Celebrating the Birth of Christ in a Muslim Land

There wasn't any snow, reindeer, Christmas trees, or family.  And there definitely wasn't any mistletoe (although due to recently enacted legislation that might change!)  These are all the things that I associate with the Christmas season.  Indeed, if it weren't for the Christmas hymns we have sung at church over the past few weeks I may have missed it altogether.  This December didn't feel like Christmas!

Especially during my mission; I knew it was the Christmas season!  The Swiss cities of Basel and Bern (where I spent each Christmas) had something special about them.  In the center of each city stood a large decorated Christmas tree. When members and missionaries sang beautiful German Christmas carols passersby were more receptive to our message.  The spirit of Christ filled secular European cities and everyone knew that Christmas was around the corner.

Christmas in Afghanistan has been much different than my prior Christmases oversees (as should be expected).  While conducting convoys throughout the countryside I noticed no decorations, Christmas carols, or trees.  Even within the confines of US military bases in Afghanistan there was only a scarce reminder of the holiday season. 

To say there were no decorations would be dishonest.  The dinning facilities, chapels, and even my own office displayed some decorations. 

Still, it didn't feel like Christmas. 

Our company held a Christmas party on December 24th.  It was a fun occasion to eat and socialize with our fellow Soldiers.  Each platoon was responsible for preparing a skit, a picture slide show of its Soldiers, and organizing a secret Santa present exchange.  The entire event went off without a hitch (except for our skit).

The 25th was reserved for personal time.  Other than attending a Soldiers reenlistment (I guess it was her present to the Army) and eating dinner together with all of the officers in the company--I had the rest of the day off.  I spent my time skyping my family and watching episodes of Lost (I know it isn't the typical Christmas TV show, but I'm hooked and didn't have any Christmas movies with me). 

By far the most meaningful portion of Christmas occurred on the 26th.  Instead of having our church Christmas program before Christmas, it was after the holiday so that more Soldiers could attend.  Despite the logistical challenges of planning a Christmas program in a war zone--our branch organized one--with an abbreviated format.  Instead of having numerous choir rehearsals, everything was done on the spot.  Members from the congregation were invited to leave their seats and join the choir.  The chorister had a piece of paper taped to his music stand that listed the order the songs would be sung in and which verses would be sung in unison or in parts.  In between the singing by the choir, scriptures were read, and a piano solo was played. 

For the first time--singing with the choir--I knew it was Christmas!  Everyone missed their family and loved ones.  Everyone would rather have been somewhere other than Afghanistan.  Everyone probably had a hard time feeling like it was Christmas.  However, looking into the stalwart faces of my fellow Saints I was comforted and uplifted.  Singing hymns of Christ's birth bore testimony to me that he really did come to this earth!  He lived and died for all of us.  His atonement is so all-encompassing that it includes American Service Members celebrating His birth as well as Afghan men, women, and children who don't even know of Him.  Spending Christmas with my fellow Saints helped remind me of the true meaning of Christmas.  Christmas isn't about the lights, the tree, or the presents.  It's about God's Son and His gift to each one of us!

Saints at War

Member of the Bagram Afghanistan Military Branch pose for a picture outside the Enduring Faith Chapel.  This picture was taken before I arrived to Afghanistan.

Kyrgyzstan, Canada, Germany, Afghanistan, United States, Sweden, Panama, and Switzerland.  All of these countries have at least two things in common: I've been to each of these places and attended church there!

By far, the greatest support I've received during this deployment and throughout my life comes from my faith in Jesus Christ.  The gospel remains a consistent influence on my life despite the numerous variables clamoring for attention.  I love going to new locations and attending church with different people.  While the cultures and personalities from congregations in Utah, Alaska, Switzerland, or Afghanistan widely differ, the fundamental principles of the gospel remain the same (plus a few idiosyncrasies). 

Shortly after finding out about my deployment last May, I contacted a previous church leader who had served in the district presidency during his deployment to Afghanistan.  He immediately put me into contact with the district president who sent information on the church. Since then, I have done all I can to enjoy as many blessings of the gospel as possible.

On June 27th, 2008 LDS Chaplain Ken Smith read a letter in a Service Member's group meeting from Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander announcing the creation of the Kabul Afghanistan Military District.  A few weeks later, the newly called district president, Gene Wikle met with General Authorities in Salt Lake City to receive instructions on organizing the newly created district and to get set-apart for his calling.  In conjunction with the creation of the military district, four branches were immediately created (there are now five).  The creation of a military district in Afghanistan made more blessings of the gospel available to LDS Service Members stationed here. 

During my first week in Afghanistan I was able to find out the time and location for LDS Church services on my base.  That first Sunday evening as I walked into the chapel I immediately felt at home.  The room filled with familiar prelude music, green hymnals laid on the seats, and Arnold Friberg pictures of Moroni and Nephi lined the wall.  I definitely came to an LDS meeting!

The Bagram Military Branch has over 170 members including almost 20 Relief Society Sisters.  It is the largest concentration of LDS members in Afghanistan.  To help accommodate the members, the branch holds two separate meetings.  The first begins at 10 am and consists of a 45 minute Sacrament meeting (usually just one speaker) followed by a 45 minute Sunday School or Priesthood/Relief Society lesson (Sunday School and Priesthood/Relief Society are held on alternating weeks).  The evening church service begins at 8 pm and consists of a 45 minute sacrament meeting (usually hosting the same speaker as the earlier meeting).  During the week the branch holds Family Home Evening on Mondays, a Church History Institute class on Wednesdays, and a fireside on Thursdays.  Despite the varied work schedule and occupational hazards members face, the branch still conducts home and visiting teaching and fills callings similar to a large ward back in the states. 

During the two years the Kabul Afghanistan Military District has operated, the membership has doubled from 400 members in 35 locations to over 850 members in 80 locations (although President Obama's troop surge has more to do with this than anything else!)  For me, one of the most meaningful aspects of attending church is the opportunity to associate with others who share my values.  This strength prepares me for both the physical and spiritual hazards associated with being a Saint at war!

A Typical Day at the Office!

Sitting in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP), wearing body armor, a combat helmet, and eye protection I receive the go-ahead from the battalion for the mission to begin. I immediately get on the radio and inform all convoy elements that it's time to move out. As our vehicle rolls toward the gate, everyone in my vehicle shakes hands with each other (it's our tradition before embarking on any mission). Soon a voice comes on the radio asking for Diamondback 6 (me) to start us off with the good word for the day. I begin my prayer asking for protection while we travel down our route. I ask that the gunners and drivers will remain alert, and that we will not have any maintenance issues en route to our destination. As I conclude the prayer, I hear a chorus of Amens as each vehicle acknowledges receiving the transmission.

This is a combat logistical convoy; and for me, this is a typical day at the office!

As the platoon leader for a convoy security platoon, I serve primarily as the convoy commander whenever our platoon is tasked with pushing supplies on convoys to different bases throughout eastern Afghanistan. My responsibilities include ensuring that all Soldiers and equipment get from point A to B and back to A. I am involved in the operation from the moment we receive the mission, throughout the duration of the mission, and until we arrive back to our home base and the vehicles are refueled and washed clean.

For the past month I've been privileged to work with some of the finest Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) in the Army. Together we have provided equipment and supplies throughout this remote and war torn country. I cannot claim any credit for the excellent work our Soldiers perform. I can plan the best mission possible; however, if it weren't for their ability to execute flawlessly, we wouldn't have the success we've experienced.

Sometimes while conducting convoy operations I catch a glimpse of what I'm actually doing. I remember the times I played 'Army' back home when I was younger with John and Becky. Or perhaps, I recall the hours and hours spent in ROTC and BOLC training perfecting the operations order and conducting vehicle maintenance. Mostly, however, I'm so engrossed in the task at hand that I fail to grasp what I'm actually doing. I have been charged with the responsibility of leading America's sons and daughters in combat operations in a theater of war. Of all the professional responsibilities one might posses in life; surely this must be one of the greatest.

While I have only been a platoon leader for a month, and have another six months of deployment; I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I've been given and the Soldiers I have a responsibility to protect and provide for. Surely this is an awesome responsibility and privilege!

It's been a crazy year!

In late September 2009 I yelled "NOOOOOOOOO!" while staring in disbelief at the computer screen in my Provo, Utah apartment. How could this be? My life wasn't suppose to go like this? I hadn't planned on it? Hearing the scream, my roommates rushed into the room. Soon they realized what caused my panic.

Towards the end of my junior year of high school I decided to participate in ROTC during college and commision as an Army officer upon graduation. Due to some unique circumstances, I received my duty assignment several months after my peers and only weeks before the training commenced. The previous June when I filled out my "dream sheet" (a list of ten duty locations I rank in order of preference which the Army uses to fill its slottings) I never actually dreamed of receiving my eigth choice--Alaska!

While I tried to regain my consciousness, John, my brother, consoled me. He replied, "Jim this is awesome! Think about it. I can visit you in Alaska! We can do all kinds of cool things up there! Dad will love it!" Despite his well meaning attempts, the shock failed to wear off. Somehow, I recovered enough to attend dinner group that evening. Over dinner I shared the news with those in my group. Sharing the news with others failed to lessen my utter surprise. I wondered, "how could this happen to me!" and "this isn't where I wanted to go!"

However, with the passage of time, the shock began to ease (a little). During the 6 weeks between receiving THE surprising news and leaving Utah to begin the training, it slowly began to seep in. I really AM going to Alaska. Finally, after all years of schooling and training I thought, "I'm going to do it!"

I left Utah on October 27th enroute for Ft Benning, GA. After spending 7 weeks for initial officer training an hour and a half from my parents home in Georgia, I attended my specific career field training at Ft Eustis, VA. Finally, during the first full week of April I left Virginia for Alaska. Open for adventure, I took 3 weeks to drive across the North American continent (this included the detours I made to Utah and Washington before going on a three day ferry to Alaska). It was definitely the roadtrip of a lifetime!

Less than a week after my Alaskan arrival I found out that I would deploy to Afghanistan within 4 weeks. That brings me to my currently location in Afghanistan (six months later).

During this year I've driven 23,000 miles across the US, spent time in both the US and Afghan capitols, participated in both mounted and dismounted live fire excersies, and commanded a company during the three weeks when the commander was on R&R. Definitely, the most exciting and dangerous opportunity I've received has been leading Soldiers on combat logistical convoys throughout eastern Afghanistan.

When I read Alaska on the computer screen that fateful September 2009 day, there was no way I could have known what the next year had in store for me. Who knows what the next year will bring! (Well, I know what I'm looking forward to come next June!) While this past year has been filled with anticipation, adversity, and adventures, I continue to look forward to my future opportunities. This year has stretch and tried me in dramatically new ways. In addition, it has contributed toward me becoming the person I've always wanted to become!

I've Finally Succumbed to the Blogging World!

When owning a cell phone in high school was a fad, I waited until my sophomore year of college before getting one; when nearly every missionary in my mission had digital cameras, I used a film camera and resisted buying one until I returned home; and after Facebook launched, I finally joined the social network a year or two after most of my peers. And while I bought my first iPod this last August, I've tried to avoid blogging like the plague. However, like most things, I've finally succumbed.

It isn't due to any ideological problems I have with technology or progress, nor even my unwillingness to change (because in all of these cases I have!). It is more likely my desire to test and contemplate. Then test some more. I don't like rushing into decisions that I don't have to. Perhaps these things seem mundane (and indeed they are), but that is who I am.

During a marketing class I took at BYU our professor showed a graph of society's acceptance rate of products. While I have forgotten all of the names for this graph's segments of society, I roughly remember what the segments represented. The first group always buys what's new because . . . well, it's new! (these are the people who go to store openings at midnight to buy untested products. They make up about 5% of the population). The second group buys innovative toys early in the production stage based off of strong recommendations from friends who've used the product (roughly 35-45% of the population). Then there's my group; we wait until a product has been tried and tested and become accepted. We make our decision based off of friends who use the product successfully, and our own probing (we also make up about 35-45% of the population). The last group consists of the diehards. These are the people who won't quit using VHS or cassette tapes (even when it is more difficult to resist the current. They also make up about 5% of the population). It all forms a very nice bell curve.

I came to blogging slowly. I thought . . . Why do I want everyone to know my thoughts? Where will I find the time? And, couldn't my wife do it? Well, as time passed I thought some more. During my short time in Alaska I realized the hard time I would have communicating with all of the friends I've made. A blog would allow me to say something essentially one time that they could all read on their own schedule. Besides, while it is time consuming, there are positive benefits. For instance, the time I take formalizing my thoughts helps me put my life into perspective. And, since I'm not married, nor does it look like it will happen anytime soon, I should probably stop procrastinating.

Well, as part of my preparation before deploying to Afghanistan from Alaska, I opened a blogging account. I don't know how many Jim Rhoden's are out there, but while I was debating about the merits of blogging I wasn't going to let someone steal my spot! Again, I waited for another 5 months before posting my first blog entry. (To be honest, not having an Internet connection in Afghanistan probably had more to do with my slow start.) Due to limited bandwidth, this blog won't have many of the pictures, cool sounds, or YouTube clips that many other blogs have. I'll have to make due with what I have. But, now that I've done my necessary testing and prodding, I'm ready to dive into the blogging world!!!