I Timothy 6:6-8: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can
carry nothing out.
And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

Sunday, October 7

3:30 A.M.

When he made this call, Chris was going back to Lima Company. Of course, that’s not where he is now. He was very upbeat over at Camp Baharia. He had been busy with foot patrols, (not guard) and “special” missions for which he volunteered. He had the experience they were looking for, so, naturally he stepped forward. Of course, I could wish that he was not like his parents as we always seem to volunteer for things, too. There’s one minor difference…..when we volunteer we won’t get our heads cut off or body parts artistically rearranged.

He has been overjoyed to see the children again. There is a distinct difference in them on this deployment. They are so much happier. He’s spent a lot of time just watching them (well, he probably joins them periodically) play soccer. He’s noticed that they seem so much happier than the kids here in the United States, who have so much. Although the Iraqi children have little, they are joyous. The most cherished belonging they seem to have is a soccer ball, which is shared by many. They know contentment. That’s something for me to remember when I’m grousing.

Chris called back after church that morning. He was intent on finding how his letter had been received at St. John’s. Father Hai had made it the basis for his entire sermon. When he did call back, at 11 A.M., I passed the phone around so that he could talk to everyone and find out for himself. This seemed better than just relaying the message. I want to thank those of you who talked to him that morning. You really gave him uncontainable joy. You helped his week tremendously. He, himself, had been unable to go to church that morning, but he was still able to pray.

The one person he hadn’t been able to reach at that point was his sister, Megan. He really wanted just to hear her voice. Megan had just gotten a “My Space” home page up for me the night before. Chris was excited to find it and be the first to message me.

Additionally, he sends all his love to our church family. Of course, then he included all the rest of our family and friends. He never fails to ask about Izzie and her mommy, Michelle, and daddy, Steven. They are also over in Iraq as M.P.’s over at Bucca prison. Michelle had been finding it rough as her C.O. had not permitted her to do her job because she’s a woman. They can snatch her away from her baby here, but won’t let her do the work for which she’s trained over there. Chris was ticked off for her. He’s never had the problem of being denied the chance to do his job. Some things will never make sense.

He called later that night, around 11:40 P.M. It was almost eight in the morning over there. He was finally going to bed after guarding all night. He wanted to say goodnight before he “hit the rack”.

Hopefully, I’ll get caught up with these updates soon!

Sincerely,

JM