New C.H.U.

I'm finally officially here in Iraq. I got here Sunday night and after a few hours I was able to check into my new C.H.U. (Conex Housing Unit). If my recollection of history serves me right Abraham walked these grounds (Nehemiah 9:7). Defense Secretary Gates also recently visited this area.

"The secretary began his Iraq trip with a visit to a command post in Talil, where U.S. troops are serving mainly as advisers to Iraqi forces. The advisory unit in Talil is a prototype for U.S. forces as they shift from front-line combat to support roles." (AP)

My CHU came with some basic furniture; bed, nightstand, lamp, A/C !!! and a locker. I took a really awesome nap this afternoon, I hadn't slept that well in a long time.

I started up a internet account (expensive) yesterday and I was able to talk to my wife for an extended period of time. I was also able to see my son. It is nice to be able to log onto the internet pretty much anytime of the day and talk to Roxann.

I'm real close to the PX, Chow Hall and other facilities which makes it nice. I think the furthest I have to walk is about 15 minutes.

The Chow Hall has a wide selection of foods to choose from. Just to name a few, they have the Main Line, Taco Bar, Salad Bar, Short Order (Fast Food), Dessert Bar, Healthy Bar and Large Selection of Drinks. I had a chicken taco, baked potato with cheese sauce, sweet tea, orange juice, Gatorade, chocolate moose pie and ice cream for dinner.

Things are going good but I'm definitely missing home.

Still Adjusting to the Time

- I'm still "trying" to adjust to the new time zone I'm currently in, a little tuff.
- I was able to finally download Skype for my iPhone so I can make free ($6.95/month) phone calls. This should turn out to be a really nice feature.
- Today, was not as hot, a plus.
- I think I left my power chord for my laptop in Georgia :-(

Kuwait Adventure

I have safely journeyed across the waters, refueling in Germany (I ate a brautworst), and landing in Kuwait. It is currently 1500 hrs, Monday July 13, and little warm outside. Imagine a huge blower dryer on your face, and back, and chest, and legs and everywhere else and that is what it feels like here. Oh yeah, you have to turn the blow dryer to high/hot also. Other than that, it's almost like being on the beach...with no water. To help describe it better, imagine Oregon, now take away the trees, the grass, the deer, the bears, the salmom, the rain, the dirt (sand doesnt count), the mountains, the crashing waves; then add some more sun (a lot more) and you have Kuwait in a nutshell (or is it the armpit). It's a great day to be alive, right now I'm enjoying this nice air conditioned computer lab. I miss my wonderful family that God has given me. Thank you for the prayers and support.

Georgia Family Vacation

Roxann and Andrew flew into Savannah on the 2nd, I was really excited to see them. Yesterday we went to Savannah Mall (almost 1 million square feet). They had a carousel there and Andrew went for a ride. Last night we went to Fort Stewart for a fireworks display and because they had a free carnival. Andrew really liked all the lights and he enjoyed watching the fireworks.