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

Happy Memorial Day!

First and foremost, Happy Memorial Day! Much of your weekend, was spent with family, having cookouts, night at the movies, the beach, or just going on about your busy "usual" day. I know for sure that my weekend was very busy...for most of the reasons listed above. However, I was overjoyed to see the outpouring support of our community and nation this Memorial Day. I for one, was very more observant this year than many years past. Experiencing a year away from someone you love, as they sacrifice their life truly puts things in perspective. Today was a day to continue remembering and thanking our military service men and women. Not just one day out of 365. As I strolled through Wilson this morning, the streets of people significantly resembled great patriotism. Streets decorated with flags, signs and billboards hanging high, and the attire of many American supporters. As I drove down the street various departments were holding ceremonies as well as Memorial Day parades. How awesome! I know that this Memorial Day also marks a time of ultimate sacrifice for those who have died for us to be free in order for us to be able to do what we want to do each and every day on US soil. For that, I continue to thank those soldiers who give and have given just that....especially Michael Lammerts. I hope that each one of you enjoyed your special day with loved ones but certainly stopped to thank a veteran or soldier for their daily sacrifices today!  Nearly 1,400 soldiers have died since being in Afghanistan. Never Forget! As we approach the 10th anniversary of the attacks, this is a time to reflect on the years and know that it is not over yet.
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

1 month...6 days!

Wow as I look over at the clicker to the right of the page, I am overwhelmed to see how fast it went from 13 months, down to 1 month and 6 days! Yahoo! I am getting so excited as I know the rest of Jon's family and friends are as well. The past week or so has been pretty rough. Our communication has diminished a lot. Upon arriving in KAF, the boys found out that they do not have any internet. Grrr what a huge barrier. However, Jon has tried to call whenever possible. Today was interesting! He called for a few minutes to say hello and it was very hard to hear. Upon asking him what was wrong, he proceeded to say that "There's a huge sand storm over here. It's crazy!" My sudden reaction was uh oh. I know that those storms are pretty intense. A friend of mine was over there for a year and sent pictures home as to what it looks like. Not pretty at all! Breathing becomes difficult, you cannot see, and it is a huge mess all around! Soldiers are susceptible to sickness due to enhanced wind speed and the spread. Hopefully by tomorrow it will be better. Just a quick update! Hope everyone is well.
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

Safe arrival!

Just a quick update that Jon has made it safely to Kandahar after traveling by truck for two days! This will be his final destination before heading back to Germany in 17 days! Internet is limited, but it will suffice! Thank you everyone for your continued love, support, and prayers!
Love and Prayers,
Kristine

Less than 24 hours!

Good news! Jon's journey in Afghanistan is coming to an end! Finally! I cannot begin to express how overjoyed I am to know that he has almost made it through this year...with a lot of humor! He is currently finishing up his last eight hours of so until "tomorrow" their time begins! He will be leaving Tarin Kowt, where he spent the majority of his deployment on IED missions. I can thankfully say that he will be leaving tomorrow morning to head to KAF(Kandahar) where he first began his deployment. He is so excited! When talking to him this morning, he was intrigued to inform me that he only has 21 more days until he leaves Afghanistan all together! Which means only three more weeks until he is done! With all good things, certainly comes bad things at times. That being said, Jon will have no internet. Which means our communication will be disrupted for awhile, but I am hoping that he will be able to head to a local internet cafe. Just a quick update!
Love and Prayers,
Kristine