Kristmas in Kandahar

Now - this is a Jolly Old Elf.....or almost a Jolly Old Yard Gnome...

Christmas Day in Kandahar - really not all that much different from any other day - only there's just that something about Christmas. It seems softer, slower, and oddly enough - except for the occasional interruption - somehow quieter. But all in all - another work day - so that's what the day consisted of. Although I must confess - I used the opportunity to work from my billet and try to work down some of the 850 emails in my inbox. I'm down to under 200 right now, so It's been a yeomans effort for sure.

I think this Santa was a little Over stuffed....!

I had 'brunch' as best as it could be described at the British restraunt called Heroes.....great atmosphere, but I gotta tell you, the food is somewhat less than desireable. But for a couple of bucks it's hard to complain. I've convinced myself that the American Revolution had less to do with political and economic issues than just wanting to have a decent tasting meal. They did have Elves though....

So all day long I've been waiting with baited breath for the Bar-B-Que we are having at our LSA - Camp Hicks. Our building is almost complete - and the project Management Office in Fort Worth sent us 200 pounds of brisket and 600 pounds of ribs for Christmas. All week long we've been scrounging up grills, paper and plastic ware, soft drinks, any kind of chip or condiment, etc.. and best of all, one of our staff found a bunch of guys on base that play in a band together, and they came to provide the music.

Haircut Day at the tent.....Christmas is A great day for a high and tight cut...

Talk about a way to salvage Christmas. It really made all the difference in the world. My extreme gratitude goes to the DynCorp leadership in Fort Worth for providing that Bar-B-Que, and for the staff here who went to extraordinary measures to pull Christmas together for all of us. If you've not watched the video above yet, you have to, because one of our staff, a Property Manager named Sam Stidwell sang a song that just brought Christmas home. What an incredible talent - and what a relief and spirit he brought with his voice.

I must say - that I firmly believe that the Christmas Spirit touches all - in all places - despite circumstance. It's like trying to describe how salt tastes.....I know what it tastes like - but couldn't put it in words if I wanted too...And that is how today ended -

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be tased , everyone into his own city.. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the City of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

Merry Christmas