By Chaplain (Capt.) Patty Jenkins

I can't believe it has been a year! Before I know it, two years, five years, ten years will have passed since I came home from my deployment. I'm fortunate to have had a good experience in Afghanistan. My chaplain assistant and I came together as a team during the initial weeks. Once he started finishing my sentences, I knew we would be OK. We were supported by our battalion commander and able to travel frequently to visit our Soldiers. I felt like I was doing good, important work. I grew in appreciation for my husband every time I counseled individuals about their relationship crises. We had no significant injuries, and everyone came home.

The first big surprise about coming home was that I wanted to turn around and go back. I missed my Soldiers. I missed how cool it was to load into a Chinook (after overcoming fear of managing my gear). I missed my routines and the feeling of competency. Somehow I felt safer nestled with my Soldiers. I knew I could knock on any door, ask anyone I saw, and someone would help me if needed--like I would help them. We were in it together.

The second big surprise was my lack of awareness of how worn out I was. Shortly after returning home, I attended a retreat at the monastery where I'm an oblate. Like everything at that time, it was good but also overwhelming. (How could everything be so green?) One evening I was praying alone in a small chapel and, to my surprise, the image that came into my heart was of a dried husk, spent of moisture and seeds. I had no idea I was so spiritually dried up and spent.

Both experiences helped me see the next steps on the path. I needed time with Soldiers to build continuity and share experiences that only we understand. Returning to drill and finally visiting my local Veterans Administration center were essential. And I needed spiritual water! I renewed my practice of meditation, learned to bake bread, went to church and adopted a shelter dog. While on retreat in February, I colored a picture that was half sand, and half grass. I was halfway there. Every day brings me one step closer to home.

Chaplain (Capt.) Patty Jenkins is an American

Baptist-ordained minister and United States Army Reserve Chaplain. 

Come and connect with American Baptist

chaplains and pastoral counselors.

Register today!

On behalf of the American Baptist Endorsement Committee and the Chaplains & Pastoral Counseling Ministries team, it is a pleasure to introduce to you those newly endorsed. 

Healthcare Chaplains

Rev. Melva Bishop        Madison, Wis. 

Rev. Kimani H. Davis    Philadelphia, Pa.

Rev. Monica Rikli          Colorado Springs, Colo.

Rev. Julie L. Vaughn     Kent, Wash.