Jul
27
2009
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Destination Afghanistan |
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Written by JD Johannes
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Monday, 27 July 2009 |
Afghan visa, approval letter, plane tickets, video tapes, batteries, body armor, couple changes of clothes.
I take off for Afghanistan in a few days.
It had been my intent to be there a few months ago, but God a had a different plan. Everytime there was a delay, something happened that made realize it was a good thing I was in the United States.
A close friend and business partner passed away suddenly in early June and it was a good thing I was here to manage some of his ongoing business affairs.
During that time other opportunities arose that, if I had not been here, would not have worked out.
And then my father had a massive heart attack in late June. He is still recovering in the hospital. I spent the last month working on his cattle ranch, tending to more than 300 head of cattle and bringing them to market only a few days ago.
It was a very good thing I was in the United States to be with my parents.
And now, just days away from arriving in Afghanistan part of me is asking, "God, got anymore surprises in store?"
Since 2005, when I started living the life fantastic running around war zones with a camera, I have had to place my trust in God and accept his sovereignty. There are too many variables in war to account for let alone attempt to control. Worrying about them is a waste.
I am not sure how long this expedition will last...three weeks, three months...I am just happy to be getting back to telling the stories of Soldiers and Marines and providing some of the information needed for people to understand the war.
These expeditions are not cheap. As my friend Michael Yon pointed out in the tag to his last dispatch, he is not sure if he can keep operating after September.
I finance the majority of the costs of these trips through DVD sales .
If you can afford to buy a DVD, please do.
As long as the DVDs keep selling , I'll keep going to the wars.
Until my next post....Non Timebo Mala.
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