The Next Move...

Good Morning! Today I am very thankful and appreciative. As we approach the Fourth of July, I have been continuously reminded the past few days of how important our troops really are! I flew out of Buffalo yesterday to Tampa. What an emotional ride it was. My layover was in Atlanta and when walking to my next gate there were many military men and women. I kept thinking how many troops there really are and how many families are truly missing their son, daughter, sister, brother, mother, father, etc. Upon arriving at my gate, the captain came out and let military enter first. When entering he called their name and everyone clapped. It is truly amazing to see the outpouring support from society. Of course I started balling. Next I was off to Tampa. I sat next to a guy on the train who was all geared up with his things. His name was Jesus. I politely thanked him for his service and told him briefly about Jon. While walking to get my bags there were many families waiting to welcome their soldier home. Huge signs waved with cameras in hand, and anxious ridden grins! Sure enough Jesus was coming behind me and his wife and two daughters started yelling "Daddy"! Jesus dropped everything and was reunited with his family while tears filled their eyes! Everyone again clapped and we all started crying tears of joy and more importantly appreciation. I cannot wait until the end of this deployment when we can all be reunited with Jon! :) I felt like yesterday was a sign from God. That he is with me during the midst of sadness, axiety, and having bits of fear during this journey. He kept showing me these signs to continue reminding me that " I am here. Trust in me with all your heart and I will not depart. Everything is going to be okay Kristine." This was just a tad of signs! God is soooo good. Last night I got the opportunity to go see a Tampa Bay Storm game. For all of you non sports fans; it is an indoor football game. It was so cool! And even cooler because it ended up being military appreciation night! They honored soldiers in the stands as well as those locally. Overall it was just a great day! It was so nice to be reminded of Jon in all of it!
On an even better note....
I GOT TO TALK TO JON TODAY! He messaged me around 9am. I quickly hopped out of bed and ran disheveled to the computer. Gosh, he knows how much I hate being on the computer when I just roll out of bed. However, I made a promise that while he is deployed I would get on that darn camera! It had been three days since I talked to him. (New record for those that are counting :) ) At first he seemed a bit down, but he always sparks right up to the real Jonny boy! He looked super good. He again gave me a virtual tour of his building. It looks like a house! He said everything was going well and that he was not scared. Funny how that's the first thing I ask. He seems to be transitioning well to all the things he can't normally have. Apparently there is no water there. A huge truck comes and fills the sinks ever so often and that is all they have. Once it is gone, they having nothing else to use. Instead they are drinking water bottles and using them for hydration. Knowing Jon, I am sure he has tons of them emptied and thrown on the floor. :) The first night he got there they had a rocket attack. The Afghan military have been launching rockets in order to hit the base and soldiers. He said there was a huge fire and outbreak because the rocket hit near the base. Of course Jon missed all the action because he was sleeping. I got so nervous when he told me that. However, he reassured me that nobody has died because of the rocket attacks. Apparently they happen often. I couldn't imagine. I'm just glad he is safe! Soon Jon is going to have to go on long patrols. He thought he would be staying where he is at. Unfortunantly he will be going on patrols in Pakistan. These missions can be anywhere from two days up to a full week. He will be in charge of combat out post. He will watch and monitor a fenced in area from attackers. Therefore, there will be no mail, internet, electricity, or running water. He is not sure when he starts or when he will be able to talk again. He is thinking approximately in a week or two. After each mission he will return to KAF where there are all of these "luxuries." Hopefully that will be sooner than later. Each day I am continously thinking of Jon. I miss him so much. I cannot wait until he returns! Please continue to pray for Jon as well as all the others fighting for our freedom. I will end with a short video link called "American Soldier." Thank you to all those who sacrificed so that we may enjoy this Fourth of July!

http://www.youtube.com/ and type in american soldier by Toby Keith

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.- Elmer Davis

Love and prayers,
Kristine