Stuff from August

Well August has come and gone. Nothing has changed so much that I felt I should write except when looking back through the month. In fact things stay so much the same here that I, and some others have taken to wishing each other a happy ground hog's day. I eat the same things most days. I go to the same places each day though at different times, depending on my schedule for that day. I see the same people.

I have gotten to know the Ugandan guards all around this post. They are super nice and most of them are Christians...like 84% of thier population...what a testament to God's work abroad. They have names like John, Ronald, Enoch, Addah, Bernard, etc. Those names don't seem so uncommon to us, but in thier country where Swahili is the local tounge it is as obvious as someone named Carlose. In that counrty those names identify them as Christians just as Carlose would identify someone of hispanic decent in our country. Some of them are here to help support families, while others are here to work up a dowry for the woman they have in mind back home. Out here they earn what would be the equivalent of $2 Million a year. Though they are so far away from home they still bring thier culture with them. At night sometimes they will build a bon fire and dance around it singing with drums. They are so high on life it is infectious. I can't get enough of them as you can probably tell by my rambling. Just wonderful people and true evidence of God's love for all peoples of the world.

I have started school with Liberty University in hopes of earning a Multi Disciplinary Degree. So far I have transfered around 90 credits to this program. I am in Bible 104 and Theology 104 right now. In fact, as I write this I am procrastinating finishing my assignment for this week...don't worry, I will get it done...always do. This will hopefully lead to a commision as a Chaplain. I have been corresponding with Chaplian Jones to get more information into this program. More to come on that one as I progress into my education.

Last night I took the Dixie Band out to Camp Cropper to play for the MP Brigade. Just getting on that post is a chore in itself as they are very watchful who comes on and even moreso who goes off, if you get my drift. We got all set up and started playing, leading off with the MP Song. Sounds appropriate, No?? We finished and everyone applauded as usual but we noticed it was a "oh wasn't that a nice march," sort of applause. We rounded out our set with more traditional dixieland music and then ate dinner with them. The group leader went and talked with the 1SG and Commander to ask if they recognised the first tune we played...after a short pause they answered, "oh yeah, it was some sort of march right?" Later on we had a good laugh at thier expense. The MP's didn't know the MP Song...not even thier General knew it. It is supposed to be thier fight song...like Climb To Glory is my Division's fight song. I know every word! Too funny. The night was not without it's own appreciation...as we left my group leader came up to me and said that he appreciated my hard work and handed me a coin from the CSM and the CC of the MP Brigade we played for. Though it has no actual value it was very much appreciated and will always be something special to me. I tried to upload pics but the internet is routinely stupid out here...sorry.

Well all, that is what has happened in August. Please stay tuned as I will continue to post, no matter how long inbetween.

I venture to write you a poem of kind
But sitting here blank nothing comes to mind
Do I tell you you're pretty, no that just won't do
Or that you complete me, maybe I love you
I could tell you I'm proud as a king in his court
Knowing his knights are defending his fort
Perhaps shedding a tear might show you my glee
But really, how much fun would that be
Some how I must display my love and esteem
Knowing you I could do that with some chocolate ice cream
A triple chocolate moose cheese cake might do
Who am I kiding, I'd like that too
I would make you a cake with a zillion and one candles
But making fun of your age might loose me everything, and my sandles
Truly I can say you age quite well
For a woman your age you don't even smell
Much
With age comes wisdom, some have said
At your age maybe it's best to just stay in bed
Now that I have lost even my sandles
For your birthday I'll get you a walker with handles
Enough is enough, sorry I teased you
In my jesting I hope that I pleased you
I hope that your smile will rule your day
And that you'll have joy in your spirit
Though I'm away
Happy birthday Sandy
My blessed helper