Salam alaykum! Man Zabett Griebel astom. 

Culture is an interesting thing.  And it's cool to be able to observe other cultures in order to learn more about your own.  Recently, we've begun working on our Dari language training.  Written above, it basically says, "May God's peace be with you.  I am sergeant Griebel."  Learning the language hasn't been too bad.  Having a masters degree in English definitely helps me understand how to rearrange the structure of sentences to fit Dari.  For example, they put the verb at the end of the sentence.  And they put their adjectives after the subject being modified.  The hardest part is trying to make that phlegm-like noise in the back of your throat for a couple of their letters.  And learning some of the multi-syllabic words is rough because some of them sound like an intoxicated Japanese-speaker trying to give a speech.  Regardless, it's been a very cool, educational experience.

In addition to the language, we're also going through cultural awareness training.  We've learned a lot about Islam, which has been good for me.  At times, it can be frustrating because I'm inclined to want to enter into religious dialogue with the instructor, but I have to remind myself that I'm here to learn, not debate.  We've also been reading a lot about the role and experiences of combat advisors as they interact with the locals.  We have to understand the social norms and acceptable behaviors in their culture so as to form better relationships to help our cause for the sake of the mission.  All of this has been stretching for me, but I am glad to walk away from my cow-town country roots and try to understand other humans, always keeping in mind that we are all God's creation.

A last bit of culture to comment on is that of Bourbon Street in New Orleans.  Due to the long weekend (for Veterans Day), a group of us traveled down to "Nawlins" for a mini-vacation.  All I really have to say is that Bourbon Street was fun, interesting, new, unique, and terrifying.  From the folks in costume to the men in the street inviting you into the strip clubs with descriptions of what's inside, I realized just how "small town" my upbringing was.  And I'm glad/appreciative of that.  I'm not a crazy "party" guy, so I was a bit out of my element.  But then again, that's the culture of the street, and I have to learn to look at it with the knowledge that a lot of it is an expression of mankind and his/her desire for love and acceptance.  You can argue with me on this if you want, but it makes perfect sense to me.  In fact, I once heard someone say that going to a club is just entering a form of large-group therapy --- and I think he's correct.  [To the right is a pic of some kind of "Alice in Wonderland" party that was going on that night.] 

This weekend, we were also able to spend a few hours at the National World War II Museum.  That was pretty awesome.  I enjoy WWII history, and I appreciate who America was then and what we did, so going through the museum was both educational and sobering.  I look at those men and women and feel pride that I live in this country (with all of its diverse and crazy cultures) that they selflessly defended.

Until we talk again.  Roz bakhair (good day).
- Jerrod