Independence Day!

Very excited to spend Independence Day with Jon this year! His homecoming is a true reminder of this holiday as well as his sacrifices. His arrival will be this weekend. I thought I would share this video of my daughter Morgan's best friend, Erin Hoyle. Her father is a well-known musician in Buffalo as well as throughout the country. He writes amazing music, and will soon release a record with Ron Hawkins. (www.strictlyhip,com). I just love his music and talent. He sings a lot of "American" songs as well! His talent is so amazing, that it has rubbed off onto his sweet nine year old daughter. As she prepares for her first HUGE debut this Thursday at Dunn Tire Park, she will be singing God Bless America in front of thousands of fans from Buffalo!

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday. Please remember the true reason while you are enjoying picnics and time spent with family. :) 4 days!

Love and Prayers,

Kristine

9 days!

Just an update that Jon has made it back to Germany. He has been taking transitioning classes and is enjoying his own room alone for once in over a year. He arrived on his birthday (June 16)! What a great gift! Upon arriving, Brad, Rosie and Stacie were there to greet him with open arms. Brad and Rosie hold a ministry at Festaburg? that does fellowship and traveling with the military. Jon absolutely loves that place! I am so thankful for the relationships that he has made, and even more thankful for all that they do for Jonathan. When getting back to base, he was a bit lost without his personal belongings. He had to go shopping for new clothes because he didn't have any. He didn't seem too thrilled, but I would have been ecstatic! I love new clothes :) and I love shopping!
His belongings arrived a few days ago. He is now with a television, video games, and all the things that he packed up before deploying. It's good to know that he is getting back to "normal." We are enjoying being on Skype and being able to communicate with minimal interference's like there were in the Stan. The picture is almost like HD. :) That being said, he will be leaving Germany in 8 days and will be arriving home in 9 days! We are all so excited to see him and enjoy the summer together! Thanks for all your prayers! I will be sure to keep you all updated as our journey continues.
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

FINALLY!

I am happy to report that Jon has FINISHED his tour of duty in Afghanistan! :) (Happy Dance) He was set to leave the other day and it got pushed back. He then said he was leaving today. He called me early this morning to say the flight was delayed. That being said, he is officially done in Afghanistan and has left that awful country! I am so overjoyed to announce the work of God and his great mercy and grace over the past year. God continues to show me his blessings, and I am beyond thankful and blessed for all that he has done for me and my family. It truly makes me know that he is at work through all that I have been through. Without being in him, I would not have had the strength, courage, or determination to make it through this awful wrenching year.  It's been a long one full of emotion, anxiety, excitement, sadness, etc. However, I am happy to say that I am relieved that Jon is physically safe. He will be heading to Kyrgyzstan for a layover for about four days. He should arrive back at his home base of Baumhoulder, Germany either Friday or Saturday. After that, he will begin his PTSD and transitional classes before coming back to the states. He originally was supposed to come home July 8th, but his time has been moved up to July 3! Just in time for Independence Day! This month is off to a great start! Finishing the school year out, Morgan's birthday, Jon's birthday, his journey back home and spending the entire summer with my two favorite people! I am beyond blessed. Thank you to EVERYONE for your continued love, support, and encouragement! We are so thankful as I know Jon is as well!
Love and Prayers,
Kristine