:: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 ::

So there I was

Today's trip to the airport was one of those stories that no one will believe because its just unimaginable. We were stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic in a combat zone. No lie. And, of course, I don't have any pictures to prove it because I was too worried about getting blown up. Thankfully, that didn't happen.

So several tiring hours later, we are back safe on camp. The trip wasn't too bad; the dismounting part to clear a path in the road so our convoy could pass was the bad part. A rocket attack with the first trip and a traffic jam that mimicked any American metropolis with the second trip definitely make me want to stay on camp for the third trip. Too bad my job won't allow it.

The Thai food at the Thai restaurant at Kabul International is delicious. We're pretty much known by name there. And I'm building up my cool guy points by being the convoy commander on all these trips. I'm not sure who keeps track of cool guy points or who really cares, but I know somewhere I'm making an impression. Today an E-7 with the new group went with us. During the convoy brief he didn't seem too amused with my humor and wit. He gave me a "This is no joke" stare. I, of course, just kept on going. Come on, everyone. Would you expect less?

Don't get me wrong, though. I did the entire convoy brief in its fullness (and I've seen several excellent ones and SEVERAL bad ones to be able to discern the difference) (not that I'm tooting my own horn) and put out all the information I needed to put out. Surprisingly, once we got to the airport, this gentlemen shook my hand and said, "Well done. Thank you." He said I impressed him; he didn't expect a Specialist to be able to handle all this.

Well, my parents always told me one thing, "If you're going to get off your lazy butt and do something, you better do it right the first time we won't have to threaten to kick your butt and make you do it again."

Or something like that.

All of this work has not kept my mind off of my wife, though. It's all just made me miss her more. I find myself more and more often waiting to see her and just hold her. I can't wait to just hear her voice and tell her that I love her. Everything I do I do to get me one step closer to her. May the good Lord find it in his will to reunite us soon; or at least pass the time so fast that we won't notice it. It's almost over. It's been a long 14 months and I can't wait to get home. Home. What a place.

I end my night by asking that everyone remember the soldiers over here. We are all fighting the good fight and sacrificing our all to keep our great country safe. Pray for us, please. Pray for our safety and our mission. I also ask that you remember my comrades, especially my fellow logistician. He had a friend pass away suddenly yesterday and he is quite distraught over this. Please pray that his friend's family will be comforted and he will be comforted as well. Unfortunately, the mission goes on and we are all forced to focus elsewhere sometimes.

God is good. All the time.
Peace

:: Ben 1:50 PM [+] ::
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