Day 377: Peace

Well I'm back in deployment mode (sort of) and ready to take on these next few weeks before finally going home:) Things have been rather slow around here as I have already passed on most of my responsibilities onto the new medical provider who arrived just before I left on leave. I actually feel rather out of place being unemployed.

Today, was actually fun as we opened up the doors of the Camp Clark Community Clinic once again to distribute the much desired humanitarian supplies in the form of school supplies, shoes, food, and water. As I stood and watched the kids with their enthusiastic smiles and infectious energy I realized that I never got to catch even a few seconds of it on video.

What you hear them saying is, Walaikum Salaam translated "And unto you, peace" , a response to the typical Muslim greeting of Salaam Alaikum - which means "Peace be unto you".


I've repeatedly used this greeting not realizing that what I was saying was so much more than a mere "hello". I was wishing them something that they have been longing for, something that I am here fighting for. As I reflect back on the things that I've accomplished during this arduous deployment I can only hope that the work that has been done here will bring them ever so closer to a life full of peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 NASB

Day 79: Peace & Quiet

I can't remember the last time I really enjoyed a day dominated by peace and quiet. A majority of my fellow Navy sailors left for Afghanistan earlier this AM, and my sleeping area hasn't sounded this quiet in months! No yelling, no loud rap music, no laughing, no inebriated sailors, no doors slamming constantly, and no obnoxious re-runs of Martin (which seemed to be every one's favorite show to watch on their laptops back in Kansas). Just some of my 2 closest friends, "peace" and "quiet".

The Air Force seems to live quite nicely out here. They enjoy a 24 hour dining facility free access to not only their great hot food, but also free all-you-can-eat ice cream, candy bars (I already fell victim to Kit Kat), Nutri-grain bars, Pop Tarts, bottled water, fresh fruit...and the list goes on. They also have a great workout facility with full court basketball!! There's even a small movie theater and free all you can eat popcorn. It's like an all-expense-paid resort vacation...


I'm no Pulitzer prize-winning photographer, but here's the best picture I can get of a beautiful mountain range that serves as a backdrop for the air base. There are too many buildings, trees, and blast walls to obscure my view so this is as good as it gets.

"Be still and know that I am God..." Psalms 46:10