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