In Mozambique this weekend it is just a regular ole weekend. On our off day I: listened to a Freakamonics podcast, drank a cup of coffee, watched an episode of Bewitched, drank more coffee, sat in the sun to read…nothing super exciting. There isn’t exactly a Memorial Day Celebration happening here.
However, we did have a cookout with our contacts: Mozambican style. There were kudu burgers, hot-dogs, potato salad, fresh tomatoes, onions and lettuce. It was delicious, like a taste of home. Jason did an amazing job with a little tiny grill getting enough food for 8 hungry adults and 2 children. He also fixed some amazing baked beans. (and if you know me, you know I love my baked beans!) It was a little bit like tasting home, except they really need to try Dream Land Ribs!
Ben and Austin chilling with Jason
Austin, me, Kristin and Rachel prepping out places
As far removed as Africa may seem, I haven’t overlooked the fact that in the States it is Memorial Day Weekend. Though I am no longer serving actively in the US Military, I want to take the time to remember all those who are. Many of my friends serve as pilots in the Air Force, others research weapons and tactics, and still others work in service roles. We all survived the Air Force Academy and dispersed throughout the world… There are those from my graduating class that are married, some even have kids. Others are single. Our jobs are as varied as our personalities; yet we all share the distinction of having served our country.
Friends, superiors, subordinates, Enlisted, Officer, veteran & active military members all deserve utmost respect for what they do.
Just off the plane in Joburg, S.A…See, Africa isn’t that far from Home! 🙂
Hamburgers and hotdogs are delicious and 3 day weekends are awesome, but they amount to little compared to the significant contribution of the men & women serving in the United States Military.
I want to thank my friends for supporting me throughout the academy, my active duty career and most importantly, my transition from the service. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to come on the World Race; to interact, help and encourage people all over the world is a dream come true. Without my time as an Air Force Officer, I might never have discovered my deep passion for education, culture and missions. My friends have been my support through the discovery process. I pray for their health, their families, their jobs, their safety.
Please remember those around you who have chosen to give their time
and energy to keep you, your family, our country and our values safe.
I intended to include Psalm 91, the Soldier’s Prayer. Yet I found a poem written by a Civil War soldier that is as applicable today as it was then:
A CONFEDERATE SOLDIER’S PRAYER
Author Unknown,
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
