Merry Christmas!!

 It's Christmas Eve in Afghanistan and I was feeling a little bah humbug about it. It's the same day here everyday...Ground Hog Day. I stumbled into the Christmas Eve service at the Chapel, late as usual. We sang Christmas carols and prayed and praised the Lord. Then something amazing happened. As I listened, there were no missile attacks, no gunfire, no helicopters overhead. Just peace and harmony and brotherhood. There were also no loved ones and no presents to open. Just the sound of a congregation praising Jesus for his wonderful gift of peace between us and God so that we may have eternal life with him. And as I looked around the chapel at all of the faces illuminated by candlelight (firesticks), the pastor asked us to pause and reflect and remember this moment.... and I realized the wonderous gifts that I had been given in my life: People that believe as I do and that are sharing this day with me praising Christ in a far off adventure and a muslim country to boot- Ha! Afghanistan. The loved ones, friends and family that wait for me back home and that pray for my health and happiness and support anything that I do no matter how crazy it is- like going to Afghanistan and Cambodia and Timbuktu when I get there. Thank you for that! I love you too! I will never get another moment as this in appreciation for my life and loves and sharing the love of Christ and the day of his birth with strangers brought together by his amazing love. Those are my gifts. What a special once in a lifetime Christmas. Memories that I will cherish forever. Now go have yourself a loving Merry Christmas!