Tears... of sorrow and JOY!

Since I began this trip, I have become more aware of the plight of the less fortunate that I am coming into contact with.  Striking up a discussion with my new friends - who are the courageous overseas workers from the many nations here - I have had the opportunity to hear their stories, share laughter with them, and exchange a moment of charity towards one another.  The other day was particularly hard for me.  I was returning from the gym (morning Physical Training) when I came across a dumpster - to see people rummaging through it for the many nearly new / slightly used things that were in there.  (and we're not even talking Afghans here!)  I bumped into a worker whose eyes were bleary from the hot sun to hear his story of how he wants to go home to see his family that he hasn't seen in close to a year, but cannot since he is afraid of losing his contract. The money these people get is alot better than what they get in their home countries, but the pay is shockingly low in comparison to our standards.

I got to see Afghans first hand the other day.  They hold a bazaar on base.  I saw a really surreal scene of some young boys in traditional dress, playing under a table... blowing bubbles!

I was sent a story by email of a touching experience from a dinner where a loved one missed somebody here dearly.  I sought that person out here to tell them what had been told to me of their loved one's missing them, and while saying so - the person's eyes welled up with tears.  Mine couldn't stay dry either.  Here we were - with our loved ones worrying about us at home who had shared a moment of missing us here, and now we (who are total strangers) were sharing a moment with the common bond of missing our loved ones at home.  Please don't forget to remember that not only members of your Canadian Forces serves our country overseas.  There are many good civilians who are here also to help us do our job, and to serve our country.  They undergo the same threats... exccpt the difference is - we're trained and are capable of defending ourselves.  I really admire their desire to serve with us here.

A moment of joy?  Check this out - I knew I have a relative here.  For the past week I have been searching for him.  Walking around this huge base trying to locate him, doing detective work, I finally found him!  When I approached his co-workers, they saw my nametag and all stopped moving at the same time to look at me.  I had about 10 guys staring at me and one exclaiming: "Ang pamankin ni...(name of my relative)".  30 mins later I was looking at my relative who I haven't seen since I was a child!  It was SO awesome to be united!  Everyone said: "Oh - we've been expecting you!".  Family - I love it!

I have heard of all the people praying for me.  I'm praying for all of you too.  I am so very grateful to have such faith-filled friends who care.  I am indebted to you all!  

Canada Day is upcoming!  They raised a large Canada Flag over top of the tallest aerial here.  If you saw it, it would make you SO proud!  Thank you MB for the story of how you taught how proud we should be of our country.  People here say we're doing a good job and making a difference.

Pro Deo et Patria!  God Bless - J