Thank You Day

Thank you day

Well today here was like Christmas but early. So I was happy to have my two gold bags arrive today and I was rather surprised to see what I had inside.

I was humbled to find that I was a recipient of the Canadian Forces Christmas Card program. I received in my bag 7 Christmas cards addressed to: “Any Canadian Forces Member – OP Safari”.

The cards were from various Canadians who wanted to share their appreciation for the Canadian Forces personnel who were serving THEIR country overseas and would not be with their own families for Christmas. Let me share with you:

Neil and Adel Volk from BC – Hand wrote a special holiday letter from Campbell River explaining how they celebrate Christmas, what their plans are for this year and the fact that they always think of Canadians that are not going to be home this season. They also asked if they could borrow my cook to help with their dinner as Adel is dreading cooking for her whole family once again…LOL They often go to the various neighbors houses and sing Christmas carols, although out of tune LOL

A letter from Clair from, I assume Calgary, who’s 22 y/o son was the one that tol here about all the CF members overseas and she felt so enriched that the young generation of Canadians back our forces that she should too. She had moved to Canada as a child and now she says she is so proud to sing our National Anthem. She speaks of a recent hockey game with the Flames and during the opening ceremonies they put a video up showing all the Canadians overseas. She says even the players were taken back by it all. Then the national anthem played and she said it was the loudest she has ever heard it in the arena. Thanks Clair from Calgary… and I agree GO FLAMES!!!

A letter and card from Sarah Heather of Brooks Alberta. A great Christmas card and wonderful wishes. I am assuming that Sarah is in University. She writes how she worked for an NGO (Non-Government Organization) in South Sudan in a town that I haven’t heard of but will be looking up. She tells of how she lived in a Tukul with no electricity and no water. She tells of how an 8 y/o boy adopted her and became her security guard. She taught him English as he “protected” her. She is presently with Beta Sigma Phi. Thanks Sarah.

Richard Dyalsingh from Toronto passed on his best wishes and also included a religious proverb on a small pocket card. Thanks Richard.

Esther Franklin from Cornwall Ontario sent a Christmas card and some religious writings and blessings to help a soldier get through the holidays without their family. Thanks Esther.

The next two made me feel…… well ya. I received a Yellow Christmas card from someone that I figure is about 4-6 year old. Inside it says “Hope, Peace, Wonder, Joy” written on yellow construction paper with green crayon. No name was left L… But It will be posted in my office tomorrow.

The second was a green construction paper card. This is a snowman card from Michelle who I figure is about 6-7 years old. Thanks Michelle!!

Neither one had a return address nor and envelope. I wish they did. For all of the other cards most had an email address or a mailing address so I will respond to all of them. I think it’s my duty to let these kind people know that their card made it to the troops and that it was appreciated!

I also need to thank some others……

Rob Johnstone and his 4 y/o daughter Reagan. Thanks Rob for the great food, the magazines and the shirt. I have posted a pic of it. Reagan wanted to help her dad prepare a package for me so Rob took it upon himself to educate her on Africa and what I am doing here. One of her family members is in the army and is going back to Afghanistan for the 4th time (Best Wishes!) and the kids only know that Canadians go to fight because of that. So Rob educated Reagan on what we as Canadians are best known for “PEACEKEEPING”. Reagan learned so much from Rob that she included in the package her toy “little pony”…. I was shocked… how many 4 y/o’s would give up a toy for another child overseas. She wants me to give it to a little girl here…so now I have a project, as I will not simply just give it to anyone! J LOL Reagan also knows that the people in Africa are very hungry..LOL (Inside story) Yes Rob I LAUGHED and Cried!!!!

Just a quick story about Rob and Reagan. They were visiting the armouries the other day and Reagan had just learned about Remembrance day at school. While at the armouries this little 4 year old caught the attention of a few of the forces personnel and began to sing (all by herself) the entire National Anthem!!! Way to go Rob!!! Reagan also sent me a beautiful card with pictures, a real maple leaf and writing. It’s now up on my wall.

My Aunt Marg and Uncle Paul – Thanks for the gift box and the going away card. The card, combined with the Weiss’ bought me the accessories to the new IPod that I was given from my friends in the military. The pencil crayons will be given out on my next patrol to the school teacher. I am sure they will be appreciated. The Christmas meal items will come in handy! Who says you can’t have Turkey, Ham, Potatoes, veggies and stuffing in the middle of Africa!!! I can’t wait.

The Weiss’, again thanks for the great card and gift. I used it to buy the accessories for my IPod. It comes in very handy!

To the folks from 166, 110 and 25 fd. Thanks again for the going away party and of course the IPod! Jeff it has come in so handy. I now have my tunes playing while I am trekking across the African safari looking for the next village that I am visiting. It helps the time go by and it’s nice to hear my music from home.

My friends from the dt area, Byzanthium night was great...from what I remember! LOL

To my office mates form Toronto EMS – I did as I said and I have the talking card on my bed stand. When I need a good laugh and a smile I just open it up. Thanks again!!

Sharon, Thanks again for the little note book. I never thought I would use it however from the point of my first flight being delayed until I reached my team site I used it to track my memories and thoughts. It was a great diary that fit perfectly in my pocket and made updating the blog a great deal easier.

Angela, it’s been too warm, ok I mean its friggen HOT!! To wear the shirt you got for me, however it will be packed for my trip to Europe! Thanks again!

Todd, many many thanks for the two books on Sudan and Darfur and the card. The books were all I had to pass the time away. They were a great stress relief as no matter how bad my day was or how delayed I was Nothing (I mean NOTHING) could compare to what those boys of Sudan could have gone through. Every day when I am on patrol the stories from that book go through my mind. Thanks for giving me more of an appreciation for this country and the HELL that they have gone through. And thanks for being there when I need to hear a familiar voice back home.

Rich Lim, Thanks again from me and ALL of my team site for the 250GB of movies you loaded for me. I have only watched about 1/5 so far. Thanks again! It helps pass the time.
Thomas Nguyen I can thank enough for all of the advice (as he just returned from Sudan) and for all of the accessories that he had left me. If it wasn’t for him I would have either starved or spent a great deal of money. Thanks again…see you soon Sir.

Today I visited another village that once again has nothing. But somehow they survive. To get water they walk over one hour to a river where there is a hand pump. And then it’s an hour back to the village with the weight of the water. To get medical service or to shop at a market it’s an hour and a half walk. The kids walk an hour and 15 min to get to school. The kids here didn’t have much and they were polite and curious. I asked the village elder if the children of the village could use a soccer (football) ball. My language assistant looked at me like I was making a joke. I asked him to translate and said maybe I have one that can be shared by all of the kids. The smiles were priceless. I go to my vehicle and had my partner inflate a soccer ball for the village. The kids loved it. I had seen one older child asking my other partner for his pen.

There is such a desire for education here. They have no pens or books. I was happy to also give the village elder a handful of the golf pencils that I bought at Staples.

It is amazing that the little things that we take for granted can mean so much to others that are in need. The soccer balls are the greatest hit and I picked them up at Zellers for $4.50 each. I deflated them and shipped a box of 7 to myself. The PAK Army Capt was amazed and thought I had received them from our HQ in Khartoum. When I told him that it was a gift from Canada and that it was the least I could do for a village he was shocked and shook my hand.

I cannot forget my Mom and Dad. If it wasn’t for them I would be starving here and have nothing at all. Their packages are great and it’s always like Christmas when they arrive. My workmates laugh at me, they know if the gold bags arrive Mike will disappear for about an hour or two. But they are also happy because I normally bring treats into the office the next day. I can’t thank them enough! Even the imple phone calls home are always great. Can’t wait to see my Mother in Europe…our first vacation together in YEARSSSSS!!!!!

I'm off to bed..... Night all....