Stories

As I listened to the soldiers sharing stories with one another I thought you might be interested in some of their chatter. The cavalry drive tanks but they have the insignia of a horse on their uniform. These tanks seem to have as much a mind of their own as a horse. Some of them randomly catch fire. While that would terrify me, the soldiers laugh at their equipment. There is flame retardant that automatically deploys when a fire is detected. All they have to do is remember to close their eyes and cover their mouth and nose for about ten seconds until everything is “good.” They were laughing about one tank fire that happened spontaneously in the middle of a field. The soldiers evacuated the tank, did a count, and discovered the driver was still inside. When they found him, he was asleep. He was in his own compartment and totally missed all the excitement. Mule skinners no longer have mules to transport supplies. They move troops, equipment, and supplies by helicopter, but they still call themselves mule skinners.

While riding the train, I visited with a nun who studied business at the University of Oregon. Her parents were practicing Buddhists and she was raised going weekly to pray at a Buddhist temple. When I asked about Buddhists retreating to the mountains for safety she corrected me. She said that their faith is focused inward. They pray and focus on their own spiritual well-being so they need to be separated from others who are a distraction. She is part of a convent of nuns who also live separated with the exception that they care for old people as a way to support themselves. Her role for six-months is to pray. At the same time she was headed to a farm owned by the nuns to help with the harvest. I didn’t try to make sense of that one. She said she would call me in February when her time of prayers was finished. She was delightful so I hope to meet her again.

Whether we are with the soldiers, the Koreans, or the Africans, there is always something new to learn, an unexpected way to reach out and serve. This week much of our service was being a caring listener.