Bazaar

Today we had our third or fourth Iraqi Bazaar on our base since arriving in October. The bazaar is run by Iraqi widows. It is pretty neat being able to buy locally made items from the widows of Iraqi victims of the war. It is also a sad reminder of the evil that once prevailed in this Country. On the other hand, it is a joyous day that can be celebrated by the liberation of these people who not long ago could not have openly sold their goods or mingled among US Soldiers. They would have been seen as traitors and would be risking their lives by simply coming to our base.
Seeing the other side, so to speak, reminds me that times might be tough and get tougher, but with God there is always a day of liberation. A day when we look back and see the work he has done in us to get us to the point we now find ourselves. Personally, it is difficult being this far away from home, but I know to trust in Him to see me through. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know the opportunities I have today. It is my prayer that I will take full advantage of these opportunities and bring glory to God. What I do know about the future provides the motivation to live for today. The knowledge that one day I will be in His presence and all will be well with my soul.
God bless our Country and God bless the Iraqi people as they attempt to live in peace.

The Real Deal

I was recently rolling with one of our teams on a mission and just kind of watching in awe the way they go about their business. I almost used the word "casually" to describe the way they went about their duties, but this would not be the correct term to use. Nothing these men and women do is casual. They train hard, they prepare hard, they even rehearse hard and then they go on mission with the confidence of a warrior who knows he is prepared for the battle which may lay a head. The gunner is constantly rotating the turret back and forth scanning for the possibility of hostile engagement. The vehicle commander is constantly scanning a computer for updates as well as communicating with other members of the team by radio. The driver is always looking for any small sign of a well placed, well hidden explosive that could prove deadly to the convoy. There is no time to relax, no time to day dream, unless you're the one guy looking on in awe, no time to think about the problems you have at home. These guys are the real deal! No lip synching allowed. When these guys are called they don't play. They are here to defend & protect you and I from enemies foreign and domestic. You can have no better friend than the US Army, or if you choose so, no worse enemy. They don't pick their fight, but they certainly don't run from them either. In fact, from the well known story of David and Goliath, these guys run in to battle with the confidence that David had, knowing that the victory has already been won.
Enjoy today, enjoy school ( I know the kids are saying "yeah right"), enjoy work, enjoy time with friends and family, but never forget who stands guard while you enjoy the good life we've been given.
Before I go I want to encourage everyone reading to contact someone they know that could use a little lift in their day. I know many back home who are suffering from the economy, or they are suffering from a loss in the family, illness or perhaps simply lonely. You can make a big difference with a small act of kindness. Prepare and commit yourself this day, to doing something for someone else. Sacrifice is not just for foreign battlefields, but something Christians are called to do wherever they are.
God bless you always

MAIL Call!

Election Day!

Hello All! While we have a new President and our national elections are well behind us that is not the case here in Iraq. Today is the first provincial elections to take place across this country since I believe 2003 shortly following our initial move into Iraq. You might be very surprised to know that country wide there are over 400 seats to fill and more than 14,000 candidates willing to fill them. Unlike in the US, becoming a candidate for election here is often very bold and dangerous. People are willing to risk their personal safety for a position of influence in their new government. Today is also a pivotal day in the security of this country. As I write this it is currently 1:13 in the afternoon and all is well. I am praying that we make it through the day and I can still say that. The Iraqi Army is prepared and deployed in force along with their police counterparts to ensure the elections go smoothly and safely. Their success may have a lot of influence on when our troops are coming home. Pray with me that the elections and the days following are filled with peace and politics not blood and war.
On another subject entirely. Not long ago, my Pastor Rick, wrote in his blog about his concern for those in the congregation slipping though the cracks and how important it is for all members of the body to stay active and alert in helping to make sure this does not happen. He pointed out how difficult it is for him personally to monitor the growing flock and how each of us should be accountable to each other. Well, these may not have been his exact words, but I agree with his message in its entirety. We should take care of one another and that can be done in a relatively simple way as Pastor Rick goes on to describe in his bullets. Personally, I love getting letters, packages and cards from our Church. It is the one way I stay connected from 7,000 miles away. I also know of at least one Mother in the Church whose son is currently serving over here in Iraq. I encourage you to find out where Cindy's son is and drop him a note. Perhaps you have never met him, but I can assure you he will appreciate getting your mail. Over here mail call is the most exciting day of the week. Nothing tops the feeling of getting a note or box from home no matter who it is from. We would probably get excited receiving the junk mail we so hate to get back home.
Funny how something so small and simple can make such a big deal in the life of another.
God bless you all and thank you so much for the letters and goodies provided by some of our small groups and friends. I can assure you everything you send is much appreciated and finds it's way in to the hands of a soldier needing that pick me up at that very moment in time. Keep the letters and cards coming...it is almost time for MAIL CALL!

Dale Hamilton
1-63 CAB HHC LEP
FOB Mahmudiyah
APO AE 09322