The Final Stretch

Training has started to wrap up here in Ottawa and although I am not at liberty to say exactly when we will be departing, I am sure you can all approximate when the deployment will take place. Here's a hint: really, really soon.

Our 400 lbs of kit has been packed, itemized and shipped overseas. Everyone here is dressed down for the final stretch. It looks a little like spring break with shorts, t-shirts, and my favourite, flip flops!!

Yesterday we were handed our postings in the form of what is called a deployment letter. I felt like I was back at highschool in the exam room peering over my buddy's shoulder to see what he got! Everyone was happy with their assignments.

I now know WHERE I'll be stationed but am still at a loss with respect to WHAT exactly I'll be doing. This is typical of military operations so I am not worried. I also was given the mailing address of my posting and will forward it to anyone interested in writing me.

Today we learned a lot about the Afghan culture, history and customs. Believe me when I tell you that we (in the Western world) are quick to have strong, uninformed opinions related to the Afghan people. Simply put they have had it rough and their overall mistrust of other cultures is not borne of nothing.


To go with the theme today we partook of a traditional Afghan meal where we ate on the floor with our hands (our right hands)! We had a rice and raisin dish, beef gorma, egg plant, a type of shawarma meat and a tandoori chicken dish. The food was excellent...or maybe it was my fingers :)

Because we are set to deploy and our gear had to go before us, we had to have picture day!! We 20 in our tan BDUs in a group shot and, of course, the individual portraits. Don't mind my silly grin, but I was hamming it up for my camera!

I will try to fire another blog update off before I jet although it maybe just words of appreciation for all of you who have been continually supportive throughout this mission training.

Uhthankya !