My Afghan Church

I thought some of you might be interested in my church conditions, so here goes. As always, I remain Roman Catholic and they actually have a priest assigned to our Camp... Father Matt (his Polish name is way to much for me to handle). Father Matt, a US Army Lt Col, gives very spiritual masses and most compelling sermons... he teaches us which I really appreciate. The "church" is really just a big tent that they use here for a number of events; large staff meetings, yoga classes, concerts, and various denomination services. The alter in the picture is really a food transporter they put a tablecloth over and then decorate from there. I found the background picture quite compelling the very first time I saw it and hope you do to. I saw Father Matt heading out on patrol with the troops the other day in his full combat gear (cross in the center of his helmet)... he's really an amazing guy.

Now Ramazan. Not sure of the bathing traditions during this period, but I've noted the body odor in the Ministry these days is quite strong to say the very least. Oh man, at least another 30 days to go before it's over. I had a meeting with the Chief of Criminal Analysis the other day in a very closed up room with a whole lot of people and for some reason they do not like to put their air conditioner on... it just wasn't pretty. Here are all these guys in full suits in what I thought was a sweltering room discussing their issues and not sweating in the least... I was soaking wet. Finally, one of the younger guys noted I was wiping the sweat with my hankerchief (learned to keep one of those on me at all times) and turned on the a/c... it was getting embarassing. Anyone have any extra hankerchiefs lying around I could use a few more... laundry here only comes once a week.

Poor Asa. I've noted during Ramazan she has become very conservative in her dress. She now wears a black skull cap to completely cover all hair and ears. She then covers the skullcap
with a scarf that matches her tunic but now wraps the scarf tightly around her head and neck... she used to only wear a scarf and wrapped it loosely so there was a flow of air. Couple this outfit with a long walking commute in heavy/dry dust and no water during the light of day and it's got to be miserable. In consideration of her and my other Afghan colleagues, I do not drink or eat in front of them during the day... it's killing me and I only need to go a few hours. More on this stuff later.

This blog hug goes out to my dearest friends and spiritual mentors in my Arlington Church... Dee Dee and Peggy Gott. I think all your work is paying off here, finally!!!!!! XXXOOO