Good evening! It's been a few days since I posted last. It's been pretty busy. Enjoying summer and getting back into the routine of school starting up in a few weeks has gotten the best of me. I haven't talked to Jon since Monday. He said he was going to call yesterday...but here I wait two days later. I hope that he is safe and that everything is going well overseas. I keep hearing alarming stories and just keep praying that it will never happen to Jon. He was relieved to be back from his first mission last he spoke. Therefore, he is going to become very bored waiting for his next mission. There is not much to do, except go to class during the day and workout in the gym at night. Other than that it's entertaining yourself. Of course he has all his books, journals, DSi (such a kid at heart), and laptop but that does not do justice if you do only these four things hours on end. There are only so many books you can read and movies you can watch. Grrrr (as Jon would say) And to top it there is no internet. You never realize how dependent you really can be on such luxuries. I recently shared a conversation that there are alarming rates of suicide due to boredom. June marked nearly 59 suicides in the military because of this. There are two guys who are currently creating a video documentary and trying to spread the message across to all military about this alarmingly high issue taking place right now. I know Jon could think of enough crazy things to do to keep him busy. He has connected with a lot of soldiers who have now become friends. They are always hanging out together.
If you get a spare minute or twenty, write him a letter, send him encouragement, or send his good ole favorites: devotionals, verses, beef jerky, skittles, trail mix, starbursts, DSi games! Anything to keep his mind occupied for the next five weeks. I say five weeks because that is the time he should technically wait until the next mission. They have put a hault of the missions. However, they are taking volunteers for those soldiers who are willing to go out voluntarily. We have told Jon not to do it for many reasons. Little will he listen. His family thinks he'll listen to me....NOT SO MUCH! :) He is stubborn at times...and of course a typical male. So as I write...I think maybe he volunteered for a mission and that's why I have not heard from him? I have no idea.
I recently saw photography of the 20th batallion that I wanted to share with all of you. It gives us as outsiders a closer look at life in their their world. Soldiers are doing mission for 12-16 hours at a time with only a few hours of sleep until the next one begins.
Visit www.globalpost.com/dispatch/afghanistan/100725/full-frame-clearing-the-way to see the outstanding photography of Jon's batallion!
Please continue to keep Jon in your prayers. Last week four soldier's from Jon's batallion passed and come to find out, one of them taught Jon's class prior to him leaving for his mission. Only three months and two weeks until he is home...but hey who's counting??
Love and Prayers,
Kristine
I talked to him yesterday!! he was doing well. he said he tried to call you but you didn't answer? call him when you can through skype bc it's way cheaper for us to call than for him.
ReplyDeleteI realized yesterday as I was talking to Jon just how important words of encouragement can be. Just telling him that Jesus loves him and is watching over him is a huge help and also very important!