March 10, 2008
To my friends at the Glebe Church,
I hope this reaches you in high spirits and with God blessings. I wanted to drop you a line to let everyone know that I have arrived in Baghdad, Iraq safe and sound. I am working out of the US Embassy in the "Green Zone" with the main headquarters staff. The accommodations are very nice and the food is well above average (maybe well above "Army-food" average anyhow). I am doing well and I'm as safe as I can be.
Iraq is a fascinating country of stark contrasts and rich history. It is also a troubled land, but there is hope in the eyes of the people trying to make a difference each day. You can really sense the struggle as the Iraqis try to find their way in a brave new world while standing in the face of adversity. I had many misconceptions about what I would expect before I arrived to Iraq. In my short three weeks, I have learned the importance that this region is to not only our national security, but to our faith as well. This is an important mission and will define ourselves as a people for years to come. The circumstances on how we got here needs to be discussed and debated; however, the fact remains that we as a nation have a moral obligation to give Iraq the best chance to succeed.
I have had the opportunity to meet Canon Andrew White at Episcopal services on Sunday. Canon White, known as the vicar of Baghdad, has been engaged in this region for over a decade. He is an inspiration to the Christians here in Baghdad who brave everything to go to Church each Sunday. He holds services at the US Embassy here in the Green Zone as well as the St Georges Cathedral in downtown Baghdad. He tells the stories of his St Georges congregation with passion and love. The spirit of hope remains alive and well despite terrible odds and dangers.
Over the past year, his congregation - some two hundred strong - has lost 54 members due to violence directed against Christians by militant thugs twisting Islam to meet their goals. Despite this, Christians - Episcopalians like each one of us - walk with head held high and go to mass and other services weekly. It is moving, powerful and speaks to the importance of the work we need to do each day to show God's love and peace.
Taking note of Father Ross' message to become more involved in the Parish, I have asked Canon White to help me become a Eucharistic and Lay Minister in my time here. Canon White has accepted my request and will be helping me through this process over the next few months. He has indicated that he will contact the Bishop here to provide the required paperwork needed for this endeavor. Any advice or words of wisdom from Father Ross would be greatly appreciated.
I anticipate being in Baghdad, Iraq through August of this year, and then returning home to Suffolk. Renee, Connor and Grant are doing well, and Renee's mother, Becky, is staying with my family while I am away.
They will try to make services as much as possible, and I would ask that you keep them in your prayers and check in on them from time to time.
Sometimes a friendly phone call can make a big difference.
Take care and God Bless,
Joe
P.S. I have included some articles on Canon White and a link to his book
"Iraq: Searching for Hope" below. I will try to get a couple of copies for the Church while I am out here. God Bless.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6702185.stm
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0826486304/ref=olp_product_details/102-
3932054-9754555?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=
Joseph M. Nolan
Major, U.S. Army
US Joint Forces Command
Forward Support Element - Iraq
DSN (318) 239-9817
COMM 703-343-9817