Night time

Night time, quiet time in the sandbox...are you kidding me? I went for a little "me time" to the latrines at about 11 pm and you'd think there was a party going on. A simple 5 minute trip took a half an hour by the time my buddy's got finished chatting it up with me. I don't talk much -Yuk, yuk!...and it's pitch black out there. My night vision has returned, but just in case for the real blackout nights I'm still carrying around my gifted flashlight from my buddy Nette.

Light is a big deal here. I've requested an outdoor light so that my patient's can stop stumbling up to our doorstep at all hours of the night. It just kills me when they come for..say... woke up vomiting...and by the way, I hurt my ankle trying to find your door. I just give them a bucket, put them on the stretcher and tell them to hike up their leg and expose it. Visual here...you have got to picture the dumbfounded look on their face! We only work for 12 hours a day...Ha!Ha!...(I crack myself up sometimes!) My bunkroom is in the clinic, so my patient's have the added benefit of 24 hour access to me.

Darkness, the neighbor next door had a very late night and went beddie-bye without even thinking about his poor little medic buddy next door. He did not leave a light on tonight. So not only can't my patients find the door (if they so desire), it also sucked big time for me, because it illuminated the port-a-potty nearby for the mignight nature call. So, will have to tramp down to the real latrines when nature calls... decisions.

Nature and night time, quiet time. Time for scorpions and spiders and all other creepy crawlers to come out and hunt for my leg. That's what it feels like. Today I took the scenic walk around the place and we climbed a hill where there were tons of little camel spiders. They're ok when they're the size of a couple of ants, it's when they get bigger like the size of my hand. They walk on hind legs with their little pinchers arms posed for you and they are fast! We stomped around trying to smash them and they were mostly able to avoid certain death.

Day or night, something is always happening around here. It makes for an interesting adventure and I know I will eventually leave the sandbox and return home...or maybe to a new adventure! Stay tuned...

Rain days

Geezzzz, when it rains, it pours. I was thinking of hitting the hay early tonight and checking out the new movie I just bought, "Act of Valor"...stupid thought. I should just run around knocking my head on wood...here comes the rain. The refrigerator broke with thousands of buck-a-roos of drugs. Thankfully, we caught it before the temperature dropped reducing all to rubble. I was able to find enough refrigeration elsewhere so that the stuff wouldn't go bad. So, while we're fumbling around stashing the drugs in coolers and getting rid of the drugs- temporarily that is... and trying to submit very important! must do! right now! this second! for the head office paperwork..and then the repair guys walk in causing more commotion... and a very official inspector type person (banging on the door) demands something for a headache- who also refuses to be seen, (sorry- ever heard of the PX?)... in walks a young guy that doesn't feel well. Poor fellow, (so sorry, I don't feel well either). Quick exam by my partner and when I heard the ominous words, " can you check this out?" I knew no bedtime for us tonight! Sure enough! Who ever heard of a 20 something having a cardiac event bad enough to get him flown out in an all exciting Medavac. We have! Seriously, I don't want to go that way, but it looks so exciting on MASH, (my all time favorite show). We have it all in Afghanistan. So if you're looking for excitement and don't mind waking up to stare death square in the face- come on over! It beats EMS anyday, (except for Detroit where you get shot at daily for pennies).

Speaking of death, it's mouse season here in the sandbox. Springtime and sandstorm time where all critters human or what not, who like to mozy on out and stretch their legs and enjoy the day. I am fortunate enough to have the best in vector control just down the pathway from my hut. They are doing such a great job that those pesky rodents are hiding under my hut and dying. Please someone tell me why they only die after dark and when I'm comfy in my bed? It's a digusting smell and one that I'm sure will forever stay lounged in my sensory brain complete with the alltime awlful smell of the Poo Pond. I'll have to wait for the real rain to wash it all away. Hey! I think we got jipped... (correct slang spelling for cheated as I am attempting to be PC. Did you know that G-Y-P-P-E-D is a racial slur against gypsies? Never can be too sure when the Profiling Police will be around. And as I run on... I'd like to take a pass on the rain too!) Literally, everything washes away here and floods and it's a mess. I'm glad I've missed the worse of it. So goes it- stay away rain! I'll just end here as it is a bright, cloudless, sunny day and it's time to enjoy it!

Adventures

So I forgot to write about my amazing travel back to the sandbox. I wanted to see as many things as I could while I'm away and on this side of the world. So, I scheduled a layover tour in Amsterdam. I planned for months: cheese factory, boat trip down the river- recommended so that you can see all the sights in one quick hour and if time permitted, a quick jaunt to Anne Franks house. I studied the maps so I wouldn't get lost in the airport or out and about. This was going to be a trip of a lifetime and the best use of my 7 hour layover. So I boarded my plane from Detroit to Amsterdam. I got my favorite window seat and as luck would have it my neighbor was a contractor like me. Surely he knew the importance of sleep to re-adjust when going back to hell. Nope, he did not or didn't care. It was party time! He ordered a beer and asked politely, would you like one. I said no thank you. I don't drink. He said, it might make you sleepy. Well that was enough for me. I said sure- just one. Then we started chatting it up and he sure was funny. The flight attendant came strolling through with her cart and he ordered 2 more. I looked at this harmless beverage and thought, why not. I'm going back to a dry country. Another with dinner and I felt the need to doze...which I did...until I was rudely poked awaked by the knuckle head that stated, "sorry mame, I think you might have fallen asleep, I was just saying..."

Strangely enough, by the time I got to Amsterdam not only was I too tired to walk, I was also a little more than tipsy. Still I made my way with my foggy brain to the travel desk where my adventure awaited...only to be told that they overbooked and they could not accomodate me until 2 hours before my next flight. Thank the heavens for alcohol because I would have been hopping mad. Instead, with profuse apologetics they offered me the only other thing that would make up for this- a bed. Or rather a real nice lounge chair that I quickly fell asleep in for 2 hours before some screaming kids woke me- brats!

My next flight to Dubai, I must have gotten the brother because he talked every bit of the 7 hour flight...I skipped the free booze! Then we landed in Dubai (which I am not fond of anyways. Too glizy and dirty and not women friendly) and promptly got lost for 2 hours in the airport. Not good for a 3 hour layover. When I found my way, alast...friends! People that I knew from most of the bases that I've been to. It was great to get reaquainted along with a great Doc that I've worked with. There was no sleeping on that trip either.So my arrival back to KAF saw me dragging my feet, and a welcome complete with a missile attack. I can definitely say that this has been an adventure that I will always remember!

A day in the clinic

I've reached a new high with stomach pains. Everyone's got it and not one had food poisoning. I just love how they first research it on the internet then come and ask for their favorite remedy. It makes my life so much easier- NOT. What do you think you don't need an exam? That's why I'm here. Now allow me to exert my expertise. You're probably wrong anyways!

Rare exception...a guy came in for antibiotics for a cough. He stated that he had Bronchitis. My buddy's patient until he called me over. I thought he said, "son of a ___", I think he does have it!" So I was asked to listen to lung sounds and I said, wheezes, rhonchi- sounds like Bronchitis. Poor fellow, you don't get eggroll with Bronchitis and you don't get antibiotics either...Thank you for playing, "Guess Your Diagnosis!"

Now back to stomach pain... super body builder with an achy gut who pops tons of all natural good for you supplements. Note, they're only good to line the makers pockets. Take a little, get little results, take a lot and see results quicker. Don't you believe it! That massness of pills is tearing a hole in his gut or it could be gallstones. Not pleasnt either way! And it makes for syrupy, beer looking pee that smells nasty! I would not want that coming out of me. The results is a cleaning out of the gastro system and x-nay of the vitamins-ay.

Period cramps are always my favorite. At least this young lady was good enough to tell me that the bare naked PX was out of her Midol. So she had to do the bent over bob and waddle over to see us. Truth is a good thing. Quick check later complete with a urine & pregnancy test, (you can never be too careful in celebacy-land) and wha- la! Menstrual pain- here's your meds, Bye- bye!

Or the one that had shots a week ago and now has stomach pain. First, no live vaccine was given. Second, no fever, no redness, no vomiting. Nice try! Get off the internet! You have a virus like everyone else.

Next up was retching and puking- oh my! It was almost enough to ask him to move over, I'm feeling ill. Turns out it was a fate close to death...the dreaded migrane- not stomach pain after all. Sorrowful for his pain and load him up with all we have. Researchers don't know why migraines happen or how to cure them. We do the best that we can do. I let him sleep in my very dark room until he could make his way to his. He was very greatful. I can now say I had a guy in my room! Too bad I have children older than him. Too funny!

So that's was a day in the clinic. Hope you had as much fun as I did!

Change

We've heard a lot about change lately. We want it better, easier, quicker and new! Obama even ran with the change platform and look where we are now- OK, we won't count that today. The company that I work for here in Afghanistan is no different. New guidelines, new policies, new tasks. We're told to embrace change, but we're resistant. Really, who wants to do something new when the old way worked just fine.

I love change. I see it as a new challenge to overcome. For instance, today is a beautiful day. At home, this would be an outdoor day. I would play a little in the garden and maybe do some yard work and end the day going shopping. Here in Afghanistan, we celebrate the day opening the doors and waxing the floor, (special wax that I ordered for such occasion). Shopping can still be done here and with gusto because you can negotiate price. We happen to have 5 bazaars on this FOB. It is most fun to dicker! For those hard to obtain items, I use Amazon! They are super fast, have free shipping for many items and is usually here in 5 days. In fact it's rumored that many contractors go home broke because of the Online shopping connection.

Another change I've had to endure is reading by Kindle. It's not a bad way to go, but it's nowhere as comforting as the smell and feel of a book. I give it an A+ for transportability. It's pretty light and I can squeeze many books into it without having to suffer a broken shoulder.

Wearing the same outfit-yuk! Uniforms shirts and hoodies. You can have them, but at least I know what I'm going to wear everyday. Drab,drab and more drab. The change I experienced when I went home on R&R was I went wild buying clothes. I hate clothes shopping, but I embraced the challenge with gusto! The only fashion statement that we can make with our uniforms is with our pants so I bought some cute leggings that look superb tucked into my combat boots. Doesn't that sound so stylish.

Speaking of girly, I wore make-up everyday that I was home. I had to keep up with my girls at home as they would rather not see "the mom" looking like "butch." I wouldn't dare to wear it here. That causes a lot of tongues wagging guessing why she's made up and who's she's sleeping with. It the same with cute panties. Only the girls get to see them, so if you wear them you must be doing somebody. So I changed for comfort.

Plenty of change here to go around. And there's a storm brewing tonight!

Back in the sandbox again

I'm back in the sandbox and I can not wait until this contract is over! Drama, bitching and more paperwork all around. That almost feels like enough said. I've been told not to put the company in a bad light, but does anyone know what company I work for??? Bueller? Bueller? No you don't because I never said. And unless you work with me or I nagged you until you applied and were hired on, you don't care. All you want is the details...Life in Afghanistan. Who voluntaily works in a war zone without a reason. It's not like I woke one morning and said, Gee, I think working under fire and threats sounds like fun. I think I will go to a war zone! No, It's about a job and money and add a little adventure for me and a chance to tell my own stories around the family pool table.

I originally wrote this blog to keep family and friends abreast of my goings on and it took off. I'm glad people want to know what happens here in contract-land and are willing to read me. Thank you. I do feel as if I am doing my patriotic duty and sharing a side of war that most would never guess at. I know you all want the gory details that I don't submit...really, why worry my Mom. But somedays I would almost prefer to write about the guts and courage of our soldiers. They are amazing! But that is not my story to tell. I am a support worker for the military and I am called a contractor.

Coming back was like a splash of icy cold water. I so remember why I did not miss the joint. More crap.... You can't please all of the people. Today, you can't please any of them. We live surrounded by walls that we may never pass through. It's mostly like being in jail with specific times to work and eat, times to shower. No real time to socialize, so we Skype a bit or maybe Facebook when we get a minute. Today, I was extremely worried of a friend's illness, did I get a "thanks for your concern?" Nope I got a freaked out ear full. I'm in a war zone. People act uncaracteristically hostile at the oddest moments. I get it. I went to read my emails from the time I was gone. I couldn't get them at home- Thank you God! All I read was disrespect for the medics over and over. Ok, so we are pea brain non-secretarial nincompoops, but I shutter at the no names/no brains that were promoted to a position to abuse the underlings. We get no respect.

On my return, I had the ultimate pleasure of meeting a man that the employees are calling the HR guru. God, (or the owner of the company) heard our cries. We now have a voice or at least a chance to vent. Respect or a kind word is just around the corner, I am hopeful. Life may resolve and be good again...Yippee! We work in the sandbox, but we should never be talked to or be treated like dirt. We shall see...

Another fun day at home

Another fun thing that I got to do while home was go to court. I experienced the judical system first hand. I'd love to say I went hog wild and ended up in jail trading quips with my best friend in a nearby cell, but that might have happened many years ago and fortunately did not. I instead had the boring obligation of going to testify as a witness. The court was happy that I happened to be home to do this proud honor. I was happy to do my part in seeing justice done.

I arrived early with a book that I read halfway through as I sat and waited for 3 hours. (justice takes time). Then we went into the courtroom to wait for another half hour, (that I'm sure is done purposely to make the criminals sweat it out). Thankfully the judge swept in and invited us to stay in our seats, (after all of that time my knees had locked up and a graceful standing was not to be had). The prosecutor gave his schmeal and then the lawyer for the perp expounded her crapola. I was immediately called to the witness stand. I swore to God to tell the truth, sat daintily and was then ripped to shreads by the perps lawyer. The judge kept reminding me to "just answer the questions", but I ask you...How do you answer questions when someone is relentlessly attacking you? I got my point across and without stooping to her level ... I'm proud to anounced that I never told the female lawyer how downtown tacky her hooker stockings were.

Thankfully the judge...although he remarked that I was a "hostile witness and the court did not appreciate it", (imagine that!), believed me and bound the angry nut over for trial. It was an exasting day! It nearly made me miss Afghanistan.

News of the day

I am an American living in a foreign land. In certain parts of the world, I'm seen me as being crude and living in excess. But many want to come and live in the U.S.A and think that we live in a world of milk and honey and that we're all rich. They view us as their rescuers and believe in cowboys, 8 Mile, FREEDOM, safety and think we all smooge with the movie stars. We can worship to whoever or where ever we want, though they believe we know nothing of God.  Ha! We can go to any school freely and find jobs and move up the corporate ladder if we so desire. We have the rainbow and are a great nation. Why do we have a President that is forever apologizing and bowing to others? If we as a country is seen as strength why do we have a leader that is forever on his knees. I'm disgusted...are we stupid and bad children that he feels the need to do this?

We are intelligent and I say this with great pride in my nation. We all know things happen in other countries: Poor farmers used as soldiers, ill equipped and used in suicide missions. Decapitations, stonings, fear and persecution. Children used as sex slaves and in bondage for other atrocities. Women and children that freeze to death from snowstorms and don't have shoes or coats, electricity or heat. Housed in mud huts. A nation kept in the dark and forever dependant. We as a caring nation have provided basic needs and help that the bad guys have promptly torn down to enslave their own people. We... always helping the underdog. Things are not always as it seems.

I am home for a brief time watching reports from all over the world on CNN and Fox and I shutter at what is reported. One sided stories of stupid, bad Americans and the squeaky clean good ol' boys- the Taliban. I'm not stupid and I don't appreciate being fed this crap! Just saying! Note to self...use brain frequently and be thankful for what I have... and for a right to vote!

Running times here and there

Today was run day, fun day at Corktown in Detroit. I thought my family was nuts at first, scheduling me for a run on my R&R. Mine is not the total athelete kind of family, or so I thought. Today they proved they could go the distance. It was fantastic and thanks to my sister in law, Lisa, for being the team leader and arranging everything down to the post eating cupcakes. My brother Mike was the only one to medal- Go Mike! Oops, I forgot my uncle Papo did too- Go Papo! It was a blast and I spent quality time with most of the family. I thank the good Lord for providing us with the ideal day...bright and sunny 64 degrees!

There was a little downer in the form of party goers- my kids of course, who only join in if there are cocktails involved. They swarmed in an alley parking lot far away from the masses of athetes to gather with others of their species. Unbeknownst to me as to why they would drive to imbibe in a parking lot and risk a DUI when the comfort of home beckons. Kids...what's that saying about you can't kick them...

Which brings me to the hump of my R&R. Things are exactly the same as I had left them when I went off in search of adventure. It took me a few days to get back into the swing of things back home and I was ready to run back whole heartedly to the ground hog days of Afghanistan. I was told to expect that, but I did not believe that it could possibly happen to me. But, I have very much enjoyed catching up with my friends and seeing the family. I even had a cocktail at my "Welcome Home" party- I don't normally drink alcohol, but I found I missed it being in a dry country, (or more likely being told that I could never have one.) Chocolate wine is something I recommend that everyone try. Yum! It was so good I followed it up 2 days later with a Margarita!

I have less than a week to go. I've been spending like there's no tomorrow, but on my return I will have a means to heat water for my patients. That is my pet- peeve- no running water in the clinic. I bought a microwave! Now I can heat water exactly when I need it. No more running to the bathrooms and waiting for hot water only to return with it tepid. No more puking people when I clean their ears! I am so excited! We make do with what we have, but now we can also make popcorn. I can't wait!

Venting about tree hospitals

Tomorrow is the big "Welcome Home" party where I get to see the family and friends. Good thing there's a party- Thanks to Jeff & Sheri for having it at their hacianda! I've been so busy shopping for things that I can't get in hell and seeing friends. To top it off, my Mom is in the hospital. She's OK now, but I need to vent. I took her to the neighborhood hospital. That's the one that was named after tree cord and would do much better treating inanimate objects. I have an issue. It's bad enough that I took her in for chest pain and they left her in an area that they named triage, but should have been named mortuary. First, triage implies that patients are sorted by illness for treatment based on severity. Chest pain would be pretty close to #1. Add the fact that it was radiating down her arm, making her nauseous and she was profusely sweating with difficulty breathing. That should have given her extra snaps. The paramedic did perform an EKG, slap on some oxygen to my severely wheezing mother and told her she was not having a heart attack and went away never to be seen again.  Nice of him to diagnose that without consulting a doctor who was MIA anyway. She was left to lie there without treatment or further care.

I was taken back an hour later because they forgot about me. If they had known what a pill I would be later, they would have forgotten much longer. I found my mom in pain, but breathing easier that lasted for about 15 minutes, then the wheezing returned and the chest pain was worsened and now radiating to her back. I checked the oxygen and it was out, so I went in search of more. I found SIX paramedics at their computers playing games. I immediately went into Supreme Anna-mode, (the one where my head spins while shooting darts out of my eyes and poison out my mouth- where I earned my nickname Angeltwins), and that was enough to make them jump and run! They got a fresh oxygen tank...and I asked questions- first, about the paramedics doing basic chest pain protocol stuff- like morphine to relief her pain or at the very least checking her blood pressure. The paramedic told me no treatment without doctor orders. WTH? What do these guys do on the road, let their patients die while they wait on an order? WTH? (when I'm venting you get 2 WTH's). He had the nerve to say my mom was #10 in line for a room and then would see a doctor. He left to abuse a poor old, helpless man who couldn't even move his head off of the rail on his bed. He was crying that his legs hurt and the moron threw up the sheet and told him, "there's nothing wrong with your legs," then walked away. I took her elsewhere.

The new hospital rushed her back to a room and went to work. History and vital signs while doing an EKG, Oxygen, breathing treatment, IV's, drugs, Blah, blah with workers all around! That's what I'm talking about! Treat like it's your family.

While I understand busy, I do not understand lazy, meaness or ignoring patients or their basic needs. No one deseves to be treated badly! Please all, remember that you pay BIG for health care and never accept less than the best. I'm so glad she is getting better. She had a multiple of problems that could not wait and as a desert medic, I'm very glad I listened to me!

Gay Paris'

I forgot to tell all about my Paris experience/ Layover trip...sweet! I am not one to do the tourist thing. The plan was to take the Metro to the Left Bank and hang out with the artists and vendors and people watch. I wanted to sit in a Seine-side cafe and sip cafe-au-lait and eat a real crepe and just absorb the atmosphere. The Artists and vendors don't roll out of bed until 10-ish, bummer, (I was there at 8 am), and I was chased out of a crepe shop by an old women wielding a big broom, (I think she said they weren't open yet or maybe she said "get out you vagrant"- my French is poor at best). But the coffee was good, I found much better crepes elsewhere and I had a time shopping. Only one very french women turn down my request for directions with "no parlez-vous english", (and I think she may have stepped in doggie do-do for her nose was reaching for the heavens). I saw Notre Dame- very impressive! Everyone was generally nice if you greet them in french, so I used my definite words as to not offend anyone and had a get time. I passed on the Eiffel Tower, but I got the earrings, ( real proof that you were there or at least near). I've checked Paris off my bucket list, but if I ever happened to stumble back- the subway/metro is super easy to navigate (color coded),  and use the kiosk to buy your tickets. It only looks scary.
Next lay over trip is Amsterdam!

Original date- March 1st. First day of R&R

My first day of R&R, what a bust. No hugs or kisses for me. I can't use my charge card or get money out and my room in Dubai ended up costing twice what I was quoted and then it was dirty and I got bit by something. I'm taking this opportunity to rest and write and read. Things I have not been able to do since leaving home. I am committed to making the best of things. I reported the pest, got housekeeping to come up and had a very expensive meal..wha-la! Who needs a genie when you have positivity! I'm sure I could get a taxi to town, but what's the point? I'm tired and I was up all the night before sick as a dog from a nasty experience at a DFAC and this morning was exausting! A great thing happened in the form of a foreign co-worker that is also on vacation. I bumped into him on my way out and he was so helpful, having done a prior R&R. I stupidly sent away the only guy that was there to help navigate my way out, because I fiqured why should we both be misable. It was cold out and we played the hurry up and wait game and the indoor terminal was restricted to us- being contracted to our competitor, so no sitting out of the weather. Unbelieveable! I was layered in clothing, coat and winter boots and still I froze. Most were not dressed for this kind of weather, so I'm blessed for all good things. Next stop is Paris and I hoping for better days...but I'll be home after that and it's all part of the experience!

Slow or fast- I'm on R&R!

Life is what you make it and I am back home on R&R. I can't believe I was in a war zone in hell. Nothing was familar- bugs, rocks and outhouses and everything is out to get you... I never lost my temper. I'm home for 2 seconds and I was ready to pull my hair out or maybe someone else's. So I had no choice. I did what any normal girl would do under the circumstances. I got a makeover and I bought a new car- (well, new to me anyhow), and I went electronic's shopping. Life is good again! The world is brighter and nothing can crap in my cheerios!
I'm having a blast back home, but everyone drives so fast! I've never gotten a speeding ticket, which means I never got caught. Seriously, I never drive more than 5 miles over any speed limit. We all need our boundaries and I try to be law abiding. In Afghanistan the speed limit is...drum roll please....20 mph! Really is! I thought it was ridiculous when I first saw that. Grandpa could shake his walker faster than that. Just try to drive at 20 mph- it is a chore to go that slow. But people still got in fender benders and I'm sure it's because the speed limit is so slow that they fell asleep! And when we do travel home, deployed person's motor vehicle accident rate is high. It's probably due to being conditioned to driving at a snails pace. It's a shock to see someone racing about at 35 mph!
Life at home is moving fast, but I'm adjusting. It's amazing how fast I got back into the swing of lunches and chats with the girls. I went to a bar with good food for dinner with my brother and the fam tonight. It was funny that everyone skedaddled soon after due to the noisy atmosphere. Here I'm absent of chinook noise, missile attacks and the wind that lifts my tent and shakes my bed...and I did not even notice the bar cheers. I don't know how I can sleep in all of this quietness. But I do sleep and well. It will no time at all and I'll be back in the sandbox- oh boy.

Am I home?

I'm home...what a bust. I was told by everyone on the base not to go home due to toughness in returning back to Afghanistan, plus time stands still at home and I've grown in ways I could never imagine. So I walked into my house to find that the kids moved all of my stuff out of my house...clothes, shoes, treadmill, bookcase. The nerve! Then I found that I'm home in time to fix the plumbing, the furnace and exterminate mice. I'm thrilled! I spent 2 days traveling for this...WTH? I hate mice and after all I put up with in hell all I wanted was a decent shower, blah, blah. Then I went in search of clothes to wear to church and I can't find a thing to wear. One shoe here, another there and where are my clothes?
So I go to church in pants and my trustie snowboots and got the most supreme slap in the face. A new family had just joined the church 2 weeks prior. Last week their son was in the garage and lit a kerosene heater- something he had done a million times before, except this time it exploded. His brother was burnt badly on both hands and his girlfriend is burnt over 70% of her body. The son died...just 20 years old. I'm in church just a day after the funeral and I can feel the pain coming from the congregation and the family. What a tragedy! Death is always unexpected and never welcomed. The pastor was present at the house the day of the explosion as the firefighters searched in vain for the missing son. He told of how the young Mom conforted her son's friends that came by, telling them to get in church because you never know when your time will come. Truthfully, I don't know if I would be thinking of God at a time like that. I watched her in church- she had brought some of her son's friends- one who committed his life to Jesus before all of us, and I wept for him, for them and the shame of my regrettment in coming home.
The grace of this family and the strength the Lord gave them was an extreme example to me of living the life God gives you. To find the joy and cherish every minute, even when I desperately want to thrash nasty little girls that throw me out of the house that I paid for. I only have 2 weeks to visit. I'm thankful that I have the resources to deal with the issues. I think I'll spend my time visiting all of my family and friends who I really missed and having fun for the short time that I have!
If you are near Dearborn, Michigan and would like to visit, please call or contact me here. There are parties I would like you to attend and I would like to see you!