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| Oh Sweet R&R - 071222 |
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Greetings Again . . . from freezing Afghanistan!
Yes - the temperature has dropped & we're not in summer anymore.
I just returned from 15 glorious days of R&R Leave in Oahu, Hawaii with the family. We stayed at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Oahu - see red star below the yellow word "Oahu." We had a cabin right on the beach! You could hear the waves crashing up on the beach every night as we went to bed. What a blessing to have the opportunity to see the family after serving in the desert since June!
While we were there, we all hung out on the beach, made sand castles, went swimming, and boogie boarding. Also, the kids took surfing lessons and were really tearing it up! One of my most exciting moments was when my oldest got his PADI Open Water Certification! Now, he can go diving with dad anytime!!
In the end . . . however, our time went way too fast! I was able to spend the final night in the Hale Koa Hotel after I took the wife and kids to the Honolu International Airport and kissed them all goodbye. At least they all got to swim in the pool and hang out in my room our last few hours together. Below is a shot of all of us on the balcony overlooking Honolulu.
On a positive note . . . myself and all of the travelling military personnel were met with thunderous applause when we arrived at the Atlanta International Airport. We all had to rally, check our bags, and prepare for return back to theater (Iraq & Afghanistan). As we all filed to the ticket counter . . . all the civilian airport patrons broke out in applause as we passed by.
When I arrived in Kuwait, I met one of our former Chapel NeXt congregational members from Ft. Lewis, WA. LTC Williams was on his way back to the States for his R&R as I was headed back to Afghanistan. What a blessing to run into a friendly face.
When I did return to Afghanistan . . . I was shocked to see my room packed to the ceiling with care packages. Of course, the mission goes on, so it will take me a few days to come back up to speed and sort through all the packages. For those who sent care packages for our personnel . . .
For me and the rest of the "All Americans" in Afghanistan, it's a sprint to the finish line as we finish up this rotation. God's Richest Blessings as we enter the Christmas Holiday celebrating . . .
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| To add a comment to "Oh Sweet R&R - 071222" |
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| December 22, 2007 |
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| Hey, all I want to know is why does that guy have his arm around MY SISTER????????? |
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| December 22, 2007 |
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All the midwestern Prayers for those of you protecting us, THANK YOU!!!!!!
PLEASE COME HOME TO US SAFELY |
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| December 22, 2007 |
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Michael, THANK YOU so much.....glad you enjoyed your R&R with your baby doll and kids.
I will get to go to Hawaii on Jan 24th with friends who invited me to go along. I was supposed to go on Jan 18th but Lord willing that is the day Jed graduates from Marine boot camp in San Diego. He is doing really well and sounds great. Bless you special friend. Veronica |
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| December 22, 2007 |
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| Way to go Gavin on being an awesome diver!! Miss V |
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| December 22, 2007 |
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| Hi Mike! Keep up the good work! I can't wait to see you, Lori, Gavin, Aslin and small friend again. You'll have to pray for Fort Lewis again!!!! Love you guy's and miss you! God Bless! Shea |
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| December 23, 2007 |
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| It was a blessing to be with you in HI! I love you! -the wife |
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| December 23, 2007 |
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Mikebaby,
Great pic of you the fam and Hawaii! You continue to be in my prayers almost every day.
It may be cold now, but summer is a coming.
Have a blessed Christmas season!
perrybaby |
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| December 24, 2007 |
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Hi Mike,
Looks like a great time was had by all!! Gavin looks so grown up in the ocean.. Where has the time flown since we have seen you all??? Can't wait to see all of you in person at Ft Bragg..
Blessings, Cynthia |
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| December 25, 2007 |
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| Well deserved vacation soldier! Spent mine in Hong Kong 40 years or so ago. Hated to go back to war. God bless and Merry Christmas to you all!! |
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| December 28, 2007 |
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| Great to hear you had a wonderful time of R&R with family and really nice to see your beautiful family. God bless. |
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| December 30, 2007 |
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This so awesome Chaplain its the spirit of God Please send my best wishes to all you come in contact with from our ministry and its members world wide and also and from a British Vet here in the United states and a big thankyou for what you are all doing
God Bless you all
Always in our prayers
IHS
Bishop James |
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