Greetings from Kuwait
Arrived Kuwait and settling in- just about 24 hours travel time. Our route was fairly direct, from Dallas to Shannon, Ireland and then right into Kuwait City. The USO in Dallas' "Operation Sendoff" did an amazing job of taking care of us and ensuring that we felt the love. Came around with water, snacks, pillows, and had available travel sizes of any personal hygiene item you might desire. Two volunteer chaplains handed out prayer request cards, and, when I told them that I was a chaplain, they said that they always offer a prayer on the plane as it prepares to depart, but also always defer to a military chaplain when present. So after the flight briefing, I had the honor of praying for the families and loved ones left behind, the volunteers who cared for us, the crew, and, or course, our comrades downrange.
When I checked in at the airport my duffel bags got special "Distinguished Visitor" tags, being a Colonel and all. . . When we landed at Kuwait City International Airport, I was personally escorted off the plane first ("AMC (Air Mobility Command) passenger Chaplain Koppell please come to the door. . . ")- so cool. There was an escort and van waiting, my bags were pulled and I zipped off to meet my ride to Arifjan. Seamless!
I actually arrived in time for Kabbalat Shabbat services here at Camp Arifjan. It was a small group and the major participants were all contractors, not soldiers/servicemembers. The lay leader was my congregant at Congregation Bayt Shalom in Greenville, NC, 1985-1987! He was (fairly) gracious about letting me take over the service, making sure that I observed the local minhag. I was surprised that they would not light candles since it was already dark, and they omit the parts of the service that require a minyan. Most military communities are a bit more flexible. We had bagels, lox and cream cheese for the oneg. I'm sure we'll have a bigger crowd for the seder. Today I'll meet with the chapel staff to discuss the setup.
They have secured lodging for me in the PODS. It's like a two story complex of what are officially called CHU's- Containerized Housing Units, but referred to as PODS because they are like those self-storage containers. I'm still working out some of the refinements- need a lightbulb and an adapter, but pretty comfy. My "room" happens to be only a few steps from the bathroom- outdoor steps- but- hey!- hot water and flush toilet. I bought a two week internet access pass and am presently charging the computer at the local Starbucks while I wait for the camp to come to life.
So- when going to war there are certain essentials to pack. I heard that linens would be supplied, so I forgot a towel- no problem- $5.99 at the PX. I have 14 t-shirts and socks, 14 books and almost 100 cigars. Two boxes of shmura matza, courtesy of Rabbi Ayla Grafstein, along with other goodies to distribute. Not sure why when I travel the dental floss is always down to the last serving, but, again, nothing a trip to the PX can't solve.
Less essential- apparently- Army uniforms! I have plenty of PT clothes, civilian and military, jeans and a skirt, but the only uniform I managed to bring was the one on my back!!!!!! Now I know why those bags felt kind of light! Guess I'll be doing laundry soon and often!
Write when you can and blessings to all for a wonderful and meaningful Pesach. Shalom, Rabbi Bonnie Koppell
When I checked in at the airport my duffel bags got special "Distinguished Visitor" tags, being a Colonel and all. . . When we landed at Kuwait City International Airport, I was personally escorted off the plane first ("AMC (Air Mobility Command) passenger Chaplain Koppell please come to the door. . . ")- so cool. There was an escort and van waiting, my bags were pulled and I zipped off to meet my ride to Arifjan. Seamless!
I actually arrived in time for Kabbalat Shabbat services here at Camp Arifjan. It was a small group and the major participants were all contractors, not soldiers/servicemembers. The lay leader was my congregant at Congregation Bayt Shalom in Greenville, NC, 1985-1987! He was (fairly) gracious about letting me take over the service, making sure that I observed the local minhag. I was surprised that they would not light candles since it was already dark, and they omit the parts of the service that require a minyan. Most military communities are a bit more flexible. We had bagels, lox and cream cheese for the oneg. I'm sure we'll have a bigger crowd for the seder. Today I'll meet with the chapel staff to discuss the setup.
They have secured lodging for me in the PODS. It's like a two story complex of what are officially called CHU's- Containerized Housing Units, but referred to as PODS because they are like those self-storage containers. I'm still working out some of the refinements- need a lightbulb and an adapter, but pretty comfy. My "room" happens to be only a few steps from the bathroom- outdoor steps- but- hey!- hot water and flush toilet. I bought a two week internet access pass and am presently charging the computer at the local Starbucks while I wait for the camp to come to life.
So- when going to war there are certain essentials to pack. I heard that linens would be supplied, so I forgot a towel- no problem- $5.99 at the PX. I have 14 t-shirts and socks, 14 books and almost 100 cigars. Two boxes of shmura matza, courtesy of Rabbi Ayla Grafstein, along with other goodies to distribute. Not sure why when I travel the dental floss is always down to the last serving, but, again, nothing a trip to the PX can't solve.
Less essential- apparently- Army uniforms! I have plenty of PT clothes, civilian and military, jeans and a skirt, but the only uniform I managed to bring was the one on my back!!!!!! Now I know why those bags felt kind of light! Guess I'll be doing laundry soon and often!
Write when you can and blessings to all for a wonderful and meaningful Pesach. Shalom, Rabbi Bonnie Koppell
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