Arrival at Al Asad

Well, I finally made it to Al Asad. Luckily (which is unusual) when we landed in Baghdad, some of us actually caught a connecting flight to Al Asad. This does not happen, connecting flights, very often. Since there have been almost daily sand storms throughout Iraq, the personnel who were retuning to work was so backed up the management concluded they should start using the airport like we do in the states, connecting flights. I was very happy with the results, I got to skip sleeping in the transient housing in Baghdad, which is a 12 by 12 room with 2 bunk beds and 2 cots for 8 guys. Actually its 6 guys but feels like 8. My room in the Taj-ma-tent is covered in dust from all the dust storms in the last 2 months. So, before I fell exhausted into bed I had to do a little cleaning, which is difficult without a vacuum cleaner. Sunday is my first full day back at work and things around here have changed once again. Now the completion date to the corrections to the job I am currently working on is now September 2009, what that means for the rest of the year, I don't know. KBR changes things as much as the weeks change. Nothing is ever the same and is a moving target.
Is it good to be back? I am not sure yet, let me have a week or two and we will see. The fact that I was able to even come back was an act of God. When I left I was basically fired (KBR directive for medical) then KBR legal stopped that process. And when I got here, HR had paperwork on her desk to fire me again because of the 60 day rule was nearly here, I got here just in time. With all the things that have changed around here, I will have a while to adjust and see what the future holds. Congress is still holding hearings on what has happened here with the soldiers and KBR, which in the end could end the company from running the bases. Never know what the future holds. I just have to do my job and keep my ears open for what God is telling me about the future.
Well, the food hasn't changed, the sand and sun is getting warmer, and the job is still requiring a notebook and a clip board. I hope to be home for family camp in June/July when April is here, but we will see. I miss my family and the comforts of home. More next week, Dan

Called at 2:45am

Dan called last night at 2:45am from Dubois. He said the trip was long and miserable, can't sleep sitting up; but he did get and asile seat which is good, when he checked in there were only middle seats left. Each seat has a LCD screen and a selection of movies to watch so he watched several movies over his 14 1/2 hour flight. Talking with him he seemed energized so that is good.

There were about 50 other KBR workers on his flight and they are all grouped together. Dan still doesn't have his KBR badge and was concerned when he left but is is more confident now he will not have anymore trouble at this point. It looks like he MAY stay the night there in Dubois because there is a sand storm in Bahgdad. Who knows.. he had a meeting to go to for an update on thier status.

Back to Iraq!

Just got the call asking.... "When will Daniel be ready for travel".
Dan replies.... "I have been ready".
They said.... "Ok tomorrow 5pm".

This has been quite the roller-coaster ride and here we go for another round.

The ADVENTURE begins again...

"Faith never knows where it is being led but, loves and knows the one who is leading." Dan Thoen

The Return Trip Has Begun

Well, KBR finally called with good news. I am returning to Al Asad to my old ( original ) job. My leave date could be as soon as Monday or shortly there after, depending when travel gets a hold of me. I am glad to have a good job in these times of layoffs and cut backs. Leaving home is very hard, more so on my wife and kids. I return to my friends I have made and Ranel has to do twice the work here at home. I feel happy to still be able to provide for my family but saddened to be leaving again, even though I will be able to come home again in June/July for a vacation.

The trip back will take a couple of days and 20 to 25 hours of flying time. I will need a day to change time zones and flight lag. Then back to 14 hour days 7 days a week. Inspecting the newest version of electrical work.

Well, I hopefully will know the final travel arrangements by today, but so far KBR is a little slow on the "getting back to me" part.

KBR

KBR Huston approved Dan to return to work. Now we have to wait for KBR Bagdad to approve him. Sounds like he is going back! Could leave tomorrow could leave in two weeks. Very bittersweet. ~Ranel

STILL WAITING!

Ok, KBR has not accepted the Doctor's release for Dan to go back to work and the deadline ends this week. Dan could possibly loose his job.

Back to life hanging in the balance!