A FAMILY JOURNAL: FATHER TO SON FOR NEW YEAR'S-VOLUME 8

The journal you are about to read is part of an ongoing dialogue.  The words are a conversation between "the family" of
the soldier experience.  It's Dads, Moms, Sons,  Daughters,  Relatives and Friends sharing their thoughts of a particular day and/or it could be the soldiers journal entry detailing his or hers.  I believe there are many, many people keeping a journal through the Afghan War.  If you want to share an entry of yours email it to jkmyfathersvoice@gmail.com  Your post will be strictly confidential,  no names will be used.  In addition, locations overseas will not be mentioned for security purposes except the country of origin.  Some editing may be done to further protect the journal participant.

Hey Sonpo:

Well, 2011 is here...but of course you already knew that since you're 10 and a half hours ahead of us.  Sure seems strange as we go headlong into the new year with so many of our soldiers gone.  It has been good to see some of your buddies coming home on leave now.  I can only imagine what must be going through the minds of the families and the soldiers on those reunions.  Hopefully, we can experience that in the near future.

I wanted to reflect on a couple of things from this past year.  First off, you have changed immensely.  I think of the young man we saw off to Basic in September of 2009 to the man you are now...WOW!!  It's unbelievable to think that you are 20 years old and that you are setting sail on your life-long dreams.  And secondly, it appears that God is creeping back into your life.  Your card to the family at Christmas time spoke volumes to the maturity you now exhibit.

I want to continue  encouraging you in your spiritual journey.  Which leads me to a point and a book that I want to share.  An old saying, according to some experts, states that there are no atheists in a foxhole.  Hardship, horror, fear, loneliness and rage have driven many warriors to reach for their spiritual side.   A book written by Charles Sasser, "God in the Foxhole",  talks about many experiences he saw during wartime.  Every one of his stories presents accounts of God's amazing grace covering and protecting soldiers. One particular Bible verse that Sasser mentioned often struck a chord with soldiers was Matthew 17: 20;

".....I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you."

The Foxhole Provides Reflection Time

So, I'm leaving you with that Bible verse.  Something you can hang on to.  I'm not sure how much time you've spent in a foxhole or out overnight during your missions.  I can imagine though, that there are any number of experiences you can share with your fellow soldiers about God's grace and protection.  I pray that you become bold in that mission.  Remember that you are not alone!!!

So...that's my New Year's musings.....not resolutions, but thoughts in areas we can continue to grow together as a family.  Happy New Year!!!  213 days or 30 weeks to go however you look at it!  Praying for your safety, son.  Praying for you daily......

Love, Dadpo

                                                -30-