Finding Faith......and a Fan

I lie here in bed, once again after a terribly ineffective attempt at getting a good nights rest.  My sleeping routine still has yet to adjust to the time change.  Hopefully tonight I will be so exhausted that I'll crash in bed and it will force me to sleep when I'm supposed to.  Throwing my keester on the treadmill for a half an hour should help do the trick as well.

I also lie here in bed thankful for the opportunity I had to attend a church service of my own faith this evening.  I fully anticipated spending the next 6 months with the only spirituality being a daily study of my scriptures.  Pleasantly surprising was the contact I made on my plane ride to Bagram of a fellow Latter Day Saint who has been here before.  Here they hold both a Sunday morning and a Sunday evening service to accommodate as many people as possible.  Granted, it's a truncated version of our normal 3-hour Sundays, as there is only 1 speaker in Sacrament Meeting and then the second hour they rotate every other Sunday between Relief Society and Priesthood.  On Monday nights they also hold a Family Home Evening session at 2000hs.  For those who don't know, the Church encourages us to take every Monday night as a family to get together, sing songs, have a spiritual message, and most importantly, eat some treats.  I will certainly be in attendance as my work schedule allows.  I am indeed grateful for the opportunity I have been given in my life to worship according to my own desires.  I am also thankful to have the privilege of continuing that out here in the battlefield.

I also lie in bed with a fan blowing on me.  For those of you who know me best, this is a vital device to my existence.  In fact, it was the first purchase I made in Bagram, and likely the most important one I will.

One of the first briefings we had was regarding the increase in attacks as summer has ushered in warmer weather.  The war is not over; it is alive and flourishing.  I spoke to a nurse from my flight at Commissioned Officer Training who is stationed here at Bagram as well.  I could see in her eyes and hear in her voice the impact that seeing those wounded warriors has had on her.    I am so thankful for the chance to be here, working in this hospital, knowing that I too can make a difference.  

My heart is full right now as I think of the love and support of each of you.  In one way or another, every person that reads this blog has had an impact in my life.  I am grateful for the friendship/relationship we have.  You have made a positive difference.  I have never been one to verbalize my appreciation for those around me, but wanted to take this opportunity to do so.  I look forward to our reunion when my mission here is complete.  If, for any reason that is not possible, please remember the words of our beloved Winnie the Pooh, “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”

I love you all.  Please keep me and my family in your prayers.