The SmithsDecember 8, 2006
Wow! We've not been very good at keeping this up-to-date. Sorry about that. We'll try to do better! So, where do I start?
*My mom is here for the month. We've really enjoyed her staying with us. It's actually a good thing, because her van broke down, and we were able to find a place here in Cheyenne to work on it and get it fixed! She's unable to sit still for very long, so all of the loose ends from moving here are getting sewn up.
*The girls will be in a Christmas program next week, and Mom will be here for that. They are both excited about it. Sierra told me today that she is nervous about being on stage because she's never done it before!!! I reminded her that she was on stage in Kindergarten at least twice a year--not sure if it helped or not. Kayla has been staying late after school for practice because she actually has a speaking part!
*Jennifer has been busy decorating the house for Christmas. She actually bought the tree (a bigger deal in Cheyenne than you might think--remember, it's the prairie!!!) and put it up. We had a decoration night last week, and then she and Mom put out the finishing touches. It looks REALLY nice.
*Part of my duties as a Chaplain is to give the invocation at various events. I'm the Duty Chaplain this week, and as such was tagged to give the invocation at a graduation. I sat at the Head Table. When the MC said he was going to introduce the Head Table and other Distinguished Visitors, I just sat back and relaxed. After all, I'm only a 1st Lt, and certainly don't consider myself a Distinguished Visitor. "Col . . . . , Command Chief . . . , Col . . . ., Col . . . . ., Command Chief of the 20th AF . . . . .," on and on it went, with colonels and command chiefs popping up all over the room. Imagine my surprise when he says, "And our Chaplain for the night, Chaplain Kraig Smith!" I just kind of half stood up, prompting the 90th Space Wing Command Chief to say, "We'll have to work on that."
*What do I do as a chaplain in the Air Force? I have two official duties--provide for the spiritual care of the airmen and advise commanders on religious issues. Here's how I do that--I preach for the Traditional Service on Sunday mornings at 11:00. I teach Sunday School at 9:30. I lead the Protestant Youth Group (PYOC) on Wednesday nights, thus caring for the airmen by caring for their kids. I counsel Airmen in my squadrons (I am the chaplain for 5 squadrons). This last week, I counseled one who lost a brother to cancer and one who lost an aunt suddenly. I also provided some re-integration counseling to someone just returning from a year-long deployment. I visit my squadrons, making myself available for further counseling. I try to maintain a presence in the squadrons so that I am known, and airmen don't hesitate to come to me for marital counseling, religious counseling, personal counseling, etc.
Were an airmen to come to his commander and request permission to wear a yarmulke, for instance, I might be asked to research the requirements of the airman's religious belief and how his wearing the yarmulke affects military order and discipline. That's one example of how I might advise the commanders.
Many have asked how I like my job. I like it a lot. This is EXACTLY where God wants me to be. It stretches me at times; it challenges me at times; it's different from anything I've ever done. It's everything I asked God for--I won't be a fat Southern Baptist preacher, because I have to be "fit to fight" (even though I'm a non-combatant). There's lots of variety. It's easier to do ministry in the world than it often is when sequestered in a church somewhere. On top of that, God has placed me under an excellent supervisor, who actually cares about people--including my family.
With that being said, we do miss our friends from Maryland (whether they have remained in MD or moved elsewhere!).
Have a Merry Christmas, and may Jesus Christ reign in your life.
Kraig
