Reflections

Greetings from Chilly Colorado (otherwise known as Home Sweet Home),

Traveling the world has always been something I’ve loved. I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds. I like seeing new sites. I am intrigued to find out why people believe what they believe. And I am always fascinated by immersing myself in unique cultures.
This love of other cultures was further enhanced when I left home to attend the University of Hawaii in 1988. Although it was a difficult transition in some ways, I grew to love my experience during college. I have friends literally all over the world, and consider any time spent with them to be a true blessing.
On the flight back from Iraq, I began to reflect on all of my experiences – not only this trip, but my previous adventures as well. As I did, one thing struck me. I realized that after each of these trips I have always been able to return home. And each time I return home, there is a sense of thankfulness and relief for being back in a country that allows us the freedoms we have. That's not to say we don’t have our issues here – we clearly do. However, without a doubt, we live in the greatest country on the globe.
I’ve just had a rare opportunity to go to a war zone. My whole purpose was to encourage our soldiers, yet I was the one who came back encouraged. As I look through the many photos I took in Iraq (at least 400) and reflect on the many stories our troops told me while I was there, I am filled with pride – pride in our troops who have sacrificed so much (current and veterans), and pride in our troops who made the ultimate sacrifice for me to be able to return home to my freedom.
This trip is going to take a lot of time to process for me. When I close my eyes, I think of the Blackhawk crew that painted stars on their chopper to remember their friends who have fallen, or the lobby of the 3rd Infantry Division which held the dog tags of friends they have lost, or the running loop of pictures on a big screen at COP Callahan showing their friends who have given their lives. In each of these situations, what impressed me so much is the way the troops are so determined to never forget their comrades.
I believe it is so very important to remember. In the Bible, God routinely told the Israelites to put up Memorial Stones. Why? So they would never forget. So they would always remember what the Lord did for them.
As I stood in line at U.S. Customs to officially re-enter America, I saw a soldier nearby. I made sure I went to him and said, “Thank you for all you do!” At times, I am sad to admit that I’ve taken our freedom for granted, but I don't think I ever will again.
I would like to encourage all of you to put up your own “Memorial Stone.” It could be a small stone placed on your kitchen windowsill or a large rock placed in your garden – just set something in a frequented area, so that every time you see it you will remember the sacrifices that have been and are continuing to be made for all of us here in the great U.S. of A., and you will also send up a quick prayer for all those who are constantly putting it all on the line for us.
Blessings to all of you, and thanks again for taking the time to follow me through the last week in Iraq.

Under Mercy,
Jason