It's the First of February, and it's been a long day. I spent all day with a soldier who attempted suicide twice since he's been down here, once just last night. We got him started with the help he needs, but it's going to be a long road for him. That's just one case of counseling I've been doing. I'm responsible for 950 soldiers in my battalion (it's the biggest battalion in our group -- lucky me), and I wasn't down here for more than 45 minutes on my first night before I had a soldier seeking me out. The men and women I'm serving with are truly heroes, but that heroism and patriotism comes with a price. I'm doing my best to help the soldiers see Jesus standing with them, helping them shoulder the load. Please pray for me that I will not just give helpful advice, but connect the soldiers with the living God who can give them a peace that I can't.

Otherwise, I've been doing all the things a soldier needs to do before heading to war. Stand in line. Give your social security number for the Nth time. Give your blood for the Nth time. Pee in this cup. Stand in line again. Two days ago, the Army put me in the gas chamber, ostensibly to test my mask, but I think it's just a streak of sadism. Yesterday, they infected me with a live smallpox virus. Sure, they call it a "Vaccine", but then they say that I shouldn't be around pregnant women or children under 2 for the next three weeks. And I might, probably, get pretty sick. Oh yeah, I also got an anthrax shot a week ago. Can you believe I get paid for all this fun?

Anyway, I trust things are going well back home. Thank you a million times for everyone who is helping Michelle and my daughters. You are still Christ to me.

God be good to you!
CH Steve Timm