Boy, where do I start with my Blog since last writing. There is just so much needing to be done with regards to meeting the project's goals for this quarter. John Allgood was scheduled to leave for the airport on Monday morning at 2:30 a.m., but he received a call at 2 a.m. that the plane would not be flying. When I got up, I found out why - you could have cut the fog with a knife. Well, he was finally able to get out of here about 6 p.m. and that left things in my hands. Thanks John!!!
I have continued working with the staff and ACDI-VOCA's Chief of Party to finalize plans for implementing the various aspects of the project. Unfortunately, in the process, there was a major disagreement between a couple of the key staff members, which caused me to bring them into my office and let them know things needed to change right now. They may not like what is planned but we have to be flexible and work through any changes that come down from USAID to ACDI-VOCA to our project. It looks like I will be extending my stay here by at least two months, departure now planned for around April 15th. That would give me time to work with the staff through their 2nd quarter. Since the time will be extended, I have decided to look for an apartment for my remaining time here. It will be much cheaper than staying in a hotel or guest house, plus I would have cooking previlleges. Will be located between the office and one of the restaurants I like to go to. I have choicen a two bedroom, living room, kitchen with dining area and balcony to rent. Not as nice as we are used to, but will be nice to have a little more room than the hotel, plus an opportunity to cook. I have elected to continue the second round of shots for my diet while I am over here. Unfortunately, eating out all the time is not conducive to the diet. Hopefully, with this move I can get back on track - although I am still losing weight even with eating out.
Today, went to the southern part of the country, not to far from the Afghan border. While visiting a fertilizer vendor in the market a guy came up and I guess he said "we get everything from God so don't beg from them". One of our staff felt he was influenced by Afghan presence in the area. I didn't know anything about it until he told me what happened. This area reminds me a lot of what I experienced in 93 and 94 in Armenia. The houses in the village look the same, much of the land looked the same and the sites with shepards tending their cattle and flocks was the same. Boy what scenery I saw on our 4-hour trip, especially the mountains and the changing soil structures.
Well that is about all for now. It has been a long day, so time for the lights to go out for another day. Be sure to check out my photo album for the new pictures taken today. Go to: http://www.zenfolio.com/farmeray/p828498799 .
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