I had a very interesting day today. I was able to fly with an Air evacuation helicopter. The helicopter was a Blackhawk, specifically configured to fly the injured.

The first flight was a blood run. That is to take blood to bases that are in urgent need. On this trip we had three stops. The first was the major army hospital in Baghdad. The next stop was Baghdad International Airport and the third stop was Abu Ghraib Prison. Yes, that is the same prison that was in the news so much.

As we flew low and fast across the Iraq, I was impressed once again of the life that water brings. I first saw this when I was traveling to Sudan and was flying over the Nile. Within a ¼ mile of the river there was vegetation and every thing was lush past that it was desert and it appeared that there was nothing alive. It reminded me of what Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scriptures have said streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:38. The river we were flying over in Iraq was the Euphrates. It is still hard for me to believe that I am here and what I am seeing. Along the Euphrates there was vegetation everywhere. I was also impressed at the number of Date Palms. There were literally thousands of them and many orchards. Every house seemed to have its own Date Palm. I can see why Dates play such an important role in their recipes.

The thought that came to mind when we were landing at Abu Ghraib was from the book of Matthew 5:43 “You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute.” Many have said that giving blood is the gift of life. Over here when there is a call for blood, in minutes there will be a response from the troops. They realize that it may be one of their friends who needs blood or someday it may be their life that will be saved by the blood of another. When the troops give blood, they have no idea when and where it will be used. But they give out of a desire to help and care for others. During war blood is precious. Giving such a precious gift to an enemy to help save his life is a great example of living out this verse. Some of the patients who received blood are same ones who when they are on the medical ward will try to urinate on the techs and the nurses as they care for them. That reminds me of what Jesus said on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know not what they doing.” Luke 23:34.

There are many difficult situations here and I am very grateful that I have Jesus’ life to be an example, and the help of the Holy Spirit to live it out.

More thoughts on the second helicopter ride later