Wow... it's finally over (or is it just the beginning?) My time in Kuwait has come to an end. The unit threw me a very nice Farewell Party tonight. It was bittersweet. I've made so many friends here and can only hope I've been half as much of a blessing to them as they've been to me. I'm going to miss this.
On the other hand, I am so excited to see my family. April tells me the boys are bouncing off the walls in anticipation of seeing their dad. Even little Noah apparently knows something is up. I just hope he remembers me.
The weather here has made quite the change. Humidity has arrived. I recognized something was different when I returned from Afghanistan, but it wasn't as pronounced until today. We've had 110+ degree temperatures with 90%+ humidity. It's like walking in soup. Before it was just hot. Now it's ridiculously sticky.
I've had a roller coaster ride that I'll still be processing months from now. I've made good friends. Seen two theaters of war. Landed on gravel airstrips. Witnessed the spiritual hunger in our Soldiers. Grieved with a unit losing a buddy to suicide. Was able to intervene and keep another service member from taking their life.
I certainly havn't been perfect, but God in His grace is willing to use broken vessels. At the end of the day, it's all about Him. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
The Wandering Chaplain
2 Timothy 4:7
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Afghanistan Part Trois
My third and final trip to Afghanistan is almost over. I've heard from the beginning that travel can be iffy and it's not uncommon to get stranded. I guess I finally ran out of luck because I've been waiting 3 days (looks to be 5 days) before I can catch a return flight. Alas, just more time with my Afghan detachment!
In addition to the routine Chaplain site visit providing what the Army calls "Ministry of Presence", I was tasked while here to conduct the Phase III Suicide Prevention Training for our Afghan detachment. So far I've done 6 such briefings in 4 locations (Bagram, Jalalabad, Salerno and Kandahar). Possibility for one more in Kabul if flight arrangements can be worked out.
Had another divine appointment with one of my Soldiers returning from R&R with bad news. My heart really grieves for our men and women in uniform. It's not enough that they're under enough stress as it is just being in theater, but many are having to put out fires when they go home. (This is not ment to downplay the stress family back home is under during a deployment).
It does make me extremely grateful for all the support I've received from back home. From my family, college and church colleagues I've by and large received great support (with one notable exception...) When I get down, I just think of those three smiling faces (Stephen, Caleb and Noah) and imagine scooping up those little guys!
Whereas my last Afghan trip was marred by spiritual attacks, this one has been just the opposite. I left Kuwait having hit the emotional and spiritual "wall" and was just empty. My arrival in Bagram was not only refreshing physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Maybe it was the change of scenery or the prayers offered by my boys, but there was a tangible difference in my spirit. It's still gonna take some time to recover from the "compassion fatigue" (believe it or not i do have a heart...), but I'm at a better place and have a better appreciation for family and friends.
One of the highlights of the trip was traveling with SPc Robinson. My chaplain assistant went back to the states back in June so I've been flying solo again since then. However I cant travel abroad without a security detail. I wasn't short of volunteers that's for sure. Seems everyone wanted to get out of Arifjan to travel with the chaplain! Well SPC Robinson won the lottery and accompanied me to both Iraq and Afghanistan. I received quite the education from traveling with him. He's broadened my vocabulary and has helped make me laugh. An avid singer, I accompanied him to "Poetry Night" in Bagram where the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen expressed themselves through poetry, music, rap, etc. Quite the experience to say the least.
Another fond memory was in Kandahar where NATO has a much stronger presence. We arrived on a Saturday night and decided to ruck march to the transient tents. We passed he boardwalk where they were doing Karaoke. Of course SPC Robinson, aka "J Soul" wanted to perform (check him out on youtube "jsoul2008"). We dropped our gear off and returned. He wasnt able to get on the list but we listened to some of the singers. Whereas Bagram was no holds barred vulgarity, Kandahar was only Karaoke. The most hilarious part was a British Soldier "Mikey" singing "I believe I can fly." He actually sounded worse than me. He was so off key it was hilarious! There were others with some talent, but Mikey was the most memorable.
I've already been contacted about a stateside mobilization. "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."
The Wandering Chaplain
In addition to the routine Chaplain site visit providing what the Army calls "Ministry of Presence", I was tasked while here to conduct the Phase III Suicide Prevention Training for our Afghan detachment. So far I've done 6 such briefings in 4 locations (Bagram, Jalalabad, Salerno and Kandahar). Possibility for one more in Kabul if flight arrangements can be worked out.
Had another divine appointment with one of my Soldiers returning from R&R with bad news. My heart really grieves for our men and women in uniform. It's not enough that they're under enough stress as it is just being in theater, but many are having to put out fires when they go home. (This is not ment to downplay the stress family back home is under during a deployment).
It does make me extremely grateful for all the support I've received from back home. From my family, college and church colleagues I've by and large received great support (with one notable exception...) When I get down, I just think of those three smiling faces (Stephen, Caleb and Noah) and imagine scooping up those little guys!
Whereas my last Afghan trip was marred by spiritual attacks, this one has been just the opposite. I left Kuwait having hit the emotional and spiritual "wall" and was just empty. My arrival in Bagram was not only refreshing physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Maybe it was the change of scenery or the prayers offered by my boys, but there was a tangible difference in my spirit. It's still gonna take some time to recover from the "compassion fatigue" (believe it or not i do have a heart...), but I'm at a better place and have a better appreciation for family and friends.
One of the highlights of the trip was traveling with SPc Robinson. My chaplain assistant went back to the states back in June so I've been flying solo again since then. However I cant travel abroad without a security detail. I wasn't short of volunteers that's for sure. Seems everyone wanted to get out of Arifjan to travel with the chaplain! Well SPC Robinson won the lottery and accompanied me to both Iraq and Afghanistan. I received quite the education from traveling with him. He's broadened my vocabulary and has helped make me laugh. An avid singer, I accompanied him to "Poetry Night" in Bagram where the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen expressed themselves through poetry, music, rap, etc. Quite the experience to say the least.
Another fond memory was in Kandahar where NATO has a much stronger presence. We arrived on a Saturday night and decided to ruck march to the transient tents. We passed he boardwalk where they were doing Karaoke. Of course SPC Robinson, aka "J Soul" wanted to perform (check him out on youtube "jsoul2008"). We dropped our gear off and returned. He wasnt able to get on the list but we listened to some of the singers. Whereas Bagram was no holds barred vulgarity, Kandahar was only Karaoke. The most hilarious part was a British Soldier "Mikey" singing "I believe I can fly." He actually sounded worse than me. He was so off key it was hilarious! There were others with some talent, but Mikey was the most memorable.
I've already been contacted about a stateside mobilization. "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."
The Wandering Chaplain
Iraq Part Deux
The end is near (at least my deployment is)! The last week of July I finally made a return trip to Iraq. My June visit fell through so it had been a while since I saw these Soldiers and Coasties. These visits seem to result in divine appointments where the Chaplain just happened to be around when one of my guys needed it. Prior to a few counseling sessions, a Change of Responsibility Ceremony, and a Combat Stress / Battlemind briefing, I had the priviledge of visiting the hospital here with my new Command Sergeant Major. It was an honor visiting our wounded warriors, offering some words of encouragement and praying with them. The CSM and I were a good team with a good cop / bad cop approach (which is which is up for debate :-). The CSM would prescribe Guiness which always encouraged the troops (except for one who didnt drink). As this was my last trip to Iraq, the Commander of our Iraq battalion gave me a unit coin in appreciation for my services. Fortunately, no mortar or rocket attacks on this visit.
I'm starting to count the days to my reunion with April and the boys!
The Wandering Chapain
I'm starting to count the days to my reunion with April and the boys!
The Wandering Chapain
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Dawg Days of Summer
Boy am I missing my family! The Summer is in full swing now and the temperature is still steadily rising. As I'm attached to an active duty unit (595th Transportation Terminal Group), Summer has been the time when many of the Soldiers are leaving and their replacements are arriving. It's been great getting to know them and I wish them nothing but the best at their next duty station.
With the new batch coming in I'm enjoying the fruit of my labor over the past several months. The "coffee house" ministry is a big hit with the newcomers and has spread to other commands in the building. The newcomers are being told the Chaplain section has the "best coffee in the building" and the traffic continues to grow.
The Bible studies are also established and there's a faith commitment among many of the new officers. I have 7 different Bible studies/Communion services scheduled each week at various locations across southern Kuwait and 2 world religions workshops going on at present. The counseling opportunities have increased with Soldiers becoming more comfortable and feeling that I'm approachable. I'm once again flying solo as my Chaplain Assistant was only with me for a little over a month.
One of my quiet times during this deployment was a simple one from the "Our Daily Bread" devotional for June 21st (Father's Day). It was rather convicting and has been in the back of my mind ever since. Now that my tour is coming to an end, it's moving to the forefront of my mind. Essentially, the devotion pointed out that "If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in our work and so little in our children's lives?"
Ouch. Could someone get the dagger out of my heart?
I know I'll have to make some changes when I get back. I want to be a better daddy. My boys (and wife) deserve better! I just hope I have the discipline to make them more of a priority (and not just have it be lip service).
The Wandering Chaplain
Psalm 127:3
With the new batch coming in I'm enjoying the fruit of my labor over the past several months. The "coffee house" ministry is a big hit with the newcomers and has spread to other commands in the building. The newcomers are being told the Chaplain section has the "best coffee in the building" and the traffic continues to grow.
The Bible studies are also established and there's a faith commitment among many of the new officers. I have 7 different Bible studies/Communion services scheduled each week at various locations across southern Kuwait and 2 world religions workshops going on at present. The counseling opportunities have increased with Soldiers becoming more comfortable and feeling that I'm approachable. I'm once again flying solo as my Chaplain Assistant was only with me for a little over a month.
One of my quiet times during this deployment was a simple one from the "Our Daily Bread" devotional for June 21st (Father's Day). It was rather convicting and has been in the back of my mind ever since. Now that my tour is coming to an end, it's moving to the forefront of my mind. Essentially, the devotion pointed out that "If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in our work and so little in our children's lives?"
Ouch. Could someone get the dagger out of my heart?
I know I'll have to make some changes when I get back. I want to be a better daddy. My boys (and wife) deserve better! I just hope I have the discipline to make them more of a priority (and not just have it be lip service).
The Wandering Chaplain
Psalm 127:3
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Coffee for the Troops
My little coffee corner continues to grow and grow. Word is getting out and Soldiers are building in a stop by the Chaplain section to grab a cup of (g.i.) joe. This provides an opportunity for small talk about how things are going. Often the Soldier will share some of the stresses their dealing with back home or with the mission. Sometimes we'll pray or schedule a time for them to stop back by to talk. They'll pick up some religious literature and head on their way.
When I first started, a box of K-cups (coffee), regular and flavored, would last a week. I recently put out a box of Southern Pecan and it didn't last two days! The demand is quickly surpassing the supply.
SO.... if you'd like to support the ministry here, consider sending a box of K-Cups. You can purchase K-cups at some traditional stores and various websites, but not all of them can ship to an APO address (must use USPS instead of UPS/FedEx). Keurig (www.keurig.com) donated the coffee maker and the initial 200 K-cups. I've ordered from them since then so I know they can ship to Kuwait. If you'd like to send a box, please mail to the following:
CH (CPT) Paul Tolbert
595th Trans Term Grp
Chaplain Section
APO, AE 09366
Any kind is fine. Most go with the regular blends and/or Southern Pecan. Thanks for the consideration!
When I first started, a box of K-cups (coffee), regular and flavored, would last a week. I recently put out a box of Southern Pecan and it didn't last two days! The demand is quickly surpassing the supply.
SO.... if you'd like to support the ministry here, consider sending a box of K-Cups. You can purchase K-cups at some traditional stores and various websites, but not all of them can ship to an APO address (must use USPS instead of UPS/FedEx). Keurig (www.keurig.com) donated the coffee maker and the initial 200 K-cups. I've ordered from them since then so I know they can ship to Kuwait. If you'd like to send a box, please mail to the following:
CH (CPT) Paul Tolbert
595th Trans Term Grp
Chaplain Section
APO, AE 09366
Any kind is fine. Most go with the regular blends and/or Southern Pecan. Thanks for the consideration!
4th of July
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” – Erma Bombeck (with special thanks to Mary Tom Bass)
Greetings from Kuwait where it's always sunny! What a treat to be celebrating the 4th of July with the Troops. Since I can't be with my own family, I can't think of a better group to be with. Though many of us don't get the day off here, there are some barbecues and stuff planned for this evening. I havn't heard of any fireworks, but we'll see. The new Terminator movie is showing so that gives us something to look forward to.
It's been a tough week (more so than usual) with the death of one of my Soldiers. The young man leaves behind 2 little girls under the age of 2, one of which was born while he was here. My heart aches for them.
I'm so proud of his unit at the same time. They're a small detachment of only 20 or so Soldiers. The entire batallion is only about 100 strong. Fortunately, this small band of brothers and sisters have not had any experience with losing one of their own. This led to a challenge pulling of the memorial ceremony. There was a leadership vacuum at this time resulting in an increased reliance on me. This at a time when I'm once again without a Chaplain Assistant. Nevertheless God is faithful and the ceremony was honoring to their fallen comrade. It provided the unit a time to grieve. It was very cathartic for all involved and provided a sense of closure. Closure doesn't mean we forget, we never will, but it is an important step in turning the corner and moving on.
As you celebrate this Independence Day, enjoy the time with family and friends. Thank God for this country and say a special prayer for the guardians of our freedom.
The Wandering Chaplain
Greetings from Kuwait where it's always sunny! What a treat to be celebrating the 4th of July with the Troops. Since I can't be with my own family, I can't think of a better group to be with. Though many of us don't get the day off here, there are some barbecues and stuff planned for this evening. I havn't heard of any fireworks, but we'll see. The new Terminator movie is showing so that gives us something to look forward to.
It's been a tough week (more so than usual) with the death of one of my Soldiers. The young man leaves behind 2 little girls under the age of 2, one of which was born while he was here. My heart aches for them.
I'm so proud of his unit at the same time. They're a small detachment of only 20 or so Soldiers. The entire batallion is only about 100 strong. Fortunately, this small band of brothers and sisters have not had any experience with losing one of their own. This led to a challenge pulling of the memorial ceremony. There was a leadership vacuum at this time resulting in an increased reliance on me. This at a time when I'm once again without a Chaplain Assistant. Nevertheless God is faithful and the ceremony was honoring to their fallen comrade. It provided the unit a time to grieve. It was very cathartic for all involved and provided a sense of closure. Closure doesn't mean we forget, we never will, but it is an important step in turning the corner and moving on.
As you celebrate this Independence Day, enjoy the time with family and friends. Thank God for this country and say a special prayer for the guardians of our freedom.
The Wandering Chaplain
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sandstorms
Have you ever seen The Mummy? If so, do you remember the scene where the Mummy creates a sand storm that looks like a wall of sand rolling over the desert? Well that's the experience I had this week. I had heard that these storms could just show up with little warning, but it's hard to fathom it until you've seen it. I had just finished picking up a late meal and got back on the shuttle bus. Visibility was fine. Five minutes later you could hardly see 50 feet out the front of the bus! Headlights and taillights were barely visible. When we arrived at my stop, I debated just staying on the bus til the storm subsided. But a desire to get to bed got the best of me so I exited the bus and braved the elements. With patrol cap pulled down low and sunglasses on at night, I tried to shield my eyes from the sand. I was partially successful but my moist soft drink can was caked with sand. Nothing some baby wipes cant handle!
(The pic is not mine, but one I found on the 'net from Iraq. It gives a good idea of what these storms can do!)
The Wandering Chaplain
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