Thursday, March 26, 2009

Worried About What?

Earlier this week we got a briefing on the two or three weeks we will spend in Kuwait before going to Iraq. During the briefing we found out we were likely to be living in 200-man tents, huge open spaces that will give us 199 roommates. That news barely raised a murmur. They told us it could be blazing hot, but that did raise much of a reaction. In fact, the average temps during our stay, according to Google weather is mid-90s for highs, 70s for lows. Arctic conditions compared to what everyone has been telling us.

So what got everyone buzzing? They told us we would get one phone call per week and have to stand in line three hours to get that call, and there would be little or no internet service for us. That got everyone upset. No internet!!! Only the few soldiers willing to pay $1+ per minute or more for AT&T service will have cell phones. It will be interesting to see just what everyone does without internet. . .and without text messages. Almost all the squad leaders text formation and other information. I just got one telling me to verify my weapon was cleaned and turned in.

Before we go to Iraq, we will have a three-week fast from internet, cell phones, text messaging and very limited phone access. I can't even guess what people will do instead.

3 comments:

  1. You can be a role model for all of your roommates. You remember being a young man without the internet, and you did just fine! You guys and girls will be able to talk more. Take notes for your blog...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I read that giving up texting and Facebook is the current thing to do for Lent. So you'll just be a few weeks late with your "fast."
    -Julian

    ReplyDelete
  3. Read a book? Pray? Have real conversations?

    ReplyDelete

Back in Panama: Finding Better Roads

  Today is the seventh day since I arrived in Panama.  After some very difficult rides back in August, I have found better roads and hope to...