Peak of Mount Whitney

Greetings friends and family,

With everyone home again... things are beginning to feel like home again! Though Harry and I soon (work related) will leave again. I wanted to share a few photos with everyone. Some candid moments from the guys and gals aboard USS Mount Whitney.

USS Mount Whitney

The USS Mount Whitney, Harry's home from a brief while. I should add, Harry resided in the Admiral's quarters while aboard. Two days after his promotion to Lieutenant he sets sail for Georgia and lands in the Admiral's stateroom. Not normal for a O 3, so he loved every minute of his voyage. Even the living quarters.

The ship was named after the highest peak in the continental United States.

At 14,505 feet elevation, Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. The peak lies within the John Muir Wilderness and the Sequoia National Park Wilderness. Mount Whitney is just 76 miles west of the lowest point in North America in Death Valley National Park which is 282 feet below sea level.

Highest Peak Mount Whitney

The Mount Whitney's mission to Georgia represented the highest ideals of the US Navy and The United States. The Navy has traditionally been at the forefront of national policy. One can scarcely think of a international crisis where the Navy was not present, ready, and actively eager to serve our country and it's principles. The principals of freedom, liberty and democracy have sailed within the hearts of our young men and women. So the humanitarian mission to Georgia represented our tradition.

It truly was the highest peak of what our country represents. The aide and liberation of the down trodden, the oppressed, and the widows and orphans is not only part of our national beliefs and policy, but also core Christian principals taught by Christ. The crew, by delivering aide to the widows, the homeless and orphans of Georgia were living out a Christian principal. A principal ingrained into the hearts of our sailors, soldiers, airmen, and marines.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he hath anointed me to preach good news to the poor;

He hath sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners,

and recovering of sight for the blind,

to release the oppressed,"

Luke 4:18 (NIV)

Mount Whitney, the mountain peak, is an extremely popular wilderness destination. These areas were set aside by Congress and the President to provide opportunities for solitude and unconfined, primitive types of recreation. Wilderness areas are places where the earth and its communities of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. To preserve its wilderness character, all who choose to visit Mt. Whitney must adhere to very high standards of conduct. Practices that are appropriate in other areas might not be acceptable at Mt. Whitney.

When the USS Mount Whitney traveled to Georgia to practice the principals of helping the oppressed and proclaiming freedom they met with their own type of wilderness. Yet, the Georgian wilderness is tramped by man. Trampled by an oppressor. A visitor who should not have remained, but has. One that through destruction and death refused to adhere to high standards of conduct. An oppressor that has killed families and torched villages. Leaving behind refugees longing for the proclaimation of freedom and desiring recovery.

The 3 US ships with their crews and supplies that passed through the Bosporus Straights and into the Black Sea... whether they knew it or not... were apart of something much greater than a US Navy mission. Their were a part of Christ's mission given to us.

Bosporus Straight's

Entry into Black Sea

The principal of releasing the oppressed. A principal not so popular with current society. Not so popular for those who believe in isolation. Isolationist. Those who want the US to stay within its borders and forget about the suffering of those in our midst.

Yet, it is in these times... when we adhere to these Christ given principals... directives from Him...do we find ourselves in close fellowship with Him. Obeying Christ with what He has called us to do.

Proclaim freedom.

Recovery of sight.

RELEASE THE OPPRSSED.

In my walk, which involves foreign missions, I have found such fulfillment in these few directives. Releasing the oppressed is my "fight song" so to speak. By that I mean... you know when a high school / college team has a "fight song"... you know... the one that gets them all pumped and ready to go out and fight. Win the game. Well.. that's what releasing the oppressed does to my soul. Everything within me feels energized. Give me a good oppression and I am ready to take on the world.

From low income neighborhoods with drug problems and the cyclical nature of poverty to the primitive communties in obscure parts of the world... I love it. It is a ministry that is so rewarding for me. I love it... did I say that? I love the diversity of cultures. I love the challenges involved. (You are wondering why I whine and complain about Greece???... Simple... back when I did this I still had my "home" in Atlanta. trust me it was just different!)

If I can leave you tonight with one thought..... Find what makes you tick. Find that God given directive in your life that makes you want to conquer the world for Him. Your "Fight song".

Blessings to those finding their "fight song" tonight,

Kristie