23 Dec - Saturday

Good news...I am on the recovery side of my illness and my "brother" the Iraqi Logistics Manager returned from his leave last night. I work side-by-side with the Logistics Manager but when he is on leave I work with his 2nd in charge who is a Captain in the Iraqi Army. When I am not working with the Logistics Manager, I have an interpreter/translator with me so that I can interact with all Iraqi personnel - military / civilian. The Logistic Manager speaks and understands English pretty well and we are of the same mindset when dealing with the Iraqi workers. As a native Iraqi he is able to clearly communicate what needs to be completed and the proper way to accomplish the task. He does not take any crap from the workers - not that I do either but when the conversation is communicated to the workers in their native tongue from the original speaker the workers seem to nod and comply much quicker. On a more personal note I feel much better today; however, I kept close to the office while the Logistics Manager keep a close eye on the sub-contractor/workers at the construction site. Tomorrow I will take a drive up to the building site and address and issues that need attention - it is now clear to the furniture builders that they will be hear a few more days; they have already been here for 3 days.