A Change of Scenery...

Me In Sadam's Old Throne

Tyson and I Playing With a New Toy (Unfortunately Tyson Got a New Job In Another Unit...He Moved Last Week)

Dear Friends,

Well, I changed bases last week, and I really haven't had much time to settle since. There is a lot going on right now, and I am just trying to get all the important stuff done. I have a lot of good news too. The gym here is great...there's an outdoor crossfit section which is very nice...working out in the sun is always enjoyable. The cafeteria is also a little better...still not the 5-star meals of the big bases, but an improvement for sure. It also is very nice to be closer to everyone now. It makes communication and accomplishing tasks a lot easier. It is tough to leave my old home behind, but it is a good change of scenery.

In other news...my new commander should be arriving soon. We are making lots of preparations, and the switch out will take about a month. It will be busy, but again..."busy is good." I am incredibly encouraged by recent changes, and I really look forward to going home. The current plan is to come home at the end of April...however, I remain at the mercy of the Army.

Finally, I was able to make it to both chapels this week and last. I need to make it to the Bible Study though. They have two a week at this base...one on Tuesday and another on Thursday. My main goal, though, is to start a smaller group of some of the guys who were in my study at AQ. Please pray that God would give me the heart and the time to do some kingdom work in addition to my Army job...there is still a huge need for Christ here. Okay, I'll write again when I am able. Until then!

Helicopters, Crushing Rocks, and The Occasional Bang

Dear Friends,

Helicopters flying overhead, crushing rocks under the tires of Strykers, and the occasional "bang"...these are the sounds of IRock. Helicopters fly over our base all the time picking folks up, doing reconnaissance in the area, or whatever else the "fly-boys" do (ask Luke if you really want to know). Our entire base is covered in gravel to prevent muddy conditions so the Strykers make quite a sound when they roll through the gate. The occasional "bang" is not what you probably thing... it is actually usually someone slipping down the stairs which lead up to the guard tower on my roof. I think that the stairs are really dark at night because the guards usually have trouble getting down them. Anyway, the sounds here are definitely quieting down. You can tell that the Americans really are starting to take a back seat here. It is a good thing though...necessary for progress.

I have been reading some interesting stuff in Bible recently too...the Chaplain spoke this Sunday out of II Kings talking about when Israel "rediscovered" the Book of the Law in the temple. People were cut to the core when they heard its words because they knew that the conditions of their hearts were so bad. I daily find myself convicted, encouraged, and challenged by the Bible. I have found it to be the most needed routine of my day...this deployment has been a great opportunity to "immerse" myself into God's Word...it's amazing what you find out is most important to you when all the extra things are temporarily taken away. Okay...I'll stop preaching...too many preachers these days and not enough "do-ers". I will write again soon.