Santa Sighted...No, For Real

Santa and I...Proving That Santa Is One Tough Guy Visiting Even IRock

Small Victories As An XO...Such As Finally Getting a Shipment Of Chairs In

Tyson and I...Tyson Has Become a Good Friend and a Person I Work With A Lot

Dear Friends,

Last night was Christmas Eve. My commander, a couple other buddies, and I were gathered around a toasty fire enjoying cigars. Then suddenly we heard it...a distant sound of Christmas carols. The sound got louder and louder mixed with the roar of a Stryker's engine. Finally, we saw it...our Battalion Commander had brought a special Christmas mail shipment complete with Christmas music blaring and Santa Claus...( Santa had complete tactical gear including body armor, rifle, and full combat load). It was great. I told Santa that all I wanted for Christmas was to be home with loved ones...he said "Next year my friend." In the end, this holiday season has been especially great thanks to packages, letters, and videos from back in the states. Thank you to all who remembered me this winter. Your support is incredible

In other news, Bible Study continues to go well. There are several guys who I consider regulars now...SSG "V", SPC Hardin, and SPC Hudek. I have also developed a good relationship with one of the interpreters..."G" is what I call him. He has had quite a life, and I enjoy hearing his perspective on Jesus and Christianity. God has surrounded me with more support here than I expected. Christmas Day chapel service was also great today...learning about accepting the light that came into the world over 2000 years ago.

Thank You's

Mexico...I Know I Missed the Wedding..But If They Ever Figure Out Time Travel...

A Dog By The Pond...Paradise!

A Beautiful Michigan Sunset...What Does Snow Look Like Again?

Dear Friends,

This week has been quite encouraging. There has been a huge increase in my mail! I got 4 packages from my parents (thanks for the gifts!), a package from Ann Karl (completely surprised me...thanks for thinking of me), a package from Steve Magee (protein bars and protein shakes...you know me too well...but where is the Vitamix?), a video message from Kate (always appreciated), a video parody message from Kate's brother (imitation is the best form of praise?), a letter from my Brother and his family, a letter from my aunt Joyce, a package from the Stolls, a letter from the Lewis Navs family, and a whole bunch more. Your love and support is overwhelming! I do not expect such gifts, but I do greatly appreciate them. You all are great! Things here are rolling along at a fairly steady pace. We had to cancel Bible Study this Thursday, but during that time I did get a chance instead to talk one-on-one with an old Soldier of mine...his name is Dayne. He is incredibly interested in Jesus and actively pursues Him. However, he is definitely in need of some teaching, encouragement, and direction. I hope that God uses me for that purpose in Dayne's life and the lives of a few others at our small base.

Okay...so I included the above pictures as an idea of where I wish I could be right now. Ski season, winter fires, and loving family await me in less than 9 months! Until then I appreciate your continued prayers...they are reaching me half way around the world. Bye!

Blog Update...The Family Edition

Brother Brandon and Family With the New Edition!

Brother Chris and Niece (Whitney) and Nephew (Tristan)

The Newly Weds

Dear Friends,

I figured that I'd include some pictures from the many recent big family events for the Fahs' in recent months...a new addition with my niece and a new sister-in-law! Already during my short time in the active Army I have missed much in the lives of my family and friends...my cousin's wedding, three good friends' weddings, my brother's wedding, niece being born, my own b-day x 2, holidays, parties, and a ton more. However, I do not feel cheated when I really consider how much of a blessing the Army has been for me. I continue to love my job...even though the majority of my work is now "admin"-related rather than the exciting daily missions of a platoon leader. Even being away from friends and family has its benefits. Most will never know just how great a reunion feels after a year apart from those you love. Life continues to be good to me. By the way...today has turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day in the capital city here!

The Bible Study also continues to grow and gain strength. The guys really have been energized by watching this movie "The Bema Seat". I push in as much of the Word as possible too knowing that we could easily get off track by just making it a "movie study". However, God is using this movie to spark discussion. Our time in the Word after the movie benefits from their excitement and interest. God continues to do great things here. Please continue to pray for us here. Until next time!

Just More Pics...

Bruce Campbell and I...Yes The Star of "Army of Darkness" and Now in the TV Show "Burn Notice!

My Commander at a Recent Ceremony...CPT Roberts is a Strong Believer Who Is Great to Work For...God is Blessing Me With His Leadership and Mentorship

p.s. SEE two posts below this one...I did a special about the "Dogs of AQ"...It was started back in November, though, so it isn't posting towards the top...I'll write again soon.

Holiday Love

School Day...Making My Visit With the Police to the Local School

Soldiers Serving Children Food...Another Picture You Won't See In The News

Me and Some Locals After Some Hot Chai Tea!

Dear Friends,

Thank you all so much for sending me videos, letters, packages, and all other things that are good this holiday season. I'm trying to get out some cards of my own, but unless you send it by the 6th of December there's a pretty good chance that it won't get to the states by Christmas...oh well...I'll have to get moving. In other news I finally made it to the big base after many weeks of letting my hair grow out of control. In addition to getting a much needed haircut, I was able to eat at the big, nice cafeteria. There's really no substitute for that food here in Iraq...we do our best at my little base, but it is truly a treat to fill my belly with the goodness of the big cafeteria.

Anyway, we just started watching a movie called "The Bema Seat" this past Thursday at Bible Study. The response was incredible. The movie is about a man who is retelling his life in a monologue from heaven after the rapture. It's a great low-budget film that struck a chord in everyone who was there. It was revealed that some of these Soldiers weren't even sure whether their salvation was guaranteed...saying that they thought they could loose their salvation if they "messed up" really badly. My commander and I spent a long time taking the group through scripture talking about the assurance of salvation after you commit your life to Christ. It's funny how easy it is to sometimes get a response out of people...just relate to them (in this case we used a movie...something all Soldiers relate to since movie-watching is a preferred past-time for many while deployed). God continues to work here in IRock. I'm almost 3 months into this deployment, but I believe God is just beginning to teach me His lessons this deployment. Luke continues to do well too. I'm gonna go ahead and post his mailing address in case any of you want to send him Christmas letters as well. Please continue to pray for me and the men of Able Company...we continue to be protected no doubt as a result of your prayers. Thank you!

CPT Luke Calvert
HHC, 4/2 SBCT
APO AE, 09344

Numbers And Stuff...

Rubbing Shoulders With The Locals

Operation Port-a-Potty...Yeah, Its Delivery Was An Actual Mission

Another Beautiful Fahs Girl...Mallory!

Dear Friends,

My job involves a lot of numbers these days...OE254, 1523E(U), M88. These all represent pieces of equipment that I'm constantly trying to make sure that we have. Sometimes it can be frustrating, but who else can tell you everything and anything about a RL39. Ha! Anyway, life continues to chug along. I have a pretty good routine...traveling around a couple of the days each week with enough tasks to keep me busy 'til the end of deployment. There's never a boring day for me here.

The Bible Study also continues to go along well. We have our regulars, but we are trying to get the word out to more people. Recruiting at the Sunday chapel service is a good start. I know that there are more hungry folks here on the base. I just need to seek them out. In other news...well, honestly there's not much other news...oh wait...that whole being an uncle x 3 thing...my niece is absolutely beautiful. See her picture above (Mallory). I'll miss her first few months, but it will be great to finally meet her when I get back home. I miss you all. Until next time!

My Dogs...

Recent Pic From Our Company's Patching Ceremony

Courage Living Up to Her Name...Hiding In a Corner

Dirty Getting a Night-Time Snack

Duty and I After a Hard Day's Work

Dear Friends,

I can't remember if I mentioned before that we have three dogs here at our base. Well, we do, and all the Soldiers here love them. They all three have very distinct personalities. Courage is the only female, and she does not live up to her name. She is very shy and skiddish until she warms up to you, but once she does she is very sweet. She looks almost like a yellow lab. Dirty lives up to his name. He is a scraggly looking dog always playing in the mud, but he has a great personality...energetic, funny, and super friendly. His name is definitely a term of endearment...everyone likes him...unless he sneaks into the cafeteria (which is the one place the commander forbids him to be). The third dog, and leader of the crew, is Duty. He is a burly-looking dog with a very protective demeanor. He goes out on foot patrols with the Soldiers and barks to keep civilians away. He's actually doing them a favor...making sure they don't walk where they aren't supposed to. Most here say that Duty is their favorite. I personally like all three. Overall, these dogs are a source of comfort and release for most of us here, but we're trying to figure out what to do with them after we leave...we'd hate for them to become "wild dogs".

Okay, so it is the Holiday season...which can make deployed life difficult for some. I am blessed to have family and friends back home sending me all sorts of Christmas cheer. Thank you so much for your support. Also, remember to not feel badly for me...I love my job. Most people can not honestly say that. Deployment continues to be a blessing for me as relationships grow, my faith is tested, and we continue to finish the work America is doing here. I will write again soon. Until then!

p.s. Kate, you can tell your brother that his video is hilarious...I think that someone once said that imitation is the ultimate praise...so Charlie...thank you.

What Day Is It?

One Of My Favorite Pic So Far...Soccer Balls to Kids In Local Village

Me With Local Villagers and Police

Local Police and Me After a Meeting

Dear Friends,

My job is busy. That is the closest to a complaint that you will get from me. Other than that work is rolling along. My routine is wake-up, read the Bible, work out, meeting, and then work until 10 or 11pm. It makes my days go by very quickly leaving me asking...what day is it?

In other news, we are moving the Bible Study to Thursdays. I have been having a lot of people come up to me this past week and want to talk about spiritual stuff...the Bible, why I am different than other Soldiers, or maybe even just general advice/questions. I guess God saw me ignoring those around me with all the other distractions...so he just brought them to me. An unfortunate report, however, is that one Soldier who had been coming out and asking a lot of questions left the base because of a bad ankle injury requiring surgery. I'm hoping I can touch base with him again when we return back to WA.

What else? The weather is going south in a hurry...cloudy, cold, and rainy. It makes everything more difficult...especially rolling down side roads in Strykers...our recovery crews are getting a lot of practice getting vehicles (Strykers, fork-lifts, port-a-potty cleaning truck) unstuck. Everyone is still safe though. I'll write again soon!

Hard Week To Pick A Headline...

Giving The Thumbs Up...Before a Mission

PLT Before Training Day

PLT After a Tough Workout

PLT During a Pre-Mission Briefing

Dear Friends,

Much has happened in the past week or so. Let's start here in IRock. I "lost my job" but really got promoted. I say "lost" because I will no longer be leading a platoon on missions. I'm now the XO of my company, the executive officer, or the 2nd in command, or the logistics whiz, etc. Long story short...this is the next step in my career, but it is hard to say goodbye to a job that I've loved and had for over 14 months. They are still in good hand though...the new PL seems like he'll do well. The pictures above are all of my old platoon...good bye my dear Soldiers!

What else? My brother Chris got married in Mexico (destination wedding), and try as I might I never got through on the telephone. My dad sent me pictures via email letting me live vicariously through those who were with him. Everyone there looked like they had a blast. Chris...when you read this...tell the new Mrs. Fahs that I love you both, (she looked beautiful), and I wish that I could have been there.

Also, I saw Luke again. He's doing well, but I think we could both benefit from some more prayer...specifically still that we would get 3 months together during this deployment. I also have an update about my friend Tina who has been ill for the past few weeks. Although she is still recovering, she has improved and is sending us all encouraging reports. Thank you to all who kept her in your prayers (we did a global prayer assault on this one...IRock to WA).

There is more to say, but I commit to keeping posts short...I know that there are only so many minutes in a day. Overall, I am busy learning my job, but I am ready to do it. Thank you for your continued prayers, mail, and support!

Back With a Vengeance...Kinda

Dear Friends,

After 2 weeks of battling the "bug" I finally feel as though I am beginning to win the war over this mystery illness. The body aches, fever, 3-day headache, etc. have all but subsided leaving me with an eagerness to begin the rebuilding process. Hopefully I can take it slow though. Nothing like getting back into your routine too quickly. Anyway, life is good. As you can see I included a couple of my favorite pictures from deployment so far. Not everyone in IRock likes Americans, but most do. We give them soccer balls and other stuff. That's really all the kids care about here...soccer balls and gatorade. You probably only continue to hear about all the crazy attacks in this country, but know that much progress is being made too. There has already been much good done...good that will allow Americans to leave this country for good in the near future.

In other news, I saw Luke again yesterday. It's nice being able to make your own mission schedule. You can pretty much go where you want, whenever as long as you have good reasons. Luke just happens to work right next to my commander's office, the big store (PX), and the good cafeteria (chow hall) on the big base. These are all good reasons to visit every couple of weeks. I continue to pray for 3 months living next to Luke though. I read in Luke 11 today about the boldness of prayer (SEE right after the Lord's Prayer). I continue to try and be bold. I will leave you with the most important thing on my heart right now. I have a friend Tina back in Washington who has fallen very ill with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Please pray for her encouragement, quick recovery, and safety during this struggle. Tina, we here in IRock are praying for you too!

p.s. This post is like a week old...I also still haven't been able to post the pictures I've been meaning to...I'm working on it...here's my words for now.

hello

First Reunion With Luke In IRock After a Month Apart

LT w/ His Mortar Team At a Certification Range In Kuwait

Me and One Of My Team Leaders Minutes Before My First Time Off Base In IRock

Dear Friends,

I promised you more pictures, and now I have them. I will make this post a little short though because I have a busy night ahead of me. Plus, I plan on making another post in 2 days. I've had a lot of missions these past 3 days keeping life busy yet rewarding. My next post will be dedicated to those missions that the American public doesn't hear about...the part about how IRock is doing well in many places...and how the people here mostly like us. The news will tell you something else. There is good happening here, and I get to be a part of it with my guys. Anyway, we have Bible Study again tonight so please pray that it goes well. I continue to battle this "bug". It usually hits me hard for a couple days...then goes away...only to come back again. I'm hoping that I just need to drink a little more water. I will write again soon!

You Could Call It a Good Day...Really Good

1st Bible Study

The Lewis Group Right Before We All Scattered

Blast From The Past: Go-Karts At Jamie's Bachelor Party

Dear Friends,

You could call October 13th a "good" day. We went back to the big base to get haircuts, buy some stuff, and take care of some business. While there I was able to link in with Luke once again. I woke him up (he's on the night shift...a day-sleeper so he calls himself), but we still chatted for about an hour in his "house". It's amazing to realize just how much I keep inside when I don't have close, Christian friends around me. It's like a period of honesty whenever I get together with him. In short, Luke is David, David is Jonathan.

Also, the other thing that made this a great day was that the Bible Study officially got kicked off. When I first showed up I was the only one there. By the end of the hour we had six. I was laughing earlier about how God says, "For where 2 or 3 come together in my name, there am I with them." (Mt 18:20). Well, He gathered 6. They ranged from one of my Soldiers, my Commander, an NCO, and an Interpreter. I was very encouraged. The spiritual attack on the study, however, was blatantly obvious. I woke up feeling like I got hit by a train...I seriously cannot remember feeling so sick in the past year. In addition, a meeting right before the B.S. went long causing me to have to push it back an hour. Finally, the fliers I put up around the camp all got torn down by someone (it has been quite some time since I've been persecuted for my faith...I'm praying specifically for that person). In the end, I have finally made a move. I believe God is rewarding the effort...as feeble and misdirected as it may be. I've learned through my time in the Word recently that God rewards men of action. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! Until next time...

Still Rolling...Most of the Days

Brother Chris and Future Wife After His...3rd or 4th Marathon

Mom & Her Dog...Shall I Call It Researching?

Dear friends,

My guys and I continue to roll out on missions everyday. I usually thoroughly love it, and I appreciate all your continued prayers for safety. I feel confident and assured everyday. Also, thank you to everyone who has written, sent packages, or dropped a fb message. It is encouraging to know that I am loved and thought of by you all back home. For someone who prides himself with being fiercely independent, I have grown to enjoy your support!

In other, more important, news...I talked to my commander about starting a Bible Study this week at our base. He was completely on board and said that he was actually meaning to talk to me about it. I'm shooting for this Tuesday as our first meeting. It's not gonna be anything huge or spectacular. I really just want to see who is hungry for God's Word here...and at the same time get a little fellowship going. I believe that I am going to see God do amazing things.

On to other things. I haven't been able to talk to Luke in almost 2 weeks now. I have a feeling that they are working him into the ground. However, he did send me an encouraging piece of information. He has been meeting with and working out with a guy who now is eager to start reading the Bible with Luke. I believe that God is blessing his efforts despite being very busy. Luke and I are still praying that we get at least 3 months together at the same base during this deployment. You can add that to your prayers too. It is specific and bold, but I figure that people have asked God to do crazier stuff. I'll write again soon but know that I am enjoying life right now.

p.s. I just realized that people have been leaving "comments" on some of these posts. Sorry that I have not replied to you...especially to Steve...I know 3 Steve's. I love all 3 of you though.

I Have Better Living Conditions In IRock Than Dupont...Seriously

Praying For Brandon Peterson Before His Wedding This Past July

Two of My Favorite Girls In The World...Whitney(Niece) and Parents' New Dog

Dear Friends,

I don't want to hint at all that this last year in Dupont was not enjoyable...it was actually quite the opposite. I loved living with those guys even if it meant sharing a house with 6 others. I truly have never experienced community like I did with Luke, Isaac, Eric, Jamie, Mark, Steve, Tim, and the many others who stopped by. I miss you all...but this place I'm now at is awesome! Seriously, it's awesome here. They have pretty good food (fresh fruit, milk, etc...everything I need), a great gym (dirty with all the rustic workout equipment I desire), plenty of space, and my own little room. I haven't had my own room in 7 years! Ha! Internet and phones are also good...so communication shouldn't be a problem. I have everything I need here...and we're finally starting to work!

In other news, my time in the Word continues be strong...Judges, I Corinthians, and Luke continue to bring the heat. My new goal is to start a Bible Study this week. I would like prayer that the word would get out to the right people...people that God has been preparing for this base. I don't want to limit God and what He has in mind for this place...I just want to be a part of His work. I hope to report good news next week.

p.s. I continue to take sweet pictures with no way to post them since my camera-to-computer cable is in a packed bag right now. You'll have to enjoy a few pictures of the past right now.

Reunion With Luke...

Dear Friends,

God finally made it happen. I was able to make the 6 mile hike across several bases IOT link up with Luke. It was completely "ordained". Luke was in the middle of switching schedules and had about 5 hours free which he normally wouldn't have. I also had the day free leading to a great afternoon of catching up and much needed, strong fellowship. He is an incredible encouragement to me. I've learned the true meaning of Pr. 27:17 through him. You can pray for Luke as he continues to work very long hours in a very demanding job. We both agree that we have received undue favor in the eyes of our commanders and those around us. God is blessing us for something big. We can only hope to live up to His uses. Our consistent, bold prayer is for 3 months together (everyday in close proximity) sometime during the deployment.

Work continues to go along well. We are pretty much ready and waiting with random tasks here and there. The guys look good yet uncertainty bothers the majority of us. I'm claiming Isaiah 26:3 and its promise of peace. I'll write again soon!

IRock! I'm Not Conceited...That's Just How I'm Spelling It.

Right Before A Range In Kuwait...It Wasn't Too Hot Yet at 6am.

A Kuwait Sunrise...Told You It Was Beautiful!

Dear Friends,

I am indeed now in IRock. Please don't feel bad or worried for me...yet (j/k). I'm still at one of the big FOB's in the capital city waiting to move to a smaller base. They have wireless internet (for a fee), gyms, and an awesome dining hall. Seriously, I guarantee that I'm eating better food than 99% of you out there...except for Kate, but she's a nutritionist...kinda unfair for me to challenge that. Anyway, living conditions are a little cramped, but apparently the next base will be quite nice...and relatively safe. Truth be told "we" are not really the main targets anymore. The danger is always there, but it seems like not much is happening here during the draw down. Most of the time I feel like I am back down in Louisiana doing training. The realness has not yet set in. I imagine that will come in the next few weeks.

Anyway, this will probably be the last time I mention anything about what I'm actually doing here for missions. Just know that I'm doing well and that I feel your prayers working. I'm trying hard to figure out a way to get to Luke sometime this week. Despite being on a connected base, he is very far away (like miles). God will provide an opportunity though. Okay, so here's my address now...it'll also be on the side margin of the blog once this post gets pushed down. Send whatever...letters, good books (I've been reading a ton already), love (can you package that?), and anything else you'd like. Thanks to all who have been thinking/praying for me!

1LT David M. Fahs

4/2 SBCT

HHC, 4-9 IN

Mortar Platoon

APO AE, 09344

A Time Of Firsts...

Dear Friends,

I can describe the past 7-10 days (I think that's about how many days I've been here?) as a time period of firsts...my first sand storm, my first 110 degree day, my first encounter with camels, and of course my first time outside the continental U.S. It started off rough as I constantly had to ask myself, "Is this real life?" Time zones switched, my body revolted in response to a lack of sleep, and my mind grew clouded as I tried to stay on top of all the changing plans that were coming down. As of right now we are just waiting...

God has been answering my prayers whether I want Him to or not. I prayed that I'd have at least one spiritually centered conversation a day with someone, and the way this has been fulfilled has been almost comical. My vehicle commander will ask me a question over the radio like, "Why is there pain in the world?" as we cruise down a dirt road at 45mph. Someone will see me reading my Bible on my bunk, and they'll find out all about what I'm reading at that time. I still pray for more opportunities and boldness though. I feel spiritually fat here as I constantly take in the Word and Prayer during rich devotionals on a daily basis, yet I don't always "work it out" through conversations with others. Anyway, I can't post pictures yet, but trust me when I say that I already have some good ones. You should see a desert sunrise!

p.s. My mailing address will be posted on here in less than 24 hours!

Germany...Yah?

Dear Friends,

I finally made it across the Atlantic. We are currently somewhere in Germany, and this is quite a momentous occasion for me. It is the first time I have ever stepped foot out side of North America. Everything is a little strange here. The "Y" is in a different place on the keyboard. They also insist on putting strange alien symbols like Ä, §, and Ö on all the signs instead of English words (someone told me this was "German" writing...strange, I didn't know the Germans were aliens). Anyway, I have a feeling that the culture shock will only get more severe as I travel further East. I should go now...they are charging me 0.13€ per minute and I'm not sure what a "€" is (perhaps this is the intergalactic dollar sign?). Wish me luck, and I will write again as soon as I am able!

The Day Has Finally Arrived...

Dear Friends,

The day HAS finally arrived as I sit here at Bangor International Airport in Maine. I'm awaiting the flight that will take me across the great Atlantic into Ireland and then beyond. It's funny because I've anticipated this moment for more than 7 years since I first started ROTC at Wheaton College and the war was just ramping up. However, I have almost no anxiety about the situation. True, I have been pleasantly distracted for the past month not allowing my usual self to get anxious, but that's not the entire story. God has given me a strange peace about the whole situation that has allowed me to actually be excited about rather than nervous about my changing situation. God is going to be doing amazing things this next year, and I get to be a part of it.

As I close this post I can't help but think of a story that Luke told me about his return from his last deployment. He tells about how beautiful the Maine landscape looked as his flight touched down- blue skies, green trees, and gorgeous lakes. It was pretty emotional for him since he had spent the previous 3 months deployed. I too look forward to returning in a year...but a year of service and hard work will make it all the more enjoyable. Pray for me...these are my 4 main prayer requests right now.

(1) To stay in the Word and Prayer daily as part of a personal discipline.
(2) To find fellowship quickly and stay connected with other Christians in my unit.
(3) To be bold in sharing my faith in Jesus whenever possible.
(4) Protection for my guys.

2025...The Rise and Fall of a Broken Empire

Steve Magee and Me During a Washington Sunset

The Team At Camp Muir: 10,500 ft

Dear Friends,

2025 Garry Oaks has officially disbanded. Luke deploys this weekend and I follow about a week later. We've actually already moved out of the house into Mark Lee's new place down the street. It is a temporary home for most of us given our upcoming schedule. We had our last meal together at McNamara's last week since Tim was leaving for 2 weeks vacation. It has been quite a ride here the last year, but I have to confess that it has been the best year of my life so far. It has been so rewarding and fueling to be around guys who share common interests and a common goal to tell others about Jesus. I hope that I can find a similar situation when I return in a year. It has been great.

In more recent news, I finally visited Mt. Rainier this last weekend with a few friends. We hiked from Paradise to Camp Muir which is the base camp for everyone going to the peak. It was cold, windy, and breathtaking. The ascent was a smoker, but the descent was a blast as we tumbled down the glacier snow as fast as we could. Who knew that you could ski with regular shoes? Anyway, this Thursday is my Brigade Ball which should be fun, and then Friday is my going away party with Luke. It will be another full weekend.

Recipe For Vacation...

Cousin Jeff, Sis-In-Law-To-Be Sara, Bro Chris, Mom, Me, Dad, Cousin Ingrid
The Crew Right Before One Of The Many Amazing Home Cooked Meals!

Me (Sporing My Hicksville T-Shirt), Cousin J9, and Her Husband Aaron

Dear Friends,

Let me give you all my recipe for a 2 week vacation:

- Start With 1 Part Sleeping in to 10am Every Day

- Sprinkle Some Kettle Bell Workouts and Protein Shakes

- Add About 2 Hours of Reading the Bible and Other Good Books

- Thrown In Some Visiting Friends and Family

- Stir Vigorously With Steak Dinners, Jet skis, and Pond Watching

- End With Being So Relaxed That You Forget to Put On Shoes While Leaving the House

This has been my perfect vacation right before my year long vacation. I used to think that vacations meant sight seeing and activities 24/7. I now know that my life has enough adventure during the normal days...I simply need time off. Thanks to everyone who had the ability to come and see me in Hicksville. You made the vacation. I'm sorry for those of you I missed. We'll try again in about 14 months. Also, I will be around until early September so there is still time to call me and catch up. Until then I will be out in Washington making last minute preparations. Hopefully it's not too crazy though. Until next time!

I Can't Escape The Heat...At Least It's Sunny Though

For Those Of You Who Have Been Wondering...What Does David Travel In?

Dear Friends,

If you have seen the national weather reports, then you know that it is abnormally hot here in Washington (daily in the 100's). You may think, "No big deal." However, you are forgetting that temperatures are so mild in WA that only about 5% of the houses and buildings have AC. I feel like I'm sleeping in a sauna. The good side of that is that weather is absolutely beautiful during the day. We have definitely been taking advantage of the sun by going to the coast, playing frisbee, and doing all sorts of other activities which give us an excuse to get outside.

The guys in the house and the Bible Study continues to go well. I always see new faces coming out which surprising considering all the people leaving for deployment. I am going home to Ohio this Saturday and will be there from the 1st to the 16th of August. My plan is to do nothing but relax, read, and entertain whatever guests drop by. Hope to see you!

Beautiful Weather!

Dear Friends,

Presently the weather in Washington is beautiful...60s at night and 80s during the day. The sun is a familiar friend and the rain is a rarity. I am a little disappointed that I will end up missing the majority of the Washington summer with all the traveling I'm doing, but I'll enjoy it while I have it. In other news, work is very easy right now in comparison to the past few months. There's usually something to do but hardly ever any late nights. I'm trying to take advantage of it. We are supposed to get some new Soldiers soon...we'll see what sort of crop they are.

My roommate Isaac got engaged this weekend to his now fiance Lindsay. It was pretty cool. He proposed at one of the local beaches and then took her back to our house where we threw a party. The rest of my weekend was spent pretty low key. I'm still trying to recover from June! I'll write again later.