Dear Eden

Dear Eden,

Even though your birthday was just a week ago I have been thinking about the letter I would write to you now that you are 5. I am surprised how quickly the time has gone because it seems as though it was just yesterday when you were born. I think about you often and am reminded of you each day as I look at the art work on my fridge ....

It's such a good picture and an even better reminder for me to eat healthy even though I forget at times. I am so proud of the young lady you are and how you love to share and be kind to your sisters. You will always be the "middle" child and your mommy knows just what that's like as she was a "middle" too. I am looking forward to the months ahead when God brings a new baby to your house weather it be a sister or a brother I know that you will make an excellent "big" sister. I am certain that you will want to help in many ways because you are a good helper! I want you to know how much I miss seeing you because you live in Dallas but how often I think of you and pray for you. Hoping this year of being 5 years old is a great year for you. You are a gift from God! 

Happy Birthday Eden. Nana loves you more 

however Jesus loves you most!

# 13 October 20 2007

I want to preface this letter with a couple of my own comments. First, I wanted to get all of Ashley's handwritten letters to me typed into my blog before she got married. I am happy to report that as of today, May 23, her wedding day I have accomplished my goal. It's hard to believe how much she has grown over the years and who would have ever dreamed she would be getting married. In fact, it was just 2 years ago on Memorial Day we were sending her off to Afghanistan with no idea that she would fall in love with Dustin, another soldier. (We love you Dustin!)

Next, an important piece of information to share is at the beginning of this letter it states she was mad / sad about Carrie not being able to come to her graduation from boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood Missouri.

Finally, I am very grateful we are all together this weekend as a family as we celebrate the wedding of our last and littlest. Ashley, I am so excited for you and I am so proud of the woman you have become. 

Here's the last letter from boot camp ...

Hey Mom,

I got your letter a couple days ago. It was very nice. I'm sorry for getting so upset last night on the phone talking about Carrie. It just really made me sad. I know that you understand to a point. I know you know that it meant a lot to me for her to be there. I didn't mean to yell at you or get out of hand. I hope you'll forgive me. Well, right not it's 0230 in the morning and I'm working CQ. It's when two privates work downstairs for the drill Sgt. doing cleaning or preparing things for the next day of training. I'll be down here until 0400 in the morning and then wake up is at 0430 ... so this is pretty much the worst shift you can get. It doesn't really matter to me cause it means I'll get to sleep all through for tonight which is awesome cause we get to sleep in on Sunday morning. I will be so happy to be able to sleep thru the night when I get home. Knowing me though, I'll probably wake up in the middle of the night and early in the morning for the first couple weeks just cause of habit. 
:-) So what do you wanna do with me when we get home? I'm sure we'll have to grab some Caribou :-) oh yeah, don't mind the back of this sheet. It's for passes but seeing as how our drill Sgt. doesn't have us doing anything right now, I took this from the rack to write you! I love you so much and can't wait to see you in 25 days! I really hope that time just flies by because the homesickness is getting worse and worse. Next week will probably be slow cause we have a bunch of make up detail and stuff. I'm probably gonna go to sick call on Monday for my pinky cause it hasn't gotten any better. Well, I'm gonna wrap it up,  but please write me a couple more times before the 31st! That's when you guys can't send mail anymore! Crazy right? Its coming mom! I love you! can't wait to hug you in 25 days and counting ..... :-) Ash

You will make a beautiful bride 

Happy Wedding day Ashley!

Annika is Six

Dear Annika

Oh how I wish I could be with you in Texas today to celebrate your 6th birthday yet,  I am so grateful to have been with you this year after your came home from the hospital. You know, Diabetes type 1 for a 6-year-old is a big deal; taking shots and learning to count carbs when you are just six can be and may be hard at times 
but ... remember it will never be too hard for Jesus as He will always care for you

One of my favorite stories in the Bible was when Jesus was 12 years old and his parents could not find him. His mother and father were anxiously searching for him 
but ... they found him among the teachers and leaders. After that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and Man." Luke 2:52

This is my prayer for you today on your 6th birthday that you would grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
Bumpa and Nana hope you enjoy your birthday package ... 
We love you more but ... Jesus loves you most!

# 11 United States Army stationary .... September 30th 2007 (reading and typing old love letters on Valentine's weekend)

Mom and Dad,

Well I'm sitting in the barracks this evening with only a few other girls because most are upstairs watching a movie. I wanted to take this extra time I have to tell you both how much you mean to me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for you both. Since I was young I knew I had loving parents. You guys were always there to comfort me when I was sad  or hurt, always there in joyful times and always there to correct me when I had done something wrong. The biggest thing that was most important was bringing me up in a Christian home. I loved our family devotions and prayer times. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be so strong in my faith if you both had not shown me the way. Now, I'm able to go out on my own still firm in my faith. That's because of you guys.

I love you both so much and I want you to know that always I think the love grows more and more each day, and it's because it's a different love because of our separation for such a long time. I've really been able to realize how much I'm like both of you and how much I need both of you. I cannot wait til I see you both! I know it will be different, but there's no worries because it's a good change. I've stayed firm in my beliefs and values. Whenever I'm having a tough time, I'm able to look back at your letters and they help me drive on. Trust me mom and dad, I definitely wouldn't  have been able to do all this without you and your support. I see some of the people here that don't even talk to their parents and I don't know how they do it. Some girls envy what I have with you guys and I tell them I am blessed. Well, as I come to a close with this letter, I just once again want to tell you guys how much I love you both. It's really hard to completely put into words, but it's just important for you to know that I love you both will all my heart.

It's coming sooner than I thought it was 44 days :-p    Ash

Eden is Four

Oh Eden how I miss seeing you and celebrating your birthday. I also missed writing a post / letter to you this year so ... even though it is a bit late I want you to know how proud I am of you ... of the young girl you are becoming. I love your smile. When your mommy was 4 years old she was a big helper around the house  just like you. She used to unload the dishwasher like you and she helped with her little brother and sister just like you. 

I am praying for you Eden that you would "put your trust in God and never be shaken." Psalm 125:1

Happy Belated Birthday .... I love you so much more! Nana  

# 10 Mom and Dad, September 26th, 2007

Hey! How's it going? It's been a while since I've written so I thought I would write a letter. Things here haven't been too great. Our drill sgts and commander told us we've lost our minds since we started AIT. Our phase banners are called again and we lost all privileges. I mean everything. We have to do bay maintenance until 8 pm and lights out is 30 minutes later. It's just enough time to shower and get ready for the next day. We don't get a pass this weekend either which is really hard for me. I'm hoping that this won't last for long though. Hopefully I'll be able to call you tomorrow. We didn't get to make phone calls on Monday but I wasn't going to call anyway. Monday was when everything happened and I knew it would just make matters worse. I don't think we are going to get our cell phone either. Not even "best of the best". Our commander has really strict rules and with him being upset now I don't know when we will have privileges again. How are things in Minnesota? Have you been babysitting little Syd quite a bit? I'm sure I'll be doing that when I get home. It will be the perfect time to catch up on our auntie-nephew relationship. :-p How's my room coming? I can't wait to be back home. It will be so welcoming and just in time for thanksgiving! I'll probably gain like 15 pounds ... that's OK thought. Daddy has the broker found any xtera's for me yet? Just kidding, I know it will take some time before you get a call from him. Please keep writing because letters are always a help at night. I promise I'll do my best to write. It really depends on when we get our free time back .... well i love you both so much. I don't know what I would do without you both mom and dad. 48 days and counting .... Love, Ashley # 5

Here's the Birthday Girl!

Wow hard to believe that this one is 5 years old today. We were able to hang out for a little while at Nana's house this morning because I did not have to work. The presents and the big birthday bash will be in the morning.

As you can tell by the sparkle in this girls eye she is a gem. One of her love languages is touch. I know because she loves to hug and I love to get hugged!

Pru I am so grateful for you and I pray for you often. I know the Lord has great plans for your life. I love that in preschool this year you are not only learning more about letters, art, and writing your name but that you have an opportunity to learn more about Jesus too. You are a beautiful girl! You have a caring spirit and you love to help in any way you can. I love you so much more!

Happy 5th Birthday!

# 9 Hey Dad September 7th 2007 (a great post for Veteran's Day ... Letter from one soldier to another)

Well, I'm sitting in class right now waiting for it to start. We just finished eating chow and now we have all afternoon for more classes. I'm looking forward to Sunday though we won't have any classes tomorrow either because we go to the range to see the set up and learn procedures. I'm really hoping to qualify expert with the pistol. I have to at least get sharpshooter in order to stay in "Best of the Best". Please pray that I'm able to get one of those two. How is work going? Soon enough it will be snowing so your'e gonna have to pull out that winter jacket! I hope there's not too much snow when I get home. Have you been looking at any cars for me? I don't really think I want a Saturn anymore. What do you think I should get? I know you were talking about getting a loan so I can work on my credit. Do you still think that's a good idea? How much is gas right now? I'm just curious cause I still really want an SUV :0p Have you and mom found a new RAV 4 yet? Well class has started so I need to go for now. I love you so much daddy and you have no idea how much your love and encouragement helps me through all of this. I miss you dearly. Talk to you soon hopefully. ;-)
Love Always, Ash # 5

a simple but profound heart of gratitude

Dear Nan and Dianne,

Thank you for speaking the truth into my life today especially in regards to the due process position, kindness, and bullying. I have a lot to learn and, Nan, as you so appropriately stated many more years in which to learn. :-)

You both have empowered me for good and right thinking. As I walk by faith I am excited and looking forward to the changes and opportunities the 2013-2014 school year will bring!

With a grateful heart, B.

Dear Ashley,

I remember you asking for me to write you letters just telling you what's happening in my life so .....

I have missed writing and sending packages to you. I miss the fact that I can't just pick up the phone and call you. I had a "snow" day  on Tuesday (would have loved to just met you for coffee).  Much to my surprise they closed the schools in most districts except for the bigger districts of Minneapolis and St. Paul. I have been sick with bronchitis, sinus infection and an ear infection so .... I was very grateful to have no school on Tuesday. I went back to school on Wednesday but the cough and breathing has gotten worse so I will return to the doctor today.

Last Sunday night I saw all the women from the 257 MP Co at the FRG meeting. It was a good meeting but a hard meeting as there was much to be talked about in the way of what to expect when you get home. I really want to be aware of what you may want to do and not want to do. Commander Hyland's wife spoke and she was very honest and transparent which I was grateful for. They also had a Chaplian there and I was able to sit next to and talk with some parents who's son had been deployed twice. Andera and Jenna planned the meeting and it was by far much more helpful then our full day at Anoka Tech. I wished that dad had been there but I took good notes.

Tuesday was the snow day and I was not feeling well so I missed my Blue Star Mom's meeting. They did a spring packing for the troops. (they knew not to send anything your way)

Tonight I have Real Women we will be having the women from MNTC (Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge) next Thursday as our guests. We are planning an evening of Polish (manicures) Praise and Prayer. It will be fun to serve in this way as we did this last year and it was such a blessing. I just signed up for the women's retreat and am excited to go ....I am also super excited for Adam and Renee and the  birth of our new grandson! I hope all is well with you!

 Today I am  praying: "Lord, make Ashley strong and filled with courage for every task. Equip her with everything she needs to fulfill your plans for her, but teach her to rely on You, not on her own abilities. Make her a soul-seeker. (Joshua 1) Lord, protect Ashley from scars, caused by the trials and struggles of this life. I thank you that Ashley does not have to become negative or pessimistic as a result of circumstances around her, because she has hope and abundant life in You. Help her to fix her eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. for it is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:8-9,16-18)

I love you way more, mom

Dear Nora

  

 

 

  

 

My dear Nora,

I wanted to think of a perfect gift I could give you since I will be unable to be in Texas with you to celebrate your first birthday. After I thought long and hard I was grateful to have come up with the idea that I would write you a letter. Since words always matter I thought my words to you written down would be a perfect gift. Having only physically held you a few times during this first year of your life has been hard. Yet, it is always so much easier just thinking that Jesus holds you always In His Arms. I thought about the only gift I could give you that would last forever ... my prayers.

Today Nora, I pray asking God to some day give you a saving knowledge of Himself. I am confident that when I pray for your salvation that I am praying in accordance with God's will. I am grateful that God has put your daddy and mommy in your life to love you and gently instruct you. I am also grateful that He has given you big sisters, like Annika and Eden who love you, care for you, and share with you.

I pray that you and your sisters will be rooted and established and able some day to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is for you....

Nora, I pray that Jesus will show you His way is perfect. God is already using you in the lives of those around you and I pray that He will continue to use you in this year ahead.

May you always know I love you but Jesus loves you way more.

Happy first Birthday Nora,
Love, nana

# 8 2:45 am (weapon's guard)

August 21, 2007

Mom and Dad,

Well things aren't going so great here anymore. Last week there was a female that wrote a letter with some bad stuff in it. She tore it up and threw it away, but one of the holdevers in our bay found it and brought it to the first sgt. All of the females got smoked for a while and nobody will confess to writing it. Until she does, all the females have lost passes, phone privileges, and we all have to wear road guard vests wherever we go. It's not good for the males either because we can't sing cadences. Our phase banners are rolled (so everyone knows we screwed up bad), and worst, we didn't phase to blue. Then yesterday to make matters worse, another female wrote a letter and the first sgt. found it in the bay. It had a list of all the drill sgts. names and asked which one was the hottest. I've been crying a lot because we are all paying for two people's actions. Please pray that it gets solved because I really want to call and talk to you both. I'm trying to look on the bright side with everything. We have our FTX3 (field training exercise) starting on Thursday so I will be gone with the company from Thursday until Sunday. I'm a little worried about it but also very excited. Well I have to go for now, but please write soon. I miss you all so much. Love you. Ash

# 7 from the littlest

One may wonder how a mom of a deployed solider finds comfort knowing that her youngest daughter is in the middle of a war. 

• I pray a lot (really nothing new for me but a different way of praying for her)
• I attend the FRG meeting monthly
• I attend a Blue Star Mom's group monthly
• I send a package and a letter weekly
• I read, re-read, re-type and record here on my blog letters sent home from boot camp when she enlisted in 2007

July 24 2007

Dear Mom,

How are you? Well I haven't heard from you in a while so I thought I would write you a letter. I just got done with my first written test and I'm pretty sure I got 100%. It was for land navigation which isn't too hard. I miss talking to you mom! It feels like it's been forever since I've been able to get a hold of you. Yesterday we went on our 2nd foot march. it was an 8K which I think is 5 miles. I had to go to the bathroom so bad the whole time which wasn't fun. We went to the gas chamber the other day. That was pretty bad. It burned really bad and I couldn't breathe when I took off my mask. How are things at home? Adam wrote to me. He sounds like he's doing really good and that makes me so happy. Oh Yeah, I have this friend that's on s. watch right now because doesn't want to be here. I've been reading the Bible to her and she's coming to church with me on Sunday. Please pray that I will be a light to her. I want on my 2nd foot march like I was telling you and I prayed the whole time. It was my remodeled devotions .... :-) I don't have time everyday to read my Bible which makes me pretty upset. Hopefully, starting in a couple of weeks I'll have more time.  So are you guys going to send me a birthday present? Ha Ha Just kidding. Ok well I didn't get to finish yesterday so now it's the 25th. I didn't get into the AMP program which is fine cause my drill sgt. said she would not give me up cause she still needs good soldiers. Graduation will be November 15th for sure. Well, I have to go ... love you lots. I got your letter too mom. Thanks Ash

# 6 from the Littlest

July 13, 2007

Madre~

Hey, It was so nice to talk with you the other day. I miss talking with you. I talked with dad last night 'cause your phone was off! Dad told me you were in class thought so it's all good. Well, today we've been at the fist aid station all day. We learned how to put in I.V.'s and you might not believe this but I actually put one into my friend, Green. Green is her last name. How cool is that though! I'm not certifies and allowed to put an I.V. into someone when she did mine, she missed the first one and the second one went crazy and squirted everywhere! She got it though. Oh yeah getting "smoked" is when they work you out really, really, really, hard. It's also called getting "caped" (corrective action through physical exercise) ha ha! I prayed for you last night about your job. I'm so thankful that I have a mom like you that prays for me everyday. I know it helps so very much. I think you were planning on this with sending me that magnet thing, but if not, could you please keep send the note cards with prayer, letters or Bible verses on them? Then I can have easy access to all those. I can honestly say God is making me so strong through all of this. I haven't had any doubts about Him since I've been here. he is so amazing to me. Well, I really hope your able to keep writing to me. It's so nice to get mail. Well, I will talk to you later mom. Please keep praying that I make it into the excelled program. I love you and miss You. :-) Ash

# 5 from the youngest

Tonight was a going away party hosted by my son and daughter-in-law to honor and send off our youngest daughter to Afghanistan. It was a bitter / sweet time with lots of family and friends. We talked, we laughed, we hugged, we sat by the fire and just simply enjoyed the company of one another and the conversations. The evening was all about relationships ... and spending time with those we all love.

As I returned home and got ready for bed, I laid my head on my pillow and as I prayed the tears began to fall wet on the pillowcase.

I was feeling very alone in all of this "being a military mom" and sending my youngest, my littlest, off to war not really understanding why there has to be this battle. It's a new season for me. It's a new role, wife, mother, grandmother and now military mom.

But as I cried I felt  a settling of my soul Into His Arms once again.

So grateful I am not in this alone by I have this friend in Jesus who hears my heart and knows my what's on my mind and continues to mold, shape, and refine me into who He desires me to be.

The letters from boot camp will be a reminder of just who this women is as she writes home from the past, present, and future.

July 10, 2007

Mom,

Thank you for the letter. I cried a lot, but it's OK. I am happy that Adam is doing well and that he got a bike. Are you guys still using his car then? Anyway I'm happy CM is going well for you too. It's awesome that your are excelling at it. Well I'm on my 5th day now. It will start to pick up after this week hopefully. I cry every night cause I thing about home and how much I want to be there. I've had a lot of dreams too about being home which doesn't make it any easier. My graduation date is November 15th. If I don't get into the excelled program. I hope most of you can make it. Will you send me Lisa's address and also Kelley and Josh's? I don't have either of them. So how is dad? Tell him he's gonna have to write me a letter sometime. How's the transformation going at church too? I'm sad I'm missing that to. I went to the Baptist service on Sunday. It was good. Get this though .... there's a guy that's in my platoon that I know! We met 4 summers ago at Camp Nathaniel when I was a cook and he was a rookie! he wants to be a missionary in South Africa so I told him about you trips. He thought it was awesome. Well I'm gonna go for not, but write soon. It really helps hearing from you. I miss you and love you ... much more than you know!

Love, Ash
ps It's a PFC on the front mom not PSC ... :-)

# 4 and a retype of # 2 a record of the orginal letter

continuing to record letters from my kids

this one came from my youngest

it arrived in the mail in July of 2007

written while she was at basic training

I am amazed at the woman she has grown to be

faithful, available, and teachable

she called this past week with a 97% score on her training

she is soon to be deployed

Hey Everybody!

Well things have changed a lot now that I"m at Charlie 787 (my basic company). The drill sgts, are yelling at us a lot of the time. My bed needs to be made a certain way and my wall has to be set up in a certain way down to folding socks! Today, I'm at sick call cause my right ankle is swollen. I'm praying that it doesn't hinder me starting basic tomorrow. I would be very sad. I miss you all so much. I really hope you guys can all make it down here for graduation. It doesn't seem like it right now but once I get started that day will come quickly. Please be praying that I stay strong thru the first couple weeks cause that will be the hard part. The drill sgts aren't as bad as I thought they would be, but then again I haven't gotten into trouble yet. There is a bit of broken up rubber right in front of our barracks where we get smoked. Yesterday we were out there for 20 minutes and it was super hot. Chow is always fast, but its good. I don't know if I'll be able to write within the next couple weeks but please send mail. I don't think I'll be able to call either, My bunk mate, Hubbard is really nice. She's from Alabama and is obsessed with corn. Please let Kelley know that I will be getting my M16A2 (my rifle) next week and I'll be naming it "Syd". The drill sgt said we have to give it a name and a reason for naming it what we did. Syd will be my motivation because I cannot wait to meet him. How is Adam doing? Do you guys know if he'll be able to leave treatment for a couple of days to come down? Please don't forget the number one with the circle around it cause I will get smoked if it's not on there. Sorry about the message yesterday mom, I was just really sad that I wasn't able to talk to anyone cause it will be a while before I get to call again. The barracks are really nice. I don't think they are that old, and they are well kept. Last night I had my first CQ shift. Hubbard and I had to mop the steps, sweep the sidewalk, and pick up trash. I went back to the bay (where we sleep) afterwards to finish some laundry. Oh, let Adam know that they didn't cover our heads, but they made us close our eyes on the way to C 787. Please give Carrie and Jake my address. Once I'm done with basic, I will ask my drill sgt about getting a pass to come home to see Sydney. I should be finishing up basic mid September if I start tomorrow. I got my basic photo taken and I'll have the copies of it in 6-8 weeks. I decided not to do the tough look, so I smiled. Dad I've only cried once so far and it was yesterday when nobody answered. Lisa, I miss boot camp, cause soon enough, my workouts will be a lot different. Well, I appreciate the prayers and thoughts you guys. I miss you all so much. I'll write again when I get the chance. I love you guys. 

p.s. Good news ... I just got done with the doc and I just have to ice it 3 times a day and take some meds ... I'm starting basic tomorrow.  Ash

#3 An embrace and a smile

These are the times we will miss ... times of family, love, embraces and smiles ....


As I think forward to the next few weeks I realize our youngest daughter will leave us to deploy, to fight for our freedom, to serve our country and our "one nation under God". The question I receive many times in a week now is, "How are you doing as a mother?" I don't always know how to respond but I know that I released this one to God some 23 years ago and it is for this reason that I spend some time tonight sharing one more letter from boot camp 2007.

Dear Family,

Hey you guys! I miss ya'll like crazy! There has been quite a few interesting things that have happened since I left the great state of Minnesota. I've been at reception battalion with the 43rd unit. There has been a lot of waiting and barely any sleeping. ha ha! I got here at 12 am on Thursday morning and they had us doing stuff 'til 3:30 am. Once we got to the barracks, we had to shower and get our beds made while it was dark. I got to bed around 4 am and wake up was at 5 am. I got a lot more sleep on Thursday night. Today our Drill Sgt. told us that 20 of us would have the opportunity to go to a rodeo on Saturday night. He went thru everybody and had people guess the number he picked. By the last five, he picked out something in the book that we would have to do. The first thing he asked was, "Who can sing the Army song?" I rasied my hand, and he picked me. I stood up, sang it loud and got a ticket!! So tomorrow, I get a break from base already. Woo Hoo! I got my uniform today. It made me feel really important. Seriously, I feel honored to put this uniform on. It's hot as heck, but that's OK. The girls are nice and so are the guys. I'm actually going to church on Sunday with one of the girls. Please keep praying that everything keeps going well. I love you all so much. I'll write you again as soon as I know my address!

Ashley

wow, guess Ashley said this is the second time I posted this letter so ... next week a new post with a new (old) letter!

Dear Dad

Been home reading my Bible and thinking a lot about family again tonight. Even went to the photo albums to just enjoy pictures of the family. Then I went back into my archives of letters and reread some. There is just something about reading what has been written in the past that brings to mind God's faithfulness to our family. So here I post a letter from a son to his dad while in treatment at Teen Challenge!

Dad,

Hey thank you very much for coming today. It was nice to chat with you. Well I want to give you this 20 dollars for March. I gave you that last twenty for Feburary so this is for this month. I am so excited for what the Lord is planning for me in these last few months at Teen Challenge. I am so blessed that I got in here and am truly thankful for the decisions on you and mom's part to give me the much needed nudge. Well, I hope you feel better and that your visit to the VA goes well on Monday. God bless and I love you. Something I am doing for that class with my mentor is this week in the morning and night, praying that prayer of Paul in Eph 3:14-21. I personalize it and it is very helpful.

I love you dad, Adam

#2 Accelerated Program

Phase Red Day 2


Dear Dad and Mom,


I'm coming to the end of my 2nd day. It's been a little more challenging now that I have actually started basic. I got smoked for about twenty minutes the other day 'cause my battle buddy talked during chow. We were in the pit today for a while too. I hope everything is going well at home. How's everyone doing? Yesterday I had a really hard time 'cause the drill sgt. got right in my face and screamed. There is this accelerated program that they select 20 privates to go thru a quicker training and usually graduate 5-6 weeks early. I'm going to try my hardest to get into it. They make the decision after the third week. If you guys send me anything please make sure it's stuff I need, like calf high white socks, soap, deodorant, toothpaste. stuff like that. I get to go to church tomorrow.I'm so happy. Hopefully I'll be able to call you guys soon. We will be getting our weapons soon. They don't give us much time to do stuff we want so I have to write this letter in class. Privates are just asking questions so it's not big deal. Please write soon. I need to know that all of you are doing well, It's important to me. Please pray that I'm able to prove myself to the drill sgts so I can  come home sooner. It's my number one goal right now. Tomorrow I get to sleep in until 6 am. I'm happy about that. After my first 3 weeks, I have a chance of using my cell phone a little bit. I miss you guys so much ... so so much. It's pretty sad 'cause I haven't even been gone for 2 weeks. Well I don;t know what else to say. I guess I'll just talk to you guys when I do. I miss you all and I love you Ash

I am happy to be thinking already mid May about Memorial Day

(a time when we remember our soldiers)

In honor of this time of year I am writing and posting past letters home from my soldier

who is set to deploy in the beginning of 2012.

At one time that seemed like a long time away

but now it seems closer than I really want to think about.

Feel free to read some other great posts by women

impacted by the war here:

Investing in Women who will Invest in Women

I went on a bike ride tonight ...


I could not stop thinking about our last meeting tomorrow night. How even though it's our last meeting it could be just the beginning for our guests.

Maybe they have read the word but have never studied the word. Maybe they have studied the word but have never applied it to their daily life. Maybe they have no real deep friendships ... women who will pray for them, cry with them, and invest in them.

Real Women has changed my life and my hope is that it has changed yours too and as Andrea has said that we will be prepared to thank and praise God for the amazing things He has done in us this year.

I have a dream that one day every woman at NHC will be engaged in the study of the word through EX 2:2, Generations Bible Study, Precepts or Real Women. What are you dreaming?

Sometimes I wish I could just articulate my heart for women who are younger, women who are older, and women who come from different backgrounds, cultures and upbringings. Women who are married, single, widowed and divorced. I have a deep desire to make disciples of women who in turn will make disciples .... And I can't think of a better place to do this than Real Women.

I have so loved this year knowing that I am "doing life" with Judy, who mentored me so many years ago before WBS. And with Kathy, a dear sister who I have prayed with long before Real Women. And with Karen who graduated with me and helped me through my study in EX2:2. And with Sally, a new person to NHC and a new friend and ministry partner.

Thank you ladies for investing in women. It is my hope and prayer that each of you will continue the path of Real Women that you have started or continued this year. You are loved!

In His Arms,

Beth

"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need." C.H. Spurgeon

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