Mission in the Airport
As we flew from Orlando to Atlanta to board our plane for Peru, I was thinking about our mission and what we would be doing there. While walking to our gate, my focus changed as I noticed a young soldier next to us. Alan began talking with him and found out that he was headed back to Afghanistan after a two week leave. He mentioned that it would be easier to stay in Afghanistan than to come home and leave again. We thanked him for serving our country and continued to our gate.
My thoughts were still on that soldier and the sacrifice he and his family were making. I remembered how difficult it had been when Chris left for the Navy. Each time he came home, I wondered where he would be sent and when I would see him again. I was sure the soldier’s family was wondering the same thing.
I was surprised when we reached our gate to see the large waiting area occupied with a huge number of soldiers and marines in camouflage with American flags decorating their sleeves. Most were young men but a few women and middle aged men also sat waiting for their flights.
I studied them as we all waited. Sipping a McDonalds drink. Staring at an overhead TV. Working on a laptop. Talking quietly with a fellow soldier. Eyes ahead listening to music from a headset. Reading intently. Head back and eyes closed. Speaking on cell phones. What was going through their minds as they waited? Were they thinking of home? Were they thinking of what lay ahead?
Alan and I each talked with a few as we all waited. They were headed to Kuwait where they would be deployed to other areas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Some had already been to Iraq and at least one was going back for the fourth time. One middle aged man had three sons in the military who were also serving in that area. I thought of the wife and mother at home and what she must be going through. Each person had a story and loved ones at home. How many would come home? What condition would they be in? How would their lives be permanently affected?
At that time, Peru seemed far away. I felt my mission then was to speak to them, thank them, and pray for them. It is easy to hear about the wars on the news and forget that normal people have their lives disrupted. Seeing them reminded me that we should actively support our troops and their families. There are many things that we can do. Pray. Send cards. Support organizations that help the military. The families would love a phone call, offer to babysit, a meal, an outing, or a hug. We may or may not support the wars, but we should support our troops.