Bosnia is a very beautiful and awesome country.  High craggy mountains and deep ravines with lovely rivers flowing at their floor.  Trees and flowers are blossoming and the birds are singing everywhere.  Walks in the forest at this time of year would be wonderful--if it wasn't for the minefields.

The source of the river Bosnia is a series of underground springs at the side of a mountain.  It is not far from here and I go there to take a relaxing walk.  The area was cleared of mines--at least the main path was--and it is safe.  The park at the springs site is usually filled with families and the sounds of children's laughter is wonderful.  Looking toward the mountain next to the spring's outlet, however, barbed wire and large signs MINA MINE remind everyone that not everything here is peaceful and serene.

The people here are friendly, until you begin to discuss the unification of their country.  They are peoples (at least three different ethnic and religious groups) with strong and divergent views who were slaughtering each other only a few years ago.  Now, NATO and the European Union are trying to develop a peace plan for them.  Unfortunately, that plan requires them to work together in a unified country.  They are very reluctant to do so, not trusting each other.  It makes our job very difficult sometimes.

The current atmosphere is tense as NATO and the UN are pressuring them to meet NATO standards and work as a single unified country.  It may not remain calm.  Some areas are very very unnerving when you enter them.  We are looked upon as the outsiders trying to force our will on the peoples here.  Part of my job is to teach professionalism to the armed forces.  Groups of over 100 students are taught at a time--some from each entity are involved in an effort to help develop this camaraderie we are looking for them to have.  The last few classes have been in remote areas where the sentiments are deep and strong.  I have had near chaos in classes as students shout at each other across the room.  In one such class, it took me 15 minutes to get order returned.  If I can get them to work together, at least partially, I will be satisfied that I have done a good job.

It is hard to believe that I am into my sixth month here already.  The time is flying by.  Working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week may offer some explanation, but I don't think it is the only reason.  The work is challenging and interesting, and most of the staff here really are striving to make a difference for the people here.  That, I believe, is the biggest reason for the time moving so quickly.

In a few months I will be wrapping my arms around my grandchildren.  The smile on my face will be huge !!  They are my pride and joy.  After that, I am not sure what is in store for me.  The Army is proposing several alternatives, but they have not told me what they are yet.  I have my desert uniforms ready just in case, but I may be surprised to find a duty assignment somewhere else in the world.  And, there is always the possibility that I will just be retired this Fall--actually an unpleasant thought because I really enjoy my military duty and taking care of soldiers.  My preference would be to remain on active duty for another year or so.  It is time to give to others what I have learned over the years.

Please take care of yourselves and may God bless you all and may he bless our great nation, The United States of America.