As-Salamu ‘Alaykum (“Peace be upon you”) from Kuwait,
WOW, what a flight! After a non-stop from Denver to Frankfurt and then right on to Kuwait, we finally arrived last night and checked into our hotel here in Kuwait City. After a short night, we headed out to Camp Arifjan at the southern end of the country. As we drove down the main highway, we could still see many of the oil platforms that Saddam Hussein had lit on fire immediately after the liberation of Kuwait during the first Gulf War. Fortunately, Kuwait has turned things back around, and today the country produces a staggering 2 million barrels of oil per day.
Upon arrival we were briefed by the Deputy Commander of the Camp, and, thanks to Tyndale Publishing, I was able to hand out copies of my book Monday Night Jihad.
We then headed north to Camp Buehring, near the Iraqi border. On the way, we were met by the ever-so-common sandstorm. These gritty blasts can easily cripple the operations side of the bases here in the region.
Then, to make matters worse, we encountered the dreaded camel jam. That’s right – out of the fog of blowing sand came close to 100 camels galloping through the desert. Our guide told us each camel is worth the equivalent of $30,000 US. That got me thinking a bit. So, if I can’t be found on the gridiron this next season, you may be able to find Jason ‘Camel Breeder’ Elam in the nearest Kuwaiti Bedouin village.
After clearing all the obstacles, we finally arrived at Camp Buehring with just enough time to be briefed by officials before we headed off to the DFAC (Dining Facility – and yes, there is an acronym for everything here).
After lunch we hung out with many of the troops transitioning either into or out of Afghanistan or Iraq. I conveyed my own appreciation and that of so many of you back home who love, support, and pray for these warriors.
From Camp Buehring, we were to head to Camp Virginia but the base was shut down due to a threat. So, we headed to our last base for the day, Camp LSA. We did another “meet-n-greet” with the troops, who were mainly from Oklahoma. They had just arrived earlier this week for a one-year tour. We enjoyed our time with them, but jet lag was quickly catching up to most of us. So, we soon returned to our hotel in order to pack up for our military transport into Iraq tomorrow.
Without a doubt, it’s a completely different world over here. I will continue to blog when able, and will also do my best to be an ambassador of encouragement to all of our troops. Blessings to all.
Under Mercy,
Jason
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5 comments:
Jason,
What a great way to encourage the troops and be a witness for Christ. This may top your 63 yarder.
Blessings and prayers for your safety!
Jason, God Bless You! It is so great that you are visiting our troops. My son is at camp Buehring, but missed you as he was out training. It means alot to the troops and the family's back home,
Thanks Again!
PMM Cpl. Nick Johnson
Gina Johnson
jason - i first heard about your trip on KLove. What an awesome ministry!!! Thank you for your willingness to "be" His hands and feet. Thx for letting our troops know how much we appreciate them and how PROUD we all are of them! May God richly bless you and your team.
In His Care -
Doug in Denver
I just wanted to say thank you! You are an inspiration to many and I am thrilled about the book! I plan on buying it and than having it on my desk at school (I teach Jr High). It will surely garner attention (especially from the boys) and who knows what kinds of discussions may spring forth! and how many of them will ask to read it! :-)
-Sonya
Washington State
Jason,
I forgot you were going to be with our troops this week. Please let them know we are praying for them and think about them often. Thanks for serving Christ in this way. We're praying for you as well.
Take Care.
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