A long Overdue Update!

Well let me start off by once again apologizing! I know that it has been SO long. And this has somewhat shown my selfishness in "abandoning" my blog. However, I keep bringing my thinking back to well if everything is all good then why do it? That being said, I have been taking a lot of slack from family, friends and followers of Jon's blog...including him. I guess I never thought or fathomed how important this blog really is to all of you guys. So again, I apologize for any inconvenience my slacking efforts may have caused you. I know after writing my blog, I feel a sense of relief and freedom with my thoughts, feelings, and eagerness I sometimes feel and have felt during this whole process. This blog has allowed to release much of that.  I have been trusting God through this journey...and he has provided!
Since the last post, Jon was just returning from that crazy long mission of nine days! Thank God he survived. I would never wish that experience upon anyone. Seemed like quite the torture to say the least. Upon returning, he  twisted his ankle and was down for quite a few days. If you know Jon, he never expresses his feelings, but I could tell that this put a damper on many things. He was very busy with missions going four days on and having two days off which still consisted of long and strenuous days. Studies have shown that men who served in the military overseas tend to have a lot of health issues when older. (Back, legs, muscles, etc.) I guess I have a lot of massage training to work on in the years ahead. :)
My birthday came and gone in February and what a great surprise it is to know that your boyfriend is still in tuned each and everyday that he has been away. It never seizes to amaze me. The sacrifices that he has made to show each one of us that he is safe, and has called home whenever possible. Have I mentioned how much I LOOOOOVE Skype? Anyhoot, he proceeded to send me flowers to my work, a wonderful gift, and an even better surprise. A trip to Seneca Lake! If any of you know me, you know that I love wine, wineries, and trips! :) I am so excited! It blows my mind because I would NEVER expect anything from someone who fighting for our country, in turmoil and danger every day and night! Jon is so selfless in more than his generous ways. He is always thinking of others before himself and would want nothing more than to make those around him happy all the time. Despite what he is going through...which is more than any of us who have not served in the military could fathom...he always tries to show that he is happy. I know that the last few months have been putting a huge toll on him mentally.
Towards the end of February, one of his good friends from the military that is in his unit was injured. He was working in the motor pool and something from the truck fell on him and crushed his foot. He was discharged from the military and sent back to Germany for surgery. I know Jon was pretty upset about losing a friend. Imagine growing up all your childhood dreaming of the day you could serve your country. Then a incident happens like this? Does is ruin your pride? Your dream? I would have to think so. Brothers are brothers until the end...especially in war.
Last month Jon went on mission and returned very sick. At one point he was throwing up blood and was quite sick for about three days with a fever, weakness, chills, and vomit. I was so scared. The worst news you ever want to hear when the one you love is so far away is that they are injured or are not good. To know that he was so far away, and there was nothing that I could do for him killed me. He longed for his mother to be there at side...as anyone would. Moms always make it better. We were very worried. He had cuts in the back of his throat. The doctors told him that it was due to the conditions in Afghanistan. After hearing that, I never realized how bad that place really is. To know that such a gross and third world country can have such an impact on health. You always hear about it, but it never becomes a reality until it actually happens to someone that you care so deeply about. With that being said, Jon is now physically healthy and doing well. He has been a bit bothered by that darn ankle of his. Delaying and interfering with his PT performance.
Now for the GREAT news! Jon has FINISHED MISSIONS! He finished his last mission on May 7. Wahoooo! I had a dance party right in my living room! (Morgan thought I was pretty nuts) This journey has been a true testimony of God working in both of our lives. I cannot even begin to tell you! I am so blessed that up to this point...nearly one year; Jon is physically safe! God has had his hands at work through all of this.
He headed out of Tarin Kowt where he was informed to go to stay in a tent. However, once arriving the tents were not ready and they have moved into a gymnasium where his unit currently is staying. The internet reception stinks and has been a huge damper on our communication the past few weeks. Skype calls are delayed or broken up. It's costing us both money to talk to one another...but every cent is well worth it! He is finishing up his duties at TK
The end of this week Jon will be heading down South to KAF where he originally began! Looking back I can't believe he is finally to the end. He will stay there two weeks and then head back to Germany for transitional classes! I pray that God keeps his mind healthy and that all transitions go smoothly. This has been my biggest fear since he left. I continue to pray that he will trust God and that all things are possible in and through him. I have watched many military movies...and Restrepo has given me the biggest inside look to military life while deployed...and it is NOT good. Please keep Jon in your prayers over the next month has he goes through all the classes, rehab, and transition, and that his mind will be cleared of the memories that Afghanistan has had on his mind. Thank you for all your support over the past year. I know that Jon, his family, myself, and friends could not have done it without God and the encouragement that each one of you have laid upon him through notes, care packages, organizations outreaching to his unit, and just words of encouragement.
Also, please continue to pray for those who have lost their loved ones overseas. Last month I lost a classmate who was also a brother in law of my best friend over in Afghanistan. While attending the funeral, all I could do was thank God! But to more importantly know that his wife and two little ones will never see their hero here on earth again...see video footage in bottom post. I am so thankful for each sacrifice that all military has made and will make.
I will be doing my best to update the blog more frequently now that I know how much you all depend on it! Thanks again for all your support. I will close with this special quote honoring those who we have lost:
"Let us not mourn that such men have died but rejoice that such men lived." George S. Patton
Love and Prayers,
Kristine
I tried to steal pictures from his facebook page but I am unable to save them and post. Darn the new facebook rules and regulations!