Way To Go...

The pics above are of Chris receiving a coin from the Brigade Commander for his job on the COL Server. Basically it is an award for doing a good job.
Chris will be traveling to Kuwait next Monday for a school say pray for his safe travel.
Just think we are almost there. Time to start planning the Welcome Home party.
~Kerry

Vacation

Chris has returned from his vacation to Qatar. How ab oat a nice dip in the Persian Gulf? He and a few fellow soldiers were no able to go deep sea fishing after all due to the heightened security and risk. However they were able to go water skiing and jet skiing. They were able to take in a little touring with a guide of the area and tried some Arabic food. No he didn't try the hook-as. Chris said it wasn't for him. Looks like he found a spot to play some poker as well.
Anyway it is nice to see him having some fun away from the daily chores of Balad. He deserved it.
3 1/2 months to go. :-)
~Kerry

Qatar Trip

Just to let you know today was great. We lucked in on a trip sign up yesterday when we got here. So Cabiness and I went on a water sport tour . Jet ski's, tubing , skiing in the ocean.Very salty. We swam for a while then after the guys that couldn't follow directions got off the jet skis it was my turn. They where all staying up next to the boat, not I. I went about half mile just playing. It was great. We had a good meal a little different but good, then a little more fun. Then off to get cleaned up and we went out for dinner. It was at an Aerobic restaurant, 4 stars is what they said. It was next to the water and the atmosphere was great. After eating we sat outside next to the water, and the smokers had Hook-AS. It looks like a big bong. They put flavored tobacco in it and water on the bottom and smoked it. Whatever. Not for me. Anyway it was a nice get away.
~Chris

National Day of Prayer

What an amazing day of prayer. The Holy Spirit was moving in my life today and what an amazing feeling! WOW I am on fire to get back to church to be with fellow believers and share how we all spent this special day.
Youth was on my heart today. Our youth, the youth of this nation. I prayed and continue to pray God will fill these you men and women's hearts with His love. Now that I been working with the youth in my church the past few months God has really lead my life in a new direction. I know I am 'older' but hey, He is in control.
Kids need love and kids need for us adults to stand up and share The Word with them.
Sound the BATTLE CRY. As adults it is our responsibility to protect and share with them the love of Jesus. I ask that you pray for the youth of our nation and around the world for that matter. All children deserve happiness. All children deserve to learn of Jesus.
So as I prepare for my final prayer this evening before I "attempt" to get to bed, I will pray again for our youth, I will pray again for my best friend Chris overseas and I will pray for healing and God's hand to touch our nation.
In Him,
Kerry

He's Going Fishing

Hey everyone I hope all are doing well.
Chris is preparing for a trip to Qatar to go deep see fishing. I ask for your prayer for his travel for the chance for some much deserved rest. Who would have though a fishing trip while in the desert. Hey whatever will help him pass the time. Once he returns he will be traveling to Kuwait for some more training that will take up about 7 to 9 days. Then he should return back to Balad for about a week and return again to Kuwait to get their action plan together to come on home...whoopie!! We hope to have him home by the end of August so be prayerful for that.
Thanks again to all of you who have been there for us through these past 15 months you have been wonderful.

Iraq Update

Well as many of you know Chris is on the down side of his Iraqi tour. Why is it called a tour? We all know usually a tour would include some of an adventure of the pleasurable kind. Not so much here.
But in true Chris fashion when asked about mortar attacks he states "Just another day at the office". He is truly cool and collected under pressure. Which I should know we are coming up on our 13th anniversary in May. I know they said it wouldn't last. But if this man can handle my, let's call it "hard-head" he can handle anything. Steven, Chyanne & myself are looking forward to Chris coming home in August. Thankfully the Army National Guard falls under a different contract verses the full time Army and Chris will not be extended the extra three months. Praise God! Now if we can make it just four more years he will be able to retire with his 20 years.
Chris is doing well and has made many accomplishments while he has been there. He is an excellent leader with great integrity who has learned a lot from this experience.
We all await for August with much anticipation.

OK, this next thing is just a little something I wrote that I call "The Change" I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

"THE CHANGE"

A father, husband, & soldier who packs up to move away from home, his family, his friends and his security to face the unknown of war...WILL CHANGE.
A mother, proud wife, & soldier on the home front who helps her best friend pack while thinking of her own insecurities she has to face of the unknown at home...WILL CHANGE.
However, the change these hearts have experienced are that of God. The father, husband, soldier will return home & together with the mother, proud wife & soldier on the home front they will PRAISE GOD for the changes in their lives and the deeper love this family has. For these changes, brought on by war, have not separated these hearts but only strengthened their walk with Jesus.
So embrace THE CHANGE.

~Amen