Saturday, March 14, 2009
ANGELLS IN IRAQ
Today in Iraq is not much unlike yesterday or the day before or the day before. The monotony and boredom are at once a blessing and a curse. We could be busy, but that would probably mean that we are actively engaged in war and that would be far from a blessing. On the other hand, when things die down, how you spend your time here becomes even more important. I have read more books lately than I have read in my entire life, and I have watched more movies than I care to count. I go to Chapel on Sundays, meet with a Bible study group on Thursdays and have been blessed with an Angell to spend time with. No really, his name is Lou Angell. I know you typically spell angel with one "L," But Lou's has 2 "L's" and that is alright. Lou has become a good friend. He is a fellow Christian I can share with, hang out with and drink lots of coffee with. This friendship, I am certain, was arranged by God for two men who needed to occasionally be sharpened by another's sword. So, together we do very little because there is very little to be done on an isolated base with few facilities, but without Lou I would be troubled by too much idle time which for me, or anyone for that matter, can be a dangerous thing. So, while I have very little to report today I am thankful to God who keeps his eye on us at all times and sends you just what you need when you need it. I hope you all have an ANGELL in your life.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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
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
Monday, January 19, 2009
Inauguration
Tomorrow we will inaugurate Barak Obama as President of the United States of America. While some of my fellow conservatives might be surprised, I am excited and hope to witness the Oath of Office on the Armed Forces Network here in Iraq. No, I didn't vote for him, but it makes little difference at this point who I voted for. Tomorrow it will be President Barak Obama who is sworn in as our 44th President. The President of the United States deserves our respect and support. These are tough times and tough decisions will have to be made.
That's one reason I did like George W. so much. He was never afraid to make the tough decisions. He didn't seem to care about the poles, just doing the right thing for the American people. President Obama comes into office during very troubling times and will need all the help he can get. The economy is a mess and getting worse. We are engaged in war in two different countries and there are signs of trouble brewing in others. What a heavy burden it must be to assume responsibility for the most powerful Nation in the world during these times. Well then, why am I excited?
I am excited because, political affiliation aside, America will make history tomorrow by electing her first black President. I don't know about you, but as troubled as this world still is I find comfort in the fact that we have come this far regarding race in our country. Today MLK would be celebrating one special birthday. I am certain he is smiling in heaven, but also hoping and praying that we continue to reconcile our differences. I am also excited because there is always something alluring about change. After 8 years we have a new President who has the opportunity to guide us in a new and more prosperous direction. Only time will tell if it works out that way, but for now I choose to hope and pray for his success. I can't imagine anyone wanting our President to fail, but I am sure there are. That is why I ask you all to pray for the Obama's and our country. The President needs our prayers. Prayers for protection and prayers for wisdom and for seeking God's guidance in all he does.
I just hope we can unite together and all share in this exciting time in our history. Don't forget the bottom line...God is in control. Assurance of that should leave us with little to worry about.
That's one reason I did like George W. so much. He was never afraid to make the tough decisions. He didn't seem to care about the poles, just doing the right thing for the American people. President Obama comes into office during very troubling times and will need all the help he can get. The economy is a mess and getting worse. We are engaged in war in two different countries and there are signs of trouble brewing in others. What a heavy burden it must be to assume responsibility for the most powerful Nation in the world during these times. Well then, why am I excited?
I am excited because, political affiliation aside, America will make history tomorrow by electing her first black President. I don't know about you, but as troubled as this world still is I find comfort in the fact that we have come this far regarding race in our country. Today MLK would be celebrating one special birthday. I am certain he is smiling in heaven, but also hoping and praying that we continue to reconcile our differences. I am also excited because there is always something alluring about change. After 8 years we have a new President who has the opportunity to guide us in a new and more prosperous direction. Only time will tell if it works out that way, but for now I choose to hope and pray for his success. I can't imagine anyone wanting our President to fail, but I am sure there are. That is why I ask you all to pray for the Obama's and our country. The President needs our prayers. Prayers for protection and prayers for wisdom and for seeking God's guidance in all he does.
I just hope we can unite together and all share in this exciting time in our history. Don't forget the bottom line...God is in control. Assurance of that should leave us with little to worry about.
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