This week marks 5 1/2 months since Andy has been in Afghanistan. I am sure to most of you who are reading this blog, that time has flown by. Even for me there are moments that fly, but when I think about all that has happened in those five months it seems like it has been forever. We are finally making progress though and are almost half way through the deployment, which is very exciting.
It has been a while since I have updated on Andy, and I apologize for that. I don't have any recent pictures, because I am not even sure if he is taking any :) I will be sure to remind him to send more. Recently Andy got an internet and phone hook up in his room...which has made our communication so much easier (and cheaper too)! The phone hook ups are linked through Virginia, which means I can call him and he can call me as if he were in the US. That part has been such a blessing, and I am so grateful that we are able to talk so often.
I told Andy the other day that he wouldn't know what to do with himself when he comes home and actually has weekends off! But we will be sure to keep him occupied...and I know he looks forward to 'catching up' with Noah. He has been working on several projects and they have been keeping him very busy. He really enjoys what he is doing there and it helps to make the days go by more quickly. Noah and I make sure to send him a couple care packages every month...so he knows how much we love him.
Recently Andy had a pretty interesting experience. Thankfully, because of the nature of Andy's job in Afghanistan, he spends most of his time doing Post expansion projects and working with contractors. And although no job is completely safe, there are many who are on post with him who are exposed more to the local situations and dangers that arise. A week ago or so, Andy received a call asking for a representative from the LDS church to come see a soldier who had been wounded. Since Andy is the representative for his post he was the one who responded. The soldier, who was also a member of the LDS church, had been wounded in an incident with an Afghan policeman. Thankfully he will be ok and from what I understand, is recovering. Unfortunately there were a couple of men who were with him who were killed. You can read more about the story here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-10-03-afgahanistan-ustroop-attack_N.htm
My prayers go out to their families.
I had a lady tell me the other day that I was 'lucky' that my husband was only gone for 12 months and not 15. "12 Months isn't that long" she said...not affiliated with the military in any way herself. Forgive me for feeling like that was a completely insensitive remark to make. 12 months is a really long time! It's longer than anyone would choose (or at least longer than I would ever choose) to be away from their spouse. Aside from the distance, and how difficult some days can be, Andy and I are very aware of how blessed we have been. I am grateful that he is being watched over, I know he is. I am grateful that we have this experience to share with our children, and I know that we are better and closer because of it. Regardless of how long you have to be away from a loved one, it's hard...one day or 365. It's comforting to know that I am not the only one who is experiencing this same situation...some who have done it numerous times. So here is to 5 1/2 months down. Soon we will be heading into a down hill and I can't wait until we get to see him at Christmas. We love and miss you very much Andy. Be safe.
