Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year 2010




Jan 31, 2009

It's early in the evening for me, and I'm putting away gear and clothing from a recent trip. I have been gone for the last few days visiting a FOB near the Pakistan border (kind of freaky). Our Soldiers are pretty busy there, as one can imagine. It was a nice place, just for the record, but I'm always glad to get back to my own little "hooch" at my base. I will try to upload a few pictures from this trip, including a mountain view from the airplane.

I understand there will be a New Year's Eve gathering tonight, but I'm gonna lay low and stay indoors. I may watch a movie in my room on my computer and go to bed early. Boy, just saying that makes me feel old 'cause that's what old people do!!! I think I heard that some battalions have lifted the general order prohibiting alcohol for this one night. Some companies will allow their Soldiers one beer tonight to celebrate. You should see how excited some of these guys are for that one beer! It's crazy. The DFAC will serve non-alcoholic champagne tomorrow, and that's good enough for me. I will hit the New Year before most of you reading this, so I will lift a toast to you sometime tomorrow (around my lunch-time).

Well, here we are... at the end of 2009. Truthfully, I'm glad. It has been a hard year, as many of you know. If you've been following this blog for awhile you will understand. We've lost several loved one this past year and I was gone a lot. And tough circumstances change you. But I believe now that we have the choice if they change us for the better or worse and I'm working on the better. As I look ahead I see possibilities and change. God is changing me through all of this, and I like what He's doing. Sometimes God uses difficult experiences to strip away everything that keeps you from Him. Pruning is painful, but healthy, and I sort of feel like that's what He's doing in my life. Yes, life will be different when I get home, there is no doubt of that. But just exactly what it will look like is anyone's guess at this point. Except the Lord. I know He has my/our future in His hands and that's good enough for me.

So thank you to everyone who supported us over the last year through your prayers or help. I really appreciate it and thank God for you all. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next year, too, will ya? Thank you.

Friday, December 25, 2009

After Christmas Thoughts




26 Dec 09
It is the morning after Christmas for me and all is well. It was a good Christmas, I must admit. If you have to be away from home, I suppose this was not a bad way to do it or a bad place to be. I was able to attend a worship service in the morning, and then I went with my fellow junior officers and helped serve food to the other Soldiers coming through one of the dining facilities. That was fun --- although I would not want that job day in and day out! Boy, those guys work hard! Then, in the afternoon, I went for a run with one of the male officers who has become a good friend (he's the guy with the blue gloves and the big smile in the food service picture above). The weather here has been wonderful recently, so it made for a great day. After a huge dinner (they feed us well on the major holidays), I finished off the night with a movie. The main chapel was showing "The Nativity Story" in the early evening and since I had never seen it, I thought it would be a nice way to end a good day. The Lord gave me activities and friends and worship to get me through the day.

I hope it was also a wonderful Christmas for you, where ever that may be.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas


Dec 24, 2009
It's actually Christmas Eve as I write this. I am about to go to sleep, but my family is just getting up back home. They already opened one of my packages and enjoyed a few things I mailed them from here. They will spend the evening with family and have a wonderful, traditional Christmas. And I am glad, as I know they will be well cared for and happy. Merry Christmas girls! Dad loves you.

A wonderful thing happened after the Christmas Eve candle-light service tonight. The main chapel here received almost 2000 Christmas stockings (which we all filled with the care packages also received over the last month), and we brought hundreds of them to the service tonight to give away at the conclusion. Many of the service men and women did take a stocking after the service as expected. But what we did not expect was the number of local Afghan men (who work here on base) who also showed up afterwards, too. No, they did not come to the service, but word spread quickly that free stuff was available from the chapel -- and they came out of the woodwork! We had about 50 men going through the boxes and taking the stockings. A few of the Chaplains stayed around to help clean up and we commented that these Muslim men were being blessed by Christian generosity and gifts. Some of the stockings had Christian literature in them (some had Daily Bread devotionals and New Testaments!). I truly doubt many will be read (due to the language barrier), but some might. God works in strange and mysterious ways sometimes! We were more than happy to let them take whatever they wanted. It was awesome.

In fact, I was so moved by the scene that I ran to my office and grabbed the last box of Christmas stockings from my own church back home. I took them back to the men and every one of them disappeared in minutes! These men seemed so impressed to be given free stuff that they were very thankful to those of us standing there. I'll bet that those of you back home who donated gifts to us over here never imagined that they would end up in the home of an Afghan family on a cold winter night. Christmas Eve, to be exact. Trust me, the Soldiers on this base are not lacking for anything. But many of the local nationals are so poor, that a warm pair of socks or a knitted hat (not to mention a tooth brush, soap, and candy) might have made their Christmas a whole lot better -- even if they do not know this Jesus whom we worship and celebrate! Now if that's not a "God-thing", I don't know what is!

Thank you God, for allowing me to be a part of that. And thank you all back home who made it possible by giving to us over here, and to those why truly needed it. Jesus came to love and to give, and that's what He asks of us. I hope you remember that tomorrow. Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, for He's the reason for the season. Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Commotion in the DFAC


Tues 22 Dec 09
A funny thing happened in the dining facility (DFAC) last night. But before I can tell you the story, I need to give you some background info about hair styles in the military. As you know, length of hair is regulated in the Army (as well as the other branches of service). Men are not allowed to wear their hair longer than a certian length, except for specific purposes (i.e., some guys can wear a beard, etc). The rules also apply to the women, too. For example, the regulations specify that a woman cannot cut her hair so short so as to be mistaken for a man! No lie. She cannot shave her head bald, or have a crew cut or flat top or high and tight, etc... If a women lets her hair grow, it must be no longer than down to her neck line (or something like that), or if she lets it grow beyond that she must be able to wear it up in a bun during working hours. Ok, got all that???

Well, I said all that to say this.... last night at dinner I was trying to find a seat in the chow hall (did you catch the Army lingo?) and noticed a woman in front of me with long, flowing blonde hair. She was totally out of regulation! And my first thought was, "Hey, why does she get to wear her hair like that? She's donna get in trouble...!" But then I noticed all the men turning their heads to stare at her, and then I saw it. Printed across her jacket, were the letters: C-O-W-B-O-Y-S. And then I knew who she was.

The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are here for a USO visit (or at least some of them are). And you should have seen all the commotion these ladies caused in the DFAC during dinner. There were four of the cheerleaders sitting in various spots around the room (they split up and sat with Soldiers), and guys were giving themselves neck cramps trying to find them and/or get pictures with them. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was here last week, and nobody cared. But these women show up and the place goes nuts. There is almost as must commotion here today as when the Fox NFL show was in town a month or so ago!

But, just for the record, I didn't see anything. Nooooo sir, I closed my eyes and ate alone and tried to memorize Scripture during dinner! Yeah, that's the ticket. That's what I did. I barely noticed they were in the room. (The woman I saw was the one on the right in the poster above -- at least that's what someone told me!) That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas Week



Mon 21 Dec 09
Did I tell you that my wife sent me 12 gifts to open in the 3 weeks leading up to Christmas? It has been a lot of fun opening one every-other day. I had to disciplne myself not to rip them all open weeks ago, and it has been worth it. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day. So far she's given me the picture of her and the girls, two Casting Crowns music CDs (which I love), a few movies (like "Blue Collar Comedy" with Jeff Foxworthy), and the latest gift was a citrus smelling air freshener for my room! Since I share a small building with 5 other guys her gift was right on the money! And greatly appreciated. I suppose this place could use a woman's touch every now and then...

Well, it's Christmas week and things are pretty busy around here. I am please how much religious activity will take place here --even in a war zone. There is Christmas caroling on Wednesday night, several worship services on Thursday night (including a candlelight Protestant service and a midnight Catholic Mass), and then more services on Christmas day for Protestant, Catholic and Lutherans. The Pagan service is tonight, by the way (winter solstice, I think). Yup, we got that here, too. I will probably miss that one but I have to be aware of it as I have 2 in my Unit who prefer the pagan or "Earth religions" to the other options. The guy who leads that service here used to be a Christian. I would like to hear his story sometime to understand where and why his own spiritual journey took a turn. Tragic.

As for spiritual journeys... I am aware of a few things God is doing in my life already since being here. I finished reading a book by one of my favorite authors, John Eldredge, called Walking with God. I enjoyed in enough to order his best-seller called, Wild at Heart. I read that one years ago, but decided to go through it again. There are things in there about understanding a man's heart that I would recommend for any guy, any dad, and any mom of little boys. I think God is speaking to me through these two books recently. I also started a daily devotional on the computer for our battalion and have received many good comments in return. Some of our Soldiers would not be caught dead with a Bible on their desk, but they can access a file and read a daily devotional! Which they are doing. And finally, I made a commitment to read the Bible through over the next year (maybe by the time I return home). So I made that outline available to the Soldiers on the computer as well. Some were asking for Bible-reading helps, and I was more than happy to give them some of my resources.
The pictures are from our recent Christmas party. Some of the guys were playing Wii in a covered shed area. It was fun. My church friends will recognize the red stockings on the tables! They made for great decorations! We're sending them out as fast as we can. By the way, I almost forgot to tell you that I ran in a 5K road race this past Saturday morning. It was called the "Jingle Bells 5K". I did not get there early enough to get a cool T-shirt, but at least I can say I did it (finally). You should have seen me, dressed up in multiple layers, gloves (with hand warmers), hat, etc. I looked like an eskimo, and some of these young 20-something studs were out there in shorts and a T-shirt! At 5:30 in the am. Idiots.

So that's about it for now. Pray for my mom and she'll be spending a white Christmas with my brother's family on the East Coast. It should be fun. And my wife will have some quality time with her side of the family this Christmas as well. It's all good. God has us in His hands this season, and I feel blessed in His love. Take care, keep your eyes on Jesus this Christmas, and tell your family you love them before the time gets away from you. Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Week Before Christmas


17 Dec 09

We are working hard to send out all of the care packages we are receiving from all over the country. My assistant signed us up for several on-line programs where people can send gifts and care packages and stockings to us for the holidays. It has been an amazing thing to see all of the generosity from total strangers who want to support the Troops. And a special thank you to my very own church who sent more Christmas stockngs than I can count! Our office is filled with your boxes, by the way. But it is an honor to get to play Santa to the Soldiers because I then send them out to our troops at the FOBs out in the hills. Some of those guys don't get much access to the store, so the gifts are very much appreciated.

I am attaching a recent photo of myself sitting in one of our convoy vehicles. I don't go with the teams that drive these massive vehicles, but they asked me to be there when they left to say a prayer for their safety and to bless the truck! Not a problem. I was happy to do so.
I also just started a Men's Bible study group this past week. I sent out an email to see if there was any interest, and had 13 guys respond immediately. I am excited about the possibilities and would appreciate your prayers on this new ministry opportunity. Thanks.

Monday, December 14, 2009

More Pictures








Pictures from the first snow fall of the winter and recent trip. These are a few friends who posed for me in while it was snowing. The other three are from the FOB I visited. One picture of the local village has a shepherd with his flock in the foreground. Not much grass, though. Notice the walls and the "compounds" that dot the country-side. I love the mountains here!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

New Week, New Travels




Dec 14, 09
I've noticed recently the date I type in does not match the date Blogger has officially listed. They seem to be a day behind. Well anyway, it's Monday morning, and we just returned from another trip to check on our Soldiers who are out and about. It's getting cold here (and so I'm wearing the black ski-mask my mom knit for me!), and the mountains are spectacular covered in white. We went to a FOB (forward operating base) south of my home base and enjoyed some local hospitality. We ate at a local restaurant (located on the FOB) and went shopping at some of the stores owned by local nationals. Kind of like going to the Bizaar all over again, but somewhat better (although not much). Most of the stuff you can buy is junk, including pirated movies. Thet's big over here. Someone sits in the back of a theater in China or Russia with a video camera and films a brand new movie, and then they copy it over and over again and sell it for $2 over here. Many service men and women buy that junk all the time -- but it's illegal to ship it home. So why bother? But it's big business to the militray on deployment.

I tried to get a few pictures from the helicopter ride looking down on the landscape passing by. I'll try to upload a shot of a village with the square "compound" looking buildings. They are all over the country-side. I'm not sure why, but maybe it's kind of like our backyard block walls and fences. In that regards, we're all kind of similar, no matter where you live. We build walls around our stuff to protect it, our families, and keep others out.

Anyway, I hope you are all doing well back home, as I miss you all. Things here are good. You kind of get into a routine on deployment. They call it Groundhog Day , after the movie with Bill Murray (because every day starts to feel like the last and the next). Rent the movie sometime, it's funny.

Did I mention that my wife sent me 12 presents to be opened on the 12 days leading up to Christmas? The very first one I opened was a wonderful framed picture of her and the girls that they had done professionally at our church. I love it. So I put it on my shelf and look at them every day. Thanks honey. I love you.

Monday, December 07, 2009

Night time on the computer


It is Tues 8 Dec. 09,
And I wanted to test my wireless abilities this morning from the shop that sets up our internet capabilities. I thought I was still having trouble, so I brought my computer up here and they "fixed" it. We'll see. So I decided to upload another picture to see if they truly did fix the problem.

The picture is of me sitting on my bed at night doing exactly what I'm doing now: emailing or blogging (or some times watching a movie). It's kind of cozy in my shack, so this is often how I spend my late evenings before going to sleep. See ya later.

Christmas packages




Tues. 8 Dec 09

It has been a busy and interesting week since I last blogged. I had some internet trouble, but that seems to have been resolved. I have received many wonderful care packages from friends and family back home, including gifts from my kids and lights from my mom. I have decorated my little shack with the lights already, and it feels a little bit more like Christmas. So thank you.

Not too much new to tell you. However, I did notice an interesting woman in the gym the other day. I say notice her because she was wearing shorts and had tatoos on both of her knee caps. That was probably pretty painful! Anyway, it's cold here, and no one wears shorts! So I suspect she wants you to see her knees. I saw that she was lifting weights and doing one of the same exercises I was doing. But then it hit me... she was lifting the exact same weight as I was on that exercise!! Boy was I embarrassed. So I decided to show her up. I was not going to be beaten by a knee-tatooed Air Force woman... so I added 5 pounds to my bar! (Yes sir, that showed her up for sure!)

My kids sent me a wonderful picture of a Christmas tree, which I immediately put up in the office. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

One Month Down







3 Dec 09
It's official. We've been here in country over 30 days now, which means we qualify for a combat patch on our right shoulder. I understand this tradition may go back to Gen. George Washington, but we know for sure it has been utilized since WWI. Over here we fall under the leadership of the 82nd Airborne Division, so we are authorized to wear their patch, the "AA". There are many jokes around regarding what "AA" stands for, as you can imagine. Officially it means All American, but some say it means Almost Airborne. Oh well. It's a pretty big deal in the militray to have one of these, so I'll wear it with pride. For example, my Colonel worked 24 years before she got her patch, so it is kind of a career maker (or in her case, icing on the cake).

I also recently got to meet the top General in the entire Army Reserves recently. 3-star General Stultz. He came and addressed us last week and then posed for a photo-op. Pretty cool, huh?

And now that December is upon us... we have a new office and a new Christmas tree. Our company Commander's husband sent us a "live" tree, so we put it up two days ago and then had a party in our new and larger office (see photo. The little tree seen here is not the live one). It was fun. Other than that, all is well. We're into a groove now and the Units are operating smoothly. I am busy with helping out at two different protestant worship services here on base, which is keeping me busy. In fact, I preach at one of them this Sunday night! Keep me in your prayers.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving 2009


26 Nov 09
Happy Thanksgiving Day! It was a great day, largely because I decided it would be and I decided to focus on being thankful. Besides, isn't that what the day is for? I woke up and read Psalm 23 this morning, and I spent time on the verse (5b) that says, "my cup overflows..." This past week I have been thinking about what it means to be thankful (to whom and why), because it can be real easy to get into a pity-party mode and complain to God about my circumstances, my comfort level, my situation, etc. I am living in a wooden shack, no indoor plumbing, half-way around the world from my family, etc... (You get the picture). But God showed me this week from Romans 11:33-36 that it's not about me. It's about Him. Being thankful is about who God is and what God did; specifically his awesomeness and that He sent his son, Jesus, to die for you and me.

So when I saw that verse this morning, it reminded me that God truly has blessed me -- my cup overflows -- even in a far-away land, living in a shack, next to a bomb shelter and a port-a-john. It doesn't get any better than this! (Well... maybe I shouldn't go that far). God does bless those who heed His call and obey his Word. That blessing may not always be financial. It can also be serenity, trust, confidence, deeper relationships, and intimacy with Him. I think God has given me serenity (peace) about my mission here, about His ability to take care of my family back home, and about and His promise to never leave me nor forsake me. So I can rest easy in that promise and concentrate on the job at hand. Thank you Lord. That is something to truly be thankful for.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Travel by Helicopter




This was pretty cool. We flew in a Chanook helicopter to visit some of our Soldiers up in the hills. I also got to watch the Michigan vs. Ohio State game from Afghanistan this year! The outcome stunk, but it was still fun to watch it nonetheless. I will try to upload a few pictures if I can. The picture with the Soldier in the back of the helicopter (or "bird" as they call it here) is my favorite. She is harnessed in, and she had the best view in the house! It was awesome. The landscape was desolate and mountainous and brown. Every now and then we would pass a village, but it was hard to see much from my seat. This helicopter does not have a back door (only a ramp), so we could see partially out the back as we flew. Did I mention it was very cold?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Memorial Ceremony







18 Nov. 09
We held the Memorial Ceremony today for our Soldier who was KIA last week. It has been a stressful week, culminating in the ceremony. But I think it went really well. Many hands worked hard to make it meaningful and professional, and I think we pulled it off. For a brand new Unit in theater, with a rookie Chaplain, I think we did our fallen Soldier proud!

Keep me in your prayers, as I will be doing some traveling soon to visit more of our Soldiers scattered across our area of operation (AO). Many of these guys do not have a Chaplain at their locations, so I must get out and visit occassionally. Maybe I'll have a cool story to share next week when I return! See ya then.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Terrible, Rotten, Horrible, No-Good Day

14 Nov 09
Yesterday was a horrible, no-good, terrible, rotten day. I am not a superstitious person, but it was on Friday the 13th that our Unit lost a Soldier -- killed from a road-side bomb. We got the news late morning and it devastated us. We have been here less than a month and we've already exprienced tradegy. Suddenly this war took on new meaning for us all, and it may have been a horrible reminder to our troops of the reality of what we're doing here. I don't pretend to understand it all, and I certainly cannot tell you why God allows war and death, but I can tell you His presence is felt here and is desperately needed here. I knew this Soldier; he asked me to pray with him before we left the United States. I will always have that tender, spiritual memory with him and of him.

Every Soldier who is killed (KIA) is called a Fallen Hero, and they have a special ceremony to honor the Hero while they load the casket into an Air Force cargo plane to be flown back to the USA. (I recommend you watch the movie, Taking Chance, with Kevin Bacon). I went to sleep around midnight Friday night and got up again around 0330 Sat. morning to participate in this ramp ceremony. It was truly an awe-inspiring event to be a part of that. A Senior-ranking Chaplain and myself led the pall bearers into the plane and then shared a prayer and Scripture (Psalms 27:1-4). I stood at attention with tears streaming down my face while many Soldiers from our Unit payed their last respects to their friend with a slow salute to the casket. It was really powerful. We will now hold a Memorial Ceremony in the next few days, where I will deliver the message. This is where the Chaplain has to shine because it will be attended by some big-wigs around here (men with stars on their uniform). I don't mean that I have to preach like Billy Graham, but I do have to coordinate it all and make sure it goes off flawlessly. If not, it looks bad on me and our Command. So we'll rehearse and get it right.

So please pray for our Unit, the family of our fallen hero, and the ceremony we will hold to honor him and his sacrfice. I would appreciate that. And someone tell Jenny that I missed the race this morning. The ramp ceremony took precedent. Oh well, maybe next year.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Momentum







11 Nov 09
It's Veteran's Day today, and it took on a totally different meaning for me this year. We had a ceremony in the same tent that they used for the NL show last weekend, and it was meaningful. It's weird because I don't really think of myself as a veteran. When I come home I can even join the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). Maybe I'll get one of those hats!

Well, things have been picking up for me recently. I have been going through some soul searching and even some "wrestling" with God. I was on a treadmill running last night when God brought me back to the story of Jacob wrestling with a "man" (a.k.a. God) in Genesis 32:22-31. The Lord forever changed Jacob through that struggle, but he also blessed him as well. (It's where the Jews got the name Israel). I can sort of relate to that story, as I know God is changing me -- and it's painful. In know Roman 8:28 says it's for my benefit, but that does not make it any easier! Yet he does bless those who love and serve him, and I can attest to that as well.

Well, let's see: (1) I plan to run in the local Cross Fit 5K run this Saturday morning. It is sponsored by one of the church services here, so the Chaplains are encouraged to participate. It may be 30 degrees that morning, but who's counting? My old Remuda friend, Jenny, would be proud of me! Someone tell her I finally ran in a race, even if it is on the other side of the world. (2) I met the local Family Life/Counseling Chaplain here on base and he's already asked me to cover a few of his counseling groups for him next week. This guy does most of the counseling done at the chapel, and I'm sure he's pretty busy. So when he heard about my background he was pretty excited. I'm told getting busy makes the time go by faster, so that's what I plan to do.

Finally, I'm going to try to upload a few more pictures. One is of the local mountains after the snow fell over the weekend. Another picture is of a water station near my room. Free water bottles are all over the place, as they do not want us drinking the local water supply. They even encourage you to brush your teeth with bottled water. It seems everyone here gets sick initially, as we're living in a bacterial cesspool. In fact, we're all taking malaria pills on a daily basis, too, and some believe that's contributing to the problem. Who knows? And the last picture is of a garbage truck. Seriously. The local nationals go all out when they decorate their vehicles. It's kind of cool.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Fox NFL Show







7 Nov 09

It's Saturday night here and the place is electric with NFL football -- not college football, which you'd think would be the case. Nope, the boys from Fox NFL are here and taped their show with us tonight. It was fun to watch. I walked over there and was actually close enough to get a few pictures, but not really close enough to get good pictures! But hey, I was there! They came in a few days ago and began setting up all this stuff in the MWR tent, and the stars went around and did little info pieces around the base. They hung out with Soldiers and Air Force guys and shot some of the video they played on the show (if you watched it). I'm pretty sure they had better living quarters than the rest of us, and I wonder if they had to use a porta-john, too? Doubt it. Regardless, it was good for morale.

Friday, November 06, 2009

Surf and Turf Fridays




6 Nov 09
It has been a really good day. The weather was wonderful and it felt like we got a few more things accomplished. Fridays are also "surf and turf" days at the dining facility (DFAC). That means they serve steak and seafood. Not great quality, mind you, but a steak nonetheless. Tonight we had fried shrimp with it. (Pretty tasty). Earlier today we also went to the local Bazaar (kind of like the flea market). My mom would have loved this place, because they expect you to barter with them for the junk they're selling. Lot's of pottery, rugs, vases, and leather jackets, to name a few items. Oh, and there was even a camel! The owner charged a few bucks for a picture with his camel, so I made a new friend today. The camel, I mean. The owner was kind of grumpy! (If I can get pictures to upload I will show you my new buddy).

I'm also praying about a ministry opportunity here to get involved in a new worship service over on the other side of the base. Doesn't sound like much but it takes 30-40 minutes to get over there, and it will be held in a tent for now. Kind of like church planting or a church start-up project. The drive over there is interesting, to say the least. You go past stretches of fence-line with ancient villages and ruins just on the other side. Sometimes the local children can be seen playing in the huts, and sometimes they throw rocks at passing vehicles. For obvious reasons, service members are NOT encouraged to jog alone out on those stretches of the road! It feels kind of like being inside a prison with hugh barbed-wire fences all around the perimeter. But in this case it is to keep the bad guys out, not in!
I think God is trying to stretch me some more with this issue. I wanted to plug into a nice, comfortable service within walking distance and have as few additional responsibilities as possible. Nope. That probably won't happen. The Division Chaplain over here (my Chaplain boss) wants us all to support a specific worship service as well as the overall ministry on post -- not just our individual Units with the Soldiers we already know. Boy, the nerve. They're going to actually make us work over here!

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

A few more pictures





Here are a few more pictures of my new "home." One is an updated picture of my room, with a few more pictures on the wall than previously. My dog Chance is with me now, and the black and white photo on the bulletin board is of my girls and the neighbors on Halloween night in their costumes. I love that photo. You can also see the sheets hanging down from the ceiling. The plywood walls only go about 6 feet up, and so there is a gap the rest of the way to the ceiling. So people hang rugs, sheets, more wood -- anything to give you more privacy. As it stands, I can still hear everything from the other 5 guys in this hut, but at least they don't stand in the hall and peek over into my room!
Another picture is of the area I live in from a second story level. You can see the many roof-tops of our huts as well as the snowcapped mountains beyond. The mountains are rugged and gorgeous here, and most will be covered with snow in a few weeks (so they tell us).
The last picture is of the local weight room inside the tent. They call it a "clam shell" because they pull up the sides during the day for light and fresh air. Its a pretty neat facility. You can almost see a row of exercise bikes and treadmills in that picture. I've been working out there already and plan to be "ripped and buff" when I come home! You won't recognize me. My assistant also wants me to take a martial arts class in the evenings -- to learn how to kick some butt (like I have nothing else to do while here)! We'll see how that goes.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

1st Week Over


3 Nov 09
Well, I completed my first week of actual deployment in a war zone. It does not feel like a war zone where I am at, but the reality is something different all around us. Many of our Soldiers in more remote locations are already in much more dangerous situations. So please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

As for me, I've been shadowing the out-going Chaplain for the past week. We'll do this for a total of two weeks, as they call it Right Seat, Left Seat training (he drives for the first week, then I drive for the 2nd). After that he goes home. His Unit is anxious to get out of here, and we can't blame them. Our time will come, too. Someday I'll be in his position (and drooling to get on the Westbound plane!). Lots of planes and helicopters coming and going from here at all hours. I don't mind the noise, though. It reminds me of home (but louder), and it is the sound of freedom. So I love to hear and see those jets go by overhead.

Watch the NFL show with Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw this upcoming weekend. They're going to be doing it live from Afghanistan, so tape it if you can.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

1st Sunday "Down Range"

1 Nov 09
Today is my very first Sunday in the war zone, or "down range" as they called it back home. I was somewhat down this morning due to home sickness and thinking of my family having fun on Halloween without me. It's a lonely feeling, and I've heard people say this can be gut wrenching at times. I understand what they're talking about. So what did I do? I prayed and then went to church!

There are many opportunities to worship here on this post, for people of all shapes and sizes and colors. The chapel has an extensive schedule to meet all of the demands from numerous faith groups and denomnations and worship styles. For example, for Protestant services there is a liturgical service, a contemporary service, 2 gospel services, and a traditional-contemporary mix. It's impressive. There is also Jewish, Catholic, LDS, and Wiccan offerings, too. I'm going to try to experience a few different services these first weeks to see which one I want to get involved with. Each Chaplain must choose to serve at one of the services throughout his or her time here, so I need to make a decision of which one I'm comfortable with. I'll let you know.

(btw: I'm having trouble uploading pictures to the blog due to the poor internet connection here. I'll keep trying, but it's painfully slow. Sorry)

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Finally Made It!


31 Oct 09
I made it to my final destination a few days ago, safe and sound. It has been a weird experience flying to the other side of the world and joing an international community at this particular location. For safety reasons I will not state exactly where I am located or what I am doing, but I will try to keep you informed and amused with my activities. So let's get you caught up...
(1) We flew through New Hamshire on the way to Germany and then the Middle East. At the airport in NH a large group of USO and VFW members came out to greet us and serve us coffee and send us off again. It was great. Not to mention it was at 2:30am their time. What a blessing those volunteers were to us. And I'm looking forward to seeing them on the return trip, too! They presented the Chaplain with free phone cards for all the Soldiers, too. I got to be Santa back on board the airplane.
(2) The plane flight was exhausting. See the pictures. We all but missed a full day by flying East like that. We stayed about 2 hours in Germany at the airport and then kepy going. It felt like daylight for a few hours and then it was night again. We landed at another location for a temporary stop for 6-8 hours before moving on again. We shared space in a big open bay with Soldiers from Poland. My first experience with the coalition forces over here.
(3) Home sweet home... or at least for awhile. The Chaplain and his assistant greeted us when we finally landed here at our destination. The final flight was aboard an Air Force jet. We all sat in those net cargo seats, and the engine was deafening (but we all had ear plugs in and it made it easier). However, my body armor (which we all had to wear), was pushing down on my bladder and it made for a very long flight (since there is no potty on those things!!)
Anyway, we got here and finally got settled into our rooms.
(4) My room: The pictures will not do it justice, but we are all now in wooden shacks built years ago to house our forces. It's like a shanty town where we are living. The walls are plywood. I have a space about 10x8, which is feels like a prison cell (but with no toilet!). The bathroom is a port-a-john right outside my hut, and the showers are about 100 yards away. Right now there is a lot of construction going on here and everything is dirty. Dust is everywhere. They make us wash our hands before going into the mess hall for meals, but other than that, this is a pretty dirty place! Bottled water and hand sanitizer is very prevalent here!
(5) Tidbits of information: (a) We had an earth quake here a few nights ago, but I missed it. They said it was a 6.0 on the scale, but I was at the gym on a treadmill, so I never felt a thing. (b) The only laundry available is to have it sent out with a service here which utilized local national workers. I hear they steal things every now and then, especially women's underwear. Some of our female Soldiers are pretty uncomfortable about that. I don't mind. They can steal my women's underwear all they want! (c) And finally, the food here is unbelievable! There are several dining halls here and they are all like eating at Luby's! There is so much food served here it is mind-boggling. And some of it is actually pretty good! I can see why some Soldiers gain weight on these deployments.
Gotta run for now. I'll post more soon. See ya....

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Seasons of Change

24 Oct 09
Well, I'm back at my training site again. I was able to go home for an extended period of time due to the funeral, but all good things must come to an end. I had to come back! It was hard being back here that first night, standing in formation in the cold and darkness, wondering what my family was doing at that very moment. No fun. But God is good. He gives you the strength to carry on when you serve him, especially when Satan is trying to discourage you and get you to quit. That's when you need to hang in there the most, and stay in the game and continue the fight.

I am going to sneak in a favorite Bible verse in an invocation prayer I have to give today. This one speaks to me personally...
"...but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

God spoke to Joshua to be strong and courageous. He told him that He (God) would never leave him nor forsake him. I love that verse (Joshua 1:9) because it gives me strength as well. But earlier, God spoke to Moses (Deut. 1:6) in a way that also speaks to me here at this training. I have entered a new season of my life--in more ways than one. Several family members have recently gone home to be with the Lord, and I am now far away from those I love the most. But God is using this time of training in my life (and theirs), and He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. I like that! Thank you, God.
I'll Talk you you all again soon.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Dad's Funeral


18 Oct 09

We said goodbye to my dad at his funeral yesterday. It was held as my parent's church, and quite a few people showed up. Friends from old neighborhoods, jobs, and churches came to pay their last respects to my dad and several stood to share memories and pay a final tribute. It was a nice ceremony. My dad had asked me to give the message a few months ago, and I was honored to do so. I broke down a bit at first, but many prayers and kleenex got me through it! I could not have asked for a better earthly father. He loved us, encouraged us, taughted us, disciplined us, supported our sports and music, etc... He was there for us.

I will miss you dad, but I know you're in a better place... and I know I'll see you again someday soon in Heaven! Thank you, God, for my dad.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Goodbye Dad


14 Oct 09

A Sad day. My dad lost his 3-year battle with cancer yesterday (Tuesday, Oct. 13). He passed away in a hospice facility around 1:30 pm. He fought a good fight and showed us how to have faith all the way to the end.
I love you dad, and will miss you dearly. I know you are in a better place and I know that I will see you again when we all get to heaven. (ps: tell Jesus I said HI, would ya?)
I read this poem just today in the funeral home. It's called "Come to Me."
God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you, and whispered, "Come Home to me." With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer, and saw you fade away. Although we couldn't bear to lose you, we could not ask you to stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, that He only takes the Best." (Author unknown).
I'll go home and spend time with family for a few days before returning to the military training. My dad asked me to officiate at his funeral, and I will be honored to do that. (This picture was taken back in March, 2009, on his 76th birthday). I love you dad.

Thursday, October 08, 2009

Memorial Service


8 Oct 09

It has been a hard few days recently, based largely on the specific training I have received this week. They are training the Unit Ministry Team (UMT) to be proficient on topics such as suicidal awareness and counseling, traumatic event management and debriefing, caring for the wounded and dying, and memorial services. Needless to say, it has been a heavy week.
Part of the training included attending an actual memorial ceremony for three Soldiers killed in action in AFG on Sept. 24, 2009. My assistant and I sat in the back and observed, and it was pretty powerful. You could not help but to be moved by the whole experience. I was in tears and I did not even know these Soldiers. It got me thinking just how precious life really is, and that it can be taken from you/us in a heartbeat. God has called me to do something very emotionally difficult, and I can only hope I minister well to my Soldiers if ever we have to go through this. I know that I'll have to lead a mock ceremon as part of my training, but I hope I never have to do the real thing with these guys.
(I found this picture on-line, and it is a good representation of the actual stand they create for a fallen Soldier with boots, helmet, weapon and dog-tags displayed in tribute. Once you hear the last role call followed by a 21-gun salute and then TAPS being played, it makes your skin crawl). Please continue praying for our Soldiers in harms way.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Bed-Time Stories


3 Oct. 09

I had a good laugh at breakfast his morning after learning about a Soldier who played a pretty good practical joke on his buddies last night. This particular Soldier had to leave very early this morning (4am) to catch a flight back home due to a family emergency. Before he left, however, he set his battery-operated alarm clock to go off at 4:30am, and he put it inside his foot locker and locked it shut. This alarm makes the sound of a rooster crowing, and apparently it got pretty loud. The other Soldiers could not figure out where it was coming from, and then could not figure out how to make it shut up! So they put up with it for an hour until it quit on its own! I'm pretty sure they will retailate on their buddy once he gets back here in a few days, but for now, that Soldier got away with it and I'm sure he was smiling on the plane ride this morning!

I am attaching a picture of the barracks where most of the Soldiers sleep. We have many 2-story buildings like this one. They call it an "open bay," and you can see numerous bunk beds on both sides of the room. About 50 men can sleep in this building (25 per floor). Not much privacy, that's for sure. And they turn on the great big fan by the door at night (even when it's freezing), to drown out the SNORING!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Mid-week Ramblings


Tues night, 29 Sept 09

It has been about a week since I last added anything to my blog. In many ways it has been the same old stuff here, and then of course there has been quite a bit of new stuff to share. Truth is, I don't know what all is worthy of adding here (verses what would bore you to tears), and what is off limits to share over the internet. I can tell you that I had almost 50 Soldiers attend my chapel service last Sunday night. That was quite a surprise to me, but I was thrilled nonetheless. That old chapel (see picture) felt almost full, which was pretty cool. I preached on suffering and the need to still praise God through the storms of life (such as an experience like this, hint hint). Of course, with that topic I had to play Casting Crown's song, "Praise You in This Storm." It all went over very well and I had many nice compliments afterward. This feels like a regular church back home because I have an older Soldier who wants me to use the hymnals and young Soldiers who want me to stick with contemporary praise songs! (I may do both next week). Just goes to show, it does not matter where your church is located, that issue will still be there! I even have a Soldier who wants to get baptized before we leave here. We have the figure out the when and where to do this since our old chapel does not have a baptistry, but I'm honored he asked.

There is another large group of Soldiers here from somewhere back East, and they have a Chaplain with them as well. He is about my age and we have hit it off well already. We've spent time comparing notes and discussing Bible study topics and times, as well as preaching topics and styles. He's had a number of difficult issues to deal with regarding his Soldiers already, as have I. Many relationships back home are strained and the Soldiers here are feeling the stress. When there are distractions back home, you can't believe how magnified it gets at this end. So please keep us all in your prayers. Pray for our military all over the world who are away from home. Trust me, it's hard.

Gotta run for now, but thanks for reading along and I'll add more soon.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Meet "Chance"

24 Sept. 09

The newest addition to the Army arrived last night via US mail. His name is "Chance" and he is my new buddy. I'll have to teach him how to salute and do push-ups, but I think he'll fit in fine.

Chance was lovingly chosen by my kids for the specific misison of keeping dad company. I love him, girls, and I'll take good care of him, too. Thanks for the new friend!



Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Mental Health Day


23 Sept. 2009

I had some time this morning away from the training schedule to relax and do some laundry, read my Bible, and do a few things on the computer. It has been a nice day so far... but that could change quickly! There is so much going on here with many moving pieces and Soldiers going off to training in many different directions. It is a logistical nightmare! I cannot take pictures or tell you about most of what we're doing now, because it would compromise our mission. The Soldiers are practicing their skills and using equipment that they will continue to use during deployment. It has become very serious, which is a good thing. But the stress has begun to take a toll on many of our troops. We've had people sent home for various reasons, including medical and mental health as well. I can understand because the stress is mounting and the time away from family and friends is daunting.

I'm choosing a favorite picture that we took the day I left. I look at it daily to get me through and I remember why I am here and what I am fighting for. Please keep me in your prayers, as this is a battle that needs prayer coverage, too (Eph 6:10). I have been asked how I continue to hold up when so many are coming to me with their problems. I'm not sure, except I know where my strength and help comes from (sounds like a Casting Crowns song, doesn't it? See Psalms 121:1-2). My wife and daughter got to go to their concert last week with some friends. I was so jealous, but glad they went. I want them to grow stronger in their faith while I am gone, too.
Soldiers who have been through this before say it changes you. If that's the case, then I am praying that God uses it to change me for the better. That I grow closer to him, more confident, and more experience in ministry. That's my prayer. Talk to you again soon.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Mail Call

Wed. night,
Boy is it nice to get mail from home! My family sent me a care package with goodies and cards and letters and candy (which they expect me to share). It was a great feeling to get back to my room and open the package. To my family I say, "Thank you" and "I love you." I have your cards and letters already posted up by my bed (see the picture). The wall is kind of old and beat up, so it is nice to add some color and family to my life here!

I led Bible study tonight in the chapel and ended with showing a "NOOMA" video. Rob Bell, the teaching pastor in this video series, talks about what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus and to know that Jesus has faith in you and I that we can do it (that we can be like him). It's a powerful concept. And it struck me that even though we did not have a strong turn-out for the Bible study tonight, it's OK. Jesus only had 12 guys and they changed the course of human history! So I can start small and be faithful with a few Soldiers, and God will honor that and one-day trust me with greater things (see Luke 16:10). It works that way for all of us, by the way. It is tempting to dream big, but if I cannot be trusted with the little things in life (such as managing money, or relationships, or my job, or a smaller ministry), then there's no way God will give me the bigger things to manage. It is an important lesson to learn.
Gotta run. The alarm at 0500 (a.k.a. 5:00 am) comes fast!