Tensions Are High

29 June
An interesting thing is happening as we get closer to the end of this deployment. You might think that stress levels would go down, but for some reason we're seeing just the opposite. I think it has to do with recent changes we've had to go through in order to get ready for our replacements to arrive. (Nobody likes change!) We're moving offices and consolidating space to make room for more bodies to be here soon. You see, the last few weeks of our cycle will be the first few weeks for the battalion that replaces us. So we will spend about two weeks training them before we go. The only problems is there really is not enough room for double the people. This means Soldiers are starting to pack up and ship their extra stuff home. But it also means some of our poeple will be vacating their rooms soon and will be sleeping in the RSOI transient Soldier tents on the other side of the base. Nobody is looking forward to that! So please keep us in your prayers as the summer progresses. People here are tired and sick of this place, this war, and each other. We all want to go home, but we can't... yet. I know the day is coming, but until then we have to just make due and get along! [At least there is job security for the Chaplain. These stressful issues keep me busy with counseling sessions!]

I also have a few pictures I want to upload today, but we've been having internet problems over here recently and it's giving me troubles. So I will keep trying and hopefully get them posted soon.