Iraqi Workers
The weather is starting to warm up here in Baghdad. The first thing I did after moving into my permanent room, is make sure the air conditioner was working. I can't believe how spread out and disorganized my stuff was after only 1 week in the temporary room. I have been cleaning up and getting things organized, and trying to make the room feel more like home, (other than it is actually half way around the world from home).
I helped the previous Doc pack her things and get ready to leave. She had lots of stuff she didn't need, and wouldn't fit in her duffles to take back home. I kept some things like sheets and towels, to use and leave for the next person. Other things were offered to the Iraqi woman who does all the cleaning. She was so excited over every little item (whether it was junky or nice.) I was worried about her safety having american products and being targeted by the insurgents, but she was more worried someone would think she stole the items. We wrote a note stating the stuff was given to her, so she could show the guards when she left the compound.
There are many Iraqi workers around our compound. Most work for Washington, inc and help with all the remodeling being done in the house. They also bring in temporary workers to help make bunkers out of sand bags. These workers are very poor and much less educated. They sometimes will whistle and yell at the women soldiers or blow kisses. They are so excited to get their pictures taken and will almost attack you if they see you carrying a camera. They also aren't as diligent workers and spend alot of time goofing around. They were playing volleyball and broke the pole several days ago. They are also fascinated with soda pop, and will grab 6 cans at a time if no one is watching. I talked to one of the workers today and found out he is only 14 years old. I think somehow they are employed by KBR (Kellogg Brown and Root) which is the company associated with VP Dick Cheney.
I was also worried about our safety with so many Iraqi workers around the compound, but the workers are searched 4-5 times and have to walk through metal detectors before entering our compound. The three permanent cleaning staff who work with our unit really enjoy their jobs and have been learning English. Most of the unit also knows some Arabic. I am also trying to learn some words. Thank you is shuk-ran and crazy is squeech. I will try and write more words as I learn them.
Heidi
I helped the previous Doc pack her things and get ready to leave. She had lots of stuff she didn't need, and wouldn't fit in her duffles to take back home. I kept some things like sheets and towels, to use and leave for the next person. Other things were offered to the Iraqi woman who does all the cleaning. She was so excited over every little item (whether it was junky or nice.) I was worried about her safety having american products and being targeted by the insurgents, but she was more worried someone would think she stole the items. We wrote a note stating the stuff was given to her, so she could show the guards when she left the compound.
There are many Iraqi workers around our compound. Most work for Washington, inc and help with all the remodeling being done in the house. They also bring in temporary workers to help make bunkers out of sand bags. These workers are very poor and much less educated. They sometimes will whistle and yell at the women soldiers or blow kisses. They are so excited to get their pictures taken and will almost attack you if they see you carrying a camera. They also aren't as diligent workers and spend alot of time goofing around. They were playing volleyball and broke the pole several days ago. They are also fascinated with soda pop, and will grab 6 cans at a time if no one is watching. I talked to one of the workers today and found out he is only 14 years old. I think somehow they are employed by KBR (Kellogg Brown and Root) which is the company associated with VP Dick Cheney.
I was also worried about our safety with so many Iraqi workers around the compound, but the workers are searched 4-5 times and have to walk through metal detectors before entering our compound. The three permanent cleaning staff who work with our unit really enjoy their jobs and have been learning English. Most of the unit also knows some Arabic. I am also trying to learn some words. Thank you is shuk-ran and crazy is squeech. I will try and write more words as I learn them.
Heidi
posted by Heidi O at 6:29 PM
3 Comments:
Happy April Fool's Day!
Hi Heidi-
I found your blog while playing on Danna's website and have enjoyed reading your entries (when I should be working.) Cole's pictures are hilarious--he has a great smile! Your pictures are weird to see-definitely not what I thought things would look like over there. Stay safe and Happy april fools day...
Katrina
Hi Heidi! Your entries are so interesting to read. I love to check in to see what you have been experiencing. Not much is going on here, we are still waiting for lil' Georgia Kate to bless us with her arrival. I am due in 11 days! Addie is getting excited for her to come and play with her! She will be disapointed when she isn't able to do much playing with her right away!
We are thinking of you everyday! Keep sending pictures and stay safe. We miss you!
Love,
Tom, Stacy, Addison and soon to be Georgia Kate
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