Christmas Celebration

One thing I love about being a Lutheran Protestant is that Christmas Day is not the end of the Christmas celebration but rather is the beginning of 12 days of celebration that run through Epiphany.

Indeed, the entire year as defined by the liturgical calendar is a celebration of Emmanuel: God is with us. This is the truly distinctive and amazing truth of the Christian faith. God Himself has entered this world taking on flesh and living among us incarnate. The Word has become flesh. Jesus, true God and true Man. This is the ultimate present, His very presence.

Can't???

While out and about last night with our Wing Commander visiting the airmen pulling the night shifts around our base, our conversation moved to the subject of how our airmen do incredible performance on a constant basis. There were so many examples: defenders standing the wire in good spirits in the midst of a blustering cold wind, a MSgt (select) who gave his airmen the night off standing the duty shift himself, airmen coming in bringing Turkey dinners to those who were working and spending time with them to help the night move quicker... Young folks - huge work ethic!

I love the American work ethic. It is still alive and well in the Air Force. But our folks are human beings too. They get tired. They get stressed. Sometimes life hits them hard. Sometimes they have challenges. Yesterday I worked with an incredible airman who life has just sort of piled onto. I told her what I tell many folks, the first key is to not quit, never give up. And don't even think about the word "can't".

I truly believe we "can" do a lot more than we think we can. A story I enjoy telling, not to brag on myself, but rather to say that if I, an average human being - nothing special, can do this then all folks can do this. God creates us all unique and gifted with an emphasis on gifted. No one is good as everything, but we are all good at something and probably multiple somethings. One goal we all share is to find out what that is, maximize its potential, and use it to serve others and the one's we love.

Character development. Self-development. Reaching our potential. It is a great and rewarding life that seeks to do such. And very little can stand in our way. I tell this story often:

The year was 1985. I was a starting freshman in college. I was taking a major gamble with little money, I borrowed every penny to pay for school, room, and board. I had a very small paying part-time job. I was determined to pull straight As. (I did). I went to school with a few shirts and four pair of jeans my father bought me. I weighed 320 pounds and had a 48 inch waistline.


By March 1987 I had lost twenty pounds without trying because I simply could not afford to eat like I did at home. I wondered what I could do if I tried. My goal was to stop having to buy my clothing in the Big Men's shop and paying 4x the cost of clothes at Kmart, where that Spring I started working. I started dieting in earnest. My friend John talked me into going into the gym and working out with him. The weight began to melt off a few pounds a week at first, but it kept coming.

I tell people it is so true that a long journey begins with a small step. I started the full diet around 300 pounds. After my first week I weighted 299. Not that much difference and it was a hard week. I was not used to being hungry or weak from not eating. It was the worst at night and would remain so. I would tell myself, just suck it up for six more hours. Five more hours. Four more hours. You did it yesterday. You've done it all day. I can do this. I've done it before. And if I give in then I not only loose today, but I might eat enough that I loose the progress from yesterday, and I've worked to hard to get this far. So a little step at a time - I edged closer.

In the beginning I only wanted to loose 30-40 pounds. In the end I dropped all the way to 155. Once I built my habit - personal discipline - and my routine - I could hold. It was hard, but I could hold. I could leverage desire, habit, pride in what I accomplished, new found faith that yes I CAN! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done - but it was doable.

In the beginning 300 pounds looked like a mountain. To loose 150 pounds was unthinkable. I didn't start off thinking I could do this. I learned I could do this. My goal changed as I learned something about what a human being is capable of.

We are capable of throwing away our potential, being our own worst enemies. We are also capable of astounding and amazing personal growth. It's all about our attitude, our willingness to engage and work hard, taking responsibility for oneself and not casting blame or making excuses because of our present situation or what is outside of us (and sometimes even what is part of us).

Human beings can change things. We can change ourselves. We can become the potential we are gifted to be.

But again starting from 300, a small accomplishment, 1 pound, 3 pounds -- seems like such a small piece chiselled from that mountain. A few boxes of little Debbie cakes would have restored the gain quickly. But my discipline was rock hard. I would not be deterred because the path was long. I was walking. I was taking steps. I was gaining momentum. All I needed was time - and that -- that I had in abundance. It took a year. By Christmas I bought myself my first clothing at Kmart - some medium size shirts and size 32 jeans.

That was 23 years ago. That year of investment changed my life. It opened doors to potential growth and service from relationships, employment, military service. It changed my character. This is not the only investment I made in myself - school, relationships, intentional self-development - its a lifetime road. But the point:

If I can do it - so can you. The ability to achieve potential -that is a human thing.

Out and about with my new boss I told him that I loved one part of his introduction speech he gave all the airmen most especially because it is so true.

Life is great when you are working your tail off and having a good time doing it.

I remember going into a restaurant back home and seeing a small child's drawing of a person lettered with these words: "God don't make junk!"

YOU CAN.

You can do anything if you want it bad enough.

Christmas in Osan

Christmas Day has come to Osan. Last night was incredible in many ways. We had a huge Christmas Eve candlelight service which turned out to be packed, every seat filled. We even had the Secretary of the Air Force with us in worship. Service was complimented by a Korean brass quintet and the incredible talent of our own choir. Its was truly a blessing to be here in worship with so many of my fellow airmen that I've gotten to know, though it would have been nice if my family could have been here as well. The Wing Chaplain had us over as well as our Korean guests for soup afterwards, which I truly appreciated as my planned dinner was whatever I could find to warm up.

But today I have a turkey breast I just took out of the oven. I was out late last night, much later than planned after something very important went missing out of my office and I had to see if it could be found, which it couldn't. Sad note an otherwise wonderful Christmas Eve. Had to have conversation with our Security Forces folks as I think someone may have entered my office. But this too shall pass.

Christmas day is a day for some rest. Going to kick back a bit and go to the gym later, after eating some Turkey. And then tonight I'm out and about with our Commander visiting the folks who have to work the holiday. I'm looking forward to this as visitation of this sort tends to be a great deal of fun.

I opened my gifts from family this morning (We are 12 hours ahead of the states). My kids sent me handmade pottery. So I made a cup of coffee with my oldest's gift and have my turkey resting on my youngest's gifts and my wife sent me some great DVDs which will make the weekend pass a bit faster. For being away from family, Christmas isn't going be too bad.

Truth Shines in the Darkness

We near Christmas. I took this picture tonight of the tree out front of our chapel.

Reflecting on today a thought that keeps coming to mind is that truth should win. I've had occasions to say that several times in the past few months. Life can be challenging enough just from the circumstances it can throw your way. As a chaplain I have an opportunity to be invited into the lives of many people who are hurting for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is plain circumstances that have come together in such a way that options are limited and reality is painful. But other times it is human behavior that is the major source of difficulty. Sometimes truth is hard to swallow. It can be easy to try to locate the source of one's problem in someone else, anywhere else but in oneself, in one's own fallibility. Sometimes I think the hardest person to look at can be ourselves in our mirrors, especially if we bear our soul and character for honest assessment. But such is good for all of us to do, for I am convinced that spiritual growth requires truth including true self-assessment. But it is hard. Far easier is it to assess others.

One part of my spiritual heritage in our Lutheran liturgy has a confession of sins that is very heavy going something like, "I have sinned by my own fault, by my own most grievous fault..." Sometimes that is true and the knowing of it can be a hard thing for a person to face. Far easier to project fault outward and let ourselves off the hook. But such does not bring growth. Part of my job is to try, without being judgmental or hurtful, to encourage people to look for the truth - even the truth about themselves. I don't tell them what that is, but I encourage them to find it for themselves, for the search for truth is deeply private, deeply personal and the most challenging and rewarding journey that can be taken in this life. No one is perfect and no one needs to make a parade of one's faults for the entire world to see laying bear the weaknesses of our lives, but two need to know. One does know, the God who creates and redeems us. And one needs to know, though that one does not always want to know - and that one is the person him or herself. And the most important thing is not to know and understand the faults of another, but to know and understand one's own character, even its failings. Healing and growth only come from true appraisal of one's self.

And there is the flip side. I've worked with folks who were too hard on themselves assuming guilt were no blame can be assigned. Often victimized by life and by others they assume the role of making a victim of themselves as they go on through life. Once again, truth must win. Light dissolves darkness.

I've seen situations where people deliberately distorted the truth knowing what reality was in an attempt to serve themselves and protect themselves, for personal gain. But I've also seen situations where people create a fantastic world and self view, something I think they come to believe, to protect themselves against the darkness of their own weakness. I think we are all prone to this to one degree or another. Casting blame, rationalizing, selective listening -- its all a part of our nature. I suspect we all fall into this at times. But in the end truth must win - for truth is necessary for growth.

The disappointing thing is that people are often hurt by untruths, even the fantasy worlds they build around themselves to explain their lives. They hurt others. They hurt themselves. Abused people often express to me that somehow they feel like they deserve it. People who victimize others often view the person they hurt as the one who is actually hurting them and their own actions as justifiable defense. Some fantasies are extremely creative and you have to wonder if the person sharing them really believes it. Some people do believe it, truly believe they are the victim and don't see at all that perhaps their own behavior is the primary contributor to the problem. In the midst of all these things, each one is unique, it is not my role to play God and tell them what the truth is regarding their behaviors, that is to be the judge of their hearts and character. I try instead to offer observations, ask questions, teach techniques that help a person achieve a clarity of sight and a sense of safety with themselves and with God that all things can be forgiven and healed, so then it is ok, painful yes, but ok, even necessary for the first step toward healing, to look into the mirror. I tell them the truth about God and His love and mercy. I tell them the truth about what is good, right and healthy for human behavior and what is hurtful. But I try hard not to cast myself as superior and judge them. We should judge ourselves, but in truth not fantasy. Truth is a good thing. But it can be hard to accomplish, clear seeing.

So the picture above is very metaphoric for me. It not only visually represents the coming of Christ into the world, the light that shines in the darkness, but also reminds me that darkness is a present reality in this world and the light of truth is necessary that evil shall not win.

The scene above has a beauty because it has promise in the contrast. A little bit of light goes a long way. A little bit of light can warm the deepest darkness. Isn't it amazing that the huge dark night of Osan cannot swallow the smallest little light on a Christmas tree, but these simple little lights shine forth and penetrate the darkness and make something new - something beautiful. Truth is a beautiful thing.

Spicey!

Boxes from home. When we get a box we find a little yellow piece of paper, sort of like our very own "golden ticket" from the chocolate factory. Today's box was spicey!!! Two of my favorite things found at Christmas time. My wife made me some 150 year old spice cake. (Recipe is 150 years old, not the cake - passed down through my mother's family) And Wasabi Pees! Hooah! Spice cake I shared (a little). Pees? Those are mine.

Easier pace today. Boss gave me the day off -though am working a few things for Christmas Eve. And have a "mandatory" military appointment later this afternoon, but it shouldn't take too long.

Plan to do some baking and cooking for Christmas. Have a little turkey to work on and some pumpkin to mess with.

Love My Job

Snow peppered the ground last night and this morning making a nice blanket of white for worship today, though nothing like the snow that has covered the fire hydrant back in DC where my family are. Still we had a good crowd for both of my services today. And the music was outstanding.

I love my job. I had two TDYs this week - one to Kwanju to participate in a memorial service and the other to Daegu for visitation and ministry. Korea continues to amaze me at its beauty. I was reminded in many places of south east Kentucky as we traveled the highways south.

Christmas Eve Worship is looking to be something special as we are bringing in a brass ensemble as well as adding some great music by our own choir. My bosses talented daughters will also be with us.

Speaking of talent, or lack thereof, I was grabbed by members of the PACAF band who were performing in the BX to "play" with them. The instrument of choice: reindeer bells. I was never much one for percussion so who would have ever guessed my debut with the AF band would be on percussion. That's what I get for telling the rest of the brass ensemble that French Horns are the best instrument in the band!

They are by the way! Horns Rock!
Anyway, Christmas Eve is going to be a big production for a number of reasons. Am looking forward to it.

But as I said, I love my job. Sometimes you have to work your tail off, but it is the kind of work that you love doing. In my visitation with my airmen out in Korea I had several opportunities for heart to heart conversation on all kinds of topics. A couple of times people asked me why I would want to be an Air Force chaplain. That is easy. I get to be part of the lives of some of the most hard working, interesting, dedicated, inspiring, intelligent and caring people I have ever known. They invite me into their lives and in times of tragedy I cry with them and in times of joy I laugh with them (and sometimes get laughed at like when I am corralled into getting out on the dance floor - this old guy can't dance.) I am looking forward to getting home though.

My little girl sent me a homemade Christmas card. She told me Christmas would not be the same without me home and then on the back she said she wished all my dreams would come true. Well one won't because I can't be in two places at once, -- but one should -- I'll be home in a month to hug my girls close. But leaving them again will be hard, I suspect harder than the first time.

Off to the gym. That is my major relaxation activity when time permits.

Please look

The experience of serving at Arlington National Cemetery has touched and continues to touch my soul.

Please take a look at these photos: look, remember, and pray.

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those who have his good will!"
Luke 2:14

Wow!

Being as busy as I tend to be these days, the opportunity to catch up more than just a quick survey of the news doesn't come too often. I was aware that some Americans were detained in Pakistan for ties with terrorism, but I was surprised to read this morning that all five are from right in my neighborhood in Alexandria. This is where my family and where my kids go to school for goodness sake! We are only minutes from the Pentagon, the entire Capitol complex, and places like Arlington Cemetery where visitors come and go with little security screening. It would be easy for terrorists to blend into the population there in Alexandria as it is a very diverse population and just about anyone can blend in. I don't envy the job of our law enforcement folks there, but I am thankful for them and for the work that so many do to keep our people safe from those who think God wants them to kill Americans.

Here is the story I was reading:

Fun

Great fun yesterday for the Pearl. S. Buck Party. Had around 100 folks in for the party. Lots of stuff. I planned out and organized the program. We had organized games and a huge bounce castle, which I had to check (when no one was around to see) to confirm it was safe and operational ;) Then we had a great traditional American and Korean lunch with Turkey and Bulgogi and Kimchee. The we had a very sweet young lady play the viola, a bunch of translators who did a skit with the shepherds telling the story (and they really got into it), then Christmas carols lead by my boss who also really got into it and did a great job -- had all the Korean children on stage singing carols in Hangul (Korean), and finally we told the story the Night Before Christmas in Hangul followed by a visit by an extra special Santa who passed out the many gifts donated by the folks here at the Osan chapel community.

Today I will be missing participating in a ritual I've done the past few years. Today they are laying wreaths at Arlington.

Pictures

"Mountains, Gandalf, I want to see mountains and find a quiet place to finish my book." - Bilbo Baggins

I truly enjoy pictures. At the end of a long day, or sometimes series of days, I find relaxation in visiting a couple of sites of photographers from back home in TN. I also enjoy hitting the webcams in the Smokey's. I've seen some astounding photos like the ones here. The mountains have always brought me a sense of peace and fulfillment. Mountains are places of quiet reflection and inner healing. They are places of rest.

So I am looking forward in a little over a month spending some time on a mountain top somewhere, even if it will be winter and cold. I'm tired to tell the truth. Lots of long days. And rather than the need growing less, as I get to know my folks better and they me, I find more opportunities and more things that need doing.

I spent several days this week away down south ministering to some special folks who lost a dear friend. This is exactly the kind of ministry that I came into the Air Force to do. Some days though, I find myself having to weigh the requests and needs and having to tell some folks later or even sometimes no. If I could have anything for Christmas it would be 36 hour days. I did decide tonight to knock off at 1900 because I need some rest. Today we spent a great deal of time in an exercise, but I was able to get a bunch of stuff done even though, which is a good thing. I will be full up from now until Christmas Day. Next week I'll be out and about into Korea for a large portion of the week. This Saturday will be great fun as we bring a bunch of kids to base for a special Christmas party. I really enjoy doing programs like this for the orphans.

But back to my trip to Kwangju (or Gwangju as some spell it). No photos from there this time. It was a rapid notice departure and I didn't have time to grab my camera. I wouldn't have had anythign except I keep a bag ready to go. I did stay at a local hotel (very nice by the way) rather than on base for various reasons and so experienced a part of the city I didn't see last time I was down. Kwangju reminds me of an other developed American city, except I don't understand the language well. Some things are very Korean though.

Entering the room I notice two pair of slippers (Koreans usually do not wear shoes inside the house and a pair of clogs for the bathroom.) The toilet was very state of the art - and I didn't figure it out. It had a control console. The buttons were labeled as to function -- in Korean! So when it came time to have it do what toilets do, I started pushing buttons. The toilet seat rose and lowered, vibrated, heated up, squirted at me -but other than that - making no progress. Finally I see a traditional but very small and tucked away on the back handle for that nice royal flush. I think I need to learn a bit more Korean.

My little girl (my oldest, but I still think of her as my little girl) made me some incredible chocolate coconut cookies, which I grudgenly shared with the office (after I tucked away half the container). They are gone (except for a few I have kept for Christmas day). And my little bit made me some trail mix all by herself. That is about 1/2 gone too. Suffice it to say my diet has suffered just a bit.

Oh, and if you have been following my previous posts - I found them hard to spot and easy to hide elves. Actually corned couple of young ladies into serving for me - and thanks to my wife they even have green and red stocking to wear. (I'm am really glad I got volunteers because my fall back plan was me and I didn't even want to imaging wearing green and red stockings.) Have a bunch of volunteers from linguists to parents to watch over the kids play time, to an airman doing organized games, to a Red Cross rep and his wife serving as the Claus family. There are a great bunch of folks here at Osan. Truly they are a joy to work with.

End Game

As a chaplain I have many opportunities to provide counseling to the people I serve with. Some folks just need someone to bounce an idea off of or need another set of eyes on a problem. Other folks come and talk to me several times as we together engage to bring growth and healing to their lives.

In my divorce recovery group tonight we discussed how to know when it is time to get into another relationship and what are some of the flags that might warn you away from a potential partner. The idea of dating someone in therapy came up to which I shared this idea: most people would benefit at some point in their from seeing a counselor - that is to engage in a deliberate process to develop oneself that is therapeutic (healing). Why? Because we are a fallen human race, we are not perfect, we all make mistakes, and we could all benefit from character and personal development.

That said though, I often share with my counselees that real in-depth self-examination and profound character development can be hard. Many people come to see me because they are hurting and they want to stop hurting. But there are lots of ways you can stop when the struggle is very difficult.

You can quit. Or you can win. Both are ways to stop a difficult struggle. I remember when I started trying to loose weight over twenty years ago now, it got very hard. I missed snacks. I missed sweets. It was hard when I saw other people eating stuff I wanted to. And I was hungry, in real physical pain and discomfort. And I had such a long way to go, starting at 320 pounds. And truth be told, I was a quitter. I had tried to loose more than once. But this time, I had some encouraging circumstances and a bit more maturity and had developed a bit more personal drive and self-discipline. This time I was determined to win. Today I weight 164.

Life is hard. The divorce care program I lead says as one of its tag lines "because life isn't sugar coated". Real life can be hard. But it can also be wonderful. Life can be a struggle. To match our potential is not easy. But when faced with a struggle - you may find yourself asking - will I quit or will I win.

Sometimes quitting can be fatal. I have someone in the family very close to me who fought off lung cancer but only need to quit smoking to probably have many more years. But in that struggle they quit. And the cancer has returned. I've talked with folks who life has beaten up on and they can't see a way past the pain and for them they are close to the ultimate quit. Sometimes to quit a struggle is suicide. Ending can never be the ultimate goal. I always encourage people to see the ultimate goal as victory over adversity.

Sometimes you have two choices - give up or push through. One of the reasons I am a chaplain is because I want to encourage folks to push through. Life can be incredible on the back side of some amazing struggles. And I don't want to ever give evil or the devil an easy win, and that's what we do when we give up and quit whether in be in a personal life or any other level of life. I like systems theory because I see so many things that work a certain way for individuals and couples, also work for organizations, society, and beyond. What's really cool about my divorce care group, is that together they pool their wisdom and their energy to help each other carry through to healing and renewal.

Rocky said it well: "It's not about how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done."

Fed and Watered

My wife asked me this morning if I was able to have Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday? I can truly say I have been well fed and watered the past few days. Wednesday I had three events and Thursday I had two.

They were all a great deal of fun as well as it was a chance to rub shoulders with most of the airmen I am caring for in a more relaxed atmosphere than usual. Got to try some great food as well as the traditional favorites. Had some very good ham and some incredible pumpkin bread as well.

Last night, the 25th had so much food left over, that I and a couple of pilots and one of the pilot's wives made a major food run to the fire hall and then out to the army personnel who were standing watch last night. Visitation, especially on holidays, is so important for these young men and women who are so far from home and family. Many times their watch places are removed from the center of things and they can feel forgotten. But they are not. As I told one very young army soldier, I sleep better knowing that they are always there taking care of business so the bad guys can't ever sneak in.

Went out and did some Christmas shopping today. Mixed into the mess that is outside the gate there is some very reasonable and high quality shopping. The wise shopper here takes his time, doesn't buy the first one they see, and does their research and asks questions -- how is this made? What is it made out of? Etc...

Actually off today - an entire day - an not on duty either. Tomorrow, I only have to do my sermon. I am relishing the time to relax and catch up on a few personal items.

Green Tights

Green Tights -- gotta have 'em. I'm making elves you see. Yes, I'm a Lord of the Rings fan, connoisseur of the many elves of Middle Earth -- but those ain't the kind I am in need of.

I need the kind that run the pooper scooper behind reindeer, who are really good at editing very long lists and can stand working for someone who is jolly all the time (and I do mean all!).

All in a very cold environment where 1/2 the year the sun doesn't shine.

You see, we have a bunch of kids coming to visit Osan and I need those elves to help pass out gifts.

Elves I got. Tights I don't. So my wife is out and about. If you see a woman carrying green tights around DC -- well now you'll know.

Updates

Time has been very full these last six to eight weeks or so. I realize I haven't written much about what I have been about, largely because I've been so much about that I just haven't had time. It is a rare day that I have a day off and a rare day off that I don't have to do something that day. I haven't done much writing of late. Not here and not on my book I am working on either. Nor have I invested a great deal of time into my photography hobby. I've shot some film, digital that is, but haven't worked many shots. But I did work these up.

The first are shots from the retreat center from last week's trip to Seoul for our "Super Retreat" where we offered seminars on pre-marriage dating relationships, divorce recovery, and spirituality for men. My divorce recover group continues to meet each night on Tuesday evenings and is proving to be great ministry.

The retreat was a welcome break from Osan but was back to a steady trot by Sunday afternoon having to make sure I got all the folks back home and then cleaning up and putting away all the stuff we took to make things happen. I shared some Tennessee chili with them Friday night for dinner and some corn bread, though I must admit it the bread didn't turn out good as it normally does. I think it suffered from my trying to do too many things at once mode.

It was very cold up there, but there was still a bit of fall color. Saturday night I traveled with the boss up to Nam Sang mountain where we took a tram up to the tower in the picture to look out over the city. It was blistering cold and I was thankful for the wool hat I borrowed from my boss.

I've also included a picture of our Pearl S. Buck angel tree. This is a big program where we bring a big bunch of Amerasian orphans to the base for a big Christmas party. I'm organizing the program portion, basically the entertainment. I've talked our Red Cross rep into being Santa. Figured it would fit him since he wears red most of the time anyway.

Finally, there is a picture here, now that the event is over, of Air Force One come to Osan. The President held a local photo shoot meet and greet here but I didn't even try to go. I was off the base getting an MRI. That proved quite the non-adventure in fact. My technician could speak English and we had a shuttle driver that took us to the hospital, walked us in, and then walked us back out. You might call it MRI for dummies. I had to rest a bit after the test with all the junk they fill you up with. But I did make it to our Speghetti dinner the chapel sponsors last night.

Look to be full up right through the Thanksgiving holiday. I have an orphanage trip tomorrow, Sunday I have services and our youth ministry. Monday I have regular office hours and some counseling appointments. Tuesday I have PT at O'dark thirty and full office hours with some more counseling appointments until my divorce care group that evening. Wednesday is normally my "CTO"but we are decorating the chapel so I'll be there. Thursday our staffing is putting on a Turkey Fry (literally - one of the chaplains brought a Turkey fryer) but I"ve been asked to be involved in a major Thanksgiving Celebration the Operations Group is doing so I'll likely wind up over there. Friday I've got an invite to another Squadron event. I'm hoping next Saturday all I'll have to do is my sermon prep for Sunday...and my laundry...and my grocery shopping...etc. Need to get that done some time too.

Osan is a steady marathon - in some ways it is like a race that just never ends. There is always another corner to turn. Time management becomes crucial here, not just to get tasks done, because there is always more to do than you can always do... but you also have to manage time to get personal things done, such as laundry and groceries, but also get enough rest to stay productive. But it can be a challenge and there are days where rest becomes the thing that has to be put aside, at least for that day. Osan is great training ground. You learn for the sake of productivity and survival to make the best use of your time and task management skills. I wish I had more time to be out just visiting and network with my airmen, but even here I find that you have to make sure you can hit alot of bang for the buck (or hour in this case). There are a number of things I really want to do and probably should be done, that I just can't because there isn't enough days in the week. Already my typical week looks like this:

Sunday 0730-1700
Church Services (Liturgical & Traditional)
Youth Group
Monday 0730-1630 it is not uncommon to find the chaplains working late at the chapel. I usually PT after work for a hour or so.
Tuesday 0630-2030
PT
Divorce Care
Private Counseling Appointments
Wednesday (possible day off - depends on chapel and unit requirements)I usually PT at least for a hour or so.
Wednesday nights I do have AWANA to attend

Thursday 0630-1630 (except couple times a month when there are even chapel events - then usually out to about 8 to 8:30pm
PT
Staff Meetings
Speghetti dinner (once per month)
other events (like monthly birthday meal, squadron get togethers etc...)

Friday 0730-1630
PT for an hour after work

Saturday - sermon preparation and once per month Orphanage Trip

Sunday - go around again.

I also make sure I PT on M, W, F, Saturday and often on Sunday for at least an hour to stay in shape.

Mondays and Tuesdays I am usually doing a combination of things during office hours. Working on accomplishing short term tasks or tasks associated with major projects or program areas I am responsible for. Also I do many of my counseling appointments on these days. We also tend to have a number of walk-ins on Mondays and Tuesdays for some reason. Tuesday nights I have my divorce group and usually wind up doing a bit of follow up after the session. Wednesday I try to take off as much as possible, as that is my day off, but we often have chapel events that require all hands on on Wednesdays and I find that often I have squadron events I need to be present for or that there are loose ends that need tied up. For example, this week I had to finalize and drop off a conscientious objector's interview package. I often try to do my laundry and grocery shopping on Wednesday as well as hit the weights a bit harder that day. Wednesday nights I pop over to check on the AWANA program and say hi to the kids and the adults. Thursday after early PT is staff meeting day. Lots of meetings. We do a short chapel stand up then the Protestant chaplains meet in the morning, all the chaplains meet for lunch, then the entire staff meets for the afternoon staff meeting followed by chapel training. Hard to get much accomplished on Thursdays.
Friday is another day I try to work projects and front load my networking for the stuff that is coming the next week. I also try to get out to visit as much as possible on Friday.
Saturday I usually spend the morning working my sermon, a portion of the afternoon at the gym, and then relax the rest of the afternoon and evening because I know that Sunday starts another full week. But sometimes, at least once, sometimes twice, a month I have chapel events on Saturday and so wind up busy during the day and doing my sermon prep that night. Those make for long weeks.

The upshot is this -- time management - both of one's tasks, one's network, one's own rest and spiritual life is essential here. Without it, one could easily burn out here. But it is manageable with the right mindset. I just tell myself to remember the many chances to make a difference in someone's life and when I find myself blessed with some unexpected time to myself I relish it and recharge and then push forward.

Happy Day 2

My youngest got her report card. Gotta brag on her too!

Straight A's.

Way to go little bit!

Oh, and my oldest didn't have a 3.7

It was, as she reminded me,
3.714

HAPPY HAPPY!!!!

3.7

So what is so great about the number 3.7? That's my daughter's GPA after tackling a whole load of honors classes. She's been working very hard and this is just to tell the world that I'm proud of her!

ps. I miss her too!

Beaver days

What do these past few days have to do with beavers? Ever heard of "busy as a beaver". These past few days have been busy. Served the past week as duty chaplain and had a whole bunch of calls. This was probably the busiest duty week that I've had since coming in the Air Force. But these are major opportunities to make a difference in the lives of someone.

One of those was to console someone who had a very tragic event in their lifetime which has been characterized by many high ups and low downs. They shared that God must have a purpose. And it occurred to me that maybe the purpose God has for us in tough times, and even in good times, is to live and serve in the moment. Yes, I believe in being goal and future oriented and aiming to achieve things, but there also comes a point in one's life that you realize that just maybe this is where God wanted you to be so that you can bring your gifts and strengths to bear in the lives of others. Maybe the purpose of this moment is not just to prepare you for future moments but rather the purpose of this moment is service in this moment.

So anyway learned some lessons about myself and the value of pacing. Wound up getting very tired over the past few weeks and having some physical issues resurface that I thought were resolved in DC. So, now I will have a new experience -- finding a Korean hospital on my own for an MRI. In a country where I don't speak the language, I expect it may be a bit of an adventure. I did visit our local ER last night and feel much better after a few liters of fluid. Fill me up please.

You know, getting old is a real pain in the backside. I tease people that I have OAS (old age syndrome) but I find that I can't do as much as I used to. Used to I could get up before dawn and go run or lift for a couple of hours, shower, go to work and work 12 hours or more. There were even times when my job pace allowed it that I would spend 3-5 hours working out hard. But I just can't do it anymore, even if I had the time, and a few weeks of 12-15 hours days has exhausted me. My boss even fussed at me and told me to rest. I hate to admit that I'm slowing down. But it will still be a bit before I can take some solid time off as I have pretty full days for at least another week. But I'm going to be certain I get sleep.

Lots of good stuff going on. I have a good group of solid Lutherans here who are attending my services and I met another who just came to Osan today. Good folks. This weekend I will be with two other chaplains conducting a retreat at a local retreat spot near Seoul. I am starting a "Divorce Recovery" support group. I've also been working on a portion of a very large outreach program to Korean children called Pearl S. Buck. I'm looking forward to this in December. And speaking of things I am looking forward to, Tuesday the chaplains are having lunch with some local ministers just to build relationships. Tomorrow I am making chili and good old fashioned Tennessee mountain cornbread for dinner tomorrow night at the Retreat Center.

Spent about three hours today with our team helping make cookies. The Officer Wive's Club here at Osan makes cookies for every military member in Korea. Our shift prepared about 10,000 in a little less than three hours. Hooah! (We only ate the broken ones... really!)

Found out that I didn't get picked up for a school I was hoping for, a counseling degree in PTSD. So I will be waiting to find out my new assignment sometime in early Spring time. I'm looking forward to going home after the first of the year for 30 days to see my family. I'm trying to find ways to stay involved and busy over the holidays since I really don't want to just sit around my room. I'm tossing around trying to go TDY to the outposts attached to us and doing some services down there since those guys don't see a chaplain too often.

Quiet Reflecting

I had been looking forward to this weekend, but I find myself reflecting on the horrible shooting at Fort Hood. Until last night and today I hadn't had a great deal of time to look at the news stories surrounding the event as we were in full exercise (practice for war) mode here at Osan for the week. Yesterday we were done, but I was feeling pretty poor I think due to getting the H1N1 shot. I don't think I have the actual flu as I don't have a fever, but H1N1 is alive and well in Korea according to what I've heard from Korean news.

Anyway, today I looked more closely at the stories regarding Fort Hood. Many dealing with motivations of the shooter from his job history to his family history to his religious beliefs and how all this may have rolled in and impacted his behavior. Being a systems person I believe all these factors form a complex web of influence that shape our behavior, but we are not machines nor just basic animals running on instinct. We are responsible for our own actions and how we choose to respond to and incorporate the influences that we feel. But that said, the primary impression I was left with as I saw this morning that most of the stories are all about a concern that his religious beliefs will be "overstressed" as a source of his behavior -- I saw something missing in the story. There was a bit about the victims. But nothing - couldn't find one story about all the many folks who I know are out there. Where are the stories about these folks?

The first responders who got to the scene and secured the scene and treated the wounded. The soldiers who I know started using self aid and buddy care techniques we are trained in to help save the lives of the injured. The bases crisis response teams from their security forces who immediately rushed into harms way to protect their fellow soldiers to all those who at a moment's notice shifted from normal ops to critical operations. The medical professionals in the local hospitals who even now continue to fight to save lives. The family members who rushed to the sides of those they love. The family members who are likely taking care of homes and children for others back home so that other family members can reach out. The pastors and their flocks who are surrounding the hurting. The people who are in prayer for the families of the victims and for those who still struggle to live. Where are the stories about the soldiers preparing to deploy and take the fight to the enemy so that incidents like this will not be common in our homeland though we know there are those out there who would love the opportunity to walk into a crowded mall and emulate the actions of Hasan. Yet many of these same soldiers now have lost some of their friends and comrads from their very units. But they will go forth and they will serve putting themselves between our nation and those who would seek to make her bleed. There are people out there who are taking donations and doing anything they can to support the hurting. I wish we had some stories about that.

So rarely do we hear this side of the story. We focus on the pathetic and evil person and how powerful force or forces could turn him into such, and that is a legitimate conversation. Then we focus on not over reacting by equating the evil action of the evil person to people who are like him in some way while also trying to see if perhaps we can learn how something can be a problem and indeed does encourage people to act on evil. But we rarely talk about the positive side -- how people are noble and good and the forces that turn them into such -- how people throw themselves into service at moments like this to care for the hurting, in some cases even throwing themselves into harms way to save a life itself. I know it happened because I know the caliber of the American soldier and I know the caliber of the American military family member and I know that America, wounded though we are and in many ways divided against ourselves, still has a heart beat and the blood of liberty and service and nobility still flows through or veins.

I wish we had more stories about that.

Korea is beautiful

My goodness South Korea is beautiful. I had the opportunity to go down to Kwangju with a couple of stops in between for a few days earlier this week. The trees are not fully changing yet, just starting, but the countryside is truly refreshing. I was reminded at times of driving through south east Kentucky, at times up through the Shenandoah valley, and even the drive into Chattanooga from the north. Lots of medium size rugged mountains with plains at their feet. The Koreans don't cut out the mountain side for road, but tunnel through. Every so often you would see a temple or monastery parked right on top of what looked to be an inaccessible tip. Small compact high rise cities/communities would be right up against the mountains surrounded by farming fields or perhaps a small industrial park.

We stopped at a major rest area. Great food courts with both Korean and western food. Tried some new Korean food - a kind of bimbop which is a rice and veggie dish that cooks in a very hot stone bowl. This one had fried seaweed - something that is much better fried by the way - with red pepper paste to flavor. It was fairly good.


The picture below is of Kwangju.









This is Busan.

Over Osan

Here is a photo of some of the pilots from the squadrons for whom I serve as unit chaplain flying over our base. You can also see the surrounding countryside and so get a good feel for what it is like here.

Click the picture to expand.

The link to the high resolution photo is here from the base's public website.

My Two Best Girls

Korean Friends

Great day today. Took our monthly chapel trip to a local orphanage today, where I made many new friends, including the young lady pictured here. She was so cute.

All the kids were great and we had a great deal of fun playing with them for a couple of hours.






























I've also included some shots here a snapped on our trip home. The two distance shots are of the neighborhood right outside the gate, where I frequently go to shop or eat. If you look close at the street images you can see street vendors and markets set up. Everything is very tight here and driving on Korean roads is really a constant game of chicken.































Lastly is a picture of one of my airmen who I recently took through Lutheran confirmation. I was able to push him through and confirm him just before he took off for his next duty assignment. I'm going to miss him. Great guy. His going away was at a local Brazillian steak house. Lots of food - mostly various versions of beef. It was a good thing I worked my legs hard the day before and needed all that protein in my system. Gives entirely new meaning to "beefing up".

Korean Folk Village

Monday was a holiday here as the states celebrated Columbus Day, so I seized the opportunity and tagged on our chapel outing to the Korean Folk village that is about an hour from here. This was a very interesting and refreshing day. We had a guide who shared with us about the village, who was much better at speaking English than understanding English.

Traditional Korean dancing has much percussion and a little tin horn that seems to play in counter cadence to everything that is going on. Partly a focus on rhythm and partly acrobatics, it is something to see.

Lunch was interesting. Tried some new food, and many of you who know me realize, there isn't much food I don't like. And this was good. I had a potato pancake like thing. I was saved by one of the little girls for just as I started to taste these little green vegetables she said, oooh -- little fishes. I looked closer, and.... SHE WAS RIGHT. Let's just say I didn't go the little fishes.

After lunch I wandered up to the temple and took in the sights on top of the hill and to my surprise didn't see anyone for about two hours. Very peaceful and relaxing. The villages were all authentic being composed of sites gathered from across Korea and brought here for preservation. I felt as those I was transported back in time and walking the streets and visiting the homes of folks from hundreds of years ago. I sat here on the edge of this pond for quiet awhile and enjoyed the birds singing, the warm autumn breeze and watch the fish frolic in the water. Was very eastern sort of moment.

This was a nice and needed break because from now on we are full up through the big exercise in November.

One thing I learned just from walking around is how important cultivation was (and remains) to the Korean culture. Everywhere there are indications of how they grew food just about any way they could. Red peppers were everywhere (a foreign plant introduced several hundred years ago from South America). Right outside fairly moderate homes would be found extensive gardens. Many home had plants growing on roofs, walls, in pots along side of the homes, and in small plots of ground just about anywhere. Not unlike when one drives through the cities here and observes gardens everywhere, including on rooftops - literally - dirt thrown on top of metal roofs with plants holding it in place.

Gardens of Stone

My gosh, how surprised I am as I watch this movie -- and see the very places just a few months ago I was walking as I served at Arlington. Especially moving are the scenes inside the chapel itself. And the ceremony looks like it could have happened yesterday. Very insightful into the meaning that is Arlington - even it was a different era and a different war -- service, respect, memory, honor -- these echo across time and if anything of our way of life deserves to be eternal -- perhaps it is this.

Fall Comes to Osan

As here, autumn is coming to the mountains that once were home to the mighty Cherokee.

I read in a blog that I follow that a Cherokee Chief observing the changes and bounty of harvest in the fall, described the season as a season of "hope and memory". Cool mornings and evenings have descended and I am trying to focus on my Cherokee guide to view the time as a season of hope rather than hear the words of Gandalf the Gray, "we face the long dark of Moria". Cold is coming to Korea. I keep remembering those freezing episodes of MASH.

There has been some joy this week. A gentleman I've gotten to know these past few months has completed adult instruction in the Lutheran faith and has requested confirmation which will take place this next Sunday.

Chusok has come to a close. It started off well enough but has ended sadly due to someone close to us experiencing a tragedy back in the states. It reminds me of something I proclaim often in my sermons, that most of the bad things that happen to human beings we either do to ourselves, or as in this case, do to one another. So much tragedy and pain is brought to our lives by the evil that resides in the hearts of fellow human beings. So these last few days have been days of reflection and sadness for me for in the face of some tragedies we find we are so powerless.

As a chaplain I have many opportunities to bring change and even prevent great harm as circumstances or people invite me into their lives. But not always is it possible. Usually one can help a person start to confront the realities they face and begin the road to healing, sometimes one can even play a large role in facilitating that healing, but sometimes one realizes that all one can do is be present and share the pain. Not that it makes the pain less for the person who is hurting, but perhaps it helps to not hurt alone. But moments like these remind oneself as a chaplain that we are only human and not God and no amount of wanting to make it better can make it better.

In our powerlessness one is reminded of how fragile life is. How fragile the good is. How fragile so many things are and we are moved to thankfulness for our many blessings for life should not be taken for granted. We could be moved to fear or despair but...

Then we remember how strong life is. How strong the good can be. How strong so many things like love and family, devotion and duty, truth and promise are. And once again we are moved to thankfulness.

Which fits with Chusok, that while it is not the Korean version of our American thanksgiving, it is certainly a time for these people of hope and memory - celebration of their family and what they have as well as remembering and acknowledging the role of those who have gone before us continue to play in our lives.

May we all look through the grief of our various losses as we face and deal with the mortality of our lives and see hope and remember -- remember to give thanks for those we have shared our lives with -- remember to give thanks for who they have helped us to be -- and push forward -- even if future days around the corner are dark -- for the warm light days of Spring are promised. Let us never forget the enduring strength of promise.

Let us never forget the eternal voice of God that rings through human history loud and clearly proclaiming "death and evil do not get the last word." Out of the deepest evil of the human heart the Christ was murdered by human hands and the hands that were nailed to the tree forgave -- and the body that died defeated death and rose -- and the heart that was stilled by human evil -- beat again with love and promised not only forgiveness but resurrection. Death does not get the final word.

God's peace to you who are remembering and hurting.

Chusok Part II

Thanks to two wonderful Korean members of our staff, we enjoyed a wonderful Chusok meal on Thursday. The food was a bit different. We had something like that to the left only they were dark green (as seen on the far left) and bleached white. At first I didn't know if it was some kind of seafood or a vegitable of some kind -- but it turned out to be a delicious sweet sort of dumpling. Incredible. Also many kinds of fruits and vegitables with the traditional Bulgogi. It was a great lunch.

Learn more about the holiday and the meal associated with it here.

Chusok

It sounds like a Vulcan holiday or religious rite, but it is as I have been told the greatest holiday in Korea. It is a time for families to gather and celebrate family. We have a formal three day weekend starting on Friday, though I am planning to work at least 1/2 day Friday to be out with one of my units and will be pulling duty as the on call chaplain for the week. I was thinking of taking a tour out into the countryside, but this turned out to be a good weekend to pull duty as the travel office cancelled all tours. Supposedly the traffic here for this weekend would rival anything DC has to offer.

I'll have to see if anything pops up locally for celebration.

Kiddies

Yesterday we loaded up a bus full of volunteer airmen and headed to a local orphanage for some outreach to children in our local community. The trip afforded me, and most of those with us, a first time opportunity to view another area of the local countryside as we got off the main route known as Highway 1 and headed out into the countryside, though not too far from base.

Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera.

We did a bit of fall cleaning at the orphanage and then spent a few hours playing games with the kids. I lucked up that my bus driver played soccer for 12 years as a goalie. Soccer is a big game here. The kids had a blast trying to get past him. He was pretty good.

One of the young ladies with me was walking by with a little girl leading her by the hand. My airman looked over her shoulder and said, "I don't know where she is taking me". When she came back her eyes were wide and she said, "she showed me the most ginormous spider I've ever seen".

The language barrier didn't prove to be so ginormous.

It was a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

POW/MIA Dedication

Yesterday we dedicated a memorial in honor of all who have been or currently remain Prisioners' of War or Missing in Action

I had the honor of doing the invocation for the ceremony. This ceremony has in the past years been very personal and moving for me. Since coming into the Air Force, I've met a number of men who have been held prisoner of war. At Arlington, I did a number of memorial services for those whose remains had not yet been found, but whose families wanted to bring closure. I also did a number of service for repatriations, where those who lost their lives years ago have finally been brought home. Last year at the Air Force Memorial in DC, I met a woman a few years older than myself who had the experience of growing up not knowing the status of her father until much later in life.

Yesterday, as I prayed and stood tall during the ceremony, I was remembering one of the greatest men I know. I got to know him during my time at Andrews. He is Colonel (ret.) Norman McDaniel, USAF. He was shot down and held for six years in Vietnam for 2,399 days. He endured a meager diet, but beyond this torture, interrogation, and isolation. He came home on February 12, 1973 during Operation Homecoming. I also have gotten to know his wife, a tremendous woman of strength and courage herself. Colonel McDaniel would write five years into his captivity, "I am still a man though I am badly bent. I will hope and strive until my life is spent."

For his dedication and faithfulness to our nation he earned the Silver Star.

His Silver Star Citation reads:

For the period 20 July 1966: This officer distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the above period while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials. This American resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

As I reflected upon on 9/11, there is a huge price often paid for the liberty our citizens enjoy. We cannot afford to forget. I read somewhere a quote that has stuck in my mind, "real life is not sugar coated".

There are still wives and children, even comrades and friends -- still waiting to know what has happened to their loved one. Don't forget them.