It's A Blessing To Be Alive!

I would have to say this is, by far, the most different Easter that I have ever celebrated.

Easter has always been my most favorite holiday. Most importantly because of what it means to me as a Christian. But, I also like the colored eggs, the Easter baskets, the chocolate bunnies and the Easter egg hunt with the kids. At our home, it's always been a time to celebrate with family and friends. I love the chaos when everyone arrives and we spend the afternoon eating the wonderful dishes everyone shares.

Like I said, this Easter was different. No going to church with Grandma Dart, no straw hat, no big meal to cook for visiting family and friends. And to really dampen my spirit, no spring thaw or the budding of new plants in my garden. I miss the color green. The other day, I found what I believe is the only plant growing in the ground on this camp. I just might dig it up and bring it to my living area!

Following some meetings in the morning, I attended a church service at the dining facility. The camp has yet to build a chapel but there are plans to build one in the near future. I was surprised at the absence of attendees. There were multiple services throughout the day and they were held at different locations but I would have expected a packed room. For selfish reasons, I was glad it wasn't full since the room was stifling hot as it was, already.

The pastor began, "It's a blessing to be alive!" Yes, it is, I thought. This place is not without danger. Most of the time I'm more afraid of getting run over by one of the Iraqis or British drivers. But, there is always in the back of my mind that I could experience more than I bargained for on this trip.

It was hard not comparing this service to all others that I have attended. I was in a room with my weapon at my feet, sweat dripping down my back and when we sang, there were no instruments. Just try carrying a tune of a song you have never sung before. Got to love it! However, the pastor provided a wonderful sermon which reminded me that the location just didn't matter. The message is everything.

After the service I decided to stay for lunch and I sat with a couple British Soldiers. From my perspective, they talk really fast and I had to ask them repeatedly to ask me again their question. They were amazed that I would be here for at least 10 months and that this was my first deployment. They had both been deployed 3-4 times but their deployments were only six months.

I went to the Post Exchange (PX) to purchase some chocolate. None. Not a single bit of chocolate to be found. All other types of candy to be had but not anything I was looking for so I left empty-handed.

Later, that evening, I actually got to Skype Brian, Lyndsey and my parents. This was the first time that the video and voice worked for both sides. It was great seeing everyone. It's been especially hard not having the communication ability that we have had at other locations prior to Iraq. What a wonderful blessing that I had comms with my family especially on Easter!