Don't anybody choke on their fine home cooked chicken broccoli casserole now. I am actually going to sit down and blog.
Dave, Anne, Brent, Kimbo, Tom, Dad Happy Birthday. I think I missed every one. I am still missing all the nieces, nephews and in-laws. Shame on me. I wish I could have sucked down some oysters with you.
Brent and Buffy, congrats on the boy that is soon to come into your home. I was extremely happy to hear that news.
As for my condolences to the family for the loss of our sweet Grandma, I think we are all happy to know she is happy and has returned with her loved ones and free of the pain and confusion she was plagued with in those later years. Still, I know it is a tough time for Dad and his siblings to see a woman who meant so much to them pass on.
I finally recovered from whatever it was that hit me and went out today only to be greeted by a large riot I had to quell because the Iraqi Police had arrested one of their favorite people. So I assured the crowd (yelling middle-eastern crowds aren't the most approachable people) after a lot of hand waving that I would ensure the safety of the guy. So I left to talk to the police chief and visited the guy with whom I took a nice smiley picture and then returned to the crowd and everyone was hunky dory about it. Then Friday noon prayers became all important and standing out in the 110 degree street yelling seemed less important. The rest of my day, like most days consisted of talking to anybody and everybody that needs something from the Americans. And, since I am the senior American for this particular city of 200,000 I am that lucky guy that gets bribed with warm "Pepsi" (cold if they really want something) and threats that I must stay and eat lunch (which I refuse to do now that it is warmer and bacteria are spawning everywhere). My boss of course has to deal with the city as well from time to time but his area of focus is several hundred square km larger. Right now, we are just trying to get this police force to be fair and impartial so they can be trusted by both sides (Sunni and Shia). By the way, I have been reading a lot about both sides lately since this city is about 50/50 and last summer were very much killing each other on a regular basis. I think I can explain it like this:
Sunni people are like major non-denominational groups in the US. They believe like Shia that Allah is the one true God and that Muhammed the Prophet (peace be upon him) is his messenger. From there things kind of went both ways. Sunnis pretty much leave Muhammed and the Q'uran as the sole religious authority with nothing else that can come after. This reminds me of born-agains and the claim of the Bible as the absolute authority. Shia believe it was the half-brother Ali who received the authority of Imam to continue to be the connection between God and his people after Muhammed died. Almost the same role as our LDS prophets. Anyway, there end up being 12 Imams and they are all highly revered. Iraq holds many of their tombs and shrines so you can see why it is a very contested place. The 12th is a bit of a mystery and is supposed to come forth out of occultation and save Islam prior to the return of Christ. Now there was a lot of confusion in the doctrine it seems when the Imams reached 12 sometime prior to AD 1000. There was no longer any transmitter, or interpreter for God to the Shia people. So kind of like apostasy but they obviously don't see it that way and there is a lot of doctrine to explain it. Anyway, quick lesson on Sunni/Shia which doesn't even scratch the surface. Suffice it to say that the Sunni believed in Kings and Caliphates which pretty much constantly beat up on the Shia throughout history and now the Shia are ticked off. Oh yeah, and they (the Shia) don't believe in Kings and worldly governments, that is why you have the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran and I believe a lot of Shia grumblings here in Iraq. Anyway, I am now done with my lesson.
Life is better here and I am hoping I do not have to leave command anytime soon. I have a pretty nice setup and my company is finally used to me and my style and I think we all pretty much like each other. Another friend from home just moved here to be in this unit so we now have an LDS group that can actually meet.
I had a great time with my family. Sawyer was a pure joy, as were all the kids. Brooke is doing such an amazing job with the family at home. I really think she has the more difficult part of this deployment. Actually, it is not even close. If I need something done, I have about 175 guys to do it for me. Brooke has...well...herself and Jane...and Sadie (kind of). I am just extremely proud of my wife and her ability to manage it all.
We are trying to work with my assignment officer to find a place to suit Ellyn's needs prior to the school year starting. He brought up Monterey as available but we are still waiting on word on how sure a thing it is before we start the paperwork. It would be great to be on the West Coast with everybody next year. Heck, Tom's family may even be there is Japan kicks the US out of Okinawa!
I miss everyone. Sorry I do not stay in touch. Not my forte. I would say I will make a better effort but I probably won't. Sometimes I just want to spend the time chatting with Brooke. I think you all can relate. It does not mean I do not love all of you.
Dad, what is that bracelet you have? Mom, I read that peace book and although a bit manipulative, I thought it addressed some great means to successful relationships, thanks. I am finishing a big book on Shia Islam and then I think I will finish a book I have been nibbling at called Marching Powder about a bizarre prison in La Paz, Bolivia. I get to play some games of MLB 08: The Show with some of my platoon leaders from time to time (Tom and Brent, greatest baseball game evah).
I will try to take my camera out and get some pics and post some of the lovely area:-)
Mike
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