Sylvia's Journal

Steve said he was going to fast for 36 hours but changed his mind around 4 PM. That was a good thing since the cook had prepared a meal that was too much for me. Now things are back in balance and the food supply reduced to manageable levels. Such a luxury, I realize, while I watch the desperate situation of the Somali displaced.

A and I met with A’s future boss at the ministry, Doctor J. I am very pleased that I sent the two off to Dubai for a course on management and leadership as the effect of his two weeks of training is visible. Upon his return Dr. J. has taken the bull by the horns and is moving ahead of us, drawing us along for support rather than the more common practice of technical assistance agencies heading out in front of the ministry, dragging willing or unwilling counterparts along.

It is what was supposed to have happened a long time ago. Watching him taking the lead makes me giddy with excitement. I whisper softly to myself, “move, move, while you can,” as there are always unexpected (and sometimes rumored) leadership changes that can make all the difference, positive – we hope, but sometimes negative, setting everything back by a few miles, months or years.

It is very hot in Kabul these days. Every day it seems a little hotter than the previous day. In the Human Resources section of the ministry the electricity is often gone as they say in Dari. In the stifling heat, as if to play a joke on me, my hot flashes kick in. In those situations it is good to have a chador – I use it like a towel.

On the way back, stuck in traffic, the airco in the car could hardly manage. I felt faint from hunger and thirst and wondered about my colleagues as I am not even fasting for the full 16 hours they do. But when I go to the ministry I refrain from eating and drinking. Back in the office I was parched and drained a small bottle of water in one fell swoop.

I went home early to receive the supervisor of the packing company underling who came yesterday and was found to be wanting in his surveying of my packing and shipping needs. The boss walked around with a clipboard and a measuring tape and identified the items, mine and Steve’s, that needed special boxes. He thinks I may be a little heavier than the young man indicated yesterday. He left me with paperwork to fill in for insurance and US customs. I think I have about 5 weeks to do this. The day of my departure is still not clear. It depends on whether I receive a pink slip this week or whether our contracts officer notifies our funder of my resignation. Whichever comes first plus 30 days will be my departure date. I am still thinking mid September.