After an interesting convoy ride at night from Scania, we now find ourselves today at Tallil Air Base in south eastern Iraq and about a six hour convoy from Baghdad. Once you get out of Baghdad, a lot of the forward operating bases (FOBs) and military support sites you see are out in the middle of nowhere, protected by a bunch of concrete T barriers, and most serve as refueling stops for convoys passing through. Except for Tallil…this place has Air Force and Army operations inside it, and there is also an Italian base close by.
Also, right outside of Tallil lies the historic (and I’m talking Old Testament, book of Genesis historic) city of Ur, where the Chaldeans and most importantly, Abraham, was born and lived until he moved on to Canaan land. Today we went on a tour of the site, exploring the great Ziggurat of Ur, which the Chaldeans had built as a monument to their “moon god.” Near the Ziggurat was the house of Abraham himself and also royal tombs that once held remains of ancient kings and rulers of the Mesopotamian region.
It is interesting to note that the Iraqi tour guide referred to Abraham as “Prophet Abraham” because he is the father of Ishmael, pretty much the father of Islam as we know it today. Abraham is revered in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish circles as a great prophet and the “father of many nations.”
Today was a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience some wonderful Biblical history…just wait until I post the video. I’ll be making an AFN News story and also a personal 30-minute documentary on the experience as well.
Tomorrow, my time with the 48th Brigade Combat Team from the Georgia National Guard will be drawing to a close. It has been a great experience so far, and I will be shooting one final story tomorrow on a day in the life of a 48th BCT convoy soldier. I’ll try to update more then.
Be good out there, everyone.
Wow, this has been an awesome opportunity for you son. I am so thankful to the Lord for keeping His hand of safety on you. Just imagine as you read certain passages in the OT you will know exactly what they were talking about as you have walked there yourself. Cool!
That is awesome! I can’t wait to here these stories from your own mouth! Uh-oh! You know what I noticed about you? You are going to turn into Bill Burrese and tell old war stories (howitzers) to the kids and youth group at church!
-Essayons