Everyday living in Afghanistan.........

My Dubai Visit......

Being here in Afghanistan, actually living with the Afghan people has made me think and appreciate who they are... It's made me think a lot about who I need to become and how to do just that... My total thought process has changed... I feel alive and happy in an unusual way.

I feel like one of my callings here in Afghanistan is to be an ambassador of Christ.... In my daily prayers I pray that I might be worthy to represent Him while I'm here anyway I can, and then i ask for opportunities to come my way, for doors to be opened to find ways to plant seeds and have discussions that may plant seeds. I try to make sure people know my beliefs and then never do things that would misrepresent who I should be. I am learning to be humble, approachable, kind and loving to all and it is reaping rewards.

Let me tell you a story... When I came back to the job site after being in Dubai for a week for medical care I was so surprised on my welcome back.. My Project Manager and many others greeted me in the traditional Afghan greeting of a hug and a " cheek kiss". They were actually glad and had true concern for me. They were happy and excited for me to be back. But the real surprise came as I walked through the job site and was greeted by most of the day labors (we have over 400 men on site daily) with them asking how I was, some in broken English and others in the Afghan language and a thumbs up, other just a wave a smile and a hello? But I knew what they were asking... They, the day labors were happy to see me back and wanted to know how I was... How was i feeling... They had all seen me come back from Kabul with no hair and knew I was sick. I believe that this respect or maybe love comes from how I try to treat everyone, I greet all with a hello and a smile, shake many hands daily, help when I can,laugh with them, never yell but am always kind to all....Simple little things but it makes them feel that I care for them and you know what... I do.... It truly saddens me to see their plight in life.... Ive been told that this is way different than the other Americans before me.

Another story....while in Dubai I took many taxis to go to the doctors or just sightseeing. Whenever I was in a taxi I made it a point to talk and discuss many different things with the drivers. They usually asked where I was visiting from and I always said Afghanistan and that started a discussion. How do you like Afghanistan they would ask and I would tell them I love the people and then I would talk about learning to love and appreciate the Muslim culture and people... That would further surprise them... With some I discussed how similar Muslim and Christians beliefs were, then to one we got into a moral discussion regarding the decadent americans he sees, I then talked about how I was impressed with the Muslim religion regarding morals, modesty and strong marriage and stated what my beliefs were regarding those things, he was surprised... He actually asked if I would have sex before getting married .. Again he was surprised.... With each I told them what religion I was and how similar our beliefs were... I told them all our belief in Prophets... Current and old and how important Prophets were to each of us... I believe seeds were planted... Life's were not changed but maybe thoughts or perceptions were softened...

Ok, one other story... One night I went swimming... One other man, very well educated was also swimming laps.. We stopped and exchanged pleasantries and that started a discussion... I let every discussion lead into the similarities of our religions... This discussion went a whole different direction. We talked about the last days... Our Sunday School lesson in Dubai had just been on that very subject... We must have talked for about an hour... He was interested in knowing more... I very carefully bore my testimony... With well chosen words... So not to cross any lines... He told me that his sect of Muslim religion believed that the last Mahdi (twelfth Imani) would appear with Jesus Christ and that would be how all would come together... Think about that.. In Sunday School we had just discussed how would the Muslims ever be able to be introduced to Christ... And here one of the larger well know sects of Muslims actually believe that they will appear together. I was so excited to hear that belief.

It is time to personally for us all to be an “ensign to the nations.” More than ever before we each are member missionaries, whether we chose to be or not. My actions today will influence what someone else thinks about you tomorrow. So let us all choose our words and deeds carefully, knowing how it reflects on our fellow Saints that follow. You have the choice. Remember, if you believe that you have been saved for this time and place to be born, and that it is no accident that the opportunities to bear witness so often have occurred in your lifetime, stop and think about what you will say and do next.

Take faith in the words of Elder Russell M. Nelson in the May 2011 Ensign?

“Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.” That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

“How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people.

“Available to each of you brethren and sisters are blessings obtained through the power of the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. These blessings can change the circumstances of your lives, in matters such as health, companionship of the Holy Ghost, personal relationships, and opportunities for the future. The power and authority of this priesthood holds the keys to all spiritual blessings of the Church. And most remarkably, the Lord has declared that He will sustain those blessings, according to His will.

“The greatest of all the blessings of the priesthood are bestowed in holy temples of the Lord. Fidelity to covenants made there will qualify you and your family for the blessings of eternal life.

“Your rewards come not only hereafter. Many blessings will be yours in this life, among your children and grandchildren. You faithful Saints do not have to fight life’s battles alone. Think of that! The Lord declared, “I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” Later came this promise to His faithful people: “I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children’s, … to the third and fourth generation.”

Remember who's work you are about. Remember who placed you here at this time, and pick your words accordingly. Remember the Lord will fight the battles for you. We
are here to share out testimonies and live a Christ-centered life for others to see. Represent the Church well, for I believe that we all will have the opportunity to be ambassadors of Christ.

We need to make and take opportunities to share our testimony. Live our life in such a way as to bring new meaning to the who we are.

What!! No Hair.........

It took me a while to want (get up the nerve) to share these pictures but I finally figured that its all part of my Afghanistan Adventure... so I share with you these pictures…. The pictures are while I was in Dubai getting some medical attention, having tests done to determine what was going on.

There are a couple of very important rules to follow here in Afghanistan I guess the most important one is to watch your back, be careful and the other important rule is do not get sick.
The Doctors here, well let’s just say if you are a good doctor would you choose to live in Afghanistan?

Well I've had some health problems for the last couple of months; have gone to 4 different doctors here in Afghanistan and no one know what is causing the problem. It's nothing life threatening as far as I can tell but it’s very uncomfortable ... I've had a very bad head - neck rash that just won't go away that has now spread to the back, chest and arms.... It's very uncomfortable sometimes painful and always itches....

Well the last doctor recommended that I shave my head so that the medicine she wanted to try could be on the scalp... so now I don't have any hair... but I still have the rash... and it keeps spreading...It's been another interesting experience...

The hair is growing back so very slowly.... to slow ... but it’s also so much easier to get ready to go someplace... not that I have any place to go......and no bad hair days… don’t have to worry about the wind messing up my hair….

I will be going to Dubai in a couple of weeks and will see a real doctor when I am there. Hopefully they will be able to determine what the problem is and give me the right medicine.

The Myler family motto is "Pain is only Temporary" but my question is how long is temporary?

The Adventure continues.........

Up date........

The picture was taken after a week in Dubai under a doctors care... The rash was caused by a rare skin reaction to the high UVA's here in Afghanistan. The highest UVA rating is 11 in July when I arrived it was at 11 then in August it dropped down to 10, so.... It even has a real fancy name. I will need to take proper precautions while I am here and maybe for the rest of my life. Long sleeve shirts, hats, sunscreen stuff like that... if I have an another outbreak I now have the proper medicine and know how to treat it.

I am doing fine and all is well....

It was just another part of this great Adventure.......

Bread anyone.......

I thought you would enjoy these pictures... I went out today looking
for Terrazzo tile for our project, found some went to the factory
where its made and negotiated on the price with the owner .... It was kind of
fun....Also nerve wracking, in a very out of the way neighborhood, I
was nervous to say the least....

On our way back we stopped by the shop of the baker of our bread, we serve the men
with the meals.. It's a flat bread served during every meal... Look at the
oven.. The baker throws the bread into the oven causing it to stick to
the roof of the oven... Oh, then the bread is loaded up into the trunk of
the car, not wrapped just stacked in the trunk....

The girl is the bakers daughter wearing her school uniform... Isn't she cute

I am enjoying taking pictures of the people and the life of the Afghan people....

Understanding the Spirit

This journal entry is mainly for my children and my grandchildren and great-grandchildren....I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about having the Spirit and being able to hear and understand His instructions to me....

To be able to listen to the Spirit and respond--to act on what He tells me. This may be the hardest thing to do, to recognize when the Spirit is telling you something. Sometimes it may be just a quiet voice in your heart to do a simple good thing. Other times you may actually hear a voice or even see angels. All are possibilities... Do not doubt..... (Study and learn about the Gifts of the Spirit)

Faith-promoting stories can build our faith and our trust in the Lord, and consequently help us through our own Gethsemanes. Joseph Smith, in his second Lecture on Faith, explains how faith and testimony has been carried on through the generations by the words of faithful people. Doesn’t that mean that faith is sharable? “Faith-promoting” stories can literally increase the level of our faith. By passing the light of faith-filled words from person to person, we can improve our perspective and begin to recognize the Lord’s purposes in all things. As we grow in our ability to thank Him in all things, our light within will be given the “faith-fuel” it needs to burn more brightly. This is why I am sharing this with not only my children but also my friends.

So........ Let me tell you a story... or two....

The rule I learned to follow is if it is a good thing or a good thought that passes through your mind, then you need to listen and follow that thought or feeling. That is the whispering of the Spirit. If it is a warning do not second guess that warning. If you learn to listen to those feelings your life will be different--you will be protected and you will become a Spiritual person, for this is the Spirit talking to you....

When I was just 17 I was driving alone on Thanksgiving Day going to my grandparents house for Thanksgiving dinner. I was driving on Sherman Way, not in a hurry, for I was going way early. I was driving past an old folk’s home or maybe a hospital... Not sure now... But what I am sure of is the message. The feeling I got was that I should stop, go in and see if there was someone I could visit. As a 17 year old I questioned that thought. I remember thinking “I don't know anyone there." ... I drove on... I have always wondered who I would have met, and what effect that visit might have had on either me or the person I would have served. I did not listen to the Spirit (I know now it was the Spirit that wanted me to stop).... The growth I could have had at that time if I had listened...

Another story for my kids..... When I was almost 18, David O McKay passed away... I had this strong impression that I needed to go to SLC for the funeral. I was in school and didn't know anyone in SLC, but I knew I needed to go... I remember coming home and telling my parents I needed to go to the funeral, surprisingly, they let me go. I had to make my own arrangements, pay my own way. I drove to the airport, flew to SLC with no place to stay, found a little Hotel near the Temple and walked in the rain to the Temple, not knowing where to go... When I got close, I saw people waiting in line for the viewing... I waited in line. We sang church hymns. I remember singing We Thank Thee for a Prophet... It was a special experience.... When I had my turn to view the Prophet it was as if I was alone... I felt the presence of the Spirit so strong... I know angels were there watching over the Prophet. I actually saw them. They were real..... I knew this man truly was a Prophet of God, it was revealed to me, I cannot deny it.... I then went to the funeral the next day, and sat in the balcony right above the casket... Oh, how strong the Spirit was. The reason I share this story is that I had this feeling I should go. Common sense and logic asked "why?" Reasons were there for me not to go... But I followed that feeling and had a Spiritual experience that I will never forget. It helped shape who I am today.... Had I not gone, who knows what could be different... I listened to the Spirit that time and it changed my life....

While being here in Afghanistan, it has become even more important to me to be able to have the Spirit with me so that I can hear His warnings and follow them. I know that I am in harm’s way. I know it is dangerous. The blessing I received from President Halverson promised me if I was faithful and listened to the Spirit, I would be safe. My Patriarchal blessing blesses me with a wonderful gift of the Spirit, the power of perception, “that I will be able to look into the eyes and hearts of your associates and be able to discern their motives toward me." It goes on to say some will try to destroy my faith in God and some will try to destroy me personally... I know that to receive this gift of the Spirit certain things are required of me, simple things really, pray daily night and day-a kneeling prayer, read the scriptures and ponder and apply what I read, treat all people kindly with respect and love... I'm working on doing these things and more. I can feel a change of heart, a new love for those around me, and I have heard the Spirit direct and comfort me. It is real.

Another story...
Went to Char Bulock....... It is a site that the Corp will not visit due to its location. It is in an area known to be an active area with Taliban... As I drive to the job site on the dirt road I can see them sitting under a tree or next to a stream. On the drive back a Toyota SUV drove up behind us very fast. The guard in the back seat sitting next to me, who travels holding the gun, quietly moved his AK 47 to a different position, took off the safety and put his finger on the trigger. The truck passed us, then stopped up ahead. You could tell the guard was alert and somewhat nervous. The men got out of the SUV and they were all were carrying AK 47s. They greeted some other men at the side of the road and started chatting. We drove passed them.... without incident..the guard, once we had passed them, made a motion with his hand similar to crossing yourself in a prayer .. he actually did it twice... I asked my interpreter when I got back to my site and he said it was a Muslim prayer of thanks....

The interesting thing is that I could tell he was nervous, and yet I didn't feel nervous or have any type of fear.... I had said my prayers that morning and asked the Lord to look after me. I asked Him if it was ok to go, and I felt comfortable, and I felt that way all day.

Ok,..... side note, today in the Corp meeting they told us that on Friday, near a school about 5 miles from the job site, about mid way from the main road to our site, the school teacher was found killed, left on the gravel road, beheaded... this is the same road I drove on the day before... I passed the school... It’s a little scary. I think I will change my routine and go to this site only once a month or so and take some extra security with me next time....

Another side note, in the security briefing today I was told that they are expecting the Taliban to conduct a "spectacular" attack in the Mazar area before winter, I realize this is a place on unrest.

It made me realize how lucky/blessed I was... it made me think about how important it is for me to live my life in all ways so that I can hear the Spirit give me warnings and answers to my prayers. I do believe that when I said my prayers the day I went to the job site the Lord comforted me and let me know that I would be okay. I want to have that ability to hear Him every day.

I have had many sacred Spiritual experiences. I have heard the whisperings of the Spirit, I have had my heart touched, I have seen angels. Once I was sitting next to a dear friend (my best friend) in Church and we had whispered to us the exact same message at the same time, a personal message pertaining only to us, we turned to each other and asked "did you hear that', we had heard a voice and we received the same direction at the same time. I have been blessed with the knowledge that God is real. I want my children and grandchildren to know this. Study the gifts of the Spirit. They are great and they are yours if you live your life as you know you should. Look at your trials as tests of faith and through those trials you will grow. You will become stronger in the faith knowing God... He is real... You will have trials, tests of faith. At that time turn to the Lord and your righteous friends and find the strength you need. Believe it or not the blessings of your trials are great, they will make you great and prepare you for the eternities.

President Spencer W. Kimball gave us guidelines for assessing spiritual progress that are thought provoking. He said: "We can also tell that we are making progress by the attention we get from the adversary. This has been the lot of the Lord's people from the beginning, and it will be no different in our time . . . The prophet Joseph Smith received the counsel that ‘all these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good.’ "There is the reason. It is for our development, our growth, our education and advancement, that we buffet the fierce waves of sorrow and misfortune: and we shall be all the stronger and better when we have swum the flood and stand upon the farther shore:"

Our Lives are Under Construction

Much like a road construction project, our lives often must be torn up before they can be improved, widened, made more serviceable. The minute we determine to travel the path of spiritual progress, we are likely to find barricades, detours, or the very entrance to a freeway we had most hoped to travel closed for reconstruction.

How do we respond? Can we use our trials of faith as motivation to seek the Lord with greater intensity, and in retrospect recognize His purposes? Brigham Young said, “There is not a single condition of life or one hour’s experience but what is beneficial to all those who make it their study, and aim to improve upon the experience they gain.”

I write and share this now because there is a chance that I might not come home, something could happen. If something happens to me here it will not be because I didn't listen, or do the right things. It will be because things happen. I will listen. I will do the right things. I know, however, that there are people around me that have their own choice and free agency to do evil, they want to harm Americans. I will do all I can to return home, get married and serve the Lord with my wife, enjoy my children and grandchildren and be the example I know the Lord expects me to be.

Site Visit - Char Bulak and Hazrate Sultan

September 8th, 2011

Site Visit - Char Bulak and Hazrate Sultan

Saturday I have a meeting with the Corp to discuss the status of my other two projects, so today I'm off to visit those two sites.

Went to Char Bulock first... It is a site that the Corp will not visit due to it's location, it is in an area know to be an active area with Taliban .. As you drive to the job site on the dirt road you can see them sitting under a tree or next to a stream. On the drive back a Toyota SUV drove up behind us very fast, the guard in the back seat sitting next to me, who travels holding the gun, quietly moved his AK 47 to a different position, took off the safety and put his finger on the trigger, the truck passed us, then stopped up ahead, you could tell he was alert and somewhat nervous.. The men got out all were carrying AK 47s .. They greeted some other men at the side of the road and started chatting, we drove pass.... with out incident..the guard once we were pass made a motion with his hand similar to crossing yourself in a prayer .. he actually did it twice... I asked my interpreter when I got back to my site and he said it was a Muslim prayer of thanks....

On my way one Hazer sultan ... This site is up in the mountains.. Very nice area.. Safe... It about an hour and a half drive...

Hazer Sultan is a small job, in an out of a way place, with some unique features and challenges... We are behind schedule but are making up time...

On the way in I saw some little children playing at a well, laughing playing in the water... On the way out I asked the driver to stop to give the children some gum I had... We stopped they were so shy and sweet, we had to coax them to come over tho the car and take the gum... Once they saw the piece of gum they smiled so big.. They were so happy with that one simple piece of gum... As we drove off I found myself tearing up... Why? I miss being around children. It was so fun sharing and bring them a little gift ... Oh those sweet pure smiles... So innocent ... I did take some pictures... the pictures just can't show the laughter and the feelings that were there...

While driving back I asked the driver to stop at a roadside fruit stand, where I bought all of us a melon which we ate there.. See picture.. Fresh melon .. So tasty.. it was a lot of fun stopping and treating the driver and guards to some fresh fruit....

Today was a good day....

Kabul to Gardez (7-15)

July 15th, 2011

I had been in Afghanistan for only 5 days.....

Oh how I would like a milk shake right now..... McDonalds sounds like a treat right now....it's funny how you really start to appreciate the little things and I've only been here a week... Like the ability to walk down the street without having an armed guard... Out here on the job site We had an armed guard with a AK47 walking with us and Shaun was carrying his own gun also...

I'm really not sure I've got the right mentality for this... I've been spoiled... I was up for an adventure but ....... .???

Help me have some positive thoughts...

The drive out to the site was quite uneventful... But very interesting... Lots of army patrol... Oh what a diverse country... I've inclosed some pictures taken from the car.... The car ride it's self was a kick... I'm not sure how to describe it except that I think we spent more time on the wrong side of the road than on the right side... Missed a head on accident by inches many times.. Never slowing down...

I'm at the job site.... I'm impressed with the scope of the project and the work being done....
We are making our own masonry block, we have our own concrete batch plant, we make our own gravel and sand, we self perform all of the work.... So it's quite a project....now the living conditions, they are something else, it just a little better than camping ... Or maybe it's camping with air conditioning... The toilets are the mid eastern kind... Just a little better than a hole in the floor ... I'm having a hard time adapting, I'm not sure I can do this long term... This is the first day I'm having my doubts.... I expected something different... I really need some positive encouragement or someone to say come home....

The food here is nothing like I expected... It's Afgan all the way... I'm told my cook will cook what I want but while I'm here this is how Shaun does it..... Lunch was difficult ... I guess when I get hungry enough it won't matter..... Ok maybe I am still a picky eater and I thought I was doing so much better....

It would be different if I was doing this for a us... Building a future for a us by investing in now.... Making a sacrifice because I knew I had something to come home to...to build for, to work for... Oh how I wish that was the case ... Truly it would make it a little easier .... I am near tears after writing this last paragraph because it is what I want so badly..... I truly appreciate more than ever things of great importance that I don't have at this time....and I know that things could have been different if only.......

I pray for courage.... For endurance... I didn't expect to have to pray for these things...

I will overcome these feelings, I'm sure I'm just feeling overwhelmed, it's all new to me... I'm just now getting settled in.... I'm strong and I can do it.... But what will be my reward?

Sorry if I dumped to much of my feelings into this note....

I know your dreaming.... Hope you are getting a good nights sleep... Oh how I wish...... I think you know what I wish for..

Have a great tomorrow