This morning found us up early, once again driving to the airport as the sun rose. But this time it wasn't to meet family or friends returning from the mission field. Instead we were welcoming some brave soldiers coming home from the battle field. DFW is often the first place soldiers land on American soil after they have served in Iraq and elsewhere. As part of a teen ministry service project, Bethany helped to decorate and fill sacks to give the soldiers upon their return, since many of them will have a layover on their way to other destinations where they will finally see beloved family and friends. We filled the sacks with homemade cookies and snacks, as well as heartfelt notes of appreciation.
The wonderful group of veterans who organize the "welcome home" for the troops have thought of it all- they even had patriotic music playing as the soldiers entered the terminal. I couldn't help but boo-hoo as they came through the door, weary from war and tired from traveling, to the sound of "Stars and Stripes Forever" and "God Bless America." As they would come in, the whole crowd would erupt in cheers. They seemed truly touched by it. I hope so! Some of them told us they totally hadn't expected anyone to be there. This particular group was fresh from Iraq.
Kyle wore his cammo "Superman" shirt, to show them that he thinks they are superheroes!
It was such a privilege to be there to thank them personally for their sacrifice. I asked this young man how long he would be home, and he said, "Two weeks." Two. Weeks. I told him we had been praying for the troops, and asked him how we could pray for him specifically (as well as the others who would be returning in two weeks) and he said, "Pray for us... just because we have to go back so soon."We're praying for you, Eric. God bless you.
Afterward, we (along with some of our fun friends who were with us at the airport) headed to a local mall for a free Selah concert. This is our third time to hear them. I could've listened to them all day! As we stood on the upper level of an upscale mall singing along to hymns and praise songs, I thought how awesome it was to be standing in a place where things are so often the focus of worship, and lift up praises to the Giver instead. It was nice to put the focus where it should be, right there in that place. We are so blessed in this country to be able to worship so openly. With the faces of the soldiers still so fresh in my mind as I sang, I was reminded that we shouldn't take that privilege for granted.
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