Friday, December 25, 2009

I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In on Christmas Day in the Morning

It's Christmas! Merry Christmas to all my family and friends all over the world, wherever you may be. I didn't actually see three ships come sailing in this morning. The only body of water nearby is the Tigris River, and there is a 20 foot concrete wall obstructing by view. There was a little get together for all of the Soldiers here on the base last night. Cookies and candy canes were eaten by all. There was some army-style poetry recited and Christmas songs sung by some Ugandans who guard the perimeter. The night was capped by the singing of "O Come All Ye Faithful" by all present. And I am happy to report that Santa did stop by. I saw him with my own two eyes. And I even looked online, and NORAD confirmed it. Santa made a stop in Iraq. My parents sent me some Almond Roca and homemade Russian tea cakes. That was pretty awesome; it pretty much made my life. I probably ate it all in about a day. Today, there will be an army-style feast. I am excited. Mostly because I didn't eat breakfast. There is a Christian service tonight in the chapel, which I plan on attending. I will not soon forget my Christmas in Iraq. I checked Google maps and I am exactly 555 miles from the little town of Bethlehem. It's crazy to think that the sky that I look at every night is (roughly) the same one that, 2000 years ago, displayed a star that led 3 kings from the east to the place where Jesus lay. I wonder if they were from anywhere around here? Merry Christmas to everybody! God bless you all and I pray that you have wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!