Riding out the gate recently.

The gunners are locking and loading.  The vehicle commanders are making sure that all of the combat checks are good to go.

I’m sitting back in my seat buckled in and getting my radio and Ipod adjusted so that I can hear my music and the other guys in the vehicle.  Gotta have those comms.  Never know what might happen.

We are all geared up and ready for the enemy.  I’m thinking about what I’m going to say to my Afghan counterparts and the training that I have planned for my ANP counterparts.

I just happen to glance out my window as we are passing one of the checkpoints.

There is an Afghan soldier praying.  He’s standing with hands folded in front of him.  Head facing down.  Prayer beads dangling from his hand.  His prayer carpet is laid out in front of him.  His eyes are closed and I can tell that he is silently reciting his prayers.  Lo illaha illala Mohammad rasulallah…Rahman, Bismullah, Rahim…Allahu Akhbar…

It’s such a peaceful scene.  Such contrast to all of the events taking place around him.

It’s bizarrely serene amidst all the unrest and disorder that is this country.  A bit of peace in the chaos and ravages of war that is Afghanistan in this era.

It was heartening.  As if God was saying; “This too shall pass.  In time, all will be well.”

It may.  All may be well in time.

Insha’allah…