Thursday, 08 July

Flight from Bagram to Kandahar

(Unfortunately, we were never able to leave!)

Military flight schedules here in-country are as variable as the wind, which by the way never stops blowing! We never knew from one hour to the next if (1) the aircraft is going to show or (2) if it was going to have enough seats available or room for your baggage!

Our initial flight was to leave at 3:30PM but we got bumped from the flight, our call numbers being 42, 43 and 44 when there was only 23 seats available!

So, understanding that our Father wanted to keep us there in Bagram for another day we relaxed and waited to 'see' what He had in mind. Leaving the flight line for the mess hall to get something to eat John was greeted by a young soldier, returning to the states from Salerno with a "Hi John, saw you at Salerno on the 4th". 'Seeing' the Plan unfolding, I moved ahead and determined that there was about a hundred troops returning to the states and asked the young trooper if he and his buddies would like to hear Gary one more time for 'the rest of the story? Within the hour we had connected with the sergeants in charge, gained their cooperation and set up for a presentation in the tent next to theirs. Even though the winds that night were gusting above 50mph with the tent's side flaps loudly being ripped back and forth, Gary and Pete were able to grasp their attention, thanking them for their personal sacrifices, encouraging them in their fight for our national freedom's sake and very patiently presenting them with the source of their personal freedom, the gospel of Jesus Christ one more time. Were they ever receptive, thank you Lord! We hit the sack once again, praising God for allowing us the privilege of walking among these men and women, what an outstanding band of warriors they are!