Sunday 0930 hrs. Time for church. I'd probably be out fishing right now, if I were home. We will never go to the Middle East for a vacation. Last night, I read a few of my entries to Danny and Phill. The three of us probably get along the best because we are without women. I hope your friends are supporting you back home. We should've had that party before I left. Have you gotten any news about me lately? You know, they should be bringing in news to us also. I don't know if you's are well or what? My heart is very heavy at times. I'm going up to the roof to sweat, to breathe. Not much in the news this morning. I guess we're waiting to see what the US will do about the tankers on their way to Yemen. Blow the muthu’s up! Do something.
2020 hrs. Boring day. Played Scrabble with Bob (dentist) and Sarah. Lost. Played cut throat pool with Bob and Bob. Lost. Came to Kuwait. Lost. I spent about an hour and a half on the roof today. Might even have got a little sunburn. There was a gunshot around noon. Sounded like it was in the back yard. Scared the crap out of me. Maybe I'll finish that book tomorrow. I was playing on the six string guitar today, also. It has nylon strings, so it's not as rough on the fingers. The twelve string has a broken tuner key for one of the "D" strings. Bummer. We had Humus for supper. That's mashed up chick peas. Tastes awful, but everyone else likes it. For lunch, Claudette made lamb stew. It was pretty good. Sarah and Claudette didn't like it. They don't like meat. Guess that's the last lamb I'll see during this war.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
8/25/90
8/25/90 1030 hrs. Buenos dias mi amor. Last night Abdullah brought us some fake Kuwaiti driver's licenses. I am now Spanish. That may prevent the soldiers from taking us away, if they do happen to come here. I will just tell them that my employer has my passport. We hear that tanks are surrounding some of the embassies this morning. I vacuumed today. John has dish washing duties. Yesterday, Phillip did the dishes. BBC said the US convoy took 19 hours to reach Baghdad. Now, they won't let them leave. Poor George. They said women and children would be allowed to leave. Real [bleeped out] kind of them. The other night, Hussein said the tape recording he had was a "gift from God." I didn't know God used electronic devices. If I'm asked where my ID came from, I'm going to say it was a gift from God. I think we're pretty safe here, though. I slept crappy last night. The neighborhood dogs kept barking. I had my ears peeled. I kept expecting soldiers to break down the doors. I would have whipped on my pants and jumped out the bedroom window, one of my escape routes. That’s my plan, but not sure what happens after that? Wish I had a route back to the States. We're supposed to be at our cottage today. You probably should have taken the girls, but I doubt if you did. Maybe mom would take them. This has really messed up our lives, hasn't it? I suppose there are a lot of people in worst situations right now, and we should count our blessings. It's hard. It's hard not to be angry. Grrr!
1440 hrs. Had spaghetti with lima beans for lunch. One of Sarah's favorites. I miss your cooking. And you were starting to get pretty good, too. Claudette cut Adrian's hair today. I think she did John's yesterday. Sarah said Claude will have done everyone's by the time this is over. Not mine, I said. Sarah said long hair's wouldn't be allowed at her table. What a b@#$! Her and I will get into it yet. I probably should try to find another place to live. Our other Kuwaiti guardian, Jafar, said he knew of places that were empty. I would hate to be separated from a familiar group though. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I wonder how George is doing now? God, please make this conflict end. The UN has okayed the use of force on stopping ships in the gulf. When will this spark ignite?
[wordplay]
Did you ever fear a knock on the door?
It's a real emotion when you're in a war.
Locked away inside a strange house,
a lifetime away from your loving spouse.
With nothing to do, day after day.
Get me home, set me free, oh Lord I pray.
What am I doing in this foreign place?
Am I here to witness the end of our race?
I never would have thought it would happen like this.
I never would have thought it would happen.
Pretty morbid, huh? You know I'm that way, anyway. It's so friggin' boring here. You can only do things over and over, just so much. My chess game is improving. I sat on the roof for over an hour, around noon time. I was reading that sci-fi book. Time for a cup of coffee. Love you!
Just watched Pink Floyd's The Wall. You wouldn't like it. Most here didn't like it. I liked it.
I Am Different
I am different than you, I am different than she.
I am different than all because they are they and I am me.
I am not meant to fit your mold, not meant to bring you joy.
I am not your child for scolding, I am not a little boy.
I am not a prisoner to your will, your burdens are not mine.
I have found more to life than your physical treasures,
your money, your toys, your hours of leisure.
My thoughts are free to travel
beyond the scope of your narrow mind.
Maybe something in there to work with, who knows? Got to think of something different to do. Maybe....what?
It's 1130 (2330), do you know where your children are? It's 4:30 pm where you are. Just getting ready for supper I suppose. I miss you. We played trivial pursuit tonight (again). I've had some wine. Not enough, but probably too much. I miss you and I miss you. When will this end? See you in the morning. God bless us all.
1440 hrs. Had spaghetti with lima beans for lunch. One of Sarah's favorites. I miss your cooking. And you were starting to get pretty good, too. Claudette cut Adrian's hair today. I think she did John's yesterday. Sarah said Claude will have done everyone's by the time this is over. Not mine, I said. Sarah said long hair's wouldn't be allowed at her table. What a b@#$! Her and I will get into it yet. I probably should try to find another place to live. Our other Kuwaiti guardian, Jafar, said he knew of places that were empty. I would hate to be separated from a familiar group though. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. I wonder how George is doing now? God, please make this conflict end. The UN has okayed the use of force on stopping ships in the gulf. When will this spark ignite?
[wordplay]
Did you ever fear a knock on the door?
It's a real emotion when you're in a war.
Locked away inside a strange house,
a lifetime away from your loving spouse.
With nothing to do, day after day.
Get me home, set me free, oh Lord I pray.
What am I doing in this foreign place?
Am I here to witness the end of our race?
I never would have thought it would happen like this.
I never would have thought it would happen.
Pretty morbid, huh? You know I'm that way, anyway. It's so friggin' boring here. You can only do things over and over, just so much. My chess game is improving. I sat on the roof for over an hour, around noon time. I was reading that sci-fi book. Time for a cup of coffee. Love you!
Just watched Pink Floyd's The Wall. You wouldn't like it. Most here didn't like it. I liked it.
I Am Different
I am different than you, I am different than she.
I am different than all because they are they and I am me.
I am not meant to fit your mold, not meant to bring you joy.
I am not your child for scolding, I am not a little boy.
I am not a prisoner to your will, your burdens are not mine.
I have found more to life than your physical treasures,
your money, your toys, your hours of leisure.
My thoughts are free to travel
beyond the scope of your narrow mind.
Maybe something in there to work with, who knows? Got to think of something different to do. Maybe....what?
It's 1130 (2330), do you know where your children are? It's 4:30 pm where you are. Just getting ready for supper I suppose. I miss you. We played trivial pursuit tonight (again). I've had some wine. Not enough, but probably too much. I miss you and I miss you. When will this end? See you in the morning. God bless us all.
Monday, May 17, 2010
8/24/90 - The Filipino's Get To Leave
0730 hrs. Sylvie's gone. She left this morning about 0500, with Ricky and Freddie. Hopefully it will be easier for them than many of the other Filipinos, because they had official exit visas from the Philippine Embassy. We're down to ten now, counting Carrera. There's only the two Bobs in the other half of the property. These places are built like huge duplexes, with external single level apartments for the hired help. They remind me of enlisted man barracks. For a while, Danny and Phill were sleeping out in one of those. But with all the gunfire, and the threat of soldiers coming to get westerners, they moved inside the large quarters with the rest of us.
Midnight tonight is the deadline for the embassy people getting out. What happens next? Last night, we saw Hussein on TV, with the Brits that were taken from Messina Beach Hotel. Adrian and Wanda received a call that morning from one of the ladies, to tell them they were told to get one bag and be in the lobby in a half an hour. That was the last they heard from them. Sarah also recognized one of the children, Elliot. He attended the preschool/nursery that Sarah ran before the invasion. I guess he's a real terror. It looked like he tried to kick Hussein at the end of the staged discussion. Everyone cheered at that. One of the captive Brits was a real butt-kisser, telling Hussein that Bush was stubborn, and that they all thought the Iraqi initiative was a good proposal. What an a##hole (sometimes I can’t hold back the vulgarity). I hope there were other interviews that didn't make prime time due to people sticking up for their rights and not sucking up to Hussein.
I hope George has made it out, and gotten word to you that I'm okay. Sylvie will be calling you too. It would be nice if they got the international phone lines working again. I can't wait to leave this place. We don't think it's going to be too easy or quick or fun, but we're ready to bear that pain. We figure we will go to Bahrain, where there are international flights. I want to be home, yesterday.
Midnight tonight is the deadline for the embassy people getting out. What happens next? Last night, we saw Hussein on TV, with the Brits that were taken from Messina Beach Hotel. Adrian and Wanda received a call that morning from one of the ladies, to tell them they were told to get one bag and be in the lobby in a half an hour. That was the last they heard from them. Sarah also recognized one of the children, Elliot. He attended the preschool/nursery that Sarah ran before the invasion. I guess he's a real terror. It looked like he tried to kick Hussein at the end of the staged discussion. Everyone cheered at that. One of the captive Brits was a real butt-kisser, telling Hussein that Bush was stubborn, and that they all thought the Iraqi initiative was a good proposal. What an a##hole (sometimes I can’t hold back the vulgarity). I hope there were other interviews that didn't make prime time due to people sticking up for their rights and not sucking up to Hussein.
I hope George has made it out, and gotten word to you that I'm okay. Sylvie will be calling you too. It would be nice if they got the international phone lines working again. I can't wait to leave this place. We don't think it's going to be too easy or quick or fun, but we're ready to bear that pain. We figure we will go to Bahrain, where there are international flights. I want to be home, yesterday.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
8/23/90
0710 hrs. Good morning Kuwait!! Hi love. Well, I guess Sylvie's gone now too. She was supposed to leave about 0500. George should be on the road now also. If I could've passed for Filipino, I would've gone with Sylvie's group. All embassies have until midnight tomorrow, to relocate to Baghdad, or lose their immunity. If they are taken, is that an act of war? We've been here three weeks now. Doesn't that suck?
Oops, Sylvie's still here. They heard they would be stuck in Iraq, because Jordan's border is closed. Guess I don't have to take over dish washing duties yet.
There was quite a bit of shooting last night. The Kuwaitis must have been attacking the police station near here. Iraq has their police in Kuwait. I think the Kuwaitis pretty well destroyed the police stations and all important records, before the Iraqis moved in.
1255 hrs. Thirty-five minutes until lunch. Phil, Bob (the dentist) and I did another puzzle this morning. Only 500 pieces this time. A lot easier than the 1000 piece one. We're having curry for lunch today. Mario is making bread. Our other Arab friend brought us a bunch of pitas yesterday. The Iranian bakery closed. Mario and John bought 100 pounds of flour from the guy before he left. Sylvie heard a rumor that Hussein is in the hospital. The news reported that Iraq was not letting Japanese people leave now, unless Japan agreed to stop sanctions. Jerks sure are primitive. I think he wants to be martyred to unite the Arabs. I wonder how George is doing? May God see him home safely. Please see us all home safely.
I toasted our anniversary yesterday. Sure wish I'd have gotten your necklace earlier. Just think, the night before the invasion, George and I were in Fahaheel, shopping in the evening. We ate at a place called the Sunrise Cafe. It was a Filipino joint. I had lumpia and calamari. It was yummy. Our waiter was supposed to be going home the next day. A lot of these Filipinos work here and send their money home. They are away from their families for years. Sylvie hasn't seen her daughter since 1987 I think she said. What a life. I sure wish I had brought some pictures of you and the kids. I miss you's terribly.
Oops, Sylvie's still here. They heard they would be stuck in Iraq, because Jordan's border is closed. Guess I don't have to take over dish washing duties yet.
There was quite a bit of shooting last night. The Kuwaitis must have been attacking the police station near here. Iraq has their police in Kuwait. I think the Kuwaitis pretty well destroyed the police stations and all important records, before the Iraqis moved in.
1255 hrs. Thirty-five minutes until lunch. Phil, Bob (the dentist) and I did another puzzle this morning. Only 500 pieces this time. A lot easier than the 1000 piece one. We're having curry for lunch today. Mario is making bread. Our other Arab friend brought us a bunch of pitas yesterday. The Iranian bakery closed. Mario and John bought 100 pounds of flour from the guy before he left. Sylvie heard a rumor that Hussein is in the hospital. The news reported that Iraq was not letting Japanese people leave now, unless Japan agreed to stop sanctions. Jerks sure are primitive. I think he wants to be martyred to unite the Arabs. I wonder how George is doing? May God see him home safely. Please see us all home safely.
I toasted our anniversary yesterday. Sure wish I'd have gotten your necklace earlier. Just think, the night before the invasion, George and I were in Fahaheel, shopping in the evening. We ate at a place called the Sunrise Cafe. It was a Filipino joint. I had lumpia and calamari. It was yummy. Our waiter was supposed to be going home the next day. A lot of these Filipinos work here and send their money home. They are away from their families for years. Sylvie hasn't seen her daughter since 1987 I think she said. What a life. I sure wish I had brought some pictures of you and the kids. I miss you's terribly.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 22, 1990
0830 hrs. Happy Anniversary! I love you, Carol. I think I dreamt about you again last night. The news this morning said that Iraqi soldiers were forcing Kuwaitis to tell them where westerners were living. We heard that yesterday, but also that it wasn't entirely true. We heard that the soldiers were knocking on doors and taking those that answered the doors, and not busting in on those places that didn't answer. This supposedly took place at an apartment complex, not at private residences like where we're at. Sylvie was supposed to be getting out, but it's reported that there are too many refugees in Jordan, that now she has to wait. We really screwed up by not trying to get out of here during the first few days. But the unknown risks seemed worse than staying put at the time. I don't think we realized that it would actually go on for very long. Now, It may go on for months. I think I might like to move to a different place, and get a weapon. I don't want to be a prisoner at a location that would be taken out if there is a confrontation. But I am not going to spend today being morbid. It's our anniversary. I love you. We've had, scratch that, we have the best marriage. I couldn't ask for any more. God has really blessed our lives together. Our love will be eternal. Time to take my shower. I haven't shaved for a while. This is an ugly situation, so I wanted to look ugly, and I do. But you know that inside, I'm not. And you and a few others, are all that matter to me. Later, love.
2025 hrs. Well, George is at the American Embassy. They are going to try to get him out as a dependent because of his heart medicine. They are leaving at three in the morning. I pray he makes it. I wrote you a note that he is carrying out. Hope it reaches you. Wished you a happy anniversary again. There's some explosions off in the distance right now. Big deal.
2025 hrs. Well, George is at the American Embassy. They are going to try to get him out as a dependent because of his heart medicine. They are leaving at three in the morning. I pray he makes it. I wrote you a note that he is carrying out. Hope it reaches you. Wished you a happy anniversary again. There's some explosions off in the distance right now. Big deal.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
fixing a hideout
8/20/90 1800 hrs. Just wrote you a quick note. I pray God will direct it to you in good speed. We have been fixing a hideout in the ceiling, and stashing our foodstuff in there. We can all get up there in under three minutes. If we are warned that soldiers are searching homes, we will hide out up there. If we are not warned, some of us may make a dash for it anyway. There have been unconfirmed reports that some people have been taken from their homes. I don't want you to worry too much. God will watch over me, and there are friendly Kuwaiti's in the area. Sorry about our vacation, our anniversary, this whole flippin’ mess. Never again! See you for now.
8/21/90 0800 hrs. Good morning, Bun. Dreamt about you last night. It's time to listen to BBC radio. Three days is the time left until Iraq has ordered all embassies to move to Iraq, otherwise the people lose their diplomatic immunity. That ought to cause some s#@t. I'm sure the UN will evoke Article 42, to enforce their last resolution with force if necessary. How much longer? We started working on a 1000 piece puzzle yesterday. We'll probably finish it today.
Not much new on the news. We're still not going anywhere. We've been apart a long time haven't we? I can't wait to see you and the girls again. I pray for you all. I pray about Jesse's heart. God watch over us all. I sure wish we were together. In the USA. I want to come home.
1615 hrs. I don't know how many ways I've imagined the homecoming. Kisses and hugs and crying, hugs, crying and kisses. Can't wait. It's a down day for me today. No end in sight, no definite news of what the heck's going on. I feel empty. Celebrating our anniversary without you tomorrow will be hard too. This really sucks. Miss you. Miss yelling at the kids. Love you. Don't miss work though. Guess I’m putting the blame on them for me being stuck here.
8/21/90 0800 hrs. Good morning, Bun. Dreamt about you last night. It's time to listen to BBC radio. Three days is the time left until Iraq has ordered all embassies to move to Iraq, otherwise the people lose their diplomatic immunity. That ought to cause some s#@t. I'm sure the UN will evoke Article 42, to enforce their last resolution with force if necessary. How much longer? We started working on a 1000 piece puzzle yesterday. We'll probably finish it today.
Not much new on the news. We're still not going anywhere. We've been apart a long time haven't we? I can't wait to see you and the girls again. I pray for you all. I pray about Jesse's heart. God watch over us all. I sure wish we were together. In the USA. I want to come home.
1615 hrs. I don't know how many ways I've imagined the homecoming. Kisses and hugs and crying, hugs, crying and kisses. Can't wait. It's a down day for me today. No end in sight, no definite news of what the heck's going on. I feel empty. Celebrating our anniversary without you tomorrow will be hard too. This really sucks. Miss you. Miss yelling at the kids. Love you. Don't miss work though. Guess I’m putting the blame on them for me being stuck here.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Still here
8/19/90 Sunday 0723 hrs. Another day. Praise God! I completed my fast. The Lord has heard our prayers. We will get out of here. I believe that.
There was more gunfire in the night. It woke me up. I was going to come downstairs and heat up my plate of spaghetti, but I didn't want to wake anyone. I woke up before 0600, came down and had a bowl of Corn Flakes. I listened to the news at 0700. Iraq's Foreign Minister said that Iraq will not use chemical weapons, unless they are attacked by nuclear weapons. Those a##holes. I can't believe they seriously think they rate nuclear attack. Send in the Marines! The UN Security Council voted unanimously to condemn Hussein's actions and demand the immediate release of foreigners. The US ships have fired across the bows of two Iraqi tankers in the gulf off the coast of Oman. Oh man! Iraq has already claimed we have committed an act of war, by imposing a blockade. What will they do now?
Last night, Adrian got a call about some other Brits that tried to leave yesterday. Some were shot at. Another group was interrogated and taken to the Hyatt in Kuwait City. Their passports have been taken away. For a time, husbands and wives were separated. That must've been rough.
1120 hrs. The 11-o'clock BBC news said that Iraq is again requesting that all Westerners report to three hotels. London and Washington are saying stay home. Adrian got another call saying that those Brits at the Hyatt were taken away last night to unknown whereabouts. I'm not sure how much longer we will be safe here. A Kuwaiti couple that live across the way from here, came by this morning and told Sarah that they would go out for us to get milk and food. God bless them. We may be safe here if Iraqi soldiers have fears about searching unknown premises. Let's hope so. Please Lord, end this mess.
I'm getting a little stir crazy. There are little ants in the house. In the bathroom, they assail me when I'm on the pot. Which reminds me, the toilet upstairs has been clogged. I think Sarah blames me for some reason. But I know that one of the ladies threw a tampon in the toilet a week ago, and I think that caused the congestion in the pipes. But I bite my tongue, as usual. Can’t let the little things aggravate our situation. [20 years later, this type of situation is entertainment on reality TV shows]
It's 1325 hrs, five minutes till lunch. I still haven't had my spaghetti yet. Hope no one else eats it. I'm hoping to eat it for my supper. Somebody will probably gripe about it. I don't care. I just want to come home. I love you all. Hope the girls are getting along and not driving you crazy. I imagine your mother has chosen to stay with you under the circumstances. Hope you two are getting along okay. Are you managing the bills okay? Sorry to leave you with all this. A glimpse into the future perhaps? I sure pray it isn't a permanent ordeal for you. Not this soon. When I get back, you can be sure I won't be apart from you again. I don't think a few million bucks is an unreasonable settlement for the pain and suffering caused, do you? [When all was said and done, there would be no money, and I would travel again. Sometimes you just have to put things behind you]
1430 hrs. The Lord is looking out for us. A VIP Shiite just left here. He brought us food and meat. Praise God! He's the one who came by this morning. Sounded like he was pretty well involved in the Kuwaiti resistance forces. He told us that the Iraqi forces that were here the first two days, were Iraq's elite troops, but they went back to Iraq to be replaced by all this "junk" equipment that makes up their defenses now. He really raised our spirits, well mine anyway. He took our phone number. Said he had a better view of the area than we did, so he could warn us if we need to bug out of here. He said that Saudis are getting in, and so are weapons. He told us the booms yesterday were them (the Kuwaitis) blowing up the last three vehicles of an Iraq convoy, using a bazooka. He said they're eliminating about 20 Iraqis a day. He also told us that the gunfire at night is from the youths who drive around to piss off the Iraqis. He said the Iraqis don't like getting "fart" at, so the youth shoot at them to piss them off. He told us the tanks in the field were worth about 50 KD each, and that they could trade a dishtasha (traditional robes) for a machinegun. I guess there are also daily attempts on Hussein's life, as well. I don't know if the Muslims have angels, but I think God has provided us a guardian angel. Maybe next time I see him, I'll ask if he can get any communications out to the states.
There was more gunfire in the night. It woke me up. I was going to come downstairs and heat up my plate of spaghetti, but I didn't want to wake anyone. I woke up before 0600, came down and had a bowl of Corn Flakes. I listened to the news at 0700. Iraq's Foreign Minister said that Iraq will not use chemical weapons, unless they are attacked by nuclear weapons. Those a##holes. I can't believe they seriously think they rate nuclear attack. Send in the Marines! The UN Security Council voted unanimously to condemn Hussein's actions and demand the immediate release of foreigners. The US ships have fired across the bows of two Iraqi tankers in the gulf off the coast of Oman. Oh man! Iraq has already claimed we have committed an act of war, by imposing a blockade. What will they do now?
Last night, Adrian got a call about some other Brits that tried to leave yesterday. Some were shot at. Another group was interrogated and taken to the Hyatt in Kuwait City. Their passports have been taken away. For a time, husbands and wives were separated. That must've been rough.
1120 hrs. The 11-o'clock BBC news said that Iraq is again requesting that all Westerners report to three hotels. London and Washington are saying stay home. Adrian got another call saying that those Brits at the Hyatt were taken away last night to unknown whereabouts. I'm not sure how much longer we will be safe here. A Kuwaiti couple that live across the way from here, came by this morning and told Sarah that they would go out for us to get milk and food. God bless them. We may be safe here if Iraqi soldiers have fears about searching unknown premises. Let's hope so. Please Lord, end this mess.
I'm getting a little stir crazy. There are little ants in the house. In the bathroom, they assail me when I'm on the pot. Which reminds me, the toilet upstairs has been clogged. I think Sarah blames me for some reason. But I know that one of the ladies threw a tampon in the toilet a week ago, and I think that caused the congestion in the pipes. But I bite my tongue, as usual. Can’t let the little things aggravate our situation. [20 years later, this type of situation is entertainment on reality TV shows]
It's 1325 hrs, five minutes till lunch. I still haven't had my spaghetti yet. Hope no one else eats it. I'm hoping to eat it for my supper. Somebody will probably gripe about it. I don't care. I just want to come home. I love you all. Hope the girls are getting along and not driving you crazy. I imagine your mother has chosen to stay with you under the circumstances. Hope you two are getting along okay. Are you managing the bills okay? Sorry to leave you with all this. A glimpse into the future perhaps? I sure pray it isn't a permanent ordeal for you. Not this soon. When I get back, you can be sure I won't be apart from you again. I don't think a few million bucks is an unreasonable settlement for the pain and suffering caused, do you? [When all was said and done, there would be no money, and I would travel again. Sometimes you just have to put things behind you]
1430 hrs. The Lord is looking out for us. A VIP Shiite just left here. He brought us food and meat. Praise God! He's the one who came by this morning. Sounded like he was pretty well involved in the Kuwaiti resistance forces. He told us that the Iraqi forces that were here the first two days, were Iraq's elite troops, but they went back to Iraq to be replaced by all this "junk" equipment that makes up their defenses now. He really raised our spirits, well mine anyway. He took our phone number. Said he had a better view of the area than we did, so he could warn us if we need to bug out of here. He said that Saudis are getting in, and so are weapons. He told us the booms yesterday were them (the Kuwaitis) blowing up the last three vehicles of an Iraq convoy, using a bazooka. He said they're eliminating about 20 Iraqis a day. He also told us that the gunfire at night is from the youths who drive around to piss off the Iraqis. He said the Iraqis don't like getting "fart" at, so the youth shoot at them to piss them off. He told us the tanks in the field were worth about 50 KD each, and that they could trade a dishtasha (traditional robes) for a machinegun. I guess there are also daily attempts on Hussein's life, as well. I don't know if the Muslims have angels, but I think God has provided us a guardian angel. Maybe next time I see him, I'll ask if he can get any communications out to the states.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My first fast in Kuwait
8/18/90 Saturday 0755 hrs. Woke up at 0615, showered, and came downstairs to listen to the news. It was bad news. Iraq has announced that they are making preparations for keeping Westerners of the threatening countries, in military and key civil locations. The US and England can't allow it to go that far. I thought I caught mention of an attempt to kill Hussein, that was broadcast on the Moscow radio yesterday. Something has to give. I am going to attempt a fast today, in an appeal for our safety and ability to get along with one another. Last night, we played charades and drank some wine. Afterwards, some started airing their opinions about our situation. I have been keeping my mouth shut, and trying to stay out of the way. I have offered help anywhere that I could, but I haven't wanted to be intrusive. Sylvia has told me more than once, not to bother with the dishes. She didn't want me to do my laundry either. But the other women are feeling that some of us, like myself, are not doing a fair share. None of this is fair. As a prisoner in a life threatening situation, I really can't get excited about vacuuming or cleaning the house. Sorry. I think we're going to discuss the situation some more today, before any influence of alcohol. Just did a spell check. 7000 words here so far. Sure hope I can hand it to you to read. I miss you. I pray for you and the children. I pray for us all. Be well my love.
1040 hrs. [more poetry]
I face the door.
It could just as easily be a wall.
For I cannot pass through.
Am I near the end of destiny?
Does someone hold the key?
Does the door open in or out?
Where lies the answer?
1200 hrs. I'm hungry. I hunger for food. I hunger for your companionship. I hunger for answers. I hunger for the truth. Feed me, Lord. Fill me with your love. Show me the way.
[and still a little more]
I climb the mountain.
Here and there I slip, I stumble.
My grip is weak.
There is no clear path to follow.
Must I even reach the top,
to find an answer?
Could I have walked around the base,
to achieve the same results?
What does it matter now?
1300 hrs. John and Mario return from a food run. They are the hunters now, the holders of Malta passports, maybe safe from being rounded up by our Iraqi ransomers. Looks like they had a good hunt. Spent 70 dinars. John says there are machinegun nests set up over bridges, soldiers on the streets. May be the last venture outdoors for a long while. We haven't sat down yet to discuss our social crisis. Fill you in later.
1930 hrs. I'm hungry. I pray. It figures, a day I choose to fast, Sarah makes spaghetti. Me and that plate have an appointment at midnight. Wanda noticed I hadn't eaten, and got it out of me that I was fasting. "Trust in God." I do. Mario and John went for bread, but they were out. Food may get scarce here. We heard Iraq's warning that the westerners would suffer the same as the Iraqi children, due to the blockade. I love their choice of words. The Iraqi's have decided to "host" us. Host is the first syllable of hostage is it not? So, it's official, we are "host"ages. Pray harder, Randy. Church tomorrow. "Let my people go" you bastard! Can you bring judgment upon this man real soon, Lord? What is the plan? I need a drink of water. Oh yeah, we heard that those booms yesterday were caused by a Kuwaiti who loaded his car with dynamite, and rammed it into an ammo truck or something. There is resistance here, but it seems awful small. I sure hope they are communicating with the friendly forces. Love you. Will continue manana.
2020 hrs. Oops! Gunfire, maybe machineguns, real close. Sounded like it was across the street. Two hours till my fast is over. Dear God hear my prayers.
1040 hrs. [more poetry]
I face the door.
It could just as easily be a wall.
For I cannot pass through.
Am I near the end of destiny?
Does someone hold the key?
Does the door open in or out?
Where lies the answer?
1200 hrs. I'm hungry. I hunger for food. I hunger for your companionship. I hunger for answers. I hunger for the truth. Feed me, Lord. Fill me with your love. Show me the way.
[and still a little more]
I climb the mountain.
Here and there I slip, I stumble.
My grip is weak.
There is no clear path to follow.
Must I even reach the top,
to find an answer?
Could I have walked around the base,
to achieve the same results?
What does it matter now?
1300 hrs. John and Mario return from a food run. They are the hunters now, the holders of Malta passports, maybe safe from being rounded up by our Iraqi ransomers. Looks like they had a good hunt. Spent 70 dinars. John says there are machinegun nests set up over bridges, soldiers on the streets. May be the last venture outdoors for a long while. We haven't sat down yet to discuss our social crisis. Fill you in later.
1930 hrs. I'm hungry. I pray. It figures, a day I choose to fast, Sarah makes spaghetti. Me and that plate have an appointment at midnight. Wanda noticed I hadn't eaten, and got it out of me that I was fasting. "Trust in God." I do. Mario and John went for bread, but they were out. Food may get scarce here. We heard Iraq's warning that the westerners would suffer the same as the Iraqi children, due to the blockade. I love their choice of words. The Iraqi's have decided to "host" us. Host is the first syllable of hostage is it not? So, it's official, we are "host"ages. Pray harder, Randy. Church tomorrow. "Let my people go" you bastard! Can you bring judgment upon this man real soon, Lord? What is the plan? I need a drink of water. Oh yeah, we heard that those booms yesterday were caused by a Kuwaiti who loaded his car with dynamite, and rammed it into an ammo truck or something. There is resistance here, but it seems awful small. I sure hope they are communicating with the friendly forces. Love you. Will continue manana.
2020 hrs. Oops! Gunfire, maybe machineguns, real close. Sounded like it was across the street. Two hours till my fast is over. Dear God hear my prayers.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Day 16
8/17/90 Friday, 0950 hrs. Finally got a call from the American Embassy. Roy Johnson is now our warden. He said the warden system had completely fallen on its butt. I told him the Brits were doing okay and being contacted daily. Score one for England. (Found out later, that his wife is a Brit warden and a friend of Sarah's) No one is recommending that we move to the hotels, as requested by the Iraqis “to facilitate our safety.” Bull! They only want to make it easier to round everyone up. We are staying put.
I was listening to Voice Of America on the radio this morning. General Horner is commanding the US forces in Saudi. He's a pilot and Vietnam Vet. Says he and the senior officers do not like war, but the attitude of the younger people is different. He said they felt like they were on a football team, but not being used in the game. I guess they're primed for a fight. I'm almost ready to join the local resistance. I feel so helpless. I can't speak the language, don't have any weapons, and can't get word to you. The warden (reminds me of your mother's nickname. I'm actually smiling.) said that there would be a meeting at 0800 tomorrow, to collect the latest list of names. He said there would be an 800 number in the States, for those inquiries about our status. I know that you knowing I'm still alive isn't going to ease your troubled heart a whole heck of a lot. I'm sorry you have to be subjected to this. Someone had better damn well compensate you (hopefully us) for going through this trauma. It’s hard not to be angry about being here. I think anger is a better emotion for this situation than depression, so I will be angry.
I was doing well at the SAS, physically speaking, but I noticed yesterday that my gut is poking out. So, I did 40 sit-ups this morning. I also went up on the roof and did 25 push-ups, some jumping jacks and some running. Maybe I should do that at night. No, scratch that. Don't want a stray bullet to find me up there.
[more poetic thoughts]
Living in fear
someone get me out of here.
Don't want to die
without knowing why.
Oh yea, I almost got a chuckle from the VOA journalist who said something about an "Iraq gas attack." Of course, joking aside, that is a real fear for us all. The only hope for us, would be that the use of such evil weapons would be on the war fronts. I will pray to God, that He bring up the greatest sand storm, to counteract and dissipate the chemicals before the innocent bystanders are struck down. But none of us are totally innocent, are we? Boy I miss you. I had a dream last night. I think it was about Jenny. In my dream I had to spank her or something. Probably from feeling that Carrera should get smacked once in awhile. I think Wanda and Adrian are wearing down though. She actually gave her a little smack yesterday. First one I saw since I've been here. It was long, long overdue.
1600 hrs. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three big explosions. Even shook the house. Sounded real close. Up on the roof, something was smoking to the northwest. But we think the firing occurred from the gulf area. Just another day of captivity.
I was listening to Voice Of America on the radio this morning. General Horner is commanding the US forces in Saudi. He's a pilot and Vietnam Vet. Says he and the senior officers do not like war, but the attitude of the younger people is different. He said they felt like they were on a football team, but not being used in the game. I guess they're primed for a fight. I'm almost ready to join the local resistance. I feel so helpless. I can't speak the language, don't have any weapons, and can't get word to you. The warden (reminds me of your mother's nickname. I'm actually smiling.) said that there would be a meeting at 0800 tomorrow, to collect the latest list of names. He said there would be an 800 number in the States, for those inquiries about our status. I know that you knowing I'm still alive isn't going to ease your troubled heart a whole heck of a lot. I'm sorry you have to be subjected to this. Someone had better damn well compensate you (hopefully us) for going through this trauma. It’s hard not to be angry about being here. I think anger is a better emotion for this situation than depression, so I will be angry.
I was doing well at the SAS, physically speaking, but I noticed yesterday that my gut is poking out. So, I did 40 sit-ups this morning. I also went up on the roof and did 25 push-ups, some jumping jacks and some running. Maybe I should do that at night. No, scratch that. Don't want a stray bullet to find me up there.
[more poetic thoughts]
Living in fear
someone get me out of here.
Don't want to die
without knowing why.
Oh yea, I almost got a chuckle from the VOA journalist who said something about an "Iraq gas attack." Of course, joking aside, that is a real fear for us all. The only hope for us, would be that the use of such evil weapons would be on the war fronts. I will pray to God, that He bring up the greatest sand storm, to counteract and dissipate the chemicals before the innocent bystanders are struck down. But none of us are totally innocent, are we? Boy I miss you. I had a dream last night. I think it was about Jenny. In my dream I had to spank her or something. Probably from feeling that Carrera should get smacked once in awhile. I think Wanda and Adrian are wearing down though. She actually gave her a little smack yesterday. First one I saw since I've been here. It was long, long overdue.
1600 hrs. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three big explosions. Even shook the house. Sounded real close. Up on the roof, something was smoking to the northwest. But we think the firing occurred from the gulf area. Just another day of captivity.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Still in Kuwait...
8/16/90 Thursday, 1336 hrs. Well, I'm still here. Just flippin’ wonderful. The word came back last night around 2200 hrs, that our escape was put on hold. I went to bed at 2230. The ups and downs were wearing me out. I slept pretty good. Guess there were explosions last night, and I didn't even wake up. Ray, one of the local Kuwaiti resistance guys, was by this morning and said that he saw one of the Iraqi officers hanging from a crane. We heard another was hanging at the Meridian Hotel. I think it's party time again. Claudette made meat loaf today. What a treat! Some of us have been teasing Sarah about all the veggie meals. I think she gets insulted too easily. Too bad (attitude is acting up again). I hate it here.
We are still left hanging up in the air. Adrian and Wanda went to see their Embassy warden today. Although the previous routes are closed, there may be the possibility of another route. We could leave as early as 0600 hrs tomorrow. We have to try. What do we have to lose? Our lives? No. We still believe that the worst that could happen is that they'll turn us back. I really want to be home for our anniversary. Whatever day it is that I do make it back, will be one for the annals of history. It will be a day to celebrate for the rest of our lives together. We will get out of here. Just keep the faith (easy to say).
When Adrian and Wanda were out, they heard that the Iraqi Embassy was bombed. Chalk another one up for the Kuwait resistance. They also said that a car was burning right now, around the corner from us. Kind of like living on Evergreen in Detroit. Guess we'll continue our pool tournament today. Love you always.
1620 hrs. S@#t! S@#t! S@#t! More rumors. Confirmed rumors. Iraqi's are telling all Americans to gather their foodstuff and go to the Hilton. No frigging way! We figure they will hit the hotels first, to pick up foreigners. Next rumor, they want to collect the Brits too, at another hotel, the Hyatt. We are afraid once again. Danny and Phill are out. They have been contacted and told to stay put. We have wrapped wire around the gate, to prevent entry. We haven't heard from the American Embassy in a week. Still unable to get through on their phone number. The Brits with us hear from their people almost daily. It sucks being a peon.
1635 hrs. Danny and Phill are back. Danny probably figured this is where the most wine is stashed. Please Lord, see us thru this mess. There is a place in the ceiling to hide, but I don't know if it would hold all of us. I don't think we would be able to keep Carrera quiet enough, anyway. She’s about four years old.
We are still left hanging up in the air. Adrian and Wanda went to see their Embassy warden today. Although the previous routes are closed, there may be the possibility of another route. We could leave as early as 0600 hrs tomorrow. We have to try. What do we have to lose? Our lives? No. We still believe that the worst that could happen is that they'll turn us back. I really want to be home for our anniversary. Whatever day it is that I do make it back, will be one for the annals of history. It will be a day to celebrate for the rest of our lives together. We will get out of here. Just keep the faith (easy to say).
When Adrian and Wanda were out, they heard that the Iraqi Embassy was bombed. Chalk another one up for the Kuwait resistance. They also said that a car was burning right now, around the corner from us. Kind of like living on Evergreen in Detroit. Guess we'll continue our pool tournament today. Love you always.
1620 hrs. S@#t! S@#t! S@#t! More rumors. Confirmed rumors. Iraqi's are telling all Americans to gather their foodstuff and go to the Hilton. No frigging way! We figure they will hit the hotels first, to pick up foreigners. Next rumor, they want to collect the Brits too, at another hotel, the Hyatt. We are afraid once again. Danny and Phill are out. They have been contacted and told to stay put. We have wrapped wire around the gate, to prevent entry. We haven't heard from the American Embassy in a week. Still unable to get through on their phone number. The Brits with us hear from their people almost daily. It sucks being a peon.
1635 hrs. Danny and Phill are back. Danny probably figured this is where the most wine is stashed. Please Lord, see us thru this mess. There is a place in the ceiling to hide, but I don't know if it would hold all of us. I don't think we would be able to keep Carrera quiet enough, anyway. She’s about four years old.
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