A Place To Call Home

August 10, 2009

A Place to Call Home

How very odd that today, Sunday, began the work week here. Robert went to work while I worked out, indulged in the breakfast buffet, read & got the kids in motion. We were all asleep again by noon till Robert came with news of a new house assignment. A single officer had been placed in this 3 story house and was unhappy with so much empty space. His request to move came just before our move in date and the switch was made and approved even though the house had been designated for a “Director” level or above. This was a very gracious move by all involved and the house is WAY beyond our wildest dreams. (see above outside pic)

This time, we approached the house through a lovely new neighborhood just 5 minutes from the US Embassy where we will often need to be. To our surprise, there is even a small patch of yard in front of the house that Ethan will get to mow; having grass is quite rare here. There is enough covered parking for about 6 cars and a “drivers room” by the side entrance plus 2 maids quarters which are quite small. We nearly wet our knickers when we saw the inside; it was not only huge, it was new and lovely with modern fittings and colors. There are currently 4 furnished sitting areas; we could turn one into a workout/entertainment room with the ping pong table, and we could well make a dance hall out of one as the floors are nicely tiled! According to what we are hearing, there is not a lot for teens to do here, so we may be very grateful for space to entertain and make our own fun. I think I counted 7 bathrooms, all equipped with the hygiene hose by the toilets which comply with Islamic laws on toileting habits. The second floor has a door onto a wrap around balcony and the top floor opens onto the roof as is common here. The roof has a ledge around it and they will deliver outdoor furniture for parties there in cooler weather if we wish. The skyline around the house is beautiful and we are 3 houses away from one mosque, and not more than a block from two others; I can imagine the call to prayer will be loud and clear! We noticed today that radio stations break from usual programming and play classical or nature sounds music during prayer time; about 5 minutes. I hope I will benefit from these reminders to refocus on God throughout my day instead of viewing it as an intrusion.

Rules for Ramadan were posted at the Arif Jon Military Base where we went this evening to get more ID’s.(see photo) It is hard to believe that restaurants do not open until sunset and eating in public is a punishable offense. Ads & articles in the paper reflect the rising anticipation of this most sacred religious festival.

Our 25 mile drive to the base was an adventure in itself. We passed oil refineries where fire danced atop towers in the distance. The flames were eerie after dark. These fields looked like cities, they were so expansive. The base appeared amid the barren desert landscapes then stretched for miles. There was so much empty space between the structures; Robert says this is so if a missle is launched, there will not be a density of things to hit and this can limit damage. Much of the place appeared to be temporary as there were large tents and moveable searchlights. The barracks looked really basic. Security was unbelievable: if the layers of concrete and multiple checkpoints wouldn’t stop a terrorist, the confusing unmarked roads would surely prevent him from reaching the target…they worked for us! After missing our turn and having to be escorted back to the entrance, we then had to get out of the car, stand in the heat behind a blast wall (in case others in the queue had ill intentions) while the car was inspected, and finally proceed. There is a very sober air here that I've not noticed on military barracks other places; I feel like I'm as close to a war zone as I would ever want to be. Just last week, four terrorists were arrested for plotting to attack this very camp during Ramadan...Thank God for such good intel & security here.

We finally reached the correct office around 7:30 pm, fortunately it was open all night. We were all fingerprinted, hand scanned, and photographed for the privilege of gaining access to the PX where we can get our Oreos! The grocery selection was shockingly short of many of the basics I’d come to expect: Cheerios, chocolate chips, flavored coffee creamer, etc. We may need to change our eating habits a bit! As I pass other soldiers in the PX or on base, I'm keenly aware of how lonely and homesick they must be as they are all there unaccompanied for a one year post.

As we left the base, once again we had to produce our badges and paperwork which I thought was silly...until Robert reminded me that all the soldiers posted there are not allowed to leave the base unless they have special permission, so they are checking to see if we have the priviledge to exit before they open the gate. My appreciation for the sacrifices soldiers make is very great. The benefits we enjoy because of Roberts position are very humbling and I don't ever want to take those for granted.