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Dear All,
I am sorry that it has been so long since I have written to you! I certainly didn't mean to worry anyone but it has been necessary. Some questions about my blog came up from this end and I needed some time to seek the right counsel. The last thing I would want to do is write anything that caused concern or put any one here at risk. I took a copy of my blog to the JAG office for them to look over and advise. They did not have much to say and did not feel a need to read it. I have one other direction I need to go for the appropriate counsel and I will do that hopefully tomorrow.
It was very painful to think that anything I have said hurt someone! I will seek out the information and any training I need on security things and then continue from there. It may become necessary to password protect this but I will hopefully be able to do that where you are all able to have that password. That would just make it where someone just searching the Internet would not be able to open the blog.
It has been a busy week. The pool here is closing so this weekend we had a Luau and BYOGC (bring your own guitar - contest. We had close to 700 come out for the event and that did not include the many who helped. We had hamburgers and hot dogs provided by MWR, favored slushies and lots of fun games and prizes. This was pulled off in less than two weeks but fell into place and was a wonderful day of fun. For me just watching our troops laugh and play and have a great time was a joy. We had 8 bring their guitars and play for all. We had everything from country, Leonard Skinner(you'd loved it Rhenda), Zeppelin and some of the troops own originals. Amazing the talent here on this base.
We had some very distinguished guests come and spend the afternoon with us. The Base Commander and his chief of staff came and we put them to work as our judges for the guitar competition. The AF TSGT that won did a incredible version of Zeppelins, Star Spangle Banner. Fun was had by all! We will probably do it again for opening day of the pool.
We have several events we are helping with for Halloween. A Fun Run, and a Karaoke Contest. We will also pass out at the DFAC some candy bags we have put together. Good times with some America's finest and best heroes!
I continue to do what I can at the hospital. I have ask Johnny if I came stay a little longer after my USO commitment and be a Candy Striper here at the hospital! (I do hope I spelled that right please forgive if I did not) I just love helping here and find it so rewarding!
Friday was another wonderful day with the United Through Reading Program. I was low on books but even still filmed sixteen troops. IT is just so great. I will ask one of them this week if I can put their picture on here for you to see the set up. Maybe I will just read you all a book. HMMMM! Can I put video's on here? I will check!
I enjoyed church again on Sunday and find it to be such a blessing to worship with our troops. The three young men who sat in front of me this week I had met the day before and visited with them at lunch! They were finishing up their time here and will head home before the week is over. They were so cute and fun to be with. They always ask who is there for the first time and always ask those who are leaving that week to go home. That for me is always such a praise to know they are going home to their families. An answer to the prayers of so many of you who pray so faithfully for our troops!
Thank you to so many of you who have offered to send books for the children's UTR. That is a huge praise! All are greatly appreciated. Mary, yours came today and the timing could not be better. I was so low and was concerned about Friday and having some that the troops would want to read! Thank you, thank you! They are perfect!
To each of you thank you for your support and for your prayers. This is truly the most amazing journeys I have ever been on and I wish so much you were here to share it with me. I know through your prayers, emails, cards and carefully prepared care packages you are here with me and you walk with me every day. Last night after a long day with the Luau and all I came to check my email here at the hospital but found I was to tired to response to most of them so I headed back to my room. It was a beautiful night with a big almost full moon and the emotions ran deep as I looked up to see God's beautiful creation. I couldn't help but think how all of God's creation shouts his glory! What comfort to know that those I love could look up and see the same and to pray for those who see God's creation yet know him not!
I love you all so much and am so grateful for your support! I will keep you in the loop on the blog situations. Pray that God keeps these doors of communication open if that is his will and that it will be pleasing to him.
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Quiet Day
Dear All,
I am having a quiet day here. I did go to the post office to mail all my UTR packages. That always feels good to know those are on there way. I did a few errands then cleaned my room and did my ironing! WooHoo!! It was nice though and gets me all ready for another week.
I think I am a little homesick today thinking of my family all out in California. Oh how I would love to be with them. I know they will have a great time. I talked to them yesterday and they were having lunch by the ocean. NICE! I have the sand but no ocean!!!
We had a little discouraging news about the center. We may not get the building that they thought they had for us. We will know more on Monday! The hurry up and wait is not fun but then I guess that is the life of the military.
I just wanted to say hi! Jan Dunn is that you who left the comment! Girl how are you doing! Email me! llrobinson12@hotmail.com I'd love to hear what all is going on in your life!
I love you all dearly,
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
I am having a quiet day here. I did go to the post office to mail all my UTR packages. That always feels good to know those are on there way. I did a few errands then cleaned my room and did my ironing! WooHoo!! It was nice though and gets me all ready for another week.
I think I am a little homesick today thinking of my family all out in California. Oh how I would love to be with them. I know they will have a great time. I talked to them yesterday and they were having lunch by the ocean. NICE! I have the sand but no ocean!!!
We had a little discouraging news about the center. We may not get the building that they thought they had for us. We will know more on Monday! The hurry up and wait is not fun but then I guess that is the life of the military.
I just wanted to say hi! Jan Dunn is that you who left the comment! Girl how are you doing! Email me! llrobinson12@hotmail.com I'd love to hear what all is going on in your life!
I love you all dearly,
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Friday, October 19, 2007
If It's Friday It Must Be United Through Reading
Dear All,
It was another great day here at the hospital with United Through Reading. I filmed twice as many as last week and got to know that many more of our wonderful troops. They are all so appreciative. The troops here at the hospital work 12 -15 hour days and are not able to leave during that time. They are so grateful to have this program here and it is so much fun talking to them. What fun!
BUT.....I need books, books, books! Any new children's book would be appreciated. There are two sizes of flat rate boxes and you can load those things full and the shipping is the same. I believe it is $8.95.
I could hear one airman in there singing to his children. You can just imagine I was crying like a baby. Some of these soldiers are very shy but turn them loose with a camcorder and alone in a room to talk to their children and it is so precious. I love it, love it, love it!!!!
I filmed 14 DVDs and that represented 31 children. Isn't that cool to think that 31 precious little ones will go to bed with a smile on their face here in about a week or so. I had many ask if I would be getting any Christmas or Chanukah books. I told them I would see what I can do!
It is late and I am exhausted so I am going to head to bed. I just was excited about my afternoon and evening with the UTR and wanted to tell you about it.
My family is all out in California. They are running in the Mud Run at Camp Pendleton. I am so proud of them and would love to be with them. Both Grandmas went out with Johnny to cheer them all on. They will all have a blast. Go Robinson Family!!!!
I love you and miss you all greatly.
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
It was another great day here at the hospital with United Through Reading. I filmed twice as many as last week and got to know that many more of our wonderful troops. They are all so appreciative. The troops here at the hospital work 12 -15 hour days and are not able to leave during that time. They are so grateful to have this program here and it is so much fun talking to them. What fun!
BUT.....I need books, books, books! Any new children's book would be appreciated. There are two sizes of flat rate boxes and you can load those things full and the shipping is the same. I believe it is $8.95.
I could hear one airman in there singing to his children. You can just imagine I was crying like a baby. Some of these soldiers are very shy but turn them loose with a camcorder and alone in a room to talk to their children and it is so precious. I love it, love it, love it!!!!
I filmed 14 DVDs and that represented 31 children. Isn't that cool to think that 31 precious little ones will go to bed with a smile on their face here in about a week or so. I had many ask if I would be getting any Christmas or Chanukah books. I told them I would see what I can do!
It is late and I am exhausted so I am going to head to bed. I just was excited about my afternoon and evening with the UTR and wanted to tell you about it.
My family is all out in California. They are running in the Mud Run at Camp Pendleton. I am so proud of them and would love to be with them. Both Grandmas went out with Johnny to cheer them all on. They will all have a blast. Go Robinson Family!!!!
I love you and miss you all greatly.
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
It's Getting Closer
Dear All,
We are getting closer and closer to securing a building for the center and we are thrilled. I continue to volunteer at the hospital as much as I can and it is so rewarding. I love going to the DFAC/Dining Facility not necessarily because of the food but because that is soldier time. It is always so fun to see where and who God sits me next to.
Keep in mind that this base has thirty thousand troops. The young man I had lunch with on Friday, I have run into him three times now! I emailed Gary Smalley as his material had been so helpful to Johnny and I some years ago when we were struggling. He emailed me back and is sending some of his materials. I am thrilled and thrilled to share it with this young soldier. I am not quite sure how else I will do it but there is a huge need here to share this material here on base.
Day before yesterday I was woken up early by an explosion. I looked out and back by the hospital there was a big mushroom cloud of smoke. For a moment I thought the hospital had been hit. The warnings did not go off so I knew it was not inside the wire. I headed out to take my shower and I no more got out my door and a step or two away and the sirens went off saying Incoming, Incoming! I darted back in my room and took cover. Very shortly they said All Clear, All clear! It is just so odd and still seems so unreal that this happens. It wasn't until that afternoon that we found out that it was a car bomb outside the wire but with in haering range. None of our troops were injured!
That afternoon while at the hospital one of the Dr. ask if I wanted to help with some Iraqi toddlers that were in the ward. Of course I was thrilled so once I finished up some USO meetings I came back here and babysat. What fun! Who would ever think all those BSF finger plays would be used here in Iraq. The two year old was actually ready to be discharge but did not have any place to go as mom was here also. The five year nephew and fourteen year old niece were here as well. The mom was hurt more serious. A mom is a mom in any country and I loved watching her try to love and nurture her son. We played with balloons and balls and it was such a sweet time for me. I came back the next day to help feed the little one lunch. Tonight I watch the family all be placed on a helicopter and taken back to their home town where the rest of there family is. There will be those there who care for the little one as mom remains in the hospital there.
Yesterday afternoon I was here at the hospital checking email and the sirens went off and it was a code red. Code Red means that somewhere on base there was a direct mortar hit. We all hit the ground and took cover. Fortunately for me I was here inside but Angela had just left to go run an errand so she had the joy of sitting out in a bunker for 15 minutes or so. There was a group of Generals from the states here tour the facilities so she spent that time in the bunker with them. Once the All Clear is up everyone has to report to their unit for accountability. Quite a little process. I must say that through all this I still have never felt as though I was in danger or my life threaten in any way. I feel very safe here!
Kevin, our regional supervisor is here and we spent the morning with the Mayor working on the building and then the afternoon, Shari, Angela and I making a plan for the rooms and the things we need and prioritizing the needs. We are pretty excited about what looks like it will be our new home. We finished up around 16:30 and they were exhausted and jet lagged so we all went our ways.
Me, of course came here to the hospital. AS I walked in the door different ones kept saying you have a truck for all your mail. Well I needed one. Between Angela and myself we had received 19 boxes today. Whew! I left and walked over and got the car from Angela and came back to load up all the boxes. 11 of the boxes were mind. WOW! Thank you Laurie! What fun!
Before I left I came by the computer room to check my email and weirdly enough I was the only one in here. I stuck my head out and ask if something had happened because that is really strange to have no one in here. They said that a trauma code x5 (meaning 5 injuried) had been issued and all went back to help. I knew that would be busy so I went back to see if I was needed and was immediately taken to a helicopter to help. This time it hit hard and touched my heart. It was the first time I brought in one of our wounded troops! There were several and emotionally I was not prepared for what I would feel and yet all I could think about is how glad I was to be there making eye contact with the soldier and reassuring him all the way that he was safe now and in good hands. As you take them out of the choppers you walk through this tent tunnel called Heroes Highway before you enter the Er. The whole ceiling of this tunnel is one huge, I mean huge American flag. That is what our heroes see from the stretcher looking up.
I went back to my room and had a good cry and thanked God I was here to help! It is an amazing thing watching everyone go into action and care for our wounded. After opening my boxes....and that was fun...I came back to the hospital and helped at the pad a couple more hours. I just love it!
I am waiting now for my nurse friend who is finishing up in the Operating Room so we can walk back to our rooms together. It has been a good, great couple of days full of so many new experiences and divine appointments! I am continuously surprised by joy as I serve here and see the hand of God in my life and in the surroundings he has placed me.
You are all the best and your support and encouragement means the world. Continue to support our military guys and girls as I stand amazed at their sacrifices for our country.
I love you and miss you greatly!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
We are getting closer and closer to securing a building for the center and we are thrilled. I continue to volunteer at the hospital as much as I can and it is so rewarding. I love going to the DFAC/Dining Facility not necessarily because of the food but because that is soldier time. It is always so fun to see where and who God sits me next to.
Keep in mind that this base has thirty thousand troops. The young man I had lunch with on Friday, I have run into him three times now! I emailed Gary Smalley as his material had been so helpful to Johnny and I some years ago when we were struggling. He emailed me back and is sending some of his materials. I am thrilled and thrilled to share it with this young soldier. I am not quite sure how else I will do it but there is a huge need here to share this material here on base.
Day before yesterday I was woken up early by an explosion. I looked out and back by the hospital there was a big mushroom cloud of smoke. For a moment I thought the hospital had been hit. The warnings did not go off so I knew it was not inside the wire. I headed out to take my shower and I no more got out my door and a step or two away and the sirens went off saying Incoming, Incoming! I darted back in my room and took cover. Very shortly they said All Clear, All clear! It is just so odd and still seems so unreal that this happens. It wasn't until that afternoon that we found out that it was a car bomb outside the wire but with in haering range. None of our troops were injured!
That afternoon while at the hospital one of the Dr. ask if I wanted to help with some Iraqi toddlers that were in the ward. Of course I was thrilled so once I finished up some USO meetings I came back here and babysat. What fun! Who would ever think all those BSF finger plays would be used here in Iraq. The two year old was actually ready to be discharge but did not have any place to go as mom was here also. The five year nephew and fourteen year old niece were here as well. The mom was hurt more serious. A mom is a mom in any country and I loved watching her try to love and nurture her son. We played with balloons and balls and it was such a sweet time for me. I came back the next day to help feed the little one lunch. Tonight I watch the family all be placed on a helicopter and taken back to their home town where the rest of there family is. There will be those there who care for the little one as mom remains in the hospital there.
Yesterday afternoon I was here at the hospital checking email and the sirens went off and it was a code red. Code Red means that somewhere on base there was a direct mortar hit. We all hit the ground and took cover. Fortunately for me I was here inside but Angela had just left to go run an errand so she had the joy of sitting out in a bunker for 15 minutes or so. There was a group of Generals from the states here tour the facilities so she spent that time in the bunker with them. Once the All Clear is up everyone has to report to their unit for accountability. Quite a little process. I must say that through all this I still have never felt as though I was in danger or my life threaten in any way. I feel very safe here!
Kevin, our regional supervisor is here and we spent the morning with the Mayor working on the building and then the afternoon, Shari, Angela and I making a plan for the rooms and the things we need and prioritizing the needs. We are pretty excited about what looks like it will be our new home. We finished up around 16:30 and they were exhausted and jet lagged so we all went our ways.
Me, of course came here to the hospital. AS I walked in the door different ones kept saying you have a truck for all your mail. Well I needed one. Between Angela and myself we had received 19 boxes today. Whew! I left and walked over and got the car from Angela and came back to load up all the boxes. 11 of the boxes were mind. WOW! Thank you Laurie! What fun!
Before I left I came by the computer room to check my email and weirdly enough I was the only one in here. I stuck my head out and ask if something had happened because that is really strange to have no one in here. They said that a trauma code x5 (meaning 5 injuried) had been issued and all went back to help. I knew that would be busy so I went back to see if I was needed and was immediately taken to a helicopter to help. This time it hit hard and touched my heart. It was the first time I brought in one of our wounded troops! There were several and emotionally I was not prepared for what I would feel and yet all I could think about is how glad I was to be there making eye contact with the soldier and reassuring him all the way that he was safe now and in good hands. As you take them out of the choppers you walk through this tent tunnel called Heroes Highway before you enter the Er. The whole ceiling of this tunnel is one huge, I mean huge American flag. That is what our heroes see from the stretcher looking up.
I went back to my room and had a good cry and thanked God I was here to help! It is an amazing thing watching everyone go into action and care for our wounded. After opening my boxes....and that was fun...I came back to the hospital and helped at the pad a couple more hours. I just love it!
I am waiting now for my nurse friend who is finishing up in the Operating Room so we can walk back to our rooms together. It has been a good, great couple of days full of so many new experiences and divine appointments! I am continuously surprised by joy as I serve here and see the hand of God in my life and in the surroundings he has placed me.
You are all the best and your support and encouragement means the world. Continue to support our military guys and girls as I stand amazed at their sacrifices for our country.
I love you and miss you greatly!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Blessed Again
Dear All,
It is Sunday afternoon and this morning I made my way to one of the church services here on base. It was out in the Tuskegee Airman's building where I attended the Change of Command Ceremony when I first got here. Once again it was one of those divine appointments that keep you encouraged and moving forward. What fun to see Colonel's, and Majors and Privates together worshiping our Lord. God made us to worship him and part of his plan is that we do so corporately!I was certainly blessed by my time there.
The Mayor of Balad who has been such a help with the USO leads the music. I was blessed again and again and reminded that God was going to take care of all my needs and even needs I didn't know I had as I serve him here.
Kevin will return tomorrow and hopefully we will be able to move forward with plans for the center.
I will write more later. I am going to catch up on ironing today. Yes ironing still is a part of my life even here in Iraq.
Each of you have a great day and again thank you for you support and encouragement!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
It is Sunday afternoon and this morning I made my way to one of the church services here on base. It was out in the Tuskegee Airman's building where I attended the Change of Command Ceremony when I first got here. Once again it was one of those divine appointments that keep you encouraged and moving forward. What fun to see Colonel's, and Majors and Privates together worshiping our Lord. God made us to worship him and part of his plan is that we do so corporately!I was certainly blessed by my time there.
The Mayor of Balad who has been such a help with the USO leads the music. I was blessed again and again and reminded that God was going to take care of all my needs and even needs I didn't know I had as I serve him here.
Kevin will return tomorrow and hopefully we will be able to move forward with plans for the center.
I will write more later. I am going to catch up on ironing today. Yes ironing still is a part of my life even here in Iraq.
Each of you have a great day and again thank you for you support and encouragement!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Saturday, October 13, 2007
It's been a Month!
Dear All,
Hard to believe I left Texas a month ago. Time has flown. I woke up yesterday a bit overwhelmed and anxious. We have been here almost four weeks and it didn't feel like we were any closer to having a center than the day we arrived. Before the day was over that all melted away as I saw God open doors and give me opportunities with our troops to talk and encourage and just be there that made me glad for the extra time I have right now!
I went to lunch and sat next to a young man who was getting ready to head home on R&R and will meet his family in Dallas. Well of course that excited me to think he will see all your glorious faces when he arrives. Knowing the honor that is ahead of him thrilled my heart. I was able to give him the correct information for his family. AS we were visiting another young man sat down. I have found most do not initiate conversation. I never know if they want to talk or be left alone so I am careful as I engage with them.
This young man readily talked but seemed so down. The first soldier left and the other ask me how I made my marriage last 33 years. We talked and he shared that he needed help. His wife had announced the day before he left that she did not love him anymore. He is broken hearted as he said he thought he had everything the world had to offer in his wife and 15 month old son. He is trying so hard and doing everything he can to talk to her and begin to rekindle things. Before it was over he ask if I could meet with him occasionally to help him talk through some things. Of course that was right down my alley. His chaplain is letting us use his office. What a wonderful opportunity. I will certainly find time for that!
I left there emotional and so grateful for that little divine appointment. I came to the hospital toting all my Uniting Through Reading stuff and sat up the room. It was to start at 4 but by 3:15 I had a darling LtCol there ready to read. He was the sweet daddy I heard that evening in the computer room talking to his children, his little princess. From then until almost nine that night I had a steady flow of men and women there to read books to their children. What a blessing! Sherri Allen, you better hang on tight to you UTR position because girlfriend I'll be all about that when I get back. That was so fun!
For those of you who are not familiar with United Through Reading. it is a program that the USO has partnered with the Family Literacy Foundation to connect families through reading. I have new children's books that I set out. The troops pick out a book and I do a DVD of them reading the book to their child. Then we send the book and the DVD to the child. Many of the troops told their children all about their uniform and the stuff on it and the Helicopter Pad soldier started out with his headphones on and eye protection. It was all so cute and I had a blast talking to them or in my case crying with them. A couple had to start over as they got so emotional. What a precious program. I will be here every Friday to record them.
We had a big encouragement on our center today and so hopefully I will have good news for you soon.
To all of you, thank you for your support and encouragement. It means the world. It is amazing to me how every time I get a Little discouraged God opens an unexpected door that gives me even greater purpose and enthusiasm to be here. He is good!
I love and miss you all so much!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Hard to believe I left Texas a month ago. Time has flown. I woke up yesterday a bit overwhelmed and anxious. We have been here almost four weeks and it didn't feel like we were any closer to having a center than the day we arrived. Before the day was over that all melted away as I saw God open doors and give me opportunities with our troops to talk and encourage and just be there that made me glad for the extra time I have right now!
I went to lunch and sat next to a young man who was getting ready to head home on R&R and will meet his family in Dallas. Well of course that excited me to think he will see all your glorious faces when he arrives. Knowing the honor that is ahead of him thrilled my heart. I was able to give him the correct information for his family. AS we were visiting another young man sat down. I have found most do not initiate conversation. I never know if they want to talk or be left alone so I am careful as I engage with them.
This young man readily talked but seemed so down. The first soldier left and the other ask me how I made my marriage last 33 years. We talked and he shared that he needed help. His wife had announced the day before he left that she did not love him anymore. He is broken hearted as he said he thought he had everything the world had to offer in his wife and 15 month old son. He is trying so hard and doing everything he can to talk to her and begin to rekindle things. Before it was over he ask if I could meet with him occasionally to help him talk through some things. Of course that was right down my alley. His chaplain is letting us use his office. What a wonderful opportunity. I will certainly find time for that!
I left there emotional and so grateful for that little divine appointment. I came to the hospital toting all my Uniting Through Reading stuff and sat up the room. It was to start at 4 but by 3:15 I had a darling LtCol there ready to read. He was the sweet daddy I heard that evening in the computer room talking to his children, his little princess. From then until almost nine that night I had a steady flow of men and women there to read books to their children. What a blessing! Sherri Allen, you better hang on tight to you UTR position because girlfriend I'll be all about that when I get back. That was so fun!
For those of you who are not familiar with United Through Reading. it is a program that the USO has partnered with the Family Literacy Foundation to connect families through reading. I have new children's books that I set out. The troops pick out a book and I do a DVD of them reading the book to their child. Then we send the book and the DVD to the child. Many of the troops told their children all about their uniform and the stuff on it and the Helicopter Pad soldier started out with his headphones on and eye protection. It was all so cute and I had a blast talking to them or in my case crying with them. A couple had to start over as they got so emotional. What a precious program. I will be here every Friday to record them.
We had a big encouragement on our center today and so hopefully I will have good news for you soon.
To all of you, thank you for your support and encouragement. It means the world. It is amazing to me how every time I get a Little discouraged God opens an unexpected door that gives me even greater purpose and enthusiasm to be here. He is good!
I love and miss you all so much!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Reality of War
Dear All,
I have so much I want to share tonight! It has been a busy couple of days. I have been meeting with different ones to get places to film the United Through Reading Program. It has gone really well and I will actually start taping some tomorrow! I am starting here at the hospital first and then have several units that I will go to and the PAX Terminal. It will be great to begin to get more involved with the troops! Boy do I wish Sherri was here! It will be slow as I only have one camera. I will ask headquarters if I can have another. Many of the MWR's have similar programs but none of which actually send the books and the troops have to send the DVD's themselves, so the troops are thrilled and can't believe there is no cost!
I thought of something you moms will be interested to here. At each of the DFAC/Dining Facilities as you go in the first room you go to is lined with sinks. You are required to wash your hands. Pretty good don't you think!The food is okay but not home and very high in carbs!
My room is in a pod of trailers. Two trailer face each other and each trailer has three rooms. In the A pod where I am there are around a hundred rooms. The trailers are all close together and since the base runs twenty four seven there are people sleeping day and night. I have not learned exactly the hours of all those around me but there are some who sleep during the day. When I am in my room I live in silence so I won't wake those who are sleeping. The walls are very thin. I moved my bed to the other side of the room so the air conditioner didn't blow right on me and the first night I did it I was startled when the gentleman in the room next to me coughed. His bed must be against the same wall as mine and I thought someone was in the room.
This morning I had a very early, 6:30 a.m. meeting, when I got back in my room I listen to my Selah music on my Ipod and it made me think of the movie The Hiding Place. There was a scene in there where all the people in the concentration camp gathered and sang in total silence Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It was so moving and a powerful display of worship. I have thought of that so many times lately as I sing at the top of my lungs in absolute silence. This morning my heart was full and it was such a sweet time of worship. I was so tired but full of enthusiasm and excitement for the work that is ahead.
Why such excitement.....Last night I stayed at the hospital and was trained and worked at the helicopter pad where they bring the wounded in. Oh my...what an awesome experience. No sooner had they showed me how it all worked and four helo came in with wounded and to work I went. What precious cargo to lift out of the helicopters. They have it down and the process is amazing. During the four hours I was here eight helicopters came in. One that came in was a detainee! IT is amazing to me to watch the Medical staff slip into action. They are all about saving lives. Troops or detainees or insurgents or innocent Iraqi women and children all are cared for with the most incredible care and respect.
I saw a big area of need. On the helicopters were ambulatory and non ambulatory troops. Some have not been wounded but are sick and needing some kind of medical care. They bring them off the helicopters and they wait in a room that is about 15 by 12. It desperately needs a touch of love and medical staff would love that but need help. They desperately need a flat screen TV. What they have is old and small! I watched them eat the peppermint candy that was there so this evening I brought over the candy that Laurie sent me. They were thrilled. They would like two big bulletin boards. One for notes that people send from the States and the other for notes from the troops! The staff does over and above to try an make these troops comfortable. I loved so much being there and helping and hope to do so regularly. Until the center opens I will have a little more time and can help but I hope even after the center opens to be able to help at least one night a week. I plan to renew my CPR certification so I can help in other areas.
Well I have got to get to bed! It has been a long day and tomorrow I will be busy with United Through Reading will travel.
Thank you so much for your support! I love so much receiving your emails and hearing what is going on there. I may not email you right back but it is great to hear! I have a new found appreciation for emails, cards and care packages. It is just a touch of home. It really doesn't matter what they say or what is in the boxes it is that someone cares and loves and supports you. So never grow weary sending our troops cards and care packages. I guarantee it means the world to them. Donna you are doing a great thing with Defenders OF Freedom. You will probably not know this side of glory what a powerful impact you are having and the difference you are making. Press on my dear friend!
A friend gave me a card before I left Texas and it speaks my heart today. Too many of us live life thinking we are making no difference in this world. You may feel you are just one person in this world but keep doing what your heart is passionate about because you may be the world to just one person. I find that to be so true. Serve each other just one person at a time. I sat with a soldier today at breakfast and our lives could not have been any more different. He was so intrigued that I had been married 33 years and was happy about that. We had a great talk and when I left he said to me "thanks for being nice to me, most good people like you don't really want to talk to me." I will probably never see that young man again. He was headed out today for a different camp up north but I was so glad I had that few minutes with him and to let him know how proud I was of him and for his sacrifice to our country.
Again, I love each of you dearly and miss you so much!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
I have so much I want to share tonight! It has been a busy couple of days. I have been meeting with different ones to get places to film the United Through Reading Program. It has gone really well and I will actually start taping some tomorrow! I am starting here at the hospital first and then have several units that I will go to and the PAX Terminal. It will be great to begin to get more involved with the troops! Boy do I wish Sherri was here! It will be slow as I only have one camera. I will ask headquarters if I can have another. Many of the MWR's have similar programs but none of which actually send the books and the troops have to send the DVD's themselves, so the troops are thrilled and can't believe there is no cost!
I thought of something you moms will be interested to here. At each of the DFAC/Dining Facilities as you go in the first room you go to is lined with sinks. You are required to wash your hands. Pretty good don't you think!The food is okay but not home and very high in carbs!
My room is in a pod of trailers. Two trailer face each other and each trailer has three rooms. In the A pod where I am there are around a hundred rooms. The trailers are all close together and since the base runs twenty four seven there are people sleeping day and night. I have not learned exactly the hours of all those around me but there are some who sleep during the day. When I am in my room I live in silence so I won't wake those who are sleeping. The walls are very thin. I moved my bed to the other side of the room so the air conditioner didn't blow right on me and the first night I did it I was startled when the gentleman in the room next to me coughed. His bed must be against the same wall as mine and I thought someone was in the room.
This morning I had a very early, 6:30 a.m. meeting, when I got back in my room I listen to my Selah music on my Ipod and it made me think of the movie The Hiding Place. There was a scene in there where all the people in the concentration camp gathered and sang in total silence Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. It was so moving and a powerful display of worship. I have thought of that so many times lately as I sing at the top of my lungs in absolute silence. This morning my heart was full and it was such a sweet time of worship. I was so tired but full of enthusiasm and excitement for the work that is ahead.
Why such excitement.....Last night I stayed at the hospital and was trained and worked at the helicopter pad where they bring the wounded in. Oh my...what an awesome experience. No sooner had they showed me how it all worked and four helo came in with wounded and to work I went. What precious cargo to lift out of the helicopters. They have it down and the process is amazing. During the four hours I was here eight helicopters came in. One that came in was a detainee! IT is amazing to me to watch the Medical staff slip into action. They are all about saving lives. Troops or detainees or insurgents or innocent Iraqi women and children all are cared for with the most incredible care and respect.
I saw a big area of need. On the helicopters were ambulatory and non ambulatory troops. Some have not been wounded but are sick and needing some kind of medical care. They bring them off the helicopters and they wait in a room that is about 15 by 12. It desperately needs a touch of love and medical staff would love that but need help. They desperately need a flat screen TV. What they have is old and small! I watched them eat the peppermint candy that was there so this evening I brought over the candy that Laurie sent me. They were thrilled. They would like two big bulletin boards. One for notes that people send from the States and the other for notes from the troops! The staff does over and above to try an make these troops comfortable. I loved so much being there and helping and hope to do so regularly. Until the center opens I will have a little more time and can help but I hope even after the center opens to be able to help at least one night a week. I plan to renew my CPR certification so I can help in other areas.
Well I have got to get to bed! It has been a long day and tomorrow I will be busy with United Through Reading will travel.
Thank you so much for your support! I love so much receiving your emails and hearing what is going on there. I may not email you right back but it is great to hear! I have a new found appreciation for emails, cards and care packages. It is just a touch of home. It really doesn't matter what they say or what is in the boxes it is that someone cares and loves and supports you. So never grow weary sending our troops cards and care packages. I guarantee it means the world to them. Donna you are doing a great thing with Defenders OF Freedom. You will probably not know this side of glory what a powerful impact you are having and the difference you are making. Press on my dear friend!
A friend gave me a card before I left Texas and it speaks my heart today. Too many of us live life thinking we are making no difference in this world. You may feel you are just one person in this world but keep doing what your heart is passionate about because you may be the world to just one person. I find that to be so true. Serve each other just one person at a time. I sat with a soldier today at breakfast and our lives could not have been any more different. He was so intrigued that I had been married 33 years and was happy about that. We had a great talk and when I left he said to me "thanks for being nice to me, most good people like you don't really want to talk to me." I will probably never see that young man again. He was headed out today for a different camp up north but I was so glad I had that few minutes with him and to let him know how proud I was of him and for his sacrifice to our country.
Again, I love each of you dearly and miss you so much!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Making Progress!
Dear All,
It has been a busy couple of days! We have had Kevin and Charlotte from Dubai and Shari from Qatar here. We have met with many as we move forward getting this center up and running. I think we are very close to having a plan and action to follow! I can't wait!
Now for all you Poison fans...yes Bret Michael's was here! What fun it was watching the troops have SO much fun. We met him when he arrived here at the DV quarters and got pictures. The concert was great! Many of his songs and many just oldies that we love. The concert was in the theater and it was rockin. Nothing like watching the troops dance and rock out with their M16 strapped across their shoulder. They all really enjoyed themselves. They had the USO people come up front so I was right there in touching distance. We visited with this one married couple and were able to get them up front also. She was a huge fan and had made this big poster and everything. It was delightful to me to watch her husband work hard to get her the best seat in the house and how thrilled he was that she was having such a good time. About half way through I went back stage and stood on the stage where I could watch the troops. You all know me...I was just a crying as I watched them have so much fun! Just can't believe I am here! Standing there it was hard to believe there was a war going on right outside this area and thrilling to think these troops had a moment away from it all. A much needed thing for them.
IT has been overcast the past three days. I wasn't sure if it was overcast or so much dust in the air it looked overcast. At times there is so much dust in the air that it feels hard to breath. The temperature is dropping. Yesterday got only up to 95, which actually feels cool. The mornings and evenings are wonderful and so pleasant to be out in. We are stepping into a new season that I was not really aware started this soon. The Rainy season! Yes Rain! Picture that! It rained day before yesterday, not much but I understand it will pick up here soon. It rained only enough to stir the dust up more. Imagine that! The sand is so fine that it makes a paste and they say it goes everywhere and I will be dust it off of everything. Now that gets me excited!
I am getting to know some people that live around me which makes it so nice and certainly I feel much more at ease in my environment. Last night when I got back to the room the electricity was out and three of my neighbors were sitting outside. We sat out for quite a while until the electricity came back on. Two of my neighbors are interpreters at the hospital and they are fascinating. Noz has been here almost four years and has so many stories to tell. IT was interesting last night hearing what it was like in the beginning of the war. Mom, you would not have wanted me here then! There were not the fences and barriers that protect us now! HE said you could watch the bad guys. They didn't have the missiles and things that they have now but would through whatever they could at the troops and people here!
We have another walk through with the Air Force Engineers here in an hour and maybe after that we will have the answers we need and can start to move forward.
I am excited as I will start the United Through Reading this week even if I have to record they out of the back of my car. We should be able to do some here at the hospital and hopefully in several locations here on base. I will talk to some of the different commanders tomorrow and get that all going. Yeah.....time with the troops!
Well I need to go get ready for the next meeting! I love you all dearly and miss you so much!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
It has been a busy couple of days! We have had Kevin and Charlotte from Dubai and Shari from Qatar here. We have met with many as we move forward getting this center up and running. I think we are very close to having a plan and action to follow! I can't wait!
Now for all you Poison fans...yes Bret Michael's was here! What fun it was watching the troops have SO much fun. We met him when he arrived here at the DV quarters and got pictures. The concert was great! Many of his songs and many just oldies that we love. The concert was in the theater and it was rockin. Nothing like watching the troops dance and rock out with their M16 strapped across their shoulder. They all really enjoyed themselves. They had the USO people come up front so I was right there in touching distance. We visited with this one married couple and were able to get them up front also. She was a huge fan and had made this big poster and everything. It was delightful to me to watch her husband work hard to get her the best seat in the house and how thrilled he was that she was having such a good time. About half way through I went back stage and stood on the stage where I could watch the troops. You all know me...I was just a crying as I watched them have so much fun! Just can't believe I am here! Standing there it was hard to believe there was a war going on right outside this area and thrilling to think these troops had a moment away from it all. A much needed thing for them.
IT has been overcast the past three days. I wasn't sure if it was overcast or so much dust in the air it looked overcast. At times there is so much dust in the air that it feels hard to breath. The temperature is dropping. Yesterday got only up to 95, which actually feels cool. The mornings and evenings are wonderful and so pleasant to be out in. We are stepping into a new season that I was not really aware started this soon. The Rainy season! Yes Rain! Picture that! It rained day before yesterday, not much but I understand it will pick up here soon. It rained only enough to stir the dust up more. Imagine that! The sand is so fine that it makes a paste and they say it goes everywhere and I will be dust it off of everything. Now that gets me excited!
I am getting to know some people that live around me which makes it so nice and certainly I feel much more at ease in my environment. Last night when I got back to the room the electricity was out and three of my neighbors were sitting outside. We sat out for quite a while until the electricity came back on. Two of my neighbors are interpreters at the hospital and they are fascinating. Noz has been here almost four years and has so many stories to tell. IT was interesting last night hearing what it was like in the beginning of the war. Mom, you would not have wanted me here then! There were not the fences and barriers that protect us now! HE said you could watch the bad guys. They didn't have the missiles and things that they have now but would through whatever they could at the troops and people here!
We have another walk through with the Air Force Engineers here in an hour and maybe after that we will have the answers we need and can start to move forward.
I am excited as I will start the United Through Reading this week even if I have to record they out of the back of my car. We should be able to do some here at the hospital and hopefully in several locations here on base. I will talk to some of the different commanders tomorrow and get that all going. Yeah.....time with the troops!
Well I need to go get ready for the next meeting! I love you all dearly and miss you so much!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Rest of Dubai
Dear All,
The rest of my time in Dubai was busy, busy and full of new adventures. We worked all day Sunday and half of Monday at the USO in Dubai. That USO there was nothing I had ever seen before. It is out in the docking area in the bay and is kind of a big open area with all sorts of vendors and fast food places. The USO had a main office building, a phone building, a TV lounge/library building, Kasbar or Internet/Media/Gaming Building and a large laundry facility building. They all kind of open on to a large courtyard area that has a big awning with lots and lots of tables and chairs. When the ship come in they arrange with the USO to have all these things available to them. The ship also connect with a vendor and beer is sold also to the troops. (USO has no part of that)
On a normal time the troops come in and are there for a couple of days for R&R and the troops arrange through the USO tours and things like the sand safari that We went on. The can even arrange hotels if they want to stay in town. Because of Ramadan the city is close for all that. No eating, drinking, smoking,at all from sun up to sundown. Things like live entertainment and all sorts of other stuff are not permitted at all. There was a DJ [laying music and keeping the crowd going. So for this visit the troops were contained within the USO area....so picture 4,000 plus marines (that are heading home from there tour in Iraq) and Navy troops who have been out on these ships for months, all in this area letting their hair down. Of course you can imagine where they all went first. The beer area! By midnight you can just imagine the shape of the majority of the troops. Unbelievable!
We worked long and hard that day and were back at the USO by 8 the next morning. The troops had to be back on the ship by noon. The morning was much, much quieter. Lots doing laundry and buying souvenirs to take home. Many in the phone building. There are 100 cell phones for the troops to use! IT is quite an operation.
We have a little more training that afternoon then that evening were taken out to this wonderful hotel on the bay for a luau. A luau in Dubai....interesting! It was quite fun and fun for all of us to just let our hair done and enjoy. Many of the Dubai staff had their wife and babies and that was fun.
We were back at the hotel by 11 and I enjoyed my nice big bathtub one more time. Oh the things we miss being away from home. The next morning we did not have to be at the airport until 2:30 so we had the morning. There was a mini mall there in the hotel and I found a salon and got my hair cut. That felt great and who know how long it will be before I get that opportunity again.
We got back into Kuwait around 6 in the evening and Angela, myself, Kevin our VP of our region, Charlotte his assistant and Shari another staff personnel went to the PAX terminal to begin working on getting a flight back into Iraq. Angela and I were Space Blocked on a flight first thing in the morning. We were to report at o500. As it goes....we ended up staying there all night. We did go over to the USO for a little bit to do a few things but for the most part we were in the PAX terminal with all the other troops trying to get out. We ended up boarding our C130 at 8 am. IT was a good flight. My name was called before the ones with me so I sat with a unit of troops headed into Iraq for their third tour in since the war. They were so fun and it was a great ride in. I was able to give them phone cards, tell them about the USO and give them Defendersoffreedom.us information. I was able to get just a couple of pictures. They have to be taken very discretely. I am not sure is it is forbidden or permitted so I take with real caution and ask all around if they are okay with me taking it.
Back in Iraq, I knew I have come along way as I felt like I was coming home as I walked into my little room. We were exhausted after days of a busy full schedule and being up all night. We slept a couple hours them met for dinner. I came here to do a little emailing and will head to bed early. Oh by the way...the time here changed while we were gone. We don't know why and many don't even know. It is an hour earlier. I am now 8 hours ahead of you.
I had care packages and cards here in the mail when I got here and that was so fun. Thanks Laurie and Vicki and of course my Johnny, who has had a card for me in the mail almost everyday. I have them on my wall in my room.
I love you all and miss you greatly. This will be a big week getting things narrowed down for where exactly the center will be located here. Hopefully in the next couple of days we can really have a plan of action and maybe even a target date for opening. I can't wait. I the meantime I shake a lot of hands and thank a lot of troops and connect with them with whatever time I have. They are all so amazing and making such huge sacrifices for you and me!
Thank you for your support of our troops and for supporting me in this adventure!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
The rest of my time in Dubai was busy, busy and full of new adventures. We worked all day Sunday and half of Monday at the USO in Dubai. That USO there was nothing I had ever seen before. It is out in the docking area in the bay and is kind of a big open area with all sorts of vendors and fast food places. The USO had a main office building, a phone building, a TV lounge/library building, Kasbar or Internet/Media/Gaming Building and a large laundry facility building. They all kind of open on to a large courtyard area that has a big awning with lots and lots of tables and chairs. When the ship come in they arrange with the USO to have all these things available to them. The ship also connect with a vendor and beer is sold also to the troops. (USO has no part of that)
On a normal time the troops come in and are there for a couple of days for R&R and the troops arrange through the USO tours and things like the sand safari that We went on. The can even arrange hotels if they want to stay in town. Because of Ramadan the city is close for all that. No eating, drinking, smoking,at all from sun up to sundown. Things like live entertainment and all sorts of other stuff are not permitted at all. There was a DJ [laying music and keeping the crowd going. So for this visit the troops were contained within the USO area....so picture 4,000 plus marines (that are heading home from there tour in Iraq) and Navy troops who have been out on these ships for months, all in this area letting their hair down. Of course you can imagine where they all went first. The beer area! By midnight you can just imagine the shape of the majority of the troops. Unbelievable!
We worked long and hard that day and were back at the USO by 8 the next morning. The troops had to be back on the ship by noon. The morning was much, much quieter. Lots doing laundry and buying souvenirs to take home. Many in the phone building. There are 100 cell phones for the troops to use! IT is quite an operation.
We have a little more training that afternoon then that evening were taken out to this wonderful hotel on the bay for a luau. A luau in Dubai....interesting! It was quite fun and fun for all of us to just let our hair done and enjoy. Many of the Dubai staff had their wife and babies and that was fun.
We were back at the hotel by 11 and I enjoyed my nice big bathtub one more time. Oh the things we miss being away from home. The next morning we did not have to be at the airport until 2:30 so we had the morning. There was a mini mall there in the hotel and I found a salon and got my hair cut. That felt great and who know how long it will be before I get that opportunity again.
We got back into Kuwait around 6 in the evening and Angela, myself, Kevin our VP of our region, Charlotte his assistant and Shari another staff personnel went to the PAX terminal to begin working on getting a flight back into Iraq. Angela and I were Space Blocked on a flight first thing in the morning. We were to report at o500. As it goes....we ended up staying there all night. We did go over to the USO for a little bit to do a few things but for the most part we were in the PAX terminal with all the other troops trying to get out. We ended up boarding our C130 at 8 am. IT was a good flight. My name was called before the ones with me so I sat with a unit of troops headed into Iraq for their third tour in since the war. They were so fun and it was a great ride in. I was able to give them phone cards, tell them about the USO and give them Defendersoffreedom.us information. I was able to get just a couple of pictures. They have to be taken very discretely. I am not sure is it is forbidden or permitted so I take with real caution and ask all around if they are okay with me taking it.
Back in Iraq, I knew I have come along way as I felt like I was coming home as I walked into my little room. We were exhausted after days of a busy full schedule and being up all night. We slept a couple hours them met for dinner. I came here to do a little emailing and will head to bed early. Oh by the way...the time here changed while we were gone. We don't know why and many don't even know. It is an hour earlier. I am now 8 hours ahead of you.
I had care packages and cards here in the mail when I got here and that was so fun. Thanks Laurie and Vicki and of course my Johnny, who has had a card for me in the mail almost everyday. I have them on my wall in my room.
I love you all and miss you greatly. This will be a big week getting things narrowed down for where exactly the center will be located here. Hopefully in the next couple of days we can really have a plan of action and maybe even a target date for opening. I can't wait. I the meantime I shake a lot of hands and thank a lot of troops and connect with them with whatever time I have. They are all so amazing and making such huge sacrifices for you and me!
Thank you for your support of our troops and for supporting me in this adventure!
In His Mighty Grip,
Linda
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