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