Getting Settled
As promised I'm attaching the photo of me piling my plate high with my first Iraqi meal since arriving. The gentleman on my right is a co-worker in the Public Affairs Office. Both of our tummies were very happy after this delicious meal.
Today I had a few firsts. I made my first visit to the crossed swords -- the Hands of Victory monument in central Baghdad, built to celebrate Iraq's "victory" in the Iraq-Iran war. If I recall correctly both sides had terrible losses and eventually came to a draw after pounding each other mercilessly for almost a decade.
Until today I didn't realize there are two sets of crossed swords, one on each side of a very long parade field. The monument is 140 feet high and the swords are made from the guns of dead Iraqi soldiers that were melted and recast as the 24-ton blades of the swords. About 5,000 Iranian helmets taken from the battlefield are at the base of the arms. The fists that hold the swords are replicas of Saddam Hussein's own hands.
We did a group photo there today. It is a GRD tradition. I imagine there may not be many more opportunities to get this shot because this area will eventually be turned back over to the Iraqis. I have some photos from the monument but I'm having some problems downloading them so I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
This evening was nice because I went to my first church service since arriving in Iraq. It was actually my first Sunday service in three week. I have really missed the worship and fellowship. There are several different church services available so I'll probably try a few more and see which one is the best fit for me.
While I wasn't able to make it to church these last few weeks I have been trying to keep up with some type of daily reading or study. A few days ago my daily reading was in Psalm 140 and 141. I found both Psalms extremely appropriate given where I am right now. I didn't just think of myself reading these but I thought of all of our service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Especially the ones working in the streets and among the citizenry on a daily basis. I think of Beth's son Shane and my friend Vel's "Awana son" Alex, both in Afghanistan. So when you read these Psalms please think of our service members and pray this over them, "But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge -- do not give me over to death. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." Psalm 141: 8-10 (NIV)
So as I approach my first full week in Iraq I am starting to establish a bit of a routine. One thing I know I need to start soon is some sort of workout routine. Tom and I agreed to both start working out during this deployment. We'll see how successful we are ;)
Today I had a few firsts. I made my first visit to the crossed swords -- the Hands of Victory monument in central Baghdad, built to celebrate Iraq's "victory" in the Iraq-Iran war. If I recall correctly both sides had terrible losses and eventually came to a draw after pounding each other mercilessly for almost a decade.
Until today I didn't realize there are two sets of crossed swords, one on each side of a very long parade field. The monument is 140 feet high and the swords are made from the guns of dead Iraqi soldiers that were melted and recast as the 24-ton blades of the swords. About 5,000 Iranian helmets taken from the battlefield are at the base of the arms. The fists that hold the swords are replicas of Saddam Hussein's own hands.
We did a group photo there today. It is a GRD tradition. I imagine there may not be many more opportunities to get this shot because this area will eventually be turned back over to the Iraqis. I have some photos from the monument but I'm having some problems downloading them so I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
This evening was nice because I went to my first church service since arriving in Iraq. It was actually my first Sunday service in three week. I have really missed the worship and fellowship. There are several different church services available so I'll probably try a few more and see which one is the best fit for me.
While I wasn't able to make it to church these last few weeks I have been trying to keep up with some type of daily reading or study. A few days ago my daily reading was in Psalm 140 and 141. I found both Psalms extremely appropriate given where I am right now. I didn't just think of myself reading these but I thought of all of our service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Especially the ones working in the streets and among the citizenry on a daily basis. I think of Beth's son Shane and my friend Vel's "Awana son" Alex, both in Afghanistan. So when you read these Psalms please think of our service members and pray this over them, "But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge -- do not give me over to death. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." Psalm 141: 8-10 (NIV)
So as I approach my first full week in Iraq I am starting to establish a bit of a routine. One thing I know I need to start soon is some sort of workout routine. Tom and I agreed to both start working out during this deployment. We'll see how successful we are ;)
Honey, again - the cradle of civilization - you have trodden the ground of ancient and Biblical history during your tours. What a privilege. I will keep to my word and venture out of the house some day soon to find a gym to visit occasionally. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove you!