The enemy behind the enemy is working overtime, but we know how the story ends, are connected and united against the enemy, with Sharon from the homefront.
Thanks for the pings, Maigrey and DivaBetsyRoss!
Posted on 09/28/2004 5:43:07 PM PDT by valleygal
Sharon gave me permission to post this with her name.
Hello to all. Sorry I haven’t written in the last couple of days. Much going on here. I would, however, like to share something with you today.
I am a firm believer that God sends us messages when we need them most. It can be in the form of a nod from someone passing you on the street, someone smiling at you when you are down, or in the written word from a page in a book, a message on a billboard, or the spoken word. The messages can be anything that catches your attention.
Everyday life here in Iraq has worn on me this week. At first I didn’t notice it and then all of a sudden it seemed to consume me. Many things added to the weariness I was feeling. I can’t put my finger on any one thing in particular that was the major contributor. It could have been the fact that the oppressive heat has returned this past week after enjoying mild temperatures in the high 90’s to low 100’s. (I smile at this because there is a saying here that says you know you are in Iraq too long when the temperature is 90 in the evenings and you turn your air conditioner off at night.) Or that the flies have returned with a vengeance. Another reason could be that even though I moved to a much safer trailer (one with cement barriers around it) I now have to go outside to a community shower and bathroom. Or that the shower only spurts water for about three minutes then turns off for four then back on for another three.
But, these things I have been getting used to so why was I so tired. Perhaps it was because we went back to full battle gear. We have received specific threats against our camp. It gets very tiring flinging 22 pounds up over your shoulder to get your arms in the armholes every time you need to go outside. It becomes a nuisance when there is nowhere to store your flak jacket and helmet when you sit down to eat in the dining facility or when you go to church. It becomes crowded very quickly. Your head begins to ache from wearing the helmet everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, these things are necessary and I appreciate that we have them but when you start to wear down, it just makes the burden that much heavier.
I definitely know that the kidnappings and beheadings have taken their toll. I’ve told you how I feel about the propaganda. It seems to be multiplying and feels like it is coming at us like an out of control freight train. The anxiety felt this week is definitely adding to the weariness. Because of the increased anxiety and armed with the knowledge that these evil people are getting more cunning, daring and desperate to create utter chaos and put fear into the fearless, I have done something I never thought I would have to do. I purchased a military knife for my own safety. Yes, I carry a pistol with me (another item that becomes heavy on the shoulders and neck as the day wears on) but I don’t take the pistol to the showers. Walking to the showers at night is dangerous. You can’t see who is around you. No one takes any chances here and you are warned not to. The fact that I am walking around knowing that I will use the knife or pistol if need be, wears on me.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. For my own balance in my life I try not to let myself get too tired, too hungry or too lonely. If I’m too hungry I can get grouchy. If I’m too lonely I can become withdrawn and let my imagination get the best of me. If I’m too tired I can lose concentration. As my week was coming to a close, I sat in my trailer late last night and started to wonder why I was really here. I know the reason I came over here to begin with; for the future of all the kids I know. But as I see more and more of the big picture I realize there has to be more. But with the weariness, anger was creeping into my very being and I didn’t like the feeling. I know I want to be here but I started doubting if it was making a difference.
Just as I am a firm believer that God sends us messages when we need them most, I believe that we have to be ready and willing to receive them or it will pass on by, unnoticed. My message came to me today in the form of the First Reading at Mass. Amos 6:1, 4-7 says, “Thus says the Lord the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall! Improvising to the music of the harp, like David, they devise their own accompaniment. They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils; yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph! Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.”
This reading says there is no security in wealth. Those who seek only pleasure will not find peace and happiness. After pondering this and listening to the sermon I have come to realize that I am not here because of President Bush, or because I am a Marine. I am not here just for the future of our kids. I am here because of God. God wants us here. I took myself back in time to the hospital that I visited in Balad. I remembered observing the operating room and seeing our American doctors frantically trying to piece back together the broken bodies of both the coalition forces AND local Iraqis. Bodies that were torn apart by evil. God was working through those talented hands to help heal those broken bodies. I have to believe that we can not sit idly by and let this evil continue to permeate throughout this land. Knowing what we now do about Saddam, about Zarqawi, about Muqtada and about the rest of the evil that is here, how can we say we are Christians if we turn our backs on the Iraqis. If we did that, it would be just like in the reading, the people were enjoying their pleasures but ignoring the collapse of Joseph.
Whether I have to make a monumental decision tomorrow or just lend a hand to a newly arrived Marine or simply smile at someone who is having a “weary” day, I am here because it is the right thing to do. I have heard the message that God sent to me today. And, I no longer feel the weariness. I am here to help free his people.
Sending love to you all,
Sharon
LtCol Sharon Jacko is currently in Iraq.
Thank you. Sharon has written some of the most amazing letters home with some of the most awesome pictures. She has a wonderful writing talent.
All real Americans are four-square behind her!
Shows what a throwback I am when I got to the end and saw that the writer was a woman..........caught me off guard.
A beautiful letter. God bless Sharon, and God bless our Marines...and Army.......and Air Force......and Navy.....and civilians who are busting their humps to free these people; God's people as much as we are.
Thanks for posting this valleygal.
Sharon,
You and all our military are in this family's prayers everyday. Keep on going Sharon, we're with you.
That's keeping the faith!
Dear Lt. Col, Jacko
My wife and I appreciate your being there in Iraq for not just the kids that you know, but also for the 3 little girls here (ages, 8, 5 and 5) that you don't know yet, and who will keep you in their prayers.
After reading your letter to them we all said the following prayer for you.
"God our Father,
Maker and lover of peace,
to know you is to live,
and to serve you is to reign.
All our faith is in your saving help;
protect us from men of violence,
and keep us safe from weapons of hate."
My wife and I also send you the following,
"God our Father,
you reveal that those who work for peace
will be called your sons.
Help us to work without ceasing
for that justice
Which brings true and lasting peace."
May God Bless you and keep you safe.
With our deepest gratitude,
Rob and Rachel Alvelais
The enemy behind the enemy is working overtime, but we know how the story ends, are connected and united against the enemy, with Sharon from the homefront.
Thanks for the pings, Maigrey and DivaBetsyRoss!
Marine Corps, Bump.
Thank You for your patriotism, this just and great cause protects our children and keeps all Americans safe. God Bless you and your family and keep the faith... we all get to rotate out of there eventually...
..."She told me, "I know for a fact that I can’t do this without the help of prayer that is coming from back in the States."...
It's the heat that's getting you. Only a couple of weeks left until that will be a memory.
About the knife. I know you're a professional, but become very proficient with that tool before you carry it. Pistol in a towel is a better idea. Big knives are sometimes best left alone unless you are very familiar with them.
I know for a fact that you CAN do this.
Feel that warm glow and sense of peace enveloping you? That's my prayer for you and yours. It might be off a bit because of the time difference...
Stay safe and come home soon.
Valleygirl: I just wrote Sharon about her wonderful letter. I had tears in my eyes by the time I finished reading it. I must say that I am so honored to be on her mailing list. My friend outside Fallujah was experiencing the same emotions as Sharon. The nearly constant gunfire of the past week was starting to take its toll. Sharon's words to a great source of renewal for her.
Prayers go out to all our brave men and women around the world, most especially in Iraq.
Dear Lord Jesus refresh Sharon and all the troops who are facing so much each day. Pour out Your love and strength of joy into their lives. Ever keep Your hand of protection over them and let them sing for joy under Your shadow.
Lord Jesus bring Your peace to Iraq, You have created all people for Your reward, take them Jesus!
And Lord keep giving Sharon Your messages of encouragment. Bring her home safe in You, Jesus.
God bless you Sharon and all your brave company.
JGP
God bless you Sharon and all the others who serve alongside of you. Be confident that you are doing the Lord's work. Fighting evil is not an easy job; we thank you for taking up the task.
Very cool. When was that? Sharon's a Lt. Col now, though. She left for Iraq either June or July, I think.
They held some games at the camp over Labor Day holiday. She was in charge of that, too! I think she won first place with her teammate for horseshoes and are the reigning camp champs.
May God bless this wise young woman and all of her fellow soldiers. I'm awed and moved by her letter, my eyes and heart are full. The Lord is truly watching over those who do such good so selflessly.
I know, I feel honored, too. FR mail later.
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