On a recent visit to Tucson, Ariz., Mike (far right) and Nancy Lembke (far left) spent time with Mike’s sister, Liz, her husband Oscar, and watched their nephews play soccer.

There were a lot of people, animals, vegetation, and all kinds of activity and action, but I had to start looking for them. And that's when the trip became fun.

That same dividing line exists as I approach my mission in Iraq. On the one hand, there's great opportunity as I get to be part of a mission we began in February 1991. Nineteen years ago I was sitting in Tactical Assembly Area "Garcia," waiting to cross the border into Iraq. It's exciting to think that after all these years, there's a distinct possibility that we will complete this mission and enter into a new relationship with the Iraqis that is diplomatic in nature. On the other hand, it's tough to be away from home for a year. Getting used to deployment separation is like getting used to a visit to the dentist — you don't.

So it's all in how you look at it: an attitude thing. On my way to Tucson, I began to be curious about the people, the environment and the culture of that part of the U.S. And that's the curious spirit I take into Iraq. I don't feel that I know what to expect because I've been there before. As philosophers say, "You can never step into the same river twice." It's a new mission and Iraq is a different country than it was in February 2005.

I'll do my best to leave my assumptions behind and open myself up to learning and growing as I work with other chaplains to provide religious support, word and sacrament ministry, visitation and grief counseling to our soldiers and commanders.

In February 2004 I was in Kuwait waiting to travel to Tikrit, Iraq. At that time, I wrote an e-mail that still rings true today:

"As I recall from [spending] two years in the Mojave Desert at Fort Irwin, [Calif.], the desert is always a harsh environment and doesn't seem to care about those who seek to inhabit it. Those who seem to fare best go with the wind, seek the grass where it grows, put up structures that are easily moved and take long breaks in the heat of the day. This is not the way most Americans live, so it is difficult for us to adapt to this environment, this harsh, unbending, unyielding place. My mom sent me a quote from a book called Walking the Bible that goes something like this: ‘Because the desert is demanding, it builds character. Because it is destructive, it builds interdependence. Because it is isolating, it builds community.'"

I continue preparing in prayer, hope and action. I'll let you know how it goes.

Editor's Note: While we await the next blog post from military chaplain Col. Michael T. Lembke, we're sharing photos from some of his previous deployments.

ELCA military chaplain Michael T. Lembke leads Easter Sunday worship in Kuwait in April 1991.

ELCA military chaplain Michael T. Lembke worked with Bosnian chaplains and Bishop Vasilije Kacavenda in Tuzla, Bosnia, in 2001.

Physicists say it requires five times the energy to break inertia as it takes to sustain momentum.

The Army says it's time to send Chaplain Lembke (me) back to Iraq for another tour of duty.

How do I feel about that? Well, it is a beginning of sorts. And it can be difficult. There's much to do to prepare, and leaving one's home and country is never easy.

But in a way my journey began Christmas Day 1990 when our unit left Aschaffenburg, Germany, to serve in Operation Desert Shield. We participated in Desert Storm in January and February 1991. In 1998 and 1999, with the Third Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga., we readied ourselves, vehicles and equipment for another deployment to Iraq ... but in the end, didn't go. Then from February 2004 to February 2005, I served as the 1st Infantry Division chaplain in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This deployment is the latest chapter in my life — one I look forward to sharing with you monthly (perhaps more frequently as I find time).

As I prepare to depart in the next month or so, I have many emotions. But these days, it's not so much feelings but the eight Fs of resiliency I'm considering: Faith, Family, Friends, Forgiveness, Focus, Future, Fun and Flexibility. Each word is full of reality, hope and love. I'm also acutely aware of my roots, what I believe and how it affects my life. There's a clarity that comes with a deployment mission — a depth of purpose and focus from participating in something greater than self.

I love serving God and country. There's joy in sharing in the lives of soldiers and their families. These are times of great stress and strain for the Army, and the presence of military chaplains to offer the word and sacraments, pastoral care and counseling is essential.

"Pursue wisdom. Listen in love and remember. Faith is portable and duty is deep" — I encourage chaplains I work with to frame their actions and ministry with these phrases.

I'm bearing these things in mind myself. I'm remembering that wisdom is a product of the thoughtful combination of knowledge and understanding. I'm remembering that I best convince others by listening and listening and listening some more. And I will remember that my faith doesn't depend on my location and that I must do my duty despite difficult circumstances, separation and hardship.

I look forward to regularly sharing thoughts with you.

Thanks for praying for our soldiers.