In Kyrgyzstan

Greetings from Kyrgyzstan! We flew from Fort Dix to Leipzig, then to Manas, Kyrgyzstan (official language is Kyrgyz). The time difference from the Mountain Time Zone is exactly 12 hours, so when I call to talk to Emily, it is just an AM/PM switch. Haven't had much sleep lately, trying to adjust. A couple of days went by where I did not get to talk to Emily. This had me feeling a bit out of sorts. It wasn't until a kind soldier talked about playing basketball when we get to Afghanistan that I think I cracked my first full smile. Then connecting with Emily really helped; having family back home sure makes a difference. Hope you are all well.

This blog...

I have changed the title of this blog not to be exclusionary, but to be clear. I want this to be a place where I can share my thoughts in an honest way that represents my faith. Comments and insights are welcome, but know that this is not a forum to challenge my faith. This blog is primarily a means for me to share what's going on in my head during this mobilization.

Thoughts from the Book of Mormon

I read most of 2 Nephi 3 today, and was amazed at the perspective given to Joseph (who was sold into Egypt). He knew of Moses, who would be an instrument in God’s hand to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Egyptians, and deliver unto them God’s law. Yet he also knew of Joseph Smith, the latter-day seer, who would deliver the words of the Book of Mormon to those of Joseph’s seed to bring them to repentance and salvation in Christ. The Spirit got me thinking: Moses brought Israel forward to Christ; Joseph Smith brought people back to Christ, through the covenant that was restored. Christ is the apex, the pinnacle to which everything points. Joseph of the Old Testament certainly received a grand vision of God’s working among his people. I love how the Book of Mormon emphasizes Moses and Joseph’s instrumental roles; they were acting on behalf of Christ. It was not Moses’ law or Joseph’s words; they were God’s! Truly the words of Christ are verified: “…I am the vine, ye are the branches…without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5, KJV).
This is why it is so important for us to humble ourselves before God. If we hope to accomplish anything, it will be according to his will and for his glory. His glory is greater than anything on this earth, and always involves what is best for us. What could be better than his will for us? He knows us better than we know ourselves; eternity is before him. Yes, it takes faith, but if we trust him implicitly he will bring us greater happiness and joy than we ever thought possible!

Training at Fort Dix

Arrived at Fort Dix in March. Some of the training I have received: driving the MATV (pictured above), combat lifesaver, Afghan culture including the Dari language, and some basic combatives and survivability moves. We spent this past week in the field, and the weather was beautiful--70's and sunny during the day, and 50's at night. I slept underneath a tent window, enjoying the refreshing cool breeze.