Voice from the Desert... Reply from the Hills

SOmeone you Love About to be Deployed?

2008-07-13T08:00:00.002-04:00

You know, I spent so much time this past year and a half concentrating mostly on those deployed with my friend. There are a couple VERY GOOD websights and blogs out there where I was able to "cyber meet" and communicate with so many men and women who have/had family or friends deployed with Terry. AS they are all coming home (Or home) I decided to stop by one of the sights I use to frequent and see how everyone was fairing-

Right next to my "usual" forum was one for men and women whose family and friends would soon be deployed. I remember the first days when I would see post after post for help finding resources. Resources to cope, resources for help- resources for information. I can't imagine that kind of confusion- and I know, that if I looked closely at the other forum I'd find EXACTLY those kinds of posts again.

SO I did a bit of just looking about and found this awesome article

http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2006/10/deployment_prep.html

HOPEFULLY there is someone out there who is getting ready to share in a loved one's deployment who can use the information in that article. WIsh I had found it sooner. Hope someone can share it later-

Good luck.

Making the old email 'rounds.....

2008-07-11T09:50:00.002-04:00

Is this- and I had to share. A flag of flowers- really really cool!

The Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter; each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems each, for a total of more than 2 million flowers.

(and I can get a single marigold to bloom)

Hot and hotter

2008-07-09T12:32:00.002-04:00

I just heard that the forcast for tomorr0w for our men and women in Iraq is 112. I know we get the warm stretches here, but I can not even get my head around that kind of persistant heat out in the elements so far from home.

I wonder if these really help
http://www.angelsstore.org/Cool_Scarf_p/sasoldier001.htm

WHats more- I wonder if anyone thought of sending some to the ones fighting the battles here- the men and women trying to keep the fires in the West under control?

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

2008-07-04T09:30:00.003-04:00

I havent been avoiding you all, just planning on this blog's future! OUr wonderful members of the Stryker 4/2 are HOME!!! I know all of their families are overjoyed and I am praying each one has an extra special 4th of July!

Well Deserved, my Friend.

2008-07-04T09:28:00.001-04:00

http://northeast2.tbo.com/content/2008/apr/16/ne-military-officials-honor-soldiers-911/

FOREVER..........................

2008-04-08T18:09:00.003-04:00

Ok-

Bad me- I know.

Its been forever since I posted, but I am just trying to see where I am guided to take this blog.

My buddy continues to recuperate (did I even spell that right??) He has had one surgery to repair ear damage and will have another in a few weeks.

I never knew he was as injured as badly as I am now finding out that he was. Frightening. He has great spirits and a Faith I crave and I know spiritually he will be ok. I am hoping as much for his physical side as well.

As for the blog- as he isnt in Iraq any longer and will be moving in another path- I may change into a different format- but still get requests from those wanting ot send aid and comfort.

SO here I am-

caught between moving on and standing firm.

When I come to a conclusion- you will be the first to know!

Endings/Beginnings

2008-02-08T12:20:00.001-05:00

Its been brought to my attention that my postings have been lacking (sigh). The whole no news is good news thing? That, and a bit of not knowing where I want this blog to head......

You see my buddy is HOME! He is back in his own house with his wife and family and I couldnt be happier~though it came with a cost. That cost happened December 20 of last year when a suicide bomber wounded him badly enough to be sent back state side for grafts and recooperation. Not everyone in the blast was that lucky- they didnt all make it.

So as my blog regarding waiting on my buddy's safe return to the States comes to an end- or ending of sorts I am left to wonder where to begin anew.

I guess I'll just post and talk and see where it all leads us-

And continue to pray for the rest -

Sorry for the Delay-

2008-01-05T16:39:00.000-05:00

I havent posted in a seemingly excrutiating amount of time, but honestly- its just been a waiting game. Being someone who isnt family I couldnt get any info until it was given to me. It was, finally- today.

Yes- he seems to have been pretty badly hurt- enough to need a skin graft.
No- I dont really want to give out any major details as I didnt get his permission to and want to respect his privacy at this time.

But if you could find it in your heart to pray- for him and those lost-
and to bring the lot of them home- INTACT it would do wonders I know.

Loving you all-
Updates as I can.

Trust your gut

2007-12-29T15:33:00.001-05:00

So I had been worried for a reason.
He was hurt in a suicide blast sometime in late December.
He is currently stateside and recovering.
No other details right now.

Prayers are always appreciated.

Worry..................

2007-12-28T09:13:00.000-05:00

So I have NO IDEA how the wives and children get through this- they all deserve a badge of courage in my book. Here I am, just a friend, and so full of worry I could split. I havent heard from him since just before Christmas and I figure "no news is good news", right? Funny how in times of what we call "peace" not hearing from someone in 2 weeks would hardly raise an eyebrow. Now in 2 days in sends chills up your spine with "What ifs".

Of course it doesnt help my mind set that I'm still battling the effects of having pneumonia. So I cough and cough enough to keep myself up all night and then what is there to do but wonder- and worry?

UGH!

WIshing you the "Touch of Peace"

2007-12-23T09:11:00.000-05:00

From "Christmas Around the World"

Christmas In IRAQ

On Christmas Eve, Iraqi Christian families gather together and one of the children read about the birth of Jesus while other family members hold lighted candles. Afterward the reading, a bonfire of thorn bushes is let and everyone sings. If the thorns burn to ashes, good luck will be granted for the coming year. When the fire dies, each person jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish.

On Christmas Day another bonfire is lit in the churchyard. The bishop, carrying a figure of the Baby Jesus leads the service. Afterwards he blesses one person with a touch. That person touches the person next to him or her and the touch is passed around until all present have felt the "touch of peace."
MERRY CHIRSTMAS TO ALL....

PASS THIS BILL!

2007-12-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

The whole concept of this injustice made me sick. You can link to Operation Pittsburgh Pride to read all about just one of countless soldiers injured in war and then told they had to PAY BACK their enlistment bonuses. The idea being the soldiers could not fulfill their entire tour of duty and therefore where not entitled to the pay????
ARGH!
The Congress has passed a bill CHANGING this and with luck the President is going to see the error of this practice and allow those who served this country to return to life in the States with OUR NEVER ENDING GRATITUDE- not never ending DEBT!

Holiday Ills......

2007-12-17T08:55:00.001-05:00

Yup- seems the whole family has come down with a nasty nasty cold that seems to be circulating. COugh- sore throats- blech. Hope it passes before too long.

I remember my buddy telling me how the flu actually had struck a few soldiers a while back. As miserable as I feel right now- that thought of being away from home, in a war- in a desert with the flu - well it puts things into perspective for sure!

Christmas Wish

2007-12-13T18:33:00.000-05:00

"Dona Nobis Pacem"

Ok- grew up Catholic can you tell? LAtin for "grant us peace"-
Peace for my friend in the desert- and for his family.
Peace for My "cyber friends" who recently lost their twins- my heart BLEEDS for you -and I wish you a Holiday of peace and love -
Peace for my parent's neighboors who just this week lost their father-
Peace for all of us so caught up in the spending frenzy and rush to get things perfect we forget the great words of wisdom spun by Dr Seuss...
(paraphrased) that despite everything Christmas comes- "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags!"

Peace all my loved ones........
Remeber it is all about the Love-
and I do love you all.

INDESCRIBABLY BEAUTIFUL...........

2007-12-10T18:30:00.000-05:00

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...

This is Arlington. Morrill Wiscester began the tribute of wreaths in 1992 with 4000 wreaths..... and has done it every year. Please help him by going to the web site for Wreaths across America. You can even log in to track the escort making its way to Arlington.

How can you not be moved? Wow. I'm speechless.

Could Not Be More Proud!

2007-12-10T06:51:00.000-05:00

...of all the kids at the local school who collected religious medals, candy canes and created their own Christmas Cards for the troops. In all over 500 cards were made and over 500 Candy Canes delivered.

Message from Iraq received yesterday:

Several days ago I received your packages with all the candy canes, Catholic items, and cards. They all arrived safely and are being redistributed to the Soldiers along with all the other things - like Christmas stockings - that we received.

Thanks! Let everyone know we greatly appreciate it and that it has helped us out a lot.

VEry,very cool.

Thanks Everyone!

PEARL HARBOR DAY

2007-12-07T06:56:00.000-05:00

Today, as we continue to think of and pray for the men and women fightin gin today's war, let us also remeber all those who were lost- or fought-in World War 2.

Say thanks-

2007-12-05T09:04:00.000-05:00

Xerox is helping say "thank you" to our men and women overseas...
Why not participate?

THANKS XEROX!
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

Snow-

2007-12-04T05:33:00.000-05:00

Yep- snow here today. Wondering how much the guys miss that? Long way to go to get out of shoveling the walkway-

In the Beginning........

2007-11-30T06:46:00.000-05:00

So here it is- the start.

I put together this blog to help update everyone who wants information on my friend and the troops stationed with him in Iraq. So many of you have shown unbelieveable compassion for these men and women. You have offered supplies, prayers.... and to just generally collect whatever they may want or need. Both Terry and I felt compelled to put this sight together and let you know how things are going- what is and isn't needed- and generally have a forum so you can come to know what it is like to be a Chaplain serving in Iraq- or a friend trying to lend a hand..............
Welcome.