Last week, we moved from FOB Hammer to the big city at Camp Stryker.
Frequency Hop real quick: Rumor has it that Camp Stryker was originally founded by our Brigade Combat Team, “Striker” in 2003-2004, some where along the line the Striker turned into Stryker after the combat vehicle of the same name–because after all that surely what it means…can we get ay respect? End of message.
I’m still getting used t it all. There is much to do here. There is a lot of opportunity. I will be leading a Contemporary Worship Service and a Bible Study. So, I will be busy. I also will be traveling to FOB Hammer once and awhile to see the people there.
I went on my first run this morning. They have a nice two mile trail behind my CHU, so that’s nice. The traffic prevents me from running anywhere else. So, I’m probably just going to work on my speed. Go faster longer. I’m really a snail, when it comes to running. And I like to run–but I’m a snail.
During our trip last week, I was able to drive through the city of Baghdad–that was interesting. I was interested to see the city…and it reminded me of the poor areas of Nashville, TN–except there was much more trash. Just kinda of dark, in was night time, and run down. Disclaimer: I love Nashville, but their are some shady areas that every big city has…but that is simply the image that came to mind.
I was also impressed with how well this country is getting back to business. We were in the rural areas at Hammer…mud huts outside the FOB. But the city is starting to open its doors–people are feeling safe again. This is wonderful to see.