What a Day!

This for me was probably the most difficult day since I've been here. We were severly attacked today by rockets and mortars, many many of them and they were close to my desk. Mom not to scare you but they aren't good shots. But I had just come into the building from lunch and was sitting down at my desk on the computer when some very loud explosions were felt and heard close by. Everyone in my office looked at each other and gave the look of "what the ...heck", follow by words of "that was close" we all jumped up and grabbed our flak vest and helmets and took cover. The explosions continued but what was amazing was people were just running into our building, just parking their cars in the street and running inside to take cover. 6 or 7 people were hurt by 9 separate attacks. The injuries were not serious thank God. It makes me realize just who is in control of this war. God is truly protecting all of us over here. There should have been much more serious injuries but by the hand of God, that did not happen. The sheer numbers of falling items over the past week should've caused more damage, but God is working to keep that from happening. It strengthens me and my faith so much more. My daughter Melody gave me a necklace to wear for protection. It is a shield with a cross on the front and scripture on the back. It's from Joshua 1-9, which reads " Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". I have worn this necklace since the night she gave it to me. She gave it too me the night before I left for Iraq. It was a special time, just me and her in the living room. And yep, I cried when she gave it to me. It certainly was the gift I had hoped for and told no one but God knew and provided for me via Melody. She said she knew she needed to give that to me the moment she saw it. So I've worn it ever since because it is my reminder not to be afraid and I am not afraid. The bombs hit without warning so you never know where or when it will come, so you release it all to God and that my friends is something I'm glad I'm here to experience. And that is that.