again. We are in the midst of another round of police in-processing events. These events are much like the others I have been involved in. This means that I am...living out of a suitcase...giving a lot of shots...screening the police for drug abuse...practicing my Dari and Pashto...and enjoying a change of scenery. Honestly, it is nice to get out and do something different for a few days. It definitely helps the time go by a little quicker.

Here are some pictures from the last few days.


Above is an aerial drone. Every once in awhile these remote control aircraft are seen overhead. This one flew right above me and luckily I had my camera handy.


The previous two pictures show the police students training on entering and clearing a building. Now I have seen them practice with rubber guns before, but today was the first time I had seen them use fluorescent light bulbs. It looks like they are in Jedi light saber training.


Last is a view of the mountains near Adraskan. The picture really doesn’t do it justice. In person it is actually very beautiful.

Day 222: A Farewell to 2008

2008 will not be a year soon forgotten. Who would have thought last year at this time, that I would be ringing in 2009 half way around the world in Afghanistan while my family celebrated without me back in Utah. This year has been challenging for our family in many ways. There have been a few tears, some lonely moments, and times for reflection and serious soul searching. However, as Sue and I look back on this year, I think we will look back on it as one of the greatest blessings of our life. Hard to believe that what we are experiencing right now could be considered a blessing. However, the lessons learned, the experience gained, and the strength we have gained will help shape not only the rest of our mortal life, but most importantly, the rest of our eternal life.

Shortly before Sue and I were married, I received a much anticipated letter from the University of Utah School of Medicine. The letter came in a thin, legal sized envelope and contained only one sheet of paper, rather than the thick full sized manila envelope I had hoped the postal service would deliver. I was informed in this letter that unfortunately I had not been accepted into their medical school. Shock, disappointment, fear, and anger were all felt at some level. Rather than the fairy tale of getting married and starting medical school near family and friends, we were faced with being driven out “of paradise” and into “the lone and dreary world”. So after we were married, off to Washington D.C. we headed. Some of the challenges and difficulties we dreaded when we left home did come to pass. There was a horrible bed-ridden first pregnancy for Sue, there were the long hours away from home with a new course of study, and there were innumerable sleepless nights with a colicky (although beautiful) newborn. Family events were missed and grandmas and grandpas weren’t present when their babysitting skills were most needed. However, now as Sue and I think of our Washington D.C. years these challenges, although remembered, are not what we really “remember”. We remember fondly the cherry blossoms, trips to Amish country, our small little apartments, driving along the Potomac, life-long friends that were made, and the birth of two of our amazing children. It’s funny, looking back, what a blessing that small envelope containing a rejection letter, turned out to be.

The challenges, the struggles, the heartaches of life slowly fade from the forefront of our memory and are replaced with the good and happiness that these experiences bring us. As we say goodbye to 2008, I am grateful for the experiences I have had this past year. I have learned a lot. I have done things and seen things that I never imagined I would ever do. My love for family, friend, country and my God have all deepened. So goodbye 2008 and welcome to the year in which I will be reunited with you all again--2009!