Chronicles of an Airman: Discovering Purpose 6,500 Miles from Home
Ryaja Johnson Rhone
Copyright 2011 by Ryaja Johnson Rhone
Published by Freeworld Enterprises, LLC at Smashwords
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Lord,
Please bless us and enlarge our
territory.
Keep your hand upon us so that evil will not harm
us.
Work through us to accomplish what we cannot.
Amen.
Inspired by 1 Chronicles 4:10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW
CHAPTER 2 POWER IN PREPARATION
CHAPTER 3 6,500 MILES FROM HOME
CHAPTER 4 IN THE COMMANDER’S SEAT
CHAPTER 5 MY PATH TO PURPOSE REVEALED
CHAPTER 8 BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER,THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
CHAPTER 9 MOUNTING FRUSTRATION
CHAPTER 11 HARD TO SAY GOODBYE
CHAPTER 12 OPERATION GET SHADY 1 & 2 CONTINUES
CHAPTER 13 I RELINQUISH COMMAND
SECTION III THE MOMENT OF INTROSPECTION
CHAPTER 16 IT STARTS WITH A RELATIONSHIP
CHAPTER 17 STEPPED OUT TO STEP IN
CHAPTER 18 MY PRAYER REVISITED
APPENDIX U.S. AIR FORCE RANK & WING STRUCTURE
DEDICATION
To my parents, Delmer and Naomi Johnson, I know my accomplishments are due to your prayers, guidance, and unyielding support. The sacrifices you made to raise your family have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated. Love always.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
All names have been withheld or changed, with exception of my husband Jamie, to protect each individual’s privacy.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I must first give honor and praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I thank God for ordering my steps and for abundantly blessing me.
To my husband, Jamie, I thank you for your endless support, encouragement, and love. You are truly my #1 fan, as I am yours.
My family and friends, who are too numerous to name, I am forever indebted to you for your prayers and care packages during my deployment and for encouraging me to turn my deployment diary, What’s Happening Now, into this book.
To the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, I thank you for the daily sacrifices you make to keep our nation safe. May the grace of God be with you always.
Very special thanks to the following people who so graciously volunteered to read my manuscript, in various stages of revision, and provide valuable feedback: Zoee Bartholomew, Kathy Dooley, Julie Hall, Trenita Hodge-Mims, J.J. Johnson, Komoia Johnson, Naomi Johnson I, Nakobee Johnson, Saphronia Johnson, Tisha Johnson, Jamie Rhone, Judith Rhone, Keenan Sease, and Glenn Worthington.
My undying gratitude goes out to four very special people who generously gave their time and expertise: Brendan Epps, Linda Goldfarb, Valerie Hough, and Rhonda Larson. Your level of professionalism, attention to detail, and desire to help make this a quality book kept this project alive.
SECTION I
Call can be defined in several ways. For the purpose of this section, call is defined as being formally summoned. I was called to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom by my Air Force leaders. Due to my deployment experiences, I was also called to write this book by those who felt my story had to be shared with others.
CHAPTER 1
I became a writer the second I stepped off the airplane at Manas International Airport. The moment my feet touched the tarmac, I had a strong feeling my life would never be the same. There was a story waiting to be told, and I was ready to tell it.
Through my daily journaling while deployed, I discovered the gift of writing, an ability I did not know I possessed. At the urging of several family members and dear friends, my weekly e-mail updates, entitled What’s Happening Now, evolved into the book you now hold in your hands.
What’s Happening Now was conceived late one night in January 2007, shortly before I deployed to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic (the official name of Kyrgyzstan after the fall of the Soviet Union). It began with an e-mail sent to my family and friends informing them of my impending departure. In response, I received numerous replies requesting pictures and periodic updates.
I compiled a list of e-mail addresses from family, friends, and co-workers who requested I stay in touch. Altogether, I had seventy-seven names and e-mail addresses. Flattered yet overwhelmed by the response, I could foresee having neither the time nor the inclination to write all seventy-seven people personalized e-mails.
I was forced to think of an efficient way to stay in touch. At that moment, I had an epiphany. I decided to chronicle my deployment and call it What’s Happening Now. It would serve a dual purpose. Foremost, What’s Happening Now would be my deployment diary, a journal of my daily experiences. Secondarily, it would provide my seventy-seven closest acquaintances daily snapshots of deployed life through my eyes.
I received rave reviews of my first edition of What’s Happening Now. I had no idea my deployment diary would take on a life of its own. If numerous people had not told me so, I never would have thought my writings were so entertaining, informative, and inspiring. Who would have guessed writing about everyday life in a deployed environment would have such a powerful impact on so many lives?
I never thought of myself as a writer, but the continuous positive feedback I received convinced me otherwise. Those seventy-seven acquaintances forwarded my weekly e-mail updates to countless associates-who anxiously awaited their next edition of What’s Happening Now.
When I e-mailed my last edition a few days prior to my return home, I received numerous replies expressing delight in my redeployment but disappointment in the conclusion of What’s Happening Now. Some reported “vicariously living through my experiences” and “not wanting the adventure to end.”
My chief reason for e-mailing weekly updates was to provide my family, friends, and co-workers vivid descriptions of deployed life. However, God used my newfound talent to connect and inspire. I freely disclosed my inner struggles and fears, good and bad decisions, and triumphs and setbacks. I did not want the embarrassment of my insecurities to prevent me from candidly sharing with others. Above all else, I wanted to be authentic.
By allowing myself to be transparent, I opened the door for others to do the same. Through my journaling I was introduced, for what seemed like the first time, to people I have known for years. People I did not know on a spiritual level told me that it helped to read that some of the struggles in my personal relationship with God were similar to their struggles. Folks shared stories of contentment and disappointment in their spiritual walk. Our shared experiences allowed us to connect as never before.
I was humbled by the thought that my writings had touched so many people in ways I never imagined it would or could. This knowledge has motivated me to share my journey with a broader audience.
I invite you to relive the journey with me as I chronicle my professional, personal, and spiritual growth. Witness the candid peaks and valleys of an Air Force captain and first-time squadron commander. Walk with me as I discover purpose. Find out why I went to the Kyrgyz Republic ready to serve my country and returned to the United States ready to serve my community.
What is purpose? I like to think purpose is the reason we were created, why we exist. No one was put on Earth by accident. We are here for a reason; that reason is God’s will for each individual, our purpose. In the New Testament books of Matthew and Mark, Jesus gave the great commission to His disciples to go into the world and teach the Good News of Christ. This command is still relevant today. As Christians, our purpose is to glorify God and serve in His kingdom by bringing people to the knowledge of Christ.
This purpose is uniquely accomplished by each of us in various ways. We all have different assignments, according to 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, because our paths to achieving our purpose are different. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that God prepared in advance the good works He wants us to do. God had a plan for how each of us will accomplish our purpose before we were conceived. Our job is to listen for God’s call on our lives and obediently answer.
It is my sincere desire that the words written within these pages will prompt you to find your purposed path and encourage you to be courageous enough to travel on it.
CHAPTER 2
When I first received notification of my deployment, I was both apprehensive and excited. I was apprehensive for two reasons: first, I had never heard of Kyrgyzstan or Kyrgyz Republic, and I did not know if I would be in imminent danger; and second, it would be my first deployment and my first supervisory position—I was uncertain if I was adequately prepared for either challenge. On the other hand, my excitement stemmed from growing restless in my stateside job and longing for a change of pace and environment.
I had three months to prepare, and I took full advantage of the time. I studied the history of the Kyrgyz people, Kyrgyz Republic’s current political, economic, and social climate, and the strategic U.S. interest and involvement in the region. I also made a point to speak with as many people as I could find who had deployed to Manas Air Base. I discovered I was going to a country where the likelihood of engaging in armed combat was extremely remote. This revelation eased my apprehension as well as that of my family.
Relieved I would not likely be under enemy attack, my uneasiness shifted to the responsibility of commanding a contracting squadron. In my almost seven years in the Air Force, I had taken several leadership classes and read numerous leadership books; however, there was only so much I could learn without practical application. I believed that I had proven myself as a competent leader in other aspects of my life and career, but the thought of having the success or failure of a squadron rest solely on my shoulders was an overwhelming proposition.
To help calm my nerves, I spoke with seven recently deployed contracting professionals and took lots of notes. I wanted to make sure I received a well-rounded perspective of what is expected of a commander. I spoke with senior noncommissioned officers (front-line managers), fellow company grade officers (middle-level managers), and field grade officers (upper-level managers). My notebook was soon filled with great leadership advice.
On the home front, my husband Jamie and I were running around preparing for my deployment. Although Jamie is also an active duty officer, neither of us had ever deployed. Our learning curve was very steep. Everywhere I went, I had a notebook with me to ensure I captured all the things I had to do. For a while it seemed that for every item I completed on the list, I would add two more.
Jamie and I equally split the responsibility associated with running our household. Therefore, I had to ensure he knew how to do my share of the household duties. We put all our bills on automatic electronic payment so he would not have to think about when a certain bill was due. In the event that he might need to access one of my accounts, I made a list of all my web-based accounts and gave Jamie my usernames and passwords.
Most importantly, we had to get our wills and other important estate documents in order. During the process of writing down my last will and testament, I realized that although I was headed to a relatively low-threat environment, there was still a possibility that I would not make it home alive. I wondered how Jamie would react if I did not return home safely. I had to snap out of my morbid thoughts by telling myself the composition of my estate plan was a mere formality. Upon completion, I photocopied all my estate documents and mailed them to my brother.
With every additional task accomplished on my extensive list, I realized that thoughtful, deliberate planning was the key ingredient for reducing the stress associated with deployment preparation.
Due to all of the rigorous pre-deployment preparation, I looked forward to leaving when the day of my departure finally arrived. I was tired of the preparation. I had become more confident in my ability to command a squadron and wanted to begin the mission.
My time with Jamie at the airport seemed to pass quickly. We both said “I love you,” hugged, and kissed each other goodbye; neither of us shed a tear. I knew I would miss Jamie immensely, but my excitement about my new job in a new environment dulled my sentimental feelings.
What awaited me? As I handed the gate agent my plane ticket and walked down the jet bridge, I did not know what lay ahead. In time, I would realize I had traveled 6,500 miles from home to discover God’s purpose for my life.
SECTION II
This section contains what was previously known as What’s Happening Now; 126 days of journal entries from my 132-day deployment. The journal entries begin the day I arrived in the Kyrgyz Republic and end the night before my change of command ceremony.
CHAPTER 3
29 Jan 07
I wish I could have taken pictures of the snow-capped mountains. Unfortunately, my camera was buried deep in my rucksack, stowed away securely in the overhead bin. I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped off the plane at Manas International Airport, 4:00 p.m. local time. The sky was clear and bright. The wind was calm with a slight crisp feel, a gentle reminder that it was the middle of winter.
Triple layered in my cold weather gear, I began to sweat (I mean glow) as I walked across the tarmac to the awaiting bus. The temperature was a whopping fifty-six degrees! The region is experiencing a heat wave.
After in-processing, meeting and eating dinner with my predecessor, retrieving my luggage (from a gigantic sea of bags that remarkably all looked the same), and taking a tour of what would soon be my office, 8:30 this evening I retired to my dorm room. After traveling forty-one hours, I am long overdue for a good night’s sleep.
30 Jan 07
Could it really be 4:45 a.m.? No way! I crawled into bed only four hours ago. For reasons unknown, sleep had eluded me the past three days. Instead of restlessly lying in bed, I figured I would get up and start my day. It was a few minutes before 7:00 a.m. when I arrived at the office. Everyone was shocked to see me so early in the morning. I repeated the same story at least fifty times throughout the day: “I couldn’t sleep. . . . The eleven-hour time difference has wreaked havoc on my body. . . . I feel like a walking zombie. . . . Blah, blah, blah. . . .”
Although I am not assigned to an official command position, the wing commander, Col. Knight, considers my official position as the chief of the contracting office equivalent to a contracting squadron commander. Within minutes of being introduced to him, Col. Knight mentioned the change of command ceremony. He said I will have responsibilities similar to his official squadron commanders and he will expect me to perform accordingly. The pressure is on.
31 Jan 07
I had another restless night; everyone has told me it will take a week or so for my body to adjust. Jetlag is no joke. I do not want to go through this for another five nights.
I met with my team: TSgt. Hemlock, TSgt. Spruce, SSgt. Linden, SrA Rowan, and A1C Hawthorn. After introductions, I defined my expectations of them and what they could expect of me. They appear to be a good group. I look forward to accomplishing great things with them.
1 Feb 07
After three full days of shadowing my predecessor, listening to status briefs, and being introduced to wing, group, and squadron leadership, I am overwhelmed by the amount of information I am expected to remember. However, on a positive note, I have retained enough to prepare my certification brief for Col. Knight.
***
Oh no, I did it again! The first thing we were told during the in-processing brief was, “Don’t drink the water; this includes brushing your teeth.” Unfortunately, old habits die hard. Since my arrival, I have rinsed my toothbrush with tap water five times and my mouth twice. Apparently, the tap water has high levels of radiation. I pray I do not get sick.
2 Feb 07
This week was reported as the warmest week on record for the month of January. I guess it could not last forever—today the temperature dropped below freezing.
***
So far, the greatest lesson I have learned is that I will be unable to anticipate my workload/schedule with any degree of certainty. In the dynamic and fast-paced expeditionary environment, priorities are racked and stacked, then re-racked and re-stacked before the day ends. Before lunch, the hot topic was the medical group providing non-emergent care to contractors. Before I left the office for dinner, the hot topic was the proper disposal of forty thousand expired, biohazardous Meals, Ready-to-Eat.
3 Feb 07
It snowed overnight for the first time since my arrival. I was supposed to get a tour of all the construction sites on the base, but the weather put a halt to those plans. I was unsure how cold it was this morning, but my ears froze while walking the one hundred yards from my dorm to my office. I had gloves on, but I could not feel my fingers. My toes felt like popsicles.
***
Finally! After a week of disappointing meals, I am now able to eat without involuntarily gagging. I had baked fish and white rice, a simple, yet edible meal. I thought I would have to survive on applesauce and roast beef sandwiches for the next four months. Thank the Lord for small miracles.
4 Feb 07
My predecessor told me the certification brief is just a formality, and I should not waste a lot of time on it. I disagreed. The purpose of the certification brief is to demonstrate my competence and ability to assume the responsibility of commanding a squadron. Theoretically speaking, Col. Knight could tell me, “You’re clueless. Go home.” It is highly unlikely that would happen; however, I want the wing leadership to be confident in my ability to accomplish the mission.
***
I went to church today. As I was leaving the chapel, Chaplain Love told me I set a record for most services attended in one day: three (traditional, contemporary, and gospel). My reason for attending three services was not because I enjoyed Chaplain Love’s sermon so much the first time that I was compelled to hear it two more times, but to ultimately select which service I will attend on a regular basis. I decided to attend the gospel service.
One goal I set for this deployment is to develop a stronger relationship with God. My belief in God is not in question. What I occasionally struggle with is whether God believes in me. I know the textbook (or in this case, the biblical) answer is “yes,” but it is hard to fathom when I do not always believe in myself.
5 Feb 07
Today was the big day. It started with the presentation of my certification brief to Col. Knight followed by my change of command ceremony. I was nervous about the brief. The nervousness disappeared almost as suddenly as it appeared when I discovered the brief would not be in the wing conference room. I do not know why the location mattered, but it did.
Col. Daily (the mission support group commander), the Command Chief, my predecessor, and I gathered in Col. Knight’s office. I touched on contractual hot topics to demonstrate my understanding of the issues that affected the wing. I also somewhat intelligently answered the majority of the questions asked. Overall, I think the certification brief went well.
How do you stretch, “Thank you, I am glad to be here,” into a two-minute speech? I was unsure but had to figure it out quickly. With less than an hour before the start of the change of command ceremony, I was still trying to piece together a speech.
The ceremony was so exciting and went off without a hitch. I felt like it was Christmas and all the gifts were for me. I have been an action officer for squadron and wing change of command ceremonies, but never once did I imagine I would be the person saluting and saying, “Sir, I assume command.”
***
I received my first letter today. It was from Jamie. After reading his letter, I knew I had a partner who believed in me and unconditionally loved me.
CHAPTER 4
6 Feb 07
In my first official day as the contracting squadron commander, I received an unexpected visit from Agent Gibbs of the Office of Special Investigations. I had a few people in my office, so the agent asked if we could speak privately in the conference room. I was aware of an ongoing investigation, so I asked if that was the topic of discussion. His response, “It’s bigger than that.” My mind began to race one hundred miles a minute.
What could he possibly have to tell me? I asked TSgt. Hemlock to join the meeting. As the conference room door closed, names and dates were rattled off. For added effect, the agent pulled out his digital camera and showed us pictures. What a mess! It appears several of our contractors still conduct business as if they are in the Old Russian Mafia.
***
I received two cards today, one from my mother and the other from my mother-in-law. In their own way, both stated they loved me and were praying for me.
7 Feb 07
I met with Agent Gibbs and the staff judge advocate. I relayed my thoughts on how to deal with a shady contractor. We discussed several “what if” scenarios and set an agreed upon course of action. I decided to make up a name for the investigation; I dubbed it, “Operation Get Shady.”
My next step was to get the wing leadership and my contracting chain of command to buy off on the plan. I briefed Col. Daily and the deputy mission support group commander, Lt. Col. Ellis. They asked “what if” questions. I suppose my answers were sufficient because they concurred without hesitation. My contracting chain of command sent their concurrence via e-mail. Once I receive the vice wing commander’s “okay,” we are free to set the plan in motion.
8 Feb 07
I briefed Operation Get Shady to the vice wing commander. He agreed with my course of action. I batted a thousand on this one.
***
I saw a commander from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the dining facility. He arrived last night and will leave for Afghanistan tomorrow. He asked how I was doing and wanted to know how Jamie was doing. It warmed my heart to know people cared so much about Jamie’s well-being.
***
It is taking me much longer to type the first edition of What’s Happening Now than I initially anticipated. After typing for two hours, it is almost 10:00 p.m., and I have yet to proofread—I do not want any typos. I will develop a better system for next week’s edition.
9 Feb 07
At 5:15 a.m., I forced myself to get out of bed and go to the gym. I plan to go to the gym every morning before work. By the time I return home, I will look like Angela Bassett in the movie What’s Love Got to Do with It.
***
I received a new computer today. The computer support guy insisted, “Your profile will migrate over to your new computer.” Although that is what I was told, that is not what happened. My e-mail account somehow did not make the trip. Almost two weeks’ worth of e-mails were deleted from my computer profile. Ugh!
10 Feb 07
The Office of Special Investigations took commanders and first sergeants on a familiarization tour of Bishkek (the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic). The purpose of the tour was to show us the approved and unapproved areas of the city. Approved areas are places we are allowed to go like the bowling alley, the mall, and certain restaurants. On the other hand, unapproved areas are places we are not allowed to go like massage parlors, night clubs, and any neighborhood identified as a high crime area. After a thirty-minute drive on a poorly maintained highway, we arrived in Bishkek.
I was in sensory overload. My first time off base, I felt like I had to absorb as much of my surroundings as possible. I observed a few interesting things. I saw a man actually walking his donkey on the highway; he appeared oblivious to the cars zooming around him. I saw the largest statue of a human being I have ever seen in my life: Vladimir Lenin, the first Soviet leader. There is a very strong Russian influence in Bishkek. Street signs and billboards are in Russian, despite the population being only twelve percent Russian.
A lady approached me at a mall and said, “Hello.” “Hello, how are you?” I said, fully expecting it to be the end of our conversation. The lady replied she was tired because she had been on her feet for ten hours. Then she told me about her forty-five-minute commute each morning. She finally asked, “Are you looking for something in particular or just browsing?” Shocked by her command of the English language, I replied, “Just browsing.”
The experience reminded me of a joke I once heard: What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual. What do you call a person who speaks three languages? Trilingual. What do you call a person who speaks one language? American.
For dinner we went to a well-known restaurant that caters to foreigners. We all ordered something different off the menu. I ordered what I thought were beef kabobs. What I received was a long tubular piece of ground mystery meat. Needless to say, I ate steamed wild rice and cold French fries. The check totaled 1785 com (Kyrgyz currency, pronounced som) for eight people. That is $46.73 in U.S. currency.
11 Feb 07
I forced myself to stay in bed until 9:30 a.m.—my first lazy day since my arrival here. When I finally got out of bed, I went for a 5K (3.1-mile) run. I clocked in at 27:12, a far cry from my 25:00 target time.
***
I attended the Gospel service this evening. At the end of the service, we gathered in a circle to sing a song that was unfamiliar to me. I suppose Chaplain Love noticed because he asked if I was going to learn the lyrics. I guess my poor lip-synch did not fool anyone.
12 Feb 07
I had a heart-to-heart with my team. Three of the five blew a deadline. I reiterated my expectations. I also told them it was their responsibility to let me know beforehand if they are unable to meet a deadline I set. I wanted them to understand that although we joke and have a good time, they are still responsible for the completion of all assigned tasks.
13 Feb 07
At 10:40 a.m., the C-17 touched down. From my seat on the bus, I could see the disembarkment of the passengers and the removal of their luggage. Thirty minutes went by, and we were still sitting on the bus. After forty minutes, we were directed to get off the bus. We joined the wing leadership and about fifteen others on the opposite side of the aircraft. We were instructed to stand in formation at the rear of the aircraft. The aft door of the C-17 was open and I could see the aircrew at parade rest on both sides of the cargo compartment.
“Group at-ten-tion!” The order was yelled. We snapped to attention, as six airmen marched their way up the cargo ramp of the C-17. When they disappeared into the belly of the aircraft, an eerie silence seemed to fall over the flight line. I got a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach when the six airmen reappeared carrying the flag draped transfer case.
“Present arms!” As the solemn order was yelled, we saluted in unison. Slowly, the six airmen made their way to the awaiting vehicle. Ever so precisely, the transfer case was placed in the vehicle and the doors closed. The driver slowly made a right hand turn out of my line of sight.
“Order arms! Dismissed!” Those three words marked the end of the Fallen Warrior Ceremony for an Army sergeant.
We somberly made our way back to the bus and sat in silence. With my head bowed, I closed my eyes and said a prayer for the sergeant’s family and for all the U.S. troops in harm’s way. When I finished praying, I looked around the bus and saw people struggling to keep tears from falling down their faces. This was the first repatriation ceremony at Manas since my arrival. However, I knew deep down in my heart it would not be the last time a U.S. service member would arrive at Manas in a transfer case from his or her tour in Afghanistan.
As I am writing about what happened today, I cannot help but think about all the U.S. service members I see walking around base waiting for transport into Afghanistan. Being in a support function, hundreds of miles from the fight, it is not always at the forefront of my mind what these airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines experience in Afghanistan. However, when I see them on base, it really forces me to put things in proper perspective. I sometimes forget that they are the ones doing the heavy lifting out on the frontline. I am so thankful for their sacrifice yet saddened by the reality that they will not all make it home safely.
14 Feb 07
For Valentine’s Day, Jamie surprised me with a massage from the Army Air Force Exchange Services spa. Due to my hectic schedule, I have to wait until Sunday to actually get the massage. I hope Jamie received the two Valentine’s cards I mailed him on 3 February. I was told I should have mailed the cards a week earlier. Oh well, I guess the cards will be early for Valentine’s Day 2008.
I won a backpack and Valentine’s teddy bear for being the fastest female in the 5K Valentine’s Day Run. I clocked in at 26:08. I did not achieve my goal of 25:00, but being the first female to cross the finish line is good enough for me. The public affairs photographer said he would use a mid-stride picture of me in the base paper. I told him I wanted to see the picture first. He said I should trust his professional judgment. That scared me.
***
I went to Bible study tonight. The difference between praise and worship was defined. Praise is for what God has done. Worship is for who God is. I had never thought about it before; I just assumed the words were synonymous. I learned something new today.
15 Feb 07
I was so tired today. I tried everything in my power to keep my eyes open during wing staff meeting this morning. I had serious bobblehead action going on. During my sporadic moments of consciousness, I counted four other people dozing off. I guess it was contagious.
***
In my effort to build a stronger relationship with God, I asked Jamie to be my accountability partner. We agreed to devote the first fifteen minutes of each day to quiet time with the Lord. I decided to spend my time reading the Bible.