Full Moon

With the bad news as of late - it became really easy to come unglued with respect to cheerfulness and serenity.  I guess it happens to everyone, but I realized - the difference is - we who put our trust in God have a way out through prayer.  Today is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.  It was pointed out that by the priest that with every sorrow of Our Lady came a joy.  It is the same with us - as long as you have the supernatural perspective (which can only be gained through a relationship with God built through prayer).  Anyways - we're alright now.  I hear news of all the prayers you are saying for me and for the troops over here.  Thank you everyone for all of your support and greetings passed on by word of mouth!  I am keeping you all in mind!

 

I have been getting some great packages from people.  One package had this delicious homemade strawberry jam!  (I've been mixing that with yogurt).  I've also received packages of books and brochures - which I have used to build a small library of spiritual reading books in our tiny chapel.  The Chaplain was grateful for that!  (The medals and rosaries went fast too!)  I'll try and send a pic of our little tiny Blessed Sacrament chapel.  Thank you to all who have sent me letters and packages - it is really great to get them.

 

The flies are picking up here.  When I arrived, I noticed these fly strips hanging from the ceiling in locations all over the place.  They are kind of gross, as they're FULL of dead flies.  Thus far - I haven't seen very many flies... but they're coming!  (And they're persistant!)  They land on you, and even if you blow them / shoo them away, they just don't move!  I think that when the fly infestation comes (and I hear they come in swarms) this is going to be very annoying!  (Not to mention - gross).  It's gotten noticeably hotter here in the past couple of days.  Also - a few days ago it was so dusty that it looked like a fog!  Whenever we walked through it, a fine grit formed on our teeth, lips and face.  It also did a job in clogging up the nostrils too.

 

I've been forced to watch alot of 'Football' (Soccer) lately.  There are some die-hard Liverpool fans amongst the guys here, and when the fans of Manchester United, West Ham, Arsenal, etc. speak up - it can be quite comical to see how they threaten each other.  I suppose fans are called fans out of fanaticism over the sport.  It's good that people can have something else to think about.

 

I went to the barber today and heard a morning radio program... from Ottawa!  I didn't realize this, but for morale, they crank in 'The Bear' from Ottawa.  For the Ottawa natives it must be weird to hear the traffic reports!  I haven't yet listened to the All-News station from home yet, but I do remember listening to it when I was travelling before.  Hearing your city's traffic when you are not there is really a taste of home.  I might try doing that!

 

A popular thing here is the Pop Tart.  The army gives them to us as morale / rations.  (Or - we just buy them)  For all the years in the Army, I think I must have had a Pop Tart in a toasted format maybe... once.  I hear from the Brits that in the UK they were banned as a hazardous item because too many people were burning their mouths on the freshly toasted hot filling!  (Geez!)

 

It's a Full Moon tonight:  The Muslims are half way through their fast.  Many Muslims are using this month to become closer to God, and I really admire them for their efforts to do their duty for God.  One Muslim friend of mine jokes with me whenever I try to do something good for him like allow him to pass through a door to get to the dining hall first - that I am trying to steal the rewards of Ramadan by 'giving drink to the thirsty' and 'food to the hungry'.  Well... I guess so!  (Except not just in Ramadan!  And never to steal it!)  We are commanded to Love our neighbour - aren't we?  ;)

 

Unfortunately, the fanatical insurgents, however, have contorted the intent of Ramadan and stepped up their violence believing that this will win them Paradise.  It's keeping everyone busy, that's for sure. 

 

Well - enough blabbering on.  I hope all is okay with everyone at home.  Missing you all.