Almost a month in...

Donnie called this evening, around 5am his time and just before he was about to go to bed. Guess that tells us a bit about his schedule! He's finally received some care packages, one from Heidi (a big thank you to you from Donnie, and from me) and another from Friends of Nevada County - full of Girl Scout cookies! Thanks to Sandy for getting that one out!

Every time we talk, I try to get some clues out of him about what they've been doing - with no avail. But, here are some updates he was able to share:
He and the other Corpsman have been giving medical care to the locals...his latest cases include tending to a man's burns, and treating a villager who walked 10k for help with dysentery.

The village population has been very hospitable, bringing eggs, vegetables, and bread to the soldiers, mainly the Corpsman, for the medical care they provide.

The children yell "cheese" (sp) to the soldiers, which means "give me" in Pashto. They have a penchant for candy, pens, and strangely, the soliders' watches. Apparently they'd rather have their watches than the ones they are sporting from 1985 :) Donnie said some are well behaved, but there are those without much direction or discipline. He said imagine the worst child you can think of and mutiply that by 10 - yikes!

Some schools have opened up in the area – he thinks funded by US Aid, and the soldiers are ensuring they stay open and get fully built.

His new call name is "Viking" perhaps due to his dashing Scandinavian looks :)

Despite being very busy, he's been working out two times a day.

There have been some "minor misfortunes and setbacks" but nothing that has resulted in any fatalities - thank God!

And most importantly, in the next few days, Donnie and the soldiers will be starting there most important mission yet. What, I don't know, but he requested everyone pray for him and the others. He hopes they will be on foot or "beating feet" vs. in the Humvees. Thank you so much to everyone who takes a moment to read this blog and send your thoughts and prayers to our men and women in Afghanistan.

Call from Donnie / Address

Happy Easter! Anyone feel that shake? Wow, a 7.2 out of Baja, CA...our cat wasn't too happy! Well, the good news from today is that Donnie called! He is at Camp Bastion right now, acclimating and training before going further into the desert. He was proud to say that he had lobster for dinner (what?!), and pineapple juice from Saudi Arabia earlier in the day. The mess hall (and that's my lingo people, I'm sure there's another name for it) is open 24 hours and has TVs, and a lot of American drinks with Farsi words. There's a lot of dust, as proof of the "100 days of wind" they are experiencing. He's still overwhelmed, and where he is hasn't really sunk in - but he's taking it one day at a time. He said he's reminded of where he is when he wakes up and sees the mountains all around him. He wasn't able to say when he was leaving the Camp, so I guess we will know once the phone calls stop. Thank you everyone again for all your support and prayers! The mailing address, for letters or care packages, is:

Donald Koenig

3/7 India Co

Unit 41580

FPO AP 96427-1580

They say the turnaround time, from the US to Afghanistan, is about 2-4 weeks.

If anyone has any questions just post a comment or email me at heathermaurine@yahoo.com.

Thanks!!!!!