Day 367: R&R

I just finished my 2 weeks of R&R aka rest & relaxation/recuperation time with my family who is situating nicely on the island of Guam. The worst thing about being there was knowing that it would all come to an abrupt end, and I would eventually find myself back in Afghanistan:( Well, that time has come and after close to 30 hours of economy class seating I am now in Kuwait waiting for yet another cramped flight to take me back to Afghanistan.

You may be wondering what exactly did I do for the 2 weeks that I was there. If you could imagine with me the things that you would do if you were away from "normal life" for close to a year, and I would bet that your list would share some things in common with mine. Here is my R&R intinerary in no particular order...


Hugged Gemma and the kids over and over again, hugged a former military Vet, took walks in civilian clothes, ordered food from a menu, took a deep breath of fresh air, drove a car, pushed Maya in a stroller, pushed Max in a stroll, went for an outdoor jog on a paved road, arranged for our internet and phone to get installed, renewed our lease, went grocery shopping, had my Navy uniform pants tailored, picked up packages at the post office, sent off packages, went to church, sang a solo for church, enjoyed church potluck, went out to eat at most of my favorite restaurants with my favorite people, took Gemma and the kids to Underwater world, enjoyed an oceanside sunset...


...spent time with my mom who was visiting, enjoyed several servings of Halo Halo, played Nintendo Wii, watched the Food Network, read bedtime stories to Max, took Max to the library


...tried to get Maya to walk before leaving, but I wasn't successful, cleaned up the kids' play area, gave the kids baths, gave Max toothbrushing tips, changed diapers...lots of diapers, reconnected with family and friends, got sunburned from swimming at the pool, drove around the island, attended a birthday party, watched Max try and hit a pinata, attempted to ride a skateboard



...bowled a >150 game, helped Max bowl...he converted a difficult split, had the youth over for bible study, worked on helping Gemma unpack, went shopping for new sunglasses, was in awe of just how fast cable internet really is, played with Gemma's cool SLR Nikon camera, had Miyosaki Butterfish at Roy's Restaurant, had Salt & Pepper Tofu from Shirley's, walked around Chamorro Village, checked out the carnival, enjoyed the Liberation Day Parade...man I'm pooped.

Will be back home soon!

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30 NASB

Day 350: Home Again

I'm home! I'm home! I'm home! Words cannot express what I've been feeling since I held my family for the first time in almost a year. With that emotional high, I will take a break from the blog to spend 15 wonderful days with my Gemma, Maxwell, and Maya Lourdes back home on the island of Guam. No mortar attacks, no convoys, no shower shoes, no weapons...ahhh paradise!

Day 347: Journey Home

As I am sitting here in my temporary hotel room here in Dallas, I finally have a chance to chronicle the first leg of my journey home...


July 3rd: First stop, a 10 minute Chinook helicopter ride to Forward Operating Base Salerno. As I was ordering a Subway sandwich, a rocket attack occurred. I hit the quickly hit the ground and pulled a civilian reporter down with me who was also in line ordering a sandwich. I think she was mad because I may have reaggravated a prior knee injury...one of the hazards of being out here I guess!



July 4th: I then caught a Black Hawk helicopter ride from Salerno to Bagram Air Field (BAF). A very scenic flight. I wish I had pictures. While at BAF I enjoyed a DQ Butterfinger Blizzard as well as 4th of July celebration lunch before flying out to my next destination...


July 5th: Kuwait...I've never been there before, but all I could think of is HEAT! I think it was 120 degrees there. It was not that exciting of a stop...lots of paperwork, briefings, customs, and crowded transient tents. The coolest thing there was a large concrete barrier of the Guam flag...reminds me of home!


July 6th: All I have is 2 words. FIRST CLASS! I finally scored some first class seating on the plane home from Kuwait to Dallas. Ahhhh...now I see what all the fuss is about. Plush leather seating with Lazy Boy recliner features, talk about comfort. Included a nice sunset view as we flew over Germany.



The first half of my journey home ended with a warm homecoming by some very grateful Dallas residents. As we walked out of baggage claim we were greeted by loud cheers, balloons, handshakes, cameras, and even candy bars. For a moment, I felt like a celebrity:) Above is a picture with some very enthusiastic kids...

Man I'm beat! Can't wait for tomorrow...Guam here I come!