I couldn’t resist this picture—I took it down in the "Green Zone" in Baghdad--nothing like exporting good old fashioned American values!!
It is relatively easy to stay in touch with my family back home. There are a large number of VoIP phones that are run by the MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) department. Although the quality is not the best, they are relatively inexpensive. The lines can be fairly long at times however—especially if you go to one of the MWR tents. There is a narrow band of time when we are awake and the folks we are calling back home are also awake. ATT has calling centers but they are the epitome of price gouging. For those that know what DSN lines are, they are another option to call home--there are direct lines that will connect you to a stateside operator. From there, you just use you calling card and you are off to the races.
Most of the MWR tents also have free internet access, but just like the VoIP lines, the lines can be long. We also have wireless internet access in some of the trailers. It costs about $70 a month and the speed is slower than dial up. The advantage with internet access in my trailer is that I can call Braye and the kids when they are awake, using Yahoo messenger. Using a webcam is fairly slow, but the phone works most of the time. It is a good thing that I’m an early riser. I try to get up around 0400-0430 or so and call them. That way I can say good night to them before they go to bed.
It is relatively easy to stay in touch with my family back home. There are a large number of VoIP phones that are run by the MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) department. Although the quality is not the best, they are relatively inexpensive. The lines can be fairly long at times however—especially if you go to one of the MWR tents. There is a narrow band of time when we are awake and the folks we are calling back home are also awake. ATT has calling centers but they are the epitome of price gouging. For those that know what DSN lines are, they are another option to call home--there are direct lines that will connect you to a stateside operator. From there, you just use you calling card and you are off to the races.
Most of the MWR tents also have free internet access, but just like the VoIP lines, the lines can be long. We also have wireless internet access in some of the trailers. It costs about $70 a month and the speed is slower than dial up. The advantage with internet access in my trailer is that I can call Braye and the kids when they are awake, using Yahoo messenger. Using a webcam is fairly slow, but the phone works most of the time. It is a good thing that I’m an early riser. I try to get up around 0400-0430 or so and call them. That way I can say good night to them before they go to bed.
1 comment:
So glad you can say good night to all your girls!
God bless you and keep you safe for a return to us all Aunt Arlis
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