Mens Night Out

OK, I may be wearing a dress, but I can assure you this was very normal for our current environment. Not too long ago the Iraqi Army Captain Omar (Captain Omar is not in this picture, but Staff Sgt. Ali is along with Charlie Company Captain S) invited us to his office for lunch. It was a wonderful lunch of chai and faloppas (sp). A faloppa is basically a sandwich made from the most wonderful flat bread which is cut open. On the inside they put cucumbers, tomatoes, and fried chic peas. It is a great sandwich and one I have now eaten many times.

The casual wear, provided by Captain Omar, is called a misdasha. Again, I have no idea if the spelling is correct and I would bet not before I bet for. The misdasha is common wear for the men of Iraq and understandably so. With the extreme heat here it is very cool and comfortable. The loose fit (not so loose for me) allows the breeze to flow under and provide some relief. In many ways it was sad to close down the Joint Security Station we were on because of the friendships we made with our Iraqi partners. The JSS was closed in preparation of all US troops leaving the cities on June 30Th.

Now I am on Camp Stryker Camp Stryker is a large base and walking here is the only exercise you need. I probably walk an average of 3 miles a day and that is going to and from the office and to chow. However, there are many benefits I am just now starting to enjoy. In my room I have AFN (Armed Forces Network)TV. It is so great waking up in the morning and watching the news. There are 10 channels in all which allow me to watch sports, movies and regular programming. The other advantage is the dining facility. It is huge and the food is terrific. In fact, it is too good. Way too many choices, good and bad. They have any kind of desert you would want or could think of and they have...get this...sweet ice tea. I am in heaven. Well not exactly, but I have learned it certainly can be worse.

For any of you wondering, my address is pretty much the same with some minor changes. It is now;

Alan Dale Hamilton

1-63 CAB LEP

Camp Stryker

APO AE 09322

Many of you have written and some I have not yet written back, but believe me I certainly appreciate each and every note you send.

Well, it is time to go, but remember keep our American Heroes in your prayers and thank God each day for the freedom we enjoy.

Putting It All On the Line!

Hey Guys! Have you ever really wondered what it would be like to really put it all on the line? Your faith, your family, your life? I read a story the other day about a Pastor from England who is doing just that here in Iraq.

Pastor Andrew White arrived in Baghdad, Iraq in 2003 which you may recall was the year of our invasion of Baghdad. Pastor White left his family, a wife and two sons, back in England believing God had called him to this place to witness to the few Christians that are here during a time of war. Having no regard for his own safety he answered the call. Wow! I often wonder do I have the faith, the real and tested faith, to follow the call no matter where it leads.

The population in Baghdad is measured in the millions, Christians in the hundreds. They are not, or have not been, welcome here. They have faced real persecution and yet this Brittish Pastor followed a call here where the claim of being a Christian can mean death. In fact, all of his assistants have been either kidnapped or killed or both. Despite the constant threat of danger Pastor White maintains a quick sense of humor. He can only do this with faith in the God who is Love and promises us that perfect love drives out fear.

Understandably it is difficult for Pastor White to hire staff. He says he likes to tell potential employees that "the benefits of this job are out of this world". They are certainly not in this world.

I pray we all come to a faith that will withstand the toughest challenges we may face, knowing that our God is the one who is alive in us and will never leave us or forsake us.

Examine today the challenges that are making it difficult for you to live a life of faith and then give it all to God and begin a new day. The Son will shine on your tomorrow.

Location Update

Hey Guys! Sorry it has been a while, but I have literally been on the go. Many of you know that my base location has changed. I have moved from Mahmudiyah to JSS Yarmouck. Yarmouck is a very small base in the middle of a Baghdad neighborhood. I have no personal computer Internet, but because it is in the middle of the big city I can use the military computers that are made available for personal use and I can now update the blog site myself for the first time since arriving in theatre.
I am really enjoying it so far here. I can look off my building and watch the neighbors in their yard. I don't know if you are aware, but Baghdad has a population of several million people. There are sites and sounds of the city everywhere. I can watch children play, a soccer game in the field next to our base and always traffic. We have a number of Iraqi soldiers that work here with us which is great for the cultural exchange that takes place. We live in Iraqi homes, very nice homes, large enough to house many soldiers. A lot of our patrols are now what we call dismounts which simply means we walk. I enjoy the interaction with the populace and the excitement of being out in the middle of what is happening.
So anyway, that is what is going on with me at the moment. The Iraqi troops are doing a terrific job here as are their policemen. It is truly amazing to see the transformation taking place in this once war torn country.
I ask that God bless this country and people and as always God bless our soldiers and the United States of America.
I also remember those at home with no jobs or who are suffering from lack of work. I know it is tough, but hang in their. We will overcome these times of trouble and God will see us through. His promises cannot be broken.

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.

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.