CNN

Hard to believe we have been here for over 6 weeks already. Things are continuing to go well. There have been a few bumps in the road, but otherwise life is good! The volcanic ash affected mail deliveries and more importantly some staff members arrival/departures as well as patient flow (they got to Germany and then ‘stuck’). Work has been going well also, getting into some more projects and keeping myself busy. It helps the time pass and keeps my mind focused. The sports have been a nice break for sure; cricket, hockey, volleyball, soccer, etc...being 1 of 2 rec people has its perks :) Especially the interaction with the Aussies...love the accent!

In fact just a few weeks ago CNN was filming (though we didn’t know it was them) while we played volleyball with some members of the Slovician Army. The broadcast came out later that week and my parents, as well as a coworker in Bagram saw it. Michael Holmes did a bit about several different nations coming together in Kandahar. It shed a nice light onto this place. It finally came online this week and I have watched it; it sure is me...hehehe....here is the link if you’d like to watch, its about 2 1/2 minutes long.

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2010/04/22/holmes.kandahar.air.base.cnn

We have had some change over for teams at work, Brent, our old team leader went back to Canada after 8+ months here. Now, Shannon, is working with us and has been a great addition. We will have another change in a few weeks as another Canadian counterpart will go back home. Its sad to see them go and I haven’t even been here that long. Thats the good and bad thing about Roto's (Rotational groups) overlapping. They bring a lot of what works/doesn't work and shares knowledge, but then they go after you become good friends.

The spiders here are ridiculous. This camel spider was caught near the hospital. They actually grow to be much larger...ewe, ewe, ewe. Of course I had to share this nasty experience :p

I thank everyone who has sent care packages, they have been GREATLY appreciated by myself, my roommate and co-workers with whom I share. I am fully stocked for a long while and really don't need anything for a few months. I do appreciate cards, letters and postcards. They are pleasant surprises in my day. Thank you for the continued prayers and support of all the Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines here in Afghanistan!

Ciao Ciao for now!