Heard more from Taji today.

You could hear the aircraft in the background and a unit offering artillery support to a position probably miles from camp.

In closer proximity, but still over 7000 miles by this phone connection, doors were slamming as classes changed and instructors came in with questions for the director and to let him know it was pouring rain and one of the company trucks had a window down.

My office is being planned and my living quarters will be assigned once the contract is submitted in December.

Now I wait for my passport and try to make myself believe this isn't all going to evaporate any minute.