A Strong Back: The Adventures of Tom Mc Sherry

[Mr Zog]

So now we are counting the hours until you fly 

You have my phone number. Use it if you have any problems, I can't help financially, but maybe I can help in other ways.

I really hope you get a few extra days or weeks in the US, seeing you again will be so good. We can go fishing in my little Jon boat in the lagoon, it's been too many years since we last fished together.

We'll talk on the phone when you get here, and you get a local number. The best cell company to go for is Verizon, they offer a package with unlimited local (USA) calls and text messages, and data in 1 gig increments. And their coverage IS better than all the other companies too       But you may have to buy a local phone... just find out what will happen to the number when you fly home for a few months after your contract, can you just suspend it and then reinstate it when you come for the next contract? Either way, it will be on the Verizon network, and worst case you just need to go in and reactivate it the next time with a new sim. Most phones here are network locked I believe.

Min dae boetie!!! 

[Sláinte Mhaith]

for me to return December.

Your contract is till December 2020?

Any chance of extending or doing it again in 2021?

[Tom van Brits]

for me to return December.

for me to return December.

Your contract is till December 2020?

Any chance of extending or doing it again in 2021?

Your contract is till December 2020?

Any chance of extending or doing it again in 2021?

Contract is till December 2019, only 4 months for now, which is the second half of the farming season.
The farmer will give all the guys he liked (doing a proper job) first priority for next season which may start April 2020 depending.

[roxenz]

Congratulations Tom!  I know you'll impress the hell out of the Merricans!   

[Tom van Brits]

Guys thanks so much for all the kind words and I will sure give it all!!
Yes I am a bit worried, but that is normal right  since I have only a limited time to get my Cdl but what is live without a little pressure? 

My Visa is just like the guys told me, valid till the day I leave the farmer. Unfortunately that is the way it is so I will see if it will be possible that side to arrange a tourist Visa, otherwise I'll ask my boss if he can assist next year so that i can enter a bit earlier to visit the Zog's. For now I am happy and excited!!

Devone is in Heathrow awaiting her connection flight, shel also sounds good.

[woody1]

Met daai Taliban gesig gaan jy aftjop as jy USA binne gaan.

[Tom van Brits]

Met daai Taliban gesig gaan jy aftjop as jy USA binne gaan.

   Jajah

[Tom van Brits]

It seems there is really a huge problem with people trying to enter the States illegally, maybe on tourist VISAS or even falsified documentation.
Devone and a couple of other people were pulled out upon arrival for document and VISA checks and verification.
Because of that she has missed her connecting flight and remained for hours on the airport. She is now on the last flight, should land soon and then straight to the ship.
That is a long haul; left SA Sunday night to arrived at the port on Tuesday night.

I am awaiting news on the 2 guys that will travel with me, both from CT area and know it should be soon now.

[Tom van Brits]

I got my flight dates; leaving on the 30th and it's a straight flight to Atlanta, and then connecting to Wichita and then a 110 mile road trip to Minneapolis Kansas. 

On the 27th of November I'll be heading back the same way.

Now it is real.....I feel it. My bag was unpacked twice yesterday and packed again and now it is ready to be wrapped and check in.
That airfare put me back R24800. That's a lot of money, and now I need travel insurance - business manual work class; my final quote was R6200 so as soon as I got my travel itinerary I can go ahead and pay that as well...phew 
My poor savings account got a huge knock, but I am just happy and relieved that I still had savings otherwise this would not have realised.
SARS still owe me a payout after my audit and that will come in handy to cover my deductions while away.

So for anyone thinking of doing this keep in mind you got to be able to cover
Visa R2850
Airfare R24800 Travel insurance R6200
Total R33850

Luckily I had already new clothes which I bought for the Iraq contract that was cancelled.
Just had to buy a powerbank, a carry-on bag for the laptop and camera and documents and few small things.
One can get anything you forgot to take that side, and I will have to buy a new cell phone since ours are not working on their network but my son got a nice Samsung for equivalent of R1900. I think one will only really begin to surface after being called back next season.

Cheers! 

[Mr Zog]

Now you are really counting the hours!

Remember to get a power adapter for your laptop, SA plug to US plug, and get TSA approved padlocks to lock your suitcases or the TSA may just cut the locks of if they decide to check your baggage. One of those neck support jobs helps a moerofa lot to sleep on the plane. 

[Tom van Brits]

I went to the parkrun today to Marshall and one of my friends gave me something to take to the USA and enjoy there, it is their farm and own product.....even got a bottle number!!
So special I almost thought 'no this is to precious to drink' but yes something I will enjoy occasionally with colleague's on a braai.

[Ri]

This time I won't be sending you anything besides best wishes

All the best, Tom. I'll see you when we do that Karoo tour

[Tom van Brits]

This time I won't be sending you anything besides best wishes

All the best, Tom. I'll see you when we do that Karoo tour

Thank you Ri, that Karoo tour is still on the bucket list! 
No need to sent anything this time except for best wishes sounds good; I'll need plenty of that. I am a bit nervous today since the reality finally kicked in and I know there is a lot of pressure on me to 'make it'.
The only thing that really worries me is that CDL (Commercial drivers licence) is not optional....I will have to get it within the specified time (not sure but think it is 6 weeks) and at first I thought its easy. Then I purchased GMV genie and started learning, watching the youtube videos about the pre trip inspection and all the rest and maybe it still isn't that difficult but it is when someone is waiting for your results 

Anyway, tomorrow night at 19:50 I'll be leaving with a direct flight to Atlanta and then to Wichita Kansas and then 100mile road trip.
Thanks for all the support and lets trust I can pull this off, my attitude is right and I can't wait to just start working!

Not sure when I'll be able to report back here and how often, but hope to give an update once in a while!

Goodbye for now   
 

[TrailBlazer]

Bon Voyage Tom... en wys vir daai spul hoe kan 'n Boertjie werk! Mooi Loop 

[roxenz]

Good luck Tom! Keep your "can do" attitude front and centre and all will be good. You have what it takes!

[BMWPE]

All the best Tom 

[Pilchie]

Have fun Tom

[Ri]

Tom, no worries, you'll ace that CDL. And you have what it takes to do anything they need doing.

They are very fortunate to get you, and they'll realise it soon enough. Don't overly distress yourself, sleep well and keep on studying, you'll do fine.

[Oubones]

Sterkte Tom, ek weet sommer jy gaan goed doen en 'n sukses maak daarvan!
So hoekom stress jy dan?
Mooi loop maat en mag die voorspoed jou verveel!

[FanieKrismis]

Have fun, and a great trip