In Iraq!

Caller I.D. didn't make sense as the phone rang a second and then a third time... Finally it clicked in to just answer the phone.  How quickly I forgot that military phone calls from a war zone never make sense on caller I.D.  I'm glad I listened to the still small voice and answered the phone.

It was Lcpl. Anderson.  He was calling from Al Asad Airbase just west of Baghdad, Iraq.  I almost didn't recognize my own son.  He was very tired and didn't even know what time it was.  It takes a little getting used to communicating with a delay, but after just a few moments we got in the groove. Not only was he exhausted from working 15 hour days, but imagine the jet lag going from Hawaii to Iraq!  

Him and some fellow Marines went to Iraq earlier than the rest of the Battalion because of being Data Network Specialists.  They've been working hard to get things set up before the rest of the Marines arrive. He is anxiously awaiting their arrival as they won't be given living quarters until the whole Battalion is there.  So for now the early arrivals are sleeping in tents on cots.  It might not seem like much, but its better than sleeping in the sand with a ruck sack for a pillow... at least thats what I think.  Up on a cot is way better than on the sand... where crawly things can find you... like the HUGE CAMEL SPIDERS that are notorious in the deserts of Iraq. (Google Camel Spiders and you'll understand what I mean!)

I guess Jordan experienced his first sandstorm a few days ago.  He said the sand blocks the sun, so it didn't get as hot as it normally does on a clear day. (anywhere from 100º–115º during the day)  I imagine its just the beginning of many interesting experiences he will have over the next several months.  I hope to share his adventures, challenges and prayer requests with you.  He thought it was cool that I would blog about his deployment, so I hope you will leave comments for him here.  He said he will check up on us from time to time... when he has the time.  So say Hello to him when you get a chance.  I'm sure it will be fun for him to read.

Thats all for now.

blessings abundantly,

Military mom