Playing in the Sand

Cliff has made it to his destination in Iraq. He actually was online yesterday when I jumped on to check email, and we were able to instant message for quite a bit. It was great to hear from him, and he is getting his bearings around their new base. He's got email/computer access now due to some of what his job entails, so that's a bonus and an answer to prayer. Usually, unless you have a computer you're required to work at, Seabees don't have much access to email/phone and have to wait in long lines when they can call.

For those that don't know, his group's mission/assignment changed a couple of weeks before he actually left, and it is heavily classified. This means no pictures and no specifics of what he is doing (no, even I don't know!), though we know it is construction, which Seabees are usually used for. The good side to all of this is I believe he is actually in a safer situation than he was going to be and he was able to say yesterday that it is much "cooler" in terms of potential action than they were expecting before they arrived. That's a very good thing.

He is bunking with one other guy who he doesn't know very well but he may get to move in with a buddy of his. He said the food is good and the work is long - a lot of hours in the day that stay busy. His biggest wish right now is DVDs of his favorite tv shows - The Unit, Studio 60, Criminal Minds, and of course Lost. I'm supposed to be burning all these to DVDs for him, saving them on Tivo, but I've been bad about finding the time to sit down and do it.

Yesterday, after I got off the computer with him, we headed to Caleb's birthday party. He turns 6 on Wednesday of this coming week and so we had a party for him at the local jumper place. 12 of his friends from school and church showed up and they had a blast. He got some great presents and had a wonderful time. It was hard not having Cliff there - he would have been on the jumper inflatable things with Caleb, and he always adds his special touch with jokes and making things fun but we videotaped and took pictures, so I hope I can make some videos for him soon and send them out.

While Cliff is experiencing his first full week in the sandbox, Caleb and I are also headed to some sand of our own. The beach! This week is Caleb's spring break, and also happens to be both of our birthdays (mine-the 19th, Caleb's-the 21st). Yes, I turn the big 30 tomorrow and my sister is flying down from NY to come with us. We were given a free 4 day 3 night package from Cliff's work so we're heading to Pensacola. Looking forward to some fun, though unfortunately, I have writing work that has to be done so the laptop is coming too. At least the office walls will change a little! :)

Thank you for continuing to keep us in your prayers. If you would like Cliff's new address, email me and I'll be glad to pass it on.

God bless,

Sara