I am sure that bread must have been something that God taught the first humans long ago. How else could anyone 4,000 years ago have thought to grind up wheat, mix it with water and bake it? Except for the bag of delicious Iraqi bread that I bought on patrol in August, I have not had real bread since leaving home 7 months ago. At lunch today I went to eat lunch at the dining facility at my new home. I was standing in line for some baked ham when I happened to look to the end of the room and saw something I could not believe. Off to the side of the main line was a large bread counter, with over a dozen different types of fresh breads. Dessert, coffee cake, cheese, garlic, rolls, they were all there. I approached the counter slowly, in awe of what I was seeing and after being prompted by the server who must have thought I was nuts, I took two slices of garlic cheese loaf and walked away feeling like I’d just been given a thousand dollars. Then I found some butter, gave thanks and joyously ate my lunch.
The base I live in now is significantly smaller than the one that I left, but it does have several advantages. Because it is so small, I no longer have to take a bus for 20 minutes to do anything. The Chapel, store, gym, library, Bazaar, food court, work and the cleaners are all within a reasonable walking distance. As I described above, the dining facility is much better than the one I left. There are also several new flavors of ice cream for me a try. I think that living conditions will be better here than they have been for the last 6 months. Of course, if I have more than two feet on one side of my bunk, it’s an improvement. One of the most welcome improvements would be to have consistently hot showers. I have not had one of those in a while. This new base even has a small national forest. Rest assured that I will send pictures and post a trip report as soon as I get the chance.
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4 comments:
Hey, I left you a comment two days ago, it apparently didn't take? I came back to see if anyone else had commented and found the zero. Well, I don't remember exactly what I said, but I'll try again. I'm glad you now have bread; we were just talking about this one week before you moved. I'm also glad that you don't have to take a bus 20mins to do anything and that you have a better Dfac. I guess I'm most excited that you have hot showers and a bigger living area, but since you're a guy it wasn't the first thing you shared. Garlic cheese loaf rated higher than a hot shower...typical. And for a woman? I'll trade bread for a hot shower any day. Love you. I hope they get internet up and running soon that would make this even better.
Praise God your journey there was a safe one. I lived (as you might know), in a wilderness experience for about 4 months after Hurricane Andrew. I know what it is like not only not to have a hot shower, but necessary breaks were an adventure in itself. Real food was a thing of the past and lived on turkey sandwiches and bottled water for at least 3 months...can't eat one of those anymore. Soooooo I am certainly happy for your new great treats of bread, cakes, ice cream and hot showers. I also hope you will be connected with the Internet soon. Love, Mom
Maybe I was unclear in the post. There is no hot water near where I live. Warm water is availible sometimes, but it's a distance away.
So sorry that you don't have those hot showers that we thought you now have. I guess we were just hoping for all the comforts of home for you. Well at least you can enjoy the bread!
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