Back in the Western Hemisphere...

 Just landed in São Paulo, Brazil. Two pilots (in addition to Zahir), one flight attendant and two brothers on the jet. I have now experienced something new. Whatever Z paid for the jet and the renovation... it was worth every single penny!!! All I will say is that I am grateful for a soft (quiet) voice. That and the crew rest area and main passenger saloon is in the front of the jet... AWAY from the suite.

 Zahir is pitching a deal in the morning. I get to play tourist with his brothers. We are mixing business with pleasure during this extended trip. Z's older brother (in a rare state of excitement) forgot my Arabic is improving and let the cat out of the bag. We are in country for the duration of the FIFA matches. Bouncing (pun intended) between venues and meetings. The local partners have arranged limo/helo travel between venues.

 As most of you know sports are NOT my thing. I am happy to just be with them.


 Chase

Good Day!!!

 The boss had Zahir and I in a private meeting Sunday. He told me my internship would continue so long as I also continued therapy. Of course I agreed to the stipulation. Zahir is NOT happy that on occasion I will have to intern with the other departments. The boss wants me double certified, and Z "...has no head for chemistry..." Clearly the boss hasn't seen Z in the shower. My man sizzles and oozes chemistry.

 We also discussed my engineering internship. The past two years count towards my four year apprenticeship for certification! Then he said I had a mandatory meeting with the senior partners Monday (after group).

 Today Z was beaming as the senior partners honored both Saleh (not his real name) and I. The incident in Kiev was acknowledged and we were praised and rewarded privately (let's just say it was a piece of paper with a lot of zeroes). I wanted to show Baba, but Z made me deposit the check on the way home and show the certificate instead. "Money is NOT the prize little angel..."

 We had a team meeting with the rest of the design and engineering teams. Also present was the president of the Ukrainian construction company, it seams our "gift" was from both companies. It was streamed to all of the company offices around the world. Pictures and videos of the deflection damage and subsequent repair were played. 

 The video of the recent Hard Rock collapse in New Orleans was played as well. The boss said "his boys" saved our company from a similar fate. I just heard his view about the lessons from the Jordan Gate Towers and took it to heart. Ten years after the disaster they are still unfinished. The boss would rather walk away from a "BAD" project than be a part of a tragedy. I used to think our boss was a bit of a creepy guy. With his four wives, dozens of kids and a VERY happy houseboy it was hard to understand at the time.  Now I see him as just another father/uncle to me (I am collecting a lot of them).
 
 
 Chase


P.S. Answer to fan question: I am up to 115 pounds. I feel fat. Z says I am now at a minimally healthy weight...

No more pencils... No more books...

 Well it's all over but the crying... Just kidding I did very well on my last exam. Final grades won't be posted for a while but I think I did well. It's so weird knowing I have no more work to do. I am (for all intents and purposes) a college graduate. Zahir's father has already had the, "What are you thinking of for your postgraduate studies" talk.

 I think I just want to be a houseboy and intern for a little while. Simply put, I want to be Zahir's boy for a while. I hope that doesn't disappoint Baba. In the meantime I have RSVP'd for graduation in December at the "beer hall." 

 I should have known one of Baba's friends teaches for USF. He picked up and shipped my regalia (a cap & gown) to Baba last semester. Baba and Mama surprised me with it after supper tonight. The "honors" accoutrements (sash and medallion) will be collected as soon as final grades are posted. Yes, I am a member of a Honor Society (surprise UBER NERD). Baba said as a joke I should apply for a foreign student sash. That sash is for foreign students studying IN Tampa not American students who study abroad.

 Zahir is off, courting future clients. The past couple days I have been with his parents. Our boss wants "US" in his office Sunday morning. To discuss the engineering certification process (It is not school but feels like it).

 Wedding plans are continuing. In December I will be a graduate and a Disney Princess!!! The actual site is a closely guarded secret but Mohsen and Stacy say it is perfect. I will be staying with my Grandparents for the signing of the marriage contract before the civil ceremony.

A Big Week of Big Changes

 Well I am alright. Zahir and I have been to six MENA region nations in four days. It has been grueling. We have been in non-stop meetings. I have one last final next week. My proctor is scheduled at the University.

 On the Zahir front, I walked in on a private conversation between Zahir and my therapy partner. It was John who led me to an international support group for male victims of rape. After my suicide attempt the group pulled him as my partner. They said it was for his protection. As a result John has now severed his ties with the group.

 John said, "Enough people have walked out and abandon this boy. I'm not going to be one of them." I know what he went through, I feel ashamed for being so weak. Without getting too in-depth because it is his story not mine, he survived two years as a victim of human trafficking. I can't even imagine. I know he tells me not to compare his trauma to my trauma.  He says pain is pain regardless of the source.
 
 Although he tells me I shouldn't, I am worried that my friend has now lost his therapy outlet. He told me not to worry that new opportunities will present themselves as needed. "My church family will watch over me too Chase."
 
 I'm hoping John will come to my commencement in December. He was rolling on the floor when I told him Mama says my commencement is taking place in a beer hall. The USF Sun Dome was renamed Yuengling Center.

 I am so lucky to have so many people in my life who love me.