Imagine the call, the life-altering call to deploy to Iraq, leaving behind your wife, young kids and community...in this case, church community, and only three months to prepare and get things in order. The author Chaplain Owen Chandler's emotions must have been a rollercoaster when the call came. He documents the process through his thoughts, journal entries and anecdotes in this searingly candid, powerful and gut churning book, a memoir of sorts.

As a "slicksleeve" or "green", Chandler went from the US to Iraq, a completely different world and life. So many questions arise and are answered but his writing also caused me to ask more questions to myself. The more you learn, the more you want to learn. I love when books do that. How wonderful to read personal books from this faith-based Christian perspective, from loving the enemy to the meaning of hospitality to his personal manna and quail. Chaplains are influencers. And the cross they wear should reveal to others an idea of welcome, comfort, wisdom and approachability. Chandler was an "embedded asset" which is one of the most interesting aspects of this book to me. It really hit me that they are not spared the horrors of war. They live, eat, sleep and share the same dreadful latrines. Though they may not necessarily see front-line action, they are depended upon for support. That would not be easy. Chaplains need support, too. They are human and as such are not exempt from problems. I like how the author drew on Biblical passages to emphasize points.

Ironically, some do not want to return home to face questions and problems so stay on. It is possible to grow restless and careless, even there. Chandler discusses bridges and how they are formed by relationships. Though deployment may not cause problems in home life per se, it can really open up those which already exist. Another thing I wanted to know about is how on earth his wife and kids felt. Especially his wife. She was fortunate as their church family provided for her well and did what they could to ease her load. Messy house?
Who cares? She has three little kids and her husband is in Iraq. She must be a remarkable and understanding woman. Arrangements were made should anything go awry with their house, practical things. Some very thoughtful people there!

The biggest questions are addressed...would he do it again? What were the after effects?

My sincere thank you to Chalice Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this important and thought-provoking book.