I started out my birthday morning with some quality one on One time. It is so fitting that the day when we all expect to receive gifts (bdays), that I read about poverty:
Not every Christian is given the call or the charism to heroic poverty; neither is 
any Christian excused from the gospel imperative of sharing his material resources with the poor (James 2:15-17). John Woolman, a Quaker who died just before the American Revolution, wrote: "I found by experience that to keep pace with the actions of Truth, and never more but as that opens the way, is necessary for the true servants of Christ" (The Journal of John Woolman). In the concrete circumstances of my life situation, what is the Lord Jesus Christ asking of me in the way of material poverty? Desiring neither more nor less than Truth requires, what gesture (big or little) shall I make today as a sign of my unconditional trust in the Father? The lofty principle of biblical poverty is realized on the pedestrian terrain of our daily experience. 16July Reflections for Ragamuffins.
Looking at His disciples, He said:
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." Luke 6:20
Friday evening myself and four other troops in my platoon had prepped material gifts for Iraqis (pics above). Go figure that God had taken my thoughts of me me me on my birthday, and given me another focus. Sometimes we need reminders to see the trees and not just the forest. Surely the Iraqis did not know that I went bearing gifts with a Christ loving heart. But is 
it not the act of 
giving the love that penetrates the depths of our souls, rather than the material possessions shared? Yes, its all just shared. We really don't own anything in this life. Did these acts of kindness representing America really penetrate their souls like it has mine? I am unsure, and can only hope that God works 
ceasingly in their hearts like He does in mine
.
So, I continued my spirit filled morning as we loaded up our hummer with shoes, candy, clothes, beanie babies, and school supplies. My guys were thrilled to get off the fob and help out Iraqis. Many times we get wore out from having only human contact with each other. I like my platoon and hanging out with them, but its nice to meet new Soldiers, Interpreters, or local nationals. I enjoy seeing the expressions on their face as 
they speak 
Kurdish or Arabic to me. I have no idea what they are really saying, but do have an idea by reading their body language. Pain and exhaustion in their eyes is not uncommon. I write a lot about seeing people smile here. Well, its a univeral language in itself, and I can relate to smiling children when they run off with a new pair of shoes, or with an old man who stood patiently till I found a cold weather coat for him. His very tan, wrinkled old face lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw what I was handing him. I will never look and feel the same as I see others smiling. We are simply all entitled to be happy and have the liberties to make life the best it can be for our families. They are no different than a smiling college college student making his or her first new friend, a proud set of parents during a birth, or someone who just got promoted at their job. Other than my genes and faith choice, I am no different than them.
We unloaded the back of my truck and kids were going crazy as usual. One boy was grabbing just a little too much so I had to get firm with him. No worries, he got the message without me turning into crazy Shawn, haha. One of our medics used the technic of showing them a needle and joking with them about getting a shot. That really made them back off. It was funny and the adults joined in on the laughter along with the kids who figured out he was joking with them. Another medic on a different mission told the kids that he was hungry and he eats little children as a snack. Yes, he made sure they knew he was kidding. He is also 6'4" 310lbs, so they were just in awe seeing him anyway. Boy, our medics are either nuts or really funny. Its probably a combination, who knows, haha. Once all of the supplies were given out, we headed back to the fob. My boys talked about how much fun they had and that they can't wait to do it again. The enemy still is cowardly and does not show his/her face. IEDs, and car bombs are still the big threat here, so getting out on the roads provides a risk. Even with that risk, my guys still want to help out Iraqis. My platoon's function is maintenance, and most of the time we are working on keeping our fleet running. So, if my guys thought the risk was not worth the reward, they could probably never leave the fob till they get home. My guys think beyond their safety and want to make a difference in building this country. 
bbb No, despite the news reports, we are not REbuilding here. We are basically building from the ground up. In my region of Iraq, Saddam killed over 5,000 Kurds in two weeks. This was years ago and the scars still run deep. We have a local national who works on and off our fob that I can share about. Saddam's henchmen shot his brothers, his dad, and cut off his tongue. He motions a lot and makes sounds trying to communicate. He is a great guy and an extremely hard worker. He will show the world that he is worth something, just like each Iraqi. Is it worth it for the US to be here in Iraq helping these living breathing people? Yes, it most definitely is.
"You only have what you give. It's by spending yourself that you become rich." Isabel Allende
Thanks so much to my wife, and ALL family and friends who made this the best Bday someone could have in Iraq. Thank you to each of you sent shoes, clothing, school supplies, beanie babies, and candy. The Iraqis I met were thrilled by your generosity and effort!
WOW, what a way to spend your 30th birthday! Thank you for being a living, breathing, acting witness of Our Lord's love. Not much else can be said. You said it all through your birthday effort.
You tell your men, that one Maine grandfahter with three blue stars on his service flag in the front window is praying daily for all of you.
Posted by: Bob Kord | July 19, 2005 at 11:29 AM
What a glorious way to spend the day and what a wonderful witness.
Posted by: Julie D. | July 19, 2005 at 04:19 PM
Oh I'm feeling the joy in my bones!
What a great birthday and post.
Thanks Shawn for some really good news.
Blessings Always,
Pebble
Posted by: PebblePie | July 20, 2005 at 04:27 AM
It's nice to see the many good things that our troops are doing for the Iraqi people. It's too bad that the news media in this country doesn't show this. God Bless you guys and stay safe.
Posted by: Larry Pollins | July 20, 2005 at 03:09 PM
I noticed that some of the kids got Beanie Babies. We have a whole pile of them and would love to send them to the kids.
We're just every day American people that pray for the troops and are proud of what you are doing there.
Please let us know what you would like us to do in the way of getting the Beanies to you.
God Bless you in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Paul and Kathy Ozanne | July 20, 2005 at 05:38 PM
Very nice. I stole it.
Posted by: Rightwingsparkle | July 21, 2005 at 10:54 PM
Hey Shawn,
Glad to know that the beanie babies and school supplies we mailed over to you made it. At least I hope it all did!! If there is something else we can do when school starts up in September just let me know! Everybody wants to do something again!
Take care and stay safe! You are all in my prayers!
Donna
Posted by: Donna Banes | July 22, 2005 at 08:55 PM
You are an inspiration.
Posted by: Cindy | July 25, 2005 at 02:59 PM
Shawn,
Great post, great web site. Thank you for your service to the Lord and your country.
Those of us serving Him in the private sector owe you our thanks, and our daily prayers.
Brian Huard
http://rightfielder.blogspot.com
Posted by: Brian Huard | July 26, 2005 at 05:01 PM
Watch out for the IEDs.
You may be interested in my blog on insurgency warfare and the war in Iraq, the WOT and other things. I've got a rather long article on there about platter charges.
http://organicwarfare.blogspot.com
If you like it, link it.
Posted by: Jeremiah | August 14, 2005 at 11:07 PM
Hey Mr. Richardson, we have the same last name! I simply loved this post - there's something so gratifying about an honest Christian speaking openly about Christ's call to charity. Myself, I am a bit of a lapsed Christian, having delved into history and found that Christ has little or no corroborating historical evidence to prove his existence other than the four gospels, but I am still amazed and overjoyed at the tremendous power of the gospels to transform lives and give people the courage to do great things.
I don't know where you stand politically, or if you are opposed or in favor of continued hostilities in Iraq, but I would love to have you visit our blog and chime in once in a while. Regardless of what you may have heard, the Left does not hate soldiers. In fact, we love our men and women in uniform. We simply want you guys to have the best equipment, the best training, the best support and planning, and the best missions that affirm, rather than destroy, life on Earth. If you can get with that, please check us out at: www.apctahoma.blogspot.com
Posted by: Tahoma Activist | November 02, 2005 at 11:46 AM
While surfing for materials on what it means to be a Christian Soldier, I encounterd your blog this morning. I am deeply moved. So many of us go through the motions, discussing our need as Christians to spread the word..generally feeling inadequate in our efforts. You have set the true example...risking life and limb to convey His Word into the darkness. God bless you and the other Christian Warriors spreading the love of Christ.
Posted by: Peter Funke | December 11, 2005 at 07:52 AM
hello!i'm from spain, i'm 16..i don't speak english very well, but i love EEUU, and you, the soldiers! the people aways say that you're murderers..but i don't think so..i think that you're heros..i admire you, but nobody understand here! i only want to be like you, the soldiers, it's my dream of everynight! please anwer me soon! bye
Posted by: future_soldier_girl | June 22, 2006 at 04:46 PM
Hi. It's too bad you guys can't communicate to spread the gospel. Maybe you could hand out Bibles in their languages? I live in South Africa, and have been on a missions trip to a village here. You can read about it on my blog. I will soon go on another missions trip to Mozambique, and will write a post about that too, if anyone is interested. Thank you for posting from Iraq.
Posted by: Timothy | July 13, 2006 at 02:37 PM
Hey Shawn!
Those photos bring back memories. I have more photos of that trip if you want them!
Posted by: Cale | September 18, 2006 at 10:12 PM
Hi.. First of all, I'd like to say to be glad to talk with you. Actually, I'm doing some homework in my class, so I want to ask you about the Iraq war. Do you agree to the Iraq war or Do you want the Iraq war to stop? If you want to reply to me, please send the message to my email address. Thank you for your replying and take care of you.
Sincerely,
Kim
Posted by: Mr. Kim | April 18, 2007 at 05:15 PM
I am a Christian and a mother of a son who just arrived in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne. I think what you guys are doing is an example of what American stands for, "One Nation, Under God", and I wish the media would pick up on more stories like yours instead of the negative ones. Unfortunately, people like Senator Reid are deaf when it comes to positive things in Iraq.
Posted by: soldiersmom82 | June 19, 2007 at 10:31 AM
"Every man has his price. Mine is $3.95."
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http://xanga.com/mariettacrawfordid
Posted by: sleEnselale | May 11, 2008 at 08:02 AM
hi,. First of all my name is Dorian and I belong to the French commandos ( i think that it's like your Navy seals ) I am currently in afghanstant and I have the same feelings as you. I am very proud of America and especially your work. good luck and god save us. Friendly
" even if we don't defend the same country, we defend the same beliefs "
Posted by: Dorian | October 21, 2008 at 04:14 PM
What an awesome child of GOD you are Shawn. I just happened upon your blog and read how you spent your birthday in Iraq. What a true display of faith, trust and living the life God intended for us - while dealing with, of all things - war. Its so refreshing to see a genuine heart for those victimized and letting go of self, especially when your life is in jeopardy. Jesus did the same. You are, what I believe the majority of Americans are proud to have representing our country. I'm sure God has placed many people in your presence to say "See? Here I am. I love you." My prayers are with you and your family. God bless YOU and THANK YOU!
Posted by: Valerie | December 22, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Shawn
Muslims don't want Western Christian to give them charity after raining radiation, tonnes of ballistic weapons and reeking destruction on their heads. Iraq had a dictator supported by the West/US, like much of the Muslim world. This episode in colonial history will be righted by those who know the difference between God, Lord of the Universe and Jesus, His Messenger and the Messiah.
Posted by: Abu Muslim | February 01, 2009 at 05:05 PM