Hi Everyone! Thanks for checking back... Jerry is doing well and seems to be adapting to his surroundings and new "home." They haven't made the transition to their FOB yet and are still making the preparations in Kuwait as they await the arrival of several thousand more soldiers. We have been able to talk many times and it has been so nice. There is little availability as far as the internet connection goes so he waits in line to talk to me via phone. My heart jumps every time it rings! I miss him so much!
My dad was such a lifesaver and flew all the way from Guam over Labor Day weekend to drive me, my camper, and my dog back to Texas to stay with family while Jerry is away. I didn't want to make the nearly 1000 mile trip alone so he was so nice to go with me! Thanks Dad! I'll be here in the Conroe/Montgomery area for a couple months, then will head to Guam to be with the Gieses for a couple months. In the spring I will head back to my home in Colorado Springs. Everyone has been so gracious to welcome me into their homes!
Also, there was an email that was just sent out to many of you regarding Jerry's recent deployment, but for some reason only parts of my letter were sent in the email. So, for those that would like the original email, I've included it below. I know it is rather lengthy, but these were some thoughts on my heart and I just wanted to share... if you already received this original from me, just disregard. If you received the one with "excerpts" then here are more details. And, if you decide not to read any of it, don't worry, I'll never know! Love and hugs to you all!
**************************************************************************************************
Dear Family and Friends,
I just wanted to take a moment to give you all a quick update on Jerry. First of all, thank you so much for your prayers, emails, e-cards, and phone calls leading up to his departure. They blessed us both tremendously. It just makes us realize yet again that we are not alone in all of this, that first and foremost we have our Heavenly Father to give us grace, comfort, and peace, (“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” John 14:27; “In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19), as well as love and prayers from our family and friends.
Jerry embarked on his journey to Iraq for the second time on Thursday morning, August 28th. After drawing his weapon at 0400, he went over to his office to finalize last minute details and make sure that he had everything he needed. From there we went over to the gym and waited around for a while. It was really nice though, as it was still dark outside and somewhat quiet, aside from the bus diesel engines rumbling in the distance waiting to take them to their next stop before going to the airport. We visited, I cried, we prayed, and just held each other until 0545 when they were summoned to the bus. After taking last minute pictures, giving the last hug and kiss, with tears I told him goodbye. We (all of the wives and children) waved and blew kisses to our loved ones, then wiped tears and headed home. Our year-long deployment had begun.
Jerry has been such a rock through this whole ordeal and I thank Jesus for him. He handles these things so well and he is such an encouragement to me. While at church a couple weeks ago, the pastor said something that really hit home for me. His sermon topic was God’s will (you think the Lord was trying to tell me something?!) and he asked the congregation if we wanted God to do our will for our lives, or if we wanted God to do His will for our lives. And while I would have loved for Him to allow Jerry to stay at home, that was not the plan. Jerry has always said that he wants to be in the center of the Lord’s will, whatever the cost or sacrifice. I just thank the Lord that he is still here, even though we must be apart for a time. As many of you know, a dear friend from our church back home went to be with the Lord last week. He left a loving wife and 9 children. My trials and disappointments are nothing when I look at this family. What a testimony they have been to me as they have had to say goodbye to a husband and daddy for a lifetime. What a wonderful reunion they will all have in Heaven.
For the short-term, Jerry will be living in Kuwait . After about a month or so, they will transfer the battalion to Iraq . So as not to jeopardize any of the soldiers in route, Jerry asked that I not give specific locations until they are settled, which could take a couple weeks. Once the FOB and specific address are public information, I will send them to you all. Just please continue to pray for his safety as well as for all of the other soldiers over there right now. I thank you in advance for these prayers and want you to know that we are excited about what God is going to do in our lives this next year. For more regular updates, prayer requests, and pictures, feel free to visit our xanga (like a blog). I just posted some pictures from his departure too. The address is www.xanga.com/jeroland.
On a happy note, I did hear from him again a couple hours ago and he has made it safely to Kuwait . He informed me that total travel time from Colorado Springs to Kuwait (with all of the connects) was 27 hours. And to be more specific, the actual time they spent in the air was 17 hours, 18 minutes, and 22 seconds. But who’s counting??!! He said it was incredibly long and he is glad to finally be on the ground again. He said he didn’t sleep much, but then I don’t think either of us has. At this point we’re both thankful that we can start counting down now! After he prayed with me, he said to pass on his thanks for all of your love and prayer support and I send my heartfelt thanks as well.
Love, hugs, and blessings to all,
Erin, A proud Army wife
Post a Comment