Never been called that before!

A friend sent me an email with the title 'An Invitation to my Wedding'.  I thought - whoa - I didn't think that person was even involved with another.  A wedding?  That was fast!  When I opened up that email it was one of those powerpoint, send 'round to your friends, type email.  It had these gorgeous pictures from what I think is some resort in the Philippines.  That place is a piece of Paradise for sure!  The blue water, fish, and clear skies really boosted the morale!  Wish I could post a pic on this site, but I doubt I can from this computer.  Well - to the person that sent me that - I hope you can spend your honeymoon there someday!  ;)

 

I got into a really nice conversation with my Muslim friends.  We were discussing faith and religion.  I was wondering why some things existed in Islam, and we were just discussing.  They have a nice rule in their faith: 'if anyone asks a question regarding faith that they cannot answer - they are under obligation to find an answer.'  I was honoured when one of them said to me - that I am 'Muslim'... he explained "Muslim means 'to submit oneself to God'".  I've never been called that before, but by that definition - I hope I really do submit to the Will of God - though I am so glad our way of submission is through being a good son or daughter of God in obeying and being faithful.  I am in real awe of my Muslim friends here as they live out Ramadan going through the hot days with no food or water... many times under the blazing sun.  The poor guys are really famished by nightfall, and we join in the watch to identify 'sundown' so we can all eat together, and boy, do they eat!  Many of them have lost considerable weight.  Well - if they are doing their fast for God, they will gain alot of grace and favour with God.

 

A buddy of mine from the UK showed me this awesome device in order to do online banking.  It looks like a calculator, but what you do is stick your bank card in it.  When you get on the Bank's website, it asks you for a PIN.  After you punch in your PIN, it asks you for the randomly generated number on the digital display of the 'calculator'.  I think that's Barclay's Bank that does that.  Wow - that's secure!  Wish we had that.

 

Communications breakdowns: it's weird working here sometimes.  The Coalition Forces and the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) operate with several languages under this operational umbrella.  Of course, the ANSF uses Pashtu (and / or Dari).  The Coalition uses (by and large) English.  I am surprised at how articulate many of the people here are in English - a language that isn't their mother tongue!  Sometimes, it does break down.  The other day I was having a conversation with another Coalition member.  We were both speaking English, but the point wasn't getting across. And - like most dolts, we began to get louder and louder with each other - as if an increase in volume will bring comprehension. Well - you know what happens when you increase your voice - it sounds more aggressive.  Before you know it - we were both ready to rip each other's trachea out!  (Bad news!)  Well - when we realized this we calmed down and carried out a normal conversation.  A smile goes a long way.  And one other point - learning languages is really helpful.  Being here really drives ome the fact that with the world getting 'smaller' - the need to learn other languages is critical.

 

On that note - Education is also critical.  I know of a person here who really wants to make a better life for himself.  The problem is - he needs to get a formal education... starting with getting his high school diploma.  We would all like to help all our new friends get a high school diploma from an accredited North American or European institution.  None of us know just how to get through the 'red tape'... and there is red tape.  Can anybody help us?  Is there a distance program that someone can take - from this far away?  The person can't pay for it, so we're all thinking of pitching in for his studies.

 

School is going to open here soon - right after Ramadan.  Hopefully, we can help with that.

 

Ever heard of a group called 'Casting Crowns'?  It's a Christian rock group.  One of the soldiers gave it to me.  It's pretty good!  I'll share it with you when I get home,

 

To the DLSCC-ers: You'll all be happy to know that the guy who you know, that could run faster BACKWARDS than you could forwards - has now joined us here.  Please keep him in your prayers as well.  Facta on Verba!

 

To finish off here - one phrase that the Soldiers have picked up, is an Afghan expression: 'Inshallah'.  What they don't really realize, is that this means: "God Willing".  It's such a nice thing to hear.  I've heard of Afghans arguing persistently with ISAF soldiers - like when they are asking for the arrival of something, or somebody.  They will argue and yell.  But when they hear 'Inshallah' - they stop arguing... after all it's all in God's Hands.