My baby brother is in the Army. He's the one on the right.
Read here about how I'm collecting socks, candy and toiletries for him to distribute at the transitional hub for soldiers returning from active duty in Afghanistan.
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
World News From My Perspective
Disclaimer: I get most of my news from the internet and the rest from my family and friends.
I have an eclectic view of the world, and so do you. We simply can't help it. Everyone has a vanishing point, and due to the nature of perspective, it cannot be the same for any two people.
From my vantage point, Afghanistan is losing several thousand troops and may face a tough transition. But then Afghanistan is no stranger to tough times. Does anyone know what's going on in Iraq (besides constant bombings)?Africa is not exactly fulfilling all of Mandela's dreams (yet).The Ukraine is streaming live video of what must be the longest continuing protest in history (unless you count France's ongoing protest against morality) over the government's involvement or lack of such in the European Union, while Germany is playing big brother (big sister, if you will) to the other members of the EU, and still manages to lead economically around the world. Egypt is just happy, for a change, that the attention is diverted elsewhere, and it can make plenty of money on those sheets that cost twice as much if they're 'Egyptian cotton'. China (if we're talking economics, we can't leave out China) holds the biggest note from the US, who is making a slow comeback in financial matters, and absolutely can't seem to find a way to keep random citizens from shooting strangers in public. Russia is simply too big and confusing to get my head around, especially now that Mr.Snowden is in exile(?) there. I think Russia is my vanishing point. By the way, China makes laws to keep the population down, and the US just legalizes abortion. Is there a difference in outcome? Due to the high price charged to US in Kyrgystan, (where, let's face it peace doesn't exactly run rampant) Romania is soon to be the new host to most of those troops coming from Afghanistan, but is experiencing a shake-up due to a failure in the newly rolled out (and very expensive) overhaul of their national emergency system (similar to our 911).
In a nutshell: Afghanistan can't manage inner conflict, US steps in to divert attention from its money and family troubles, Germany props up everyone else, while China lends money to make money, but is very private about its own woes. Kyrgystan licks wounds over losing the American account by doubling rent. Romania isn't really ready, but then GI's don't need much. Did I leave someone out? I did leave a lot out, but I warned you this would be eclectic. Besides the rat infested ship drifting dangerously close to Ireland, there's relative calm in the UK.They have Downton Abbey and Sherlock. That's enough drama for one country.
I have an eclectic view of the world, and so do you. We simply can't help it. Everyone has a vanishing point, and due to the nature of perspective, it cannot be the same for any two people.
From my vantage point, Afghanistan is losing several thousand troops and may face a tough transition. But then Afghanistan is no stranger to tough times. Does anyone know what's going on in Iraq (besides constant bombings)?Africa is not exactly fulfilling all of Mandela's dreams (yet).The Ukraine is streaming live video of what must be the longest continuing protest in history (unless you count France's ongoing protest against morality) over the government's involvement or lack of such in the European Union, while Germany is playing big brother (big sister, if you will) to the other members of the EU, and still manages to lead economically around the world. Egypt is just happy, for a change, that the attention is diverted elsewhere, and it can make plenty of money on those sheets that cost twice as much if they're 'Egyptian cotton'. China (if we're talking economics, we can't leave out China) holds the biggest note from the US, who is making a slow comeback in financial matters, and absolutely can't seem to find a way to keep random citizens from shooting strangers in public. Russia is simply too big and confusing to get my head around, especially now that Mr.Snowden is in exile(?) there. I think Russia is my vanishing point. By the way, China makes laws to keep the population down, and the US just legalizes abortion. Is there a difference in outcome? Due to the high price charged to US in Kyrgystan, (where, let's face it peace doesn't exactly run rampant) Romania is soon to be the new host to most of those troops coming from Afghanistan, but is experiencing a shake-up due to a failure in the newly rolled out (and very expensive) overhaul of their national emergency system (similar to our 911).
In a nutshell: Afghanistan can't manage inner conflict, US steps in to divert attention from its money and family troubles, Germany props up everyone else, while China lends money to make money, but is very private about its own woes. Kyrgystan licks wounds over losing the American account by doubling rent. Romania isn't really ready, but then GI's don't need much. Did I leave someone out? I did leave a lot out, but I warned you this would be eclectic. Besides the rat infested ship drifting dangerously close to Ireland, there's relative calm in the UK.They have Downton Abbey and Sherlock. That's enough drama for one country.
Friday, January 24, 2014
OPERATION FREE X
By now most everyone knows about the massive troop draw down in Afghanistan. Whether it will be complete, or partial as has recently been recommended, a lot of military personnel will find themselves in Romania soon.
As Providence would have it, my baby brother, Dan Hamilton's chaplaincy in Bamburg, Germany has been chosen to set up the chapel in the new base in Romania. (Yes, that's Romania, as in the home of Dracula's Transylvania.) He and his crew (not sure how many) will be setting up what he's calling a FREE X, in the absence of a PX.
Thousands of field weary troops will soon be descending on this new facility (in the process of being built). Word is they're in need of (among other things) a change of socks. He's also asked for candies of all kinds. I'll be betting the nearest See's is afar off. Another plan is for regular movie nights (Redbox hasn't gotten to Romania yet) so used DVD's will come in handy.
Chances are you know someone who has a loved one in Afghanistan, and if so, consider giving a gift of support if you're able. If you live in the Modesto, California area here are the drop-off locations for white athletic socks size 10-13 (higher top rather than low top because they wear boots). We'll post again soon for candy and DVD donations.
Community Business College 3800 McHenry Ave
Maris Media Productions 2521 Willow Oak Ct, Modesto Ca,95355
Veteran's Services 121 Downey Avenue
Any monetary gifts can be sent to me, (the Willow Oak Ct location is my address) and 100% of the money you send will go to buy socks or candy for the troops in Romania. We will take care of postage.
You can like us here on facebook and see regular updates. Thanks ahead of time to all of you for your generosity!
Amy Maris
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Scary Things
You just never know, do you, what a day may bring forth?
Today a good friend told me how her life was falling to pieces with one swoop of the ax.
Her soul is intact, mind you, but her outer life is a nightmare that makes Afghanistan look like a next door neighbor.
Which reminds me that He, the living Lord is here, as well as there. Good thing. My brother just signed up for the Army, and he may be sent to Afghanistan.
Scary things are everywhere.
The domestic situation in Jesus' day was no picnic either. He, the Prince of Peace, was born under life-threatening situations to poor people far away from the comfort of home. I guess He knows.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)" 2 Corinthians 10:3,4
If we could see as God sees, we would see his protective love and light where there is darkness. Give us eyes!
Today a good friend told me how her life was falling to pieces with one swoop of the ax.
Her soul is intact, mind you, but her outer life is a nightmare that makes Afghanistan look like a next door neighbor.
Which reminds me that He, the living Lord is here, as well as there. Good thing. My brother just signed up for the Army, and he may be sent to Afghanistan.
Scary things are everywhere.
The domestic situation in Jesus' day was no picnic either. He, the Prince of Peace, was born under life-threatening situations to poor people far away from the comfort of home. I guess He knows.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)" 2 Corinthians 10:3,4
If we could see as God sees, we would see his protective love and light where there is darkness. Give us eyes!
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