A Year in Afghanistan

A little over a year ago, I reported to CHBOLC for my chaplain basic officer leadership course. 3 and half months later after graduating, I boarded a plane for HI as an active duty chaplain to inprocess to my first duty station. 9 days later I boarded another plane in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I was going to war....now 10 months later as I finish up this year of deployment I can honestly say I am a different man than the one who reported to Ft Jackson.

I am different because of so many new friends who invested in me, Jason Bird, a chaplain who is currently deployed here as well in Kandahar, Ch Kline, who was tough on our class, and yet, saw something in me to challenge me a little further, to push me a little harder...to plant a desire for true ministry to Joes, and not get wrapped around the axle of all the Army rules and regulations. Our squad in 1 platoon will forever have a special place in my mind, our ability to keep ourselves entertained during death by powerpoint is worthy of an army commendation medal for sure. Bird, Berry, Clayson, Amato, Daniels and Bates...I know SFC Ramirez and the School house will never be the same.

Each moment of rubbing shoulders with such people made me a little better than I was, a little better than I ever was going to be. And now over here, I have seen the worst of the worst..in humanity, in horror...I have looked into the black bag of death and come away forever changed....appreciative of the time that is granted...understanding we are but a electrical spark away from eternity and our own zipper of closure. All of these things have given me a tremendous desire to enjoy each moment, to see the story behind the person, the things that make so many so neurotic at times has taken on a new ability of comprehension, compassion, and empathy.

Mostly, this last year, I have grown in my own relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Alive, well, walking this planet in the form of so many servants. I have learned though I have lost all, as long as I have Him, I am wealthy beyond comparison. I have gained new insight into Psalms 23 as I roll down the IED infested roads of this country with my Soldiers remembering that even though we roll through the valley, we have no reason to fear. I think everyone should have to live as if today was the day they would meet their maker....it is terribly clarifying of what is and what is important.

I have so appreciated who my children have become, the extension of the personalities I saw so many years ago now fully developed, fully engaged, fully enjoyed.

All these things have transpired this year....and while my posting is latter than the first, (welcome to being deployed) I wanted to take a moment and share, lest I someday, somehow forget....

One day,

One day I wrote an email...it forever changed my thinking....
One day I took a plane ride... that forever changed my heart....
One day I invested in gold...that forever changed my finances....
One day I forgave all... that brought freedom to my future....
One day I will ask a question... that will be my forever answer....