My Down Day

Monday is my down day. This means I do not get a day off each week, but I limit what I do on Mondays. Unless there is an emergency or crisis within my Task Force, I do not go to our work area. This allows me to blog, email, call family, rest, and take care of some personal errands, i.e. laundry, purchase minutes for my cell phone (yes, we have cell phones in the war zone!), etc.

Yesterday was a wonderful Lord's Day! We had 70 soldiers and civilians gathered together for church. I had the privilege of bringing God's Word to these wonderful saints. A good Word from God encourages us during a time of separation and war. I attended a Memorial Ceremony for two fallen heroes from another unit on Saturday. Ceremonies like that remind us of the fragile nature of life in a war zone. Many of the friends of those great Americans attend the Worship Service I lead at Kandahar, Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the soldiers and the families of these whom made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

On a lighter note, my Task Force is doing great. All is well with the Saber Force! I enjoy my Troopers every day. They make life interesting that is for sure. We have some real characters in our unit. Soldiers always seem to make things interesting when you are far from home, living in the 115 degree desert, eating less than standard food quality, using port-o-johns, and facing the enemy.

Yesterday, I walked past one of the doors of our pilots and noticed a magazine clipping. It was man in a little bikini walking on the beach. It was placed there to harass one of the pilots who is consumed with his build. Before that, I went to the latrine and noticed someone had placed a oatmeal cookie in the toilet. It took that cookie five days before it dissolved. Makes you wonder how long it take in your stomach! We have some soldiers who found an abandoned truck that they acquired. The fixed it and painted it and made it run. It is the small things that help keep you sane in war. Everyone needs a good laugh once and a while.

For me, last week consisted mostly of counseling soldiers, visiting soldiers, going to meetings, preparing sermons, and leading worship services. As an Army Chaplain, this seems to be the norm. It has been a good deployment so far. Though many of my soldiers have faced difficulties with situations back home or with struggles here in Afghanistan, most are excelling in morale and health. Many have found themselves longing to be closer to God. Some have a new found hunger for His Word, the Holy Bible. Others are seeking new paths with the Lord. It is a very exciting time to be an Army Chaplain and a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The most challenging times for most of us is the sadness from missing our loved ones. For me, this is the hardest part of deployments. I miss the companionship and friendship with my wife. I miss playing with my son. The greatest moments in my life is when the Lord affords me the opportunity to share with my wife and son quality time together. Christ is Lord of my household and He has greatly blessed us. Thanks be to God for His grace!

Autumn, I look forward to a date with you. Elijah I look forward to fishing with you. Until then, may the God of heaven and earth keep us and watch over us as we are apart.

Love God and Live Life to the Fullest!!!