Day 116: Playing Tag

I remember before leaving for Afghanistan, people would ask what at the time I thought were silly questions. One of them was, “Are you taking your family with you?” “Take my family”, I thought. “Have you read the news lately? Maybe you’ve never heard of...the Taliban...IED’s...ambushes...Osama Bin Laden. Afghanistan is not the place to take your family.”

Well, I stand corrected. Tonight I saw a group of kids running back and forth from the dinning facility to the flagpole playing tag. Yes, some of the American contractors bring their families with them. Once or twice a week I see them with their wives and kids. I’ve seen pregnant ladies, little babies, toddlers, and elementary age school kids. They live out in Herat somewhere and come on base occasionally for mail, dinner, and a change of scenery.

Hard to see, but I promise that there are kids in here.

It is hard to describe how strange it is to see little American kids here on this base. To see little kids running and playing, oblivious to the war that surrounds them, makes me grateful for the innocence of children. They find joy and fun in the simple things that are around them. Seeing the kids makes me pretty homesick for my little guys. What I wouldn’t give to have just a few minutes with my kids--to give Abbie a big hug and kiss, watch Ellie dance around in the Afghan dust, hold Eden’s tiny little hand, or listen to Ammon make little monkey sounds.

I miss them. I love them. However, as much as I would like to have them near, I’m glad that they are home, in a safe place, with a mother that loves and protects them. Guys I’ll see you soon!