Communication and Transportation

Casey and the kids received two packages from Chaplain J last week. He's quite a haggler in the open air markets. Among the gifts were jewelry carved from bone, dominoes made from wood and brass, and a coffee cup. Can you guess who the cup was for?

Communication is somewhat limited as usual. When you travel from major bases to tiny outposts, you can't count on reliable Internet access - or electricity for that matter. Although the RED HORSE squadron usually has the best wiring and construction, since they are responsible for creating it. These days we get a few minutes on instant messenger a couple times a week.

Transportation gets a bit creative, too. There are a certain number of flights moving at a time and one never knows when the next one will be going out. Chaplain J must be flexible when planning his stops in various camps. Some 2 day visits turn into 4 or 5 days.

So the next time you pick up your phone to text or call a friend, remember what a privilege it is to have the technology.

Who's On First?

Chaplain Pitts is in Iraq this week. The Internet connection works intermittently so communication is limited.

One story he relayed was about a Bible study he participated in. Each member was sharing areas that he or she struggles with. Self control. Thoughts of infidelity. Dishonesty. Chaplain J was the last to share and commented that his struggle tied together each of the ones mentioned. Selfishness. When we make our needs and desires more important than God, we struggle.

I found a website this week that hits home with this concept. I Am Second is a movement that churches in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are joining together for. Check out their site for more information.

April News

It's been a crazy month! Chaplain J has called home several times at strange hours of the day and night. He's learning the finer points of catching flights from one country to another. J's group typically wear red hats to identify themselves with the "Red Horse" unit.


Chaplains travel via whatever flights have space available. He accompanied some soldiers and civilians on a medivac flight from one base to another. The plane was very noisy so everyone wore earplugs. The patients ranged from civilian contractors with heart conditions to military members who suffered common injuries that you and I might see at a local emergency room. None of the passengers suffered from conflict based injuries.

Easter services were held outside. Most locations have long term Chapel staff so traveling Chaplains pitch in with local activities while meeting the needs of the particular unit they are assigned to. Chaplain J was pleased to help at the base as well as provide a small service for a group unable to attend the regular service.

No Fooling!

Chaplain J took pictures to show us just how much he is "suffering" with the food selection. Not only does he get ice cream and cookies, he also has lobster about once a week.


His favorite meal is breakfast. He can get most anything made to order. Many of the locations he will travel to over the next few months will not have this great of a selection. Enjoy it while it lasts!


The dining facility was recently remodeled. It's a great place to meet up with "the guys" and talk about what's going on.

This week's office is a cozy little space. Bring your own chair. Often impromptu counseling happens wherever there's a space - doorways, dinner tables, or parking lots. Outdoor conversation can be challenging at times. The air is constantly hazy because of all of the sand and dust in the air. The landscape is flat and brown. Hmmm... that reminds me of someplace.

Update March 30

Chaplain J called from the desert this weekend. He's adjusting to climate change and time changes. After a few days of transition, his group will divide up and scatter across the area for various jobs. He will be traveling among those groups offering counsel and spiritual guidance.

We got to see him on webcam this week. His hair is much shorter, but other than that he's our same J. He even had a chance to visit the Base Exchange, which is a lot like a Walmart on base.

Most of his travels will take him to established locations with housing and standard base facilities. Occasionally he will go to a more remote area. His biggest complaint at his current location is having to to sleep in a bunk bed. Picture that!

We should have an address soon. He's already requested a few items to be mailed. I'll let you know when we have a somewhat permanent address and offer guidelines about what to send.

Thank you for your prayers. Things are going smoothly so far.

Training Exercises

It's been a fun week for Chaplain J! First, his team practiced on the shooting range. Chaplains are not allowed to carry weapons, but a little practice for fun never hurt anyone. To the amazement of many, J fired a perfect score. (I wasn't surprised. Were you?)

Next, the group learned some medical readiness skills. Each person practiced inserting IV's and emergency care. Then off to a simulator that trains you on what to do if your vehicle rolls over. It's amazing how disoriented you can get. J says you can't remember which way to pull the door handle to get out. Once you've been tossed around and land upside-down, you can become rather confused. As an onlooker, though, it's quite humorous to watch full grown men fall out of a car door. Of course the Chaplain had his turn to look foolish as well.


PS. We finally got our webcam working. We hope it's equally as easy once the team travels.

Weekly Update

Hello from the Homefront!

Our Chaplain called this week to say that training is going well. His squadron has attended many briefings (informational lectures) and received two more bags of gear.

He is staying in barracks with 20 other airmen, eating high calorie mystery meat, and getting very little sleep. Is anyone surprised? This first week has been an adjustment, but J is beginning to find ways he can minister to this group. Many are unable to attend weekend services because of the schedule rotations. He is planning to offer devos (devotions) early in the mornings for those who want to attend.

Time for Internet access has been limited. We've tried to set up webcam calls for him to talk to the kids but it's been nothing but trouble. Our home webcam was damaged in our move and his Internet opportunities have been scarce. Hopefully we will have a new webcam before he travels again. We should buy stock in Best Buy while its down.

On the Homefront , this first week has been challenging. We've battled the flu, overcrowded schedules, and hormones. (With four girls, how can you avoid it?) We have a great support network. Thank you to everyone who has been praying, emailing and calling. We are managing, but be prepared for that phone call! We've got your number!