Wheels Up!

I finally have the clearance I need to go "wheels up".  My security clearance went through on the 17th.  I still don't have my CAC and LOA to head to Afghanistan but I can wait it out in Dubai.  Looks like it could be 4 to 6 months before I get those.  When they come through they will fly me to Kuwait to get them.

I am pretty sure my Directors did an "oh sh....".  One saw me in the hall at work Friday and said they had forgotten to get me out and I should have gone earlier this week with some of the other HR folk.  So now I get to fly today with the Deputy Director in to Dubai.  I am so nervous and my stomach is doing flip flops. In less than 7 hours I will be headed to the airport to start my travels to the other side of the world.  It is an exciting adventure, but it is hard to leave my family.  It is really starting to hit home now.

Last night I packed up my trunk.  I had to have to of my girlfriends come over and sit on it just to get it closed.  This morning I finished up my laundry and once I take a shower I will start packing my suitcase.  I already have a box that I have filled with stuff that I have to mail home since I was issued a HUGE sleeping bag that takes up half of my trunk.  I am having a hard time deciding what I need and what I want to take with me.  I really want some comforts of home just to keep me from getting depressed when I get over there.  I put together an album (Thank you Uncle Jim and Sam for the album!) with pictures of family, my kiddos (my dogs) and me and Kirk. It only has a few pages filled but I NEED it so it goes in the bag even if I have to put a few more shirts, shoes or pants in my package home.  I can always buy some new clothes once I get over there, but I can't buy new pictures of my loved ones.

The last two weeks have been filled with thoughts from everyone that had already been over in either Iraq, Dubai or Afghanistan.  We are learning what to do and what not to do based on some of the cultures we will be working with.  I am already aware that I will be considered "property" in Dubai by the locals.  It is said "Men are for pleasure, woman are only for making babies".  Whatever floats their boat, but being who I am - I will not let them treat me bad.  I will make sure that if a restaurant or store treats me like "property" then I will no longer spend money there and tell everyone I know not to go there either.  Maybe it will hurt their pocket book if I can't stand up to them.  I have every intention of going there and respecting them and their culture.  I even taylored my wardrobe to fit their requirements.  I have loose fitting clothes, higher necklines, and all shirts cover my shoulders.  I have even informed Kirk that when he comes to visit he has to be respectful as well.  Men are allowed to touch other men, hold their hands and kiss in public.  But a man cannot touch a woman at all in public without bringing shame to themselves.  So at the airport I may have to have someone else pick him up just so he doesn't even shake my hand!  I would want to give him a BIG hug and kiss and if I did, we could both be thrown in jail.  That would not start his trip off on the right foot! Hahahahaha

I must mention that I have met and made some really great friends here in SC.  My classmates are wonderful.  I do believe that I have made three friends that will be friends for life.  Brittany, Nancy and Veronica are such a blessing.  We stuck together like glue - not only for safety reasons but also it is nice to hang with the girls when 90% of the rest of us are men.  It was a bonding experience like I have never had before.  We are all sad that I am leaving today, but excited to meet up in Dubai before they head to Afghanistan.  I thank God everyday that I met such incredible woman to share the journey with.

The picture below from left to right is Nancy (in the glasses), Me (being a goofball), Leslie, Veronica, Brittany, and Maryam.  All are very special to me and I am going to enjoy working with them and continuing on a lifetime of memories.