Peter's Diary
Thoughts from the desk of Peter Schissel -->
Archives for: May 2006
05/27/06
11:30:22 pm, Categories: Camp Life, 530 words
Quiet Sat.nite at Camp Atterbury
As I write I am listening to the BJU choir sing "Onward Christian Soldiers" How appropriate! We are all called to be Christian soldiers and to go onward for the Lord.Sunday,we expect a large number of soldiers to come to church.I'm looking forward to it.A few more comments on my vacation to Hawaii:1]First and foremost it was a great trip and one of the best I have ever had; because of God's blessing!I met so many nice people and had some wonderful Christian fellowship2]Second,whenever I travel,my perspectives on the truthes of God and His Word always come into sharper focus,such as- eternity,the vanity of life,the evils of sin,and the beauty of Christ and His creation.Yes,as we do things different and get away from life's routines we often re-think and even have renewed minds[Rom.12:1,2].I am very grateful that I was able to spend quality time with God in His Word and prayer.The images of sky,sunshine,palm trees,beaches and sea,mountains that have a bright green color to them...all these I want to remember and remind myself I can touch them but I cannot hold them!3]Third, I just want to learn from the past,correct mistakes and move continually in the right direction[Phil.3:13,14;Josh.1:8,9].A story- I biked so much on Hawaii that my legs and behind became very sore.It was so painful to even sit on the bike seat I was in such pain! While biking on the hills of Honolulu I tried to make it to the famous Punchbowl Cemetary where so many US military that fell in the Pacific theatre had died[mainly WWII].Indiana's famous son and well-known corospondant of WWII,Ernie Pyle is buried there.I thought,"It would be interesting to visit his grave." Last year I visited Dana,IN where he grew up and the museum by his boyhood home.Here is something I warn my readers that you might be offended by this example so here goes: In reading books about him and reading almost all of his articles I have really admired and respected Ernie Pyle because he had so much care and compassion for the average GI and for almost 4 years of the war he shared their hardships and privations.Finally,in 1945,he was killed by hostile fire off Okinawa at age 44. Ernie Pyle gave no indication of trusting Christ as his Lord and Saviour.I sincerely hope he did but there was no evidence of it.Wherever he is spending eternity,I know behind doubt that he would tell me,"Don't visit my grave! It's too late for me...show love,care and compassion to everyone,especially the military...tell them how to be saved!" I did'nt visit Ernie's grave because I was too tired and also concerned about the time.Those thoughts about what he might have said to me really did go thru my mind and so dear readers,tell me,what do you think? Would Ernie Pyle have really said that? If you honestly read what Jesus'words in the Bible I believe you'll agree.
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05/25/06
06:13:46 pm, Categories: Camp Life, 332 words
Praise the Lord! I'm back at Camp Atterbury!
What a relief!I am so glad to be back safe and sound.Thanks be to God! The flight back was similar to coming to Hawaii;only this time we left at nite.From the port hole I had a good look at the south and east side of Oahu.I was surprized at the tremendous amount of lights.Climbing to 35,000ft we became very cold.I'm glad I was prepared with warm clothing!I slept very until after dawn and then looked down at the Rocky Mtn and the dry,vast open stretches of the West.Excellent flight.I was able to give a Christian witness to most of the crew and passengers.By the way,I was the only survivor of the original passengers that left on May12.Many of them waited but left on other flts[military and commercial].How close I came to flying out from Honolulu Int'l!1000$ one way!I offered a ride to 2 fathers who planned to go to Kokomo to rent cars.They in turn helped me as my breaks froze on my KIA!I was so surprized;starting my car but it would'nt move!Another passenger came with us,a young,attractive blond named Jessica.She's in the Army and medical like me.She rec'd much of her training at Tripler Army Hospital just above Honolulu.It's a beautiful large hospital painted a light pink[!],clearly visible from so much of Oahu.I just dropped Jessica off to be reunited with her mother at the Edinburgh Mall Outlets only 4 mi from Atterbury.During the 2 hour ride together I asked her about her life and shared with her my Christian testimony.There was a tremendous thunderstorm with hail when I dropped her off.Arriving at Atterbury just after 4:00pm was such a blessing.Again,I am praising and thanking God!Note:Col.Evans,LTC Holland and MSG Sandoval were still there in the Command Trailer and welcomed me back.It was good to see them!
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01:25:22 am, Categories: Camp Life, 428 words
HickamAFB Terminal
I'm at the USO at one of their computors.Good news!!! The KC135 plane has been repaired and I am checked in to go back to GrissomAFB tonite.I am so relieved.Since there has been so many delays because of maintenance I'm still a little fearful that it could be cancelled again.At least my bags are checked in and we are supposed to board in one hour.It's hard to believe but if this flight was cancelled tonite I would have been forced to fly commercial tonite from Honolulu Int'l for about 1000.00$ one way to Indianapolis! I am sure the Lord intervened.I called some people and requested prayer.I talked with my 82 year old Dad[83 in June!]and shared my problem.It is such a blessing to be able to talk with not only my Heavenly Father but also my Earthly father!!! I even said,"Dad,can we pray?" He said "OK," and we prayed about my getting off Hawaii and back to Indiana.The Lord answered so wonderfully!!!Praise and thanks to Him always! Amen.Today was actually a good day inspite of latter suspense.I got up early and enjoyed the beautiful cool tropical morning.About 0800 I biked over to Hickam Beach and relaxed at my favorite place that I have re-named "Peter's Point." Oh,how I love that place!!! I admit, it's hard not to find nice places in Hawaii as it seems everywhere is beautiful,[I can even see Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach from here!] but this point of land jutting out in the bay is especially nice.I want to remember especially the beautiful aqua-marine colors of the water as I look out from my comfortable place lying on the hammock! I had a nice swim in the bay as well and I even saw a fish jump out of the water.No sharks come around that area because of the breakers in the distance.I felt so nice and clean after the swim and fresh water shower.I read the Gospel of John and prayed as I lay in the gently swaying hammock.A very special time to remember and a special gift from God to be able to come to Hawaii and have such a nice time.As I close I am praying with joy and thanksgiving to God[Phil.4:6-8]!Another note-Around this time I called the 1-800# of my unit from the Rental office near where my special Pt was.In essence it was,"Hey guys!Having a great time in Hawaii;wish you were here!"
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05/24/06
02:47:22 am, Categories: Camp Life, 516 words
Still Stranded on Hawaii !
Tonite marks the 4th or 5th time they've delayed this flight back to Grissom.Obviously,I am concerned as I must report back to Camp Atterbury this Friday or be declared AWOL.I checked on commercial flights today and they don't look good to get near Indiana because of the Memorial Day weekend coming up.I called my unit again today and told them I am working on the problem.All I can to is put this in God's hands by faith and keep looking for military and civilian flights.Yesterday,Monday,was a nice day at Hickam Beach.I found a little peninsula park jutting out in to the Bay with a pavillion,pic-nic tables,cold water fountain and best of all: a hammock to lie down on to read and relax!There was a shade tree just under it and as I looked up I could see Diamond Head mtn and Honolulu in the sun.The open sea was to my right with a number of ships,sail-boats and even a sub going back and forth.The cool breezes took care of the sun's heat and it was just a very pleasant experiance.Again,the clear brightness of the sky make such nice nice colors on the sea especially by depthes.Today,I was up early as usual and after a time prayer and God's Word,I exercised by walking around base.When I called the Terminal they told me again the flight was delayed til tonite and then tonite when I called they said tomorrow morning. Anyway,I decided to re-visit the Arizona Park and Memorial which is only about a mile from Hickam.It's been 22 years since I was there.The USS Bowfin and USS Missouri are both close by and I visited them over a week ago but now with some more time I went back to the "Arizona." It was just as moving as the first time.I was glad I went and the Park area and museum are really nice.The park in front looks out to Pearl Harbor.I decided to pick a coconut from one of the trees but upon opening it there was'nt much in it.As I looked up I saw what I thought might have been a squirrel but it turned out to be a small Mongoose.They generally don't like showing themselves.I saw one in Kaneohe on my first trip.Well,to wrap it up: things are going well inspite of the delay.I am pleased at how friendly people are here.The tropical beauty of Hawaii and my adventures here are very special times I want to store away in my memory,enjoy and share with others.The latter is not to boast nor impress others with my travels, but simply to share and exchange meaningful experiances. Sadly, so few people are interested in culture and history.Those who are Christians seldom talk about the deep truthes of our faith. So,as I close, I admit that my life gets lonely at times. But Jesus is always with me[Matt28:20;Heb13:5,6]!
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05/21/06
10:49:10 pm, Categories: Camp Life, 320 words
Stranded on Hawaii
I'm at the Hickam Air Force Base library. Just 2 hours ago I came to the AMC[Air Mobility Command]Terminal to check on the flight to GrissomAFB,IN only to find out it has been delayed another 24 hrs.Well,I'm taking it patiently;those who fly "Space A" have to!May19[Fri],was another unforgettable day.I took an early bus to "Hawaii Kai" with my bike and began to ride up and down some impressive hills near Hanauma Bay and Koko Head.The early morning sun on the sea was beautiful and the fresh breezes kept my sweat in a tolerable state.I was forced to walk my bike up the last part of the way up the large hill on Makapuu Pt.,but when I came to the top I looked down upon one of the most impressive and beautiful sites of my life! There before was Waimanalo Bay with several small islands and off in the distance was Mokapu Penninsula jutting out between 2 bays.It was so beautiful!!! There were so many aqua-marine hues in the water.The sky was clear and blue.It was almost a once in a lifetime view.I could also see Kaneohe Bay Peninsula and remembered with fondness the many days I spent at the Marine Base there over 20 yrs ago.Some after thoughts a year later[8May'07].This was a very tense time where I simply had to be patient and trust God to get me back.I had to secret and stash my bags some place on base.To get around I biked.The different hiding place where I slept at night must remain a strict military secret! Let me just say I truly became fond of Hickam:Beautiful bldgs,houses,gardens and tropical landscapes.Two of the most precious was the "boardwalk" view of Pearl Harbor and the wonderful beach w/ sm peninsula that I had dubbed,"Pete's Point!"
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05/19/06
12:11:25 am, Categories: Camp Life, 872 words
Schofield Barracks
This morning I had a nice 3-4 mile walk from 'Eva Beach to 'Eva to attend the Friendship Acedemy Kindergarten graduation.It was a very nice ceremony and encouraging to see these little ones recite Bible verses and sing "Jesus Loves Me." Rob and Lisa Bruce's son Samuel graduated with 24 other children.Rob is an Army Captain here at Schofield.He's been kind enough to give me rides to and from the base.We drove to the base a little later this morning because of the graduation.Well,I went immediately to the Rec Center and re-rented the bike,helmet and lock I had been using Mon-Wed.I had to do a little shopping and then went to one of the Quad chow halls for an excellent fish and rice lunch with salad and dessert.It's hard for me to admit but after lunch I just felt too heavy and tired from previous biking the last 3 days.So here I am at the base library computor area making this entry in my diary.I hope to re-coup my strength with God's help and try to keep biking before the sun goes down.Tomorrow,I hope to cover the eastern side of the north shore from Kaneohe to Haleiwa.It's at least 40 mi so I'll have to take the bus for about half the distance.Going back to the "day I will never forget,"[Mon.May15],I just really had a wonderful time biking from Schofield up the pass thru pretty green fields with mtns in the distance.Then going down a gradually winding road to the NW shore was just breath-taking as I saw the beautiful ocean in the distance that made such contrast with the waves breaking on the beach and then the green of the island.At times I was going quite fast down the hill and might have hit 25-30mph at my peak speed!I am grateful the cars were very careful because there was'nt much shoulder on the roads!Finally coming to the shore and heading west I passed some nice horse farms,and well kept Christian camps along the beach.After several mi I saw colored parachutes coming down in the distance by an airfield with a diving and glider club. I stopped for a rest at the Mokule'ia Beach and went for a swim in the ocean.There were several sea turtles near the shore.About 100 yds out there were several people "Kite boarding" on the waves.I'll have to explain later but it was fun to watch!After my refreshing swim I con't my journey toward Kaen'a Point[most NW tip of Oahu].The area is part of the Hawaiian State Pk system and there are no roads for about 10-15 mi;only rocky dirt pathes! It was so beautiful in the late afternoon and watching the sun go down when I was well past Kaen'a Pt, but it was so exhausting! Most of the time I was forced to walk and at times carry the bike;the path was so rugged! But I enjoyed the beauty of it all and marvelled that even though this is one of the most tourist visited places in the World, that right where I was I could see Hawaii in all it's pristine natural beauty!What it was like since God created the islands.Only 2or3 times did I see someone during the whole state park stretch.As it was getting dark and my legs and backside began to really ache with fatigue[with sweat constantly pouring from me during it all],I stopped to rest only occasionally;my desire was just to keep moving!It was still before the sun set when I reached the paved road.I passed some fisherman and knew immediately when I saw their cars there must be a road.It was at least 10-15 more mi along the coast highway before I finally reached a bus stop.I was so grateful to God! Even though the bus took another hour to get to 'Eva Beach I was still happy and thankful.There's so much I could say.People on Hawaii have been very friendly to me.I've enjoyed biking to other areas,even close by to 'Eva Beach Pk where I exercised and read "The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee[a Chinese Christian].It's nice just lay on the sand and watch the ocean,the weather fronts that move in and out which of course affects the colors of the sea.I watched the various ships coming and going and even 2 subs gliding quietly in and out of Pearl Harbor in the space of an hour. The palm trees and grass athletic field of the park were nice too as well as listening to the different bird sounds.On the beach I had a good look at a small 2 ft Hammerhead shark that had washed ashore.Very interesting!Yesterday,as I said,was pretty much Honolulu and Schofield.The Wed evening service was really nice! Pastor Reid is a very good preacher and I can tell he and his family live it too.He just finished Isaiah66[last ch]last nite.I'm guessing it took over a year on Wed.nites to go thru.
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05/17/06
10:37:01 pm, Categories: Camp Life, 127 words
More Adventures!
This morning I visited downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.It was impressive. Many,many tourists[especially Japanese].I had a really nice time at the Army Museum at Ft.DeRussy; which is almost on the beach! Since renting a bike on Mon.I have been able to go places on the island.A very practical benefit is to be able to attach the bike on the public buses making it much easier to get around. Monday,May 15,is a day I will never forget as I bicycled north and then all the way around the northern tip[Kean'a Pt.]and then back south for a total of at least 25 miles! Whew! Was I ever exhausted.Next entry I'll describe in detail. Must run to catch an appt.
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05/15/06
07:04:31 pm, Categories: Camp Life, 759 words
Hawaii Ho!!!
Back on Oahu after over 20 years! It was a cold,rainy day as I left Grissom AFB near Kokomo,IN on a KC-135 air refueling tanker.At times,the flight was a little chilly as we were at 35,000ft[!]but I enjoyed it immensely.The view of the western states was great especially as I looked out from the plexi-glass aft lower window that is used for the air refueling boom.There were 3 places where the passengers could actually lie down prone and look down below! I am sure glad it was safe and secure.We flew over the beautiful California Sierra mtns[much snow]on over one of the valleys near Sacramento and then finally over "Frisco" and the bay.I saw the Golden Gate and even Alcatraz Island.Then we flew over the vast stretches of the blue Pacific.I looked down on the white capped waves and marvelled.Even thru the roar of the engines I got acquainted with some of the passengers and crew.There was a sweet little 4 yr old girl on board with her mother.We played a game of going from porthole to porthole and looking at objects down below and pointing.It was fun.Coming into Hickam AFB,Oahu was very pretty and I thanked the Lord for a safe non-stop flt.As the plane taxied to a stop I looked out and there was a great entourage of native Hawaiians with a huge sign saying,"WELCOME BACK PETER SCHISSEL!" Stepping off the plane, King Kamemahaha warmly welcomed me with a traditional "Aloha!" Then stepping back he said,"I see you've put on some weight since you were here,Peter!" I smiled at the king and said,"Oh,rub it in your majesty! Is that a way to welcome and old and dear friend?" The king smiled in return and said,"Yes, a very OLD friend!" as he escorted me to the waiting limo.Well, at least some day I'll get a new body and an even better home[Phil.3:20;John14:1-3]!Going from fiction to reality it a real blessing to be welcomed warmly by very nice,Christ-like Christians from the Friendship Bible Church in Ewa[just west of Pearl Harbor].This weekend I met so many and I was really blessed.Craig and Kristen Calizo[Ast.Pastor and his wife with there 2 daughters] were very welcoming and hospitable.Pastor Reid and his wife Marilyn have been very gracious and it's been a blessing to fellowship and get to know them.Right now I am at historic "Schofield Barracks" the main Army base on Hawaii.The beautiful green and lush Koolau mtn range is just to the north of the base and plainly in view.The barracks "quads" date back from WWII and before and are reminicent of the film,"From Here to Eternity." I hasten to add that although I read the book and saw the movie as teen in h.s.;I would never recommend both film and book as a Christian.On the subject of military, I visited Pearl Harbor on Sat.a little after noon when Pastor Reid dropped me off from his son's acedemy soccer game.I had already been to the Arizona Memorial before and so this time I visited the famous WWII sub,"USS Bowfin",the sub museum and the even more famous "USS Missouri" the USA's most famous and largest battleship. With military discount the pkg tour was 18.00$ and worth it all! I was so impressed! I just had a great time! The "Bowfin" was in an impeccablely clean,shiny state and each visitor receives a portable head-phone tour guide recording for both the sub and museum. It was very special to me as I used to take care of Adm W.G."Moon" Chapple in San Diego back in the mid-80's and he was a sub skipper in WWII[w/15 ships sunk to his credit].I also became aquainted with Mrs.Roberta McCain[Sen.McCain's mother]whose husband was also a sub skipper in WWII.She told me some interesting stories;including when she and her husband were stationed in Hawaii back in the '30's!Well, I'd better close as I've rented a bike and it's long since time for me to do some more exploring on the island.I am grateful to make to a few contacts to give the Gospel and I can say I have been tactful,gentle and desireous to meet the needs of those I meet.Many friendly and kind people on Hawaii! Mahalo[thank you]!
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05/12/06
05:22:16 am, Categories: Camp Life, 95 words
Beginning of 2 week leave
It's just after 0500,Bldg333.I had my usual tea,time with God in His Word and also listened to Christian music.I'm all packed and ready to go to Grissom Air Force Base to catch a 1030 flight direct to Hickam AFB,Hawaii.I believe it's the Lord's will. Wherever God leads me I want to have my joy in Him.I am grateful that I have been to Hawaii before and made some good friendships during just 10 days on Oahu.I'm looking forward to spending quality time with the Lord and enjoying His beautiful creation!
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05/11/06
06:03:03 am, Categories: Camp Life, 68 words
More in May
Well,"Dear Diary," after checking our entries I think we've come clean with the military,have'nt we?It's a nice refreshing,rainy morning[0545]and nice to spend a quiet time with God.Last nite at church after prayer Pastor Henry spoke on Hosea. In summary,it is very beautiful because of God's enduring love for His people [in every dispensation].More later! Tomorrow may be a big day!
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05/10/06
01:21:25 pm, Categories: Camp Life, 183 words
Dear Diary- We're Being Watched!!!
Quick! Cancel all entries I made to my Swiss bank accounts! Hold all calls from President Bush and Donald Rumsfeld!Tell President Putin to reschedule my speech at the Kremlin on "Democracy and Capitalism" until Sept. at the earliest! Call Tony Blair and tell him our tea at 10 Downing will have to wait indefinitely[although I might be able to see him at Buckingham Palace with her Majesty at Christmas].Tell Bill Gates I would only consider 51% or more interest in Microsoft! And finally: TELL DONALD TRUMP HE'S FIRED!!!Well,dear diary, are'nt you glad you don't have the problem with celebrity as I do? Be sure and guard against "Identity Theft" as one "Peter M Schissel,Sr.", in the World is enough!Now to all my reader fans: why not leave some questions and comments?Just consider each entry as "Pete Ponders Your Problems" and every comment as a sort of "Dear Abby."All comments strictly confidential and my fees are reasonable: all you pay is your time!So,don't delay! Make a comment today!The Diarist of Camp Atterbury,Peter Schissel
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