Trust your gut

So I had been worried for a reason.
He was hurt in a suicide blast sometime in late December.
He is currently stateside and recovering.
No other details right now.

Prayers are always appreciated.

Worry..................

So I have NO IDEA how the wives and children get through this- they all deserve a badge of courage in my book. Here I am, just a friend, and so full of worry I could split. I havent heard from him since just before Christmas and I figure "no news is good news", right? Funny how in times of what we call "peace" not hearing from someone in 2 weeks would hardly raise an eyebrow. Now in 2 days in sends chills up your spine with "What ifs".

Of course it doesnt help my mind set that I'm still battling the effects of having pneumonia. So I cough and cough enough to keep myself up all night and then what is there to do but wonder- and worry?

UGH!

WIshing you the "Touch of Peace"

From "Christmas Around the World"


Christmas In IRAQ

On Christmas Eve, Iraqi Christian families gather together and one of the children read about the birth of Jesus while other family members hold lighted candles. Afterward the reading, a bonfire of thorn bushes is let and everyone sings. If the thorns burn to ashes, good luck will be granted for the coming year. When the fire dies, each person jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish.

On Christmas Day another bonfire is lit in the churchyard. The bishop, carrying a figure of the Baby Jesus leads the service. Afterwards he blesses one person with a touch. That person touches the person next to him or her and the touch is passed around until all present have felt the "touch of peace."
MERRY CHIRSTMAS TO ALL....

PASS THIS BILL!

The whole concept of this injustice made me sick. You can link to Operation Pittsburgh Pride to read all about just one of countless soldiers injured in war and then told they had to PAY BACK their enlistment bonuses. The idea being the soldiers could not fulfill their entire tour of duty and therefore where not entitled to the pay????
ARGH!
The Congress has passed a bill CHANGING this and with luck the President is going to see the error of this practice and allow those who served this country to return to life in the States with OUR NEVER ENDING GRATITUDE- not never ending DEBT!

Holiday Ills......

Yup- seems the whole family has come down with a nasty nasty cold that seems to be circulating. COugh- sore throats- blech. Hope it passes before too long.

I remember my buddy telling me how the flu actually had struck a few soldiers a while back. As miserable as I feel right now- that thought of being away from home, in a war- in a desert with the flu - well it puts things into perspective for sure!

Christmas Wish

"Dona Nobis Pacem"

Ok- grew up Catholic can you tell? LAtin for "grant us peace"-
Peace for my friend in the desert- and for his family.
Peace for My "cyber friends" who recently lost their twins- my heart BLEEDS for you -and I wish you a Holiday of peace and love -
Peace for my parent's neighboors who just this week lost their father-
Peace for all of us so caught up in the spending frenzy and rush to get things perfect we forget the great words of wisdom spun by Dr Seuss...
(paraphrased) that despite everything Christmas comes- "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags!"

Peace all my loved ones........
Remeber it is all about the Love-
and I do love you all.

INDESCRIBABLY BEAUTIFUL...........

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...

This is Arlington. Morrill Wiscester began the tribute of wreaths in 1992 with 4000 wreaths..... and has done it every year. Please help him by going to the web site for Wreaths across America. You can even log in to track the escort making its way to Arlington.

How can you not be moved? Wow. I'm speechless.

Could Not Be More Proud!

...of all the kids at the local school who collected religious medals, candy canes and created their own Christmas Cards for the troops. In all over 500 cards were made and over 500 Candy Canes delivered.

Message from Iraq received yesterday:

Several days ago I received your packages with all the candy canes, Catholic items, and cards. They all arrived safely and are being redistributed to the Soldiers along with all the other things - like Christmas stockings - that we received.

Thanks! Let everyone know we greatly appreciate it and that it has helped us out a lot.

VEry,very cool.

Thanks Everyone!

PEARL HARBOR DAY

Today, as we continue to think of and pray for the men and women fightin gin today's war, let us also remeber all those who were lost- or fought-in World War 2.

Say thanks-

Xerox is helping say "thank you" to our men and women overseas...
Why not participate?

THANKS XEROX!
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

Snow-

Yep- snow here today. Wondering how much the guys miss that? Long way to go to get out of shoveling the walkway-

In the Beginning........

So here it is- the start.

I put together this blog to help update everyone who wants information on my friend and the troops stationed with him in Iraq. So many of you have shown unbelieveable compassion for these men and women. You have offered supplies, prayers.... and to just generally collect whatever they may want or need. Both Terry and I felt compelled to put this sight together and let you know how things are going- what is and isn't needed- and generally have a forum so you can come to know what it is like to be a Chaplain serving in Iraq- or a friend trying to lend a hand..............
Welcome.