Report from Iraq #1

I have been in country for over a week now and have settled into my accommodations.  Compared to how it was for so many who came over here 4 or 5 years ago, life here is very good.  We have real showers with hot water, flushable toilets, beds (really comfortable!), internet capability from our rooms, an excellent chow hall...we can't really complain too much other than to say we miss our families.

The mission tempo is decent and the troops are doing very well in their assigned tasks.  Our transition with the unit that is leaving is going much better than I anticipated.  They are more than accommodating and have been a great help.  Our official takeover date is 1 Jan and then we are on our own.

The military is really a small fraternity despite its size - you never know who you are going to bump into.  Yesterday at Christmas dinner, I heard someone say my name.  I knew I knew the voice and when I turned around I knew the face, but I couldn't remember his name (nothing too unusual for me).  He was a guy that I served with back at Ft. Eustis around 1985.  We hadn't seen each other since then.  He's now a Department of the Army (DA) civilian over here as a contracting officer.  We had a nice chat and I was so flattered that he actually remembered my name after so many years!

Speaking of Christmas, I was blessed to be able to share the unwrapping of presents with my wife and daughter through the wonders of modern technology.  It was a wonderful hour spent with them even though over 7,000 miles separates us.  I had received my 2^nd and last box for Christmas on Christmas Eve and so everyone had all the gifts available at the same time.  Tears were shed when I opened one of my gifts to find a Christmas ornament my Mom (who's been gone over 14 years) had cherished that Diane (my wife) sent to me.  You know that has a special spot in my room now. 

The best present I received actually came weeks before Christmas.  While I was still at Ft. Lewis, Diane called me and was beside herself.  Of course, my first thought was trouble, but it turned out that there was nothing to worry about - but there was something to celebrate.  Diane's Mom had, at 91, opened up her heart and gave her life to Jesus!  She now has the peace and contentment that only comes from knowing your Savior in this most personal way.  Even better, her name is now written in the Book of Life and she will be with God for eternity.  My grateful thanks to Anita and Annette for being the ones who helped my Mother in Law realize what she needed to do.

Now it's my Dad's turn to do the same thing.  In addition, for those who receive this note and have not done what my Mother in Law did, it's time for you as well.  I pray this salvation happens for everyone I know.

I leave you with a couple of pictures I took over at the Chow Hall on Christmas Day.