Day 126: My Space

My living space is on a forward operating base (FOB) named Camp Clark. We are situated in the eastern region of Afghanistan in the province of Khowst, bordered by Pakistan to the East and extensions of the Hindu Kush mountain range to the West. Khowst is a very volatile province as many of the Taliban insurgents cross the border from Pakistan through Khowst. Also, the infamous Khowst-Gardez pass, or "KG pass", which winds through the treacherous mountain ranges and is notorious for countless insurgent ambushes and improvised explosives, is the only road that connects the Khowst province to the rest of Afghanistan. To put it bluntly, it's a bit dangerous in this part of an already dangerous country. Well, enough of the geography lesson...

Beautiful view of the Hindu Kush mountain ranges to the west

Many of you have asked me, "How are your living conditions?". I myself had my own preconceived notions that I would have to "rough it", perhaps live out of a sleeping bag, build campfires with 2 sticks, and hunt for my food...essentially I was mentally preparing myself for a year long camping trip. Well, I was pleasantly surprised.

Our "B-Hut" Village

We live in small wooden cottages called "B-huts" or "Bee-Huts", the name comes from the fact that the first B-huts were built without any organizational symmetry with respect to how the rooms were partitioned off. Given the random, honeycomb-like pattern of the huts' interior design...Voila!...the term "Bee-Hut" was coined. After years of trial & error and a small dose of common sense, "B-huts" have now been built with cozy and efficiency in mind:)

Come on in!

I was lucky enough to have a generous amount of living space as you will soon see. I don't know the exact dimensions of my room, but it reminded me of my dorm room in college except I don't have to deal with a roommate. The sign on the door is a memento that is passed down as base docs come and go.


Here is a view of the room as you walk through the door. I think the designers of HGTV would be proud. My favorite part of the room, in this picture, is the Superman-themed bedding:) It adds a playful yet powerful touch to the room...


Along the wall next to the door is where I have pinned up some cards from family and friends. Also, note the wooden stand which displays my body armor and helmet indicating that I am always ready for action!


Here is a view of the opposite side of my room. This picture shows some of the various touches that have added extra personality to the room such as, the authentic Afghan rug and the official flag of the United States Navy. Also, I have been blessed with a great personal office space to include a custom-built table with plexi-glass top, wall mounted shelving which houses my computer speakers, a bulletin board, some organizational trays, and a cozy office chair...our tax dollars at work.


This is my all-time favorite part of the room. On the wall, next to my bed, are about 32 different reasons for living. Each morning I have the privelege of waking up to some of the most precious people in my life, they give me the strength to get through the day.

Well, I hope you've enjoyed this brief tour of my humble living space. It's no Ritz Carlton, but for now...it's home:)

"In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
John 14:2,3 NKJV