I left last week to visit some Soldiers at FOB Hammer and to offer religious services for them during the Christmas week.
What a rewarding experience!
The Soldiers were happy to see me. I was able to talk to a few and I was able to interact with some great Chaplains who are just entering Iraq–as well as the Army. It is a great ministry to me–seeing these Chaplains excited and energetic about the mission ahead.
Wednesday, we held a Candle Light service–where we sang song and read the Christmas Story. I think that it was a nice reminder to all of us of the true meaning of Christmas–Jesus. I was humbled by the thought, however, that that would be my last service there in that building. The same building that is used for memorials. It was nice to see the joy in the room, rather than the hurting of a memorial. It was beautiful to see the candles all lit–but was relieved that they were all extinguished before something burned down.
My trip back to Striker took me throught the streets of Baghdad. We go throught similar streets each time. I love to see the country returning to peace.
Ada Shockley says
Thank you for visiting the troops at FOB Hammer at Christmas. My son arrived their recently and it makes me feel good hearing that they have someone that they can turn to if they need to talk to someone.