A few years ago I had the idea of trying to get soldiers off the base for Christmas. At the time the base commander was not in favor of doing this. Doha has two huge bases here, Army and Air Force with thousands of troops living in barracks in the middle of the desert. A lot of people's sons and daughters are here without family, without their children, wives, husbands and without their Mommas.
I did not give up on this idea. Over the almost 6 years we have been here, I have hosted bits and pieces of Marines and Army guys at the house for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Two years ago I had the pleasure of meeting the new base commander that encourages civilian contact and an Air Force Lieutenant that has the authority to do the same.
We hosted about 15 guys in 2010, 50 in 2011 and this year we were able to get 100 Army and Air Force guys off the base, to meet, bless, feed, share stories and even a few hugs. I cried last year when they got off the buses this year I did much better. I didn't cry until the young soldier girl told me she had twins that were 2! OUCH, my Mommy heart ached for her.
I could not have done it without all my friends helping me, my passe, and Raquel (my almost wife).
30+ families helped supply Grandma's cornbread recipes, Uncle Homers cheese balls, Aunt Floy's oatmeal cookies, Ann Rapp's sweet potato casserole and all the heirloom family traditional fixins.
We are southern, so we make cornbread dressing, other folks from all over the US made their specialties. The cornucopia was overflowing with our bounty.
Although the prep time to organize this event is quite a task,
when touching the back of a serviceman during our blessing, reminds me of what little I did compared to the great sacrifice they make for us.
Our safety as Americans, no matter where you live, is protected by many. Even way over here in the middle of no where we are protected by these young, old and currently family-less soldiers...
But for one day, they had us, the community of caring wonderful people who came together to shake hands, hear their stories, pray for them, let them hold other peoples babies, swim, and show them a wee bit of our appreciation of what they do for us.
21 turkeys, 50 USDA t-bones, 5 roasts, plus a slew more was prepared by hand with love.
Our cup runneth over...
You see, they didn't have their Mommas here, and this Momma didn't have her babies either.
I'm not sure who got more out of the day
Them or ME!
Appreciating and thanking those who serve!!!
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