Day 46: 12 MAR 08

Well time is flying by and I am doing ok. Yesterday I finally had it out with this guy I work with. He has been bullying people and just being a jerk and we went at it verbally. Then both of our supervisors came and in we talked it out. I do not think he is very happy as I basically admitted he was right about a few things but he basically was told that he has been out of line on many other issues. He is the same rank as me but about to get promoted. Either way it ended well and I am moving forward knowing I can work professionally without having to put up with his petty BS. I am not sure where he stands but I hope it ends well. Anyway today I went off base for a medical aid visit. The village is about 45 minutes from here and very poor. We treated 200 men, 180 women, and 102 animals. Chickens, cows, donkeys, and dogs wander aimlessly throughout the town. I did not get any pictures of them but you can see the town. The other picture is of me chilling out after I got done. I got sunburned slightly on my face and hands today as that was the only skin exposed. On another note I have to say that it is getting hot and smelling like shit. The reason I cuss and am blunt is because on numerous accounts I have been told that 80% of the dust in the air is fecal matter. I have mentioned before that they pee and pooped wherever they like and that is the end result. Shitty dust! As soon as I got back to base today I went and took a shower to clean myself and blow out my nose. It’s getting nasty as the temperature rises. Anyway I saw men treated as the women were hidden in a separate area. These people have nothing in this world. It is unreal. It’s basically like I have gone back in time. I kind of like it in a way but in another way it’s weird. I start having convoluted thoughts of multiple wives and the lifestyle they live!!! Then I realize I am thirsty and grab a bottle of water and realize I am a Christian American and this lifestyle is unaccepted and ultimately unneeded. The example of a bottle of water exemplifies the fact that bottled water is like gold to them which shows how far behind they are. While water is vital to everyone, in 2008 you should be able to gain the system and education to secure and clean itself for yourself. I am sorry but maybe if they were not so worried about keeping their multiple wives’ mouths shut and bellies pregnant they could get some freaking water processes setup. Ok enough on that subject. Anyway the kids hound you all day for food, candy, pens, and water. Water is the only word they can say. It actually gets annoying but I did give them some stuff. The men look super old. Because they grow beards and live in a sunny and dusty environment their skin ages extremely quick. I must say though they all have nice thick hair. It was a good day and I also got my midterm done which is why I have not been posting as I have been working on that. I will try to call everyone this weekend as I am probably heading out on an extended trip next week. That’s it for today and please enjoy the pictures.