Well today was yet another eye opening experience. Probably the most since I have been here. So on our convoy on the way to the humanitarian aid drop the vehicle in front of mine clipped a a vehicle that came onto the road. This caused its back right tire to go flat. About 1 mile later we had to stop and get out to pull security as they assessed the situation. So there I am in the middle of Kabul with my 9mm drawn just in case. It was the weirdest thing because I felt completely safe. I do not know if God has Angles with me but if hes does they sure as heaven made me feel safe today. We all got back in the trucks after about 1 minute and then went to the site. When we got their the first thing that hit me was the smell. This Kuchi tribe of people are nomads and they are bedded down in a little area of Kabul right now. These are by far the poorest people I have seen here. Somehow I kept my composure enough between the little kids and the smell as so not to throw up or cry. They were aggressive little suckers though. They took anything you gave them. I gave away a comb to a girl, gum to other kids, and a pen to a 12 or 13 year old who spoke some English. Just look at the pictures below. On that note I would like to give credit to SSgt Marc Nickens who is a Public Affairs specialist serving with me. Coincidentally enough he is a reservist out of the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh! Anyway most of the pictures I have on here are from Air Force photographers that go out with me. I thank them all very much. Anyway on the ground was mud and puddles of water as it rained the last three days but I personally saw one of their cows piss right where all the kids walk and play. I am not really sure if you get much more poor! The men even took the pallets at the end. They people handed out bags of items, blankets, rice and other stuff. It was weird though as their were some nice houses in this area. Its like the potential is here but they still have so far to go. Anyway I was really repulsed when I saw the rotting carcass of a dead dog or possibly calf. I did not look close, or long enough to determine. Now for something I mentioned to my Dad on the phone that he did not believe. It is 100% confirmed today: Women here are for child bearing and Men are for fun. What that means is that men engage in relations with women only when they want to impregnate her and when they want enjoyment they either pitch or catch with each other. I am not trying to be a smart a** or be vulgar I am just trying to give perspective on how backwards they are here. Like I said before I went back 1000 years and on a different planet for all intents and purposes. The Colonel who I interviewed (pictured) says he has seen slightly worse conditions. How that is possible is beyond me. Anyway I think i have wrote enough about that today. The pictures speech for themselves and to be honest I do not know how I have held myself together as that little trip today was just unreal. When I say unreal its like you are in a movie or something.. just so sad. OK now for some interesting news and great news. Interesting news first: I will be going on both a convoy and foot patrol tomorrow! I will be fine and i am sure tomorrows blog will be even more engaging. However on Tuesday I am interviewing the ISAF Commander General (thats 4 stars) McNeill. Mom I love you but I know you will ask what ISAF is so here is a link: http://www.nato.int/ISAF/ The Pentagon Channel wants a 10 minute special with me also in the interview like a sit down you see on the big networks. My hopes are not totally up though as until it is shot, edited, and aired will I believe my interview with a 4 star General will go through. Anyway thats whats up for now. I need to go charge my camera batteries and get ready for tomorrow. I love you and thank you for your support. Have a great day. I will try to post tomorrow!
4 comments:
***********WOW*************
feel very sad but happy some neat interviewing is going on, I will talk to you later, really to overwhelmed to speak and thats a good thing from time to time. I Love you Robbie - mom
Wow- those pictures are really heartbreaking. I can't imagine the emotions that you felt seeing it all in person. I feel so bad for the kids-
On a lighter note, I shipped your package off today. So you guys will be playing Bball in no time!
I do however wish that I would have read your latest post before I sent it so that I could have thrown in some stuff for you to hand out to the kids- I forgot that you guys do that-If you plan to make any additional visits where there will be children involved let me know and I will definitely send some stuff. Maybe candy, toys or clothes even. Anything helps I'm sure. Alright, take care of yourself out there:)
-Danielle-
Rob today is a new day and I feel refreshed - I now feel to comment on the part of todays posting that mentioned your convoy experience - again another WOW - I can tell you I do believe in angels and if you felt protected it was because you where truly protected by angels because there are many prayers being sent up into heaven for you. Your whole church is praying for you and many others as well - so yes there are angels and they are watching over you. Im very thankful for all the prayers. GOD IS GOOD. Love you bunches always and forever - mama
Oh Rob, how heartbreaking it must be for you to deal with those conditions and what an eye opener for me to read. If any of the several packs of gum that I sent made it to those children then you have made my day. It sure put any problems I may have into perspective. God Bless the USA and all of you that protect and keep it the wonderful country that it is! I continue to pray for your safety and well being.
Once again, thank you for the pictures that you post and the sharing of your experiences. I check in on you daily as you hold a special place in my heart.
Sincerely,
Sher
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