Day 36 (Monday May 4, 2009)

I am the water specialist...

As I mentioned in the previous blog, we didn't have an obligation until 1200.  And, as luck would have it, our only tasks of the day were to watch or participate in two leadership engagements.  If you don't recall what a leadership engagement is, well, I'll tell you know.  It is a mock meeting in which a few members of our team role play different scenarios with either our Afghan counterparts (Afghan National Army-ANA) or Coalition Forces.  Because we are going as advisors, the Army is prepping us for what we can expect out of these meetings.  

Today, Mike was given the responsibility of leading a meeting and picked me as his "water specialist".  Why, you ask.  In the previous meeting, as we were told, the village well had run dry and there was no more water for the people or their crops.  Our team was tasked with meeting with the police chief, village elder and provincial governor to discuss how we could help in their situation.  Because we are advisors, we advise the ANA officials who in turn offer assistance to the Afghan people.  Wow, did anyone follow that?  I'm not even sure if I did.

  

(Here, Mike and I are speaking with the Afghan Nat'l Army Colonel about what we will address with the village.  Maybe it's me, but I look like I'm either confused or disinterested in this picture...honest though, I was paying attention.)

So, during the meeting, Mike and I took turns speaking.  Initially, we greeted the Afghans with bits of Dari that we learned in our language class.  Then, we were asked, and in turn asked, how every one's families were doing.  We were also offered tea (chi tea), which is apparently the custom in Afghanistan.  Mind you, all of this is done through interpreters.  Next, we got down to brass tax...so to speak.  We outlined what our plans were for the short and long terms in helping the village.  The Afghans followed up with questions.  Finally, we agreed on what needed to be done and ended the meeting.  "It was a good meeting overall"...at least that's what they tell us in every meeting.    

(This picture has a lot going on, but I'll try to explain.  The two individuals on the left are from the village.  The man in the light brown robe is the governor and the other man represents the Afghan Police.  On the right, the first man in fatigues is the ANA Colonel, the second man in civilian clothes is the interpreter and Mike is at the end of the couch. And lastly, I am sitting across from the camera.  On the table you can see cups and a tea pot.  The other soldiers you see in the picture are our team members watching the meeting.  One more thing, these couches are not very comfortable...just saying.)