It has been about 2 months since my last post and quite a bit has occurred. We spent the month of August and the first part of September trying to get in as much quality time with John as possible before he deployed to Iraq. It has now been one month since he left and I feel, considering the circumstances, we are all doing exceptionally well. For this I give God all the praise and glory. Although we miss him terribly and have moments of sadness, God has given us strength and guidance every step of the way.
John had a rough 42 hours of traveling until he finally reached Kuwait and then not too long afterward he was able to reach his final destination. He has been very pleased with his accommodations thus far. I have included a few pics of his travels and new office. His room is wired for internet so we are able to talk on Skype almost everyday. I am very thankful because I know many women who have husbands deployed and they don't have the communication capabilities we do. It is such a shame that it isn't the same everywhere our men are fighting. I pray it will improve in the future.
AJ is doing great. He just finished the first quarter of his freshman year and has enjoyed having this past week off for fall break. He seems to be adjusting to high school and his father being gone. He is a great kid and works hard. He has had a few struggles with academics but I think we will all be pleased when we receive his first report card. AJ really enjoys our church youth group and has made many friends. I have included a few snap shots of a basketball tournament he was able to participate in with a few of our church youth.
I am of course busy as ever. Single parenting isn’t always easy, but I am so thankful to have AJ here with me. I am not sure what I would do without him. AJ & I are both participating in a semester of FAITH at our church. We gather every Tuesday night at our church and then seperate into groups of 3 and visit local homes sharing the good news of our Lord. It is intimidating at times, but we are learning so much and gaining more and more courage to share Jesus with those around us.
I hope you all enjoy the photos and I hope to have more updates soon. Please continue to pray for our family as we endure this trial of seperation. Hopefully time will pass quickly and we will be together again before we know it.
Blessings to you all – Love, Carla
DEPLOYMENT CEREMONY BEFORE JOHN LEFT
STARBUCKS IN KUWAIT (John is 2nd from the right)
JOHN AND A FELLOW SOLDIER IN KUWAIT
JOHN IN IRAQ
JOHN'S OFFICE IN IRAQ
OCTOBER BUNCO NIGHT (These are the ears you had to wear when you got big bunco)
AJ & HIS FRIEND PATRICK
CHURCH YOUTH BASKETBALL TEAM
