Today I made the Happy Thanksgiving call to the family. I cried and got a little homesick- something that never happens here because they keep me pretty busy and even down times is just another minute blending into the last. So my call went something like this...hold on, we're taking group pictures...love you, (snap). OK, we held up the phone so you are in the shot too. FUNNY! That's a picture I'll always remember. I'm very thankful for my family and my friends too!
Let's talk about a girl in hell base. She was a very bad girl. She pointed out a very wrong of a medic's performance to a patient and subsequently was yelled at, (because she baby's patients), and now sits in the corner getting her licks, (at another base). Priorities of upper management can be so backwards and especially in a war zone when you don't have resources: remediate the abusive medic- maybe send them to PTSS (post traumatic stress syndrome) counseling, or something in that line. NOOOOO, punish the girl who told! Say that her skills are sub par. Say that she is too friendly.
So she sits being watched at all times. She had a babysitter in the form of a badge that allows you no access to food or showers, wander alone to church or the store or even the laundry mat. And the beat all, make the babysitters many of the people that she works with. How sick can your co-workers get from having to tote you around when they'd rather be home after a hard day's work. I'm thankful that I got my big girl badge yesterday and can go most anywhere that I want by myself!
So she prays for the Lord's strength, endurance, hope, knowledge, peace and she acknowledges all the blessings that have come out of this trial... meeting others like her and co-workers who slip and tell her it will soon end, it's happened to so many others. And she just puts one foot in front of the other day in and day out with the grace of God and forever holding his hand. I can not imagine how non- Christians get through life. Who do they depend on? Who gives them hope? Trials must happen to strengthen us. It rains on the saved and unsaved alike. I know that and I welcome the chance to grow in my Lord always. I am thankful that I believe and am firmly in Christ!
So a story to end my blog is about the poo pond that is getting far too much attention. I even bought the t-shirt. I can't wear it here...that would be disgusting when that's all you can smell at times no matter where you are. I was eating breakfast yesterday and the smell wafted through. That was the end of that meal! Someone actually brought in pictures of a beautiful sunset over the poo pond. It has finally made it to the big times and is now a tourist attraction. It has cute little signs around it such as like Area 51 Poo, Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, you get the idea. Unfortunately, the last guy who jumped into the poo pond on a dare, died. Put shit together with lots of chemicals that will eat you alive and you get a quick ticket to heaven. And the smell is a constant reminder that everything can kill you here. This is the end of the world. The sign that says, "Welcome to Afghanistan" should say,"Welcome to hell." I am thankful that even though I work here, I was born in the USA!
So I give thanks along with everyone for another year of life, and always for my freedom, health and love from all and to all.....Happy Thanksgiving!
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