Holidays...

Dear Friends,

I am going home for the holidays, but the funny thing about "home" now is that it is not all in one place. 22nd-23rdDEC I'm in Chicago. 24th-26thDEC I'm in Ohio. And 27thDEC-02JAN I'm in Chicago again. Anyway, work was crazy this last week. Washington has no idea what to do when it snows so we actually had late call every day for work, and one day work was completely cancelled. The Army had a snow day- lame right? So now all but one of the roommates are already gone, and I'm really just trying to get some last minute things done before I leave. Our house's Bible Study is also taking leave until we all get back in January. I'm sure that we'll be ready to go, though, once everyone gets back

Life right before the holidays has ended quickly with a flurry of crazy work days, Christmas parties, and good time spent with the housemates. And now there's really only one thing left to do. I'll end with a list (not all inclusive) of people I'd like to see over break. Mom, Dad, brothers (and their respective families), Micah, Steve, Brad, Adam, Ben, Ann, Amy, all cousins and uncles/aunts in Chi-town, and anyone else I may be missing. Keep in touch!

Escape the Mainland...

Dear Friends,

This weekend was one of the best so far here in Washington. Luke, Tim, Isaac, Jamie, Andrew and I all took the ferry to Anderson Island this weekend. It was awesome to get away with the guys especially since we'll all be going our separate ways soon for Christmas. The house we stayed at was epic: a fire stove to heat, plenty of room, and a family of tamed deer who seemed to really like Luke. We also ended up eating at the island's restaurant and relaxing away the majority of our weekend. It only took us about 20 minutes to drive all the way around the island, and it seemed like everyone there knew everyone else. To top that off, the snow finally came this weekend. It's very unlike this part of Washington to snow in December, but we'll take it. I'll consider it an intro to the winter I'm sure awaits me for me Christmas Break in Chicago. Anyway, I have 5 more days of work, and then leave begins. Should be fun!

Promotions and Other Stuff...

My Company Commander Pinning On My Rank

My Battalion Commander and I

Dear Friends,



I have mostly good news to share. Within the last 2 weeks I have been promoted to 1st Lieutenant, received my new platoon sergeant, and been able to run several shooting ranges including my first mortar range. Work has definitely been enjoyable. Unfortunately, I was supposed to be going to Combatives Level II school for the next week, but I was pulled from the course last minute due to overbooking. I'll get to go eventually though.



The new Bible Study that my house has been starting is extremely volatile...we have 12 guys out one week and then 6 the next. We're hoping and praying that God gives us a couple core guys to really build the study off of. In the words of the famous movie, "We're looking for a few good men." (2 Tm 2:2) Life is incredibly busy, but I am enjoying Washington. I can't believe that I've been out here for over 6 months already...and over 1.5 years in the Army! It's crazy. I'll see all you Chicagoinians soon. Until then!