Top Ten List for 2011

10. Christmas Letter

The pain and suffering that goes into writing a Christmas letter is hard to fathom (we know you secretly agree!). Trust us though, when we say that getting this completed at all easily qualifies it as a "top ten" moment for our year!

9. Chapel

Despite waning numbers of families to fellowship and grow with as well as waning numbers of chaplains, along with the indefinite end to children's church, we committed to staying with the base chapel. God brought a new chaplain on staff, committed to our service and ready to work. Since then, the body has grown inwardly and outwardly, children's church has been re-established, and the Holy Spirit is moving. Praise God!

8. Dignified Transfer

The war(s) has taken its toll on our family as well as many others. This was more apparent than ever late April 28th when David stood in the rain with hundreds of other service members to honor eight fallen Airmen during a dignified transfer at Bagram Airfield. He remembers where he was when he found out about Bin Laden's death and where he was when the last Airman left Iraq, but no time stands out as poignantly as those cold moments that brought a pause to the six and a half month deployment he was engulfed in day and night.

7. Travelling/Visiting with friends

Arguably the best aspect of the military life is the potential for finding old friends just about anywhere one travels. This was certainly the case during a 4700-mile, 13-state road trip we took during October and November. Spending a week at the Sulhoff Family Cabin in South Dakota's Black Hills was a much needed respite for everyone. And seeing firsthand the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and rebuilding in New Orleans brought great perspective to us and the kids. Still, the true highlights of the trip came from visiting Rachel's Grandmother, many dear friends from our first assignment (the Rensch's, Cecilia, Leonard) and multiple families who have grown with us (the Chambers, the Eckarts, Geof and Kyle. Our only regret is that we could not visit with more!

6. Giving

Giving has always been a priority for us, but being released from the bondage of debt in 2006 provided more opportunities than ever to share our gifts with so many others. In that regard, this has been an exciting year for us as David promoted to the rank of Major, bringing home a little bit more "bacon" to share. In addition to financial gifts that will go without mention, David was blessed with the opportunity to give his time in service to the Bagram chapel as a Praise Team leader and Rachel was likewise blessed to share her time as a teacher for AWANA. This is a conviction and a joy for us and we pray that even in these lean times, your family will discover new and exciting ways to increase your joy through the sharing of your God-given time, talents, and "tokens."

5. School's In

Home education is a full time job with a crummy benefits package. There is no paid leave, no medical benefits, no additional staff to assist with the load and the hours are at best fluid and unconventional. The home educator is principal, teacher, hall monitor, nurse, lunch "lady", coach, cheerleader, and friend all rolled up in one – oh, let's not forget parent as well (makes for some interesting parent-teacher conferences…) This new year brought great growth by way of kids who have finally "bought in" to the idea and a fabulous homeschool cooperative we joined this fall. Here we met with like-minded and driven families once a week to provide some semblance of a structured schooling environment while capitalizing on the strengths and experiences of every parent to serve as subject-specific teachers.

4. School's Out!

For the first time in 28 years, David has zero school hanging over his head and keeping him from being available mentally, emotionally, and physically to the rest of the family. This happened after he completed Air Command and Staff College via correspondence, a mandatory Professional Military Education course that all Majors should complete. Halleluiah!

3. Homefront growth/healing

Rachel discovered the cause of several health issues she had been facing. God has begun healing her body through informed friends, even more informed doctors, medicine, nutritional supplements and changes in diet. This change alone has given her so much more energy and mental capacity, leading to a much more productive homeschool. After pushing a year and a half, Hannah Joy Sulhoff has finally decided to be completely potty-trained. Her parents are very relieved!

2. Family Gatherings

Over all the years and duty stations, we have only grown closer to our families. Though it is sometimes difficult, we make it a priority to spend time with both of our sets of parents and siblings. This year Rachel and the kids spent July in GA and AL visiting mostly family, but a few friends as well. Cousin's Camp was the highlight of the trip. Riding a four-wheeler, playing foosball and ping-pong in the "man-cave", shooting at targets, swimming, jumping on a trampoline, campfires, skits and just pure playing with their cousins could not be beat. BorderTown, a weekend retreat focusing on God and men/boys encouraging one another was an event this fall at which all of the male Sulhoff's were in attendance. Since moving to the southeast, we have always shared in Christmas traditions with both of our families and will this year as well.

1. Reunion

Living months on end without your spouse is difficult. Sometimes, living with them is difficult, too, and we (like everyone else) are not exempt from miscommunication or arguments. However, being together as husband and wife/father and mother and operating out of the same home, is the best thing in the world. Our family has begun a new chapter and David being home with us daily, being the man he is, has changed everything for the better. His homecoming was unequivocally the best moment of our year.

David's Telling of the Trip

Our recent tour of America's heartland is over and we racked up some serious miles and lasting memories. I am continually in awe of the great land that we inhabit and of the Americans who keep it great. Some facts from the trip:

States traveled through: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana.

Friends/Family visited in: Sedalia, MO; Rapid City, SD; Albuequerque, NM; Clovis, NM; and Bossier City, LA.

Interesting detours: Bellevue Bridge over the Missouri River in Nebraska (my Grandfather's A/E firm designed/built that bridge over sixty years ago); Minuteman Missile National Historic Site (my AF Squadron forged the path to turn these facilities over to the National Park Service during my time at Ellsworth in the early 2000s); New Orleans, LA (we followed a driving tour of the significant Katrina event locations - a very sobering glimpse of a very devastating time)

The route we took was 4,000 miles even (by Google standards) and we actually covered a little over 4,700.



Seen throughout New Mexico and Texas, these wind generators dominated many of the horizons during several long drives.



The South Dakota Air and Space Museum at Ellsworth AFB replaced a previously displayed 1/3rd scale B-2 Stealth Bomber model with this full-scale B-1B Bomber, retired when the B-1B consolidation took place.

One of our huge tasks as the cabin was to replace a set of two 12-foot blinds with canvas coverings - the job was a huge one and Rachel was well up to the task to make it happen; we even lugged her sewing machine all the way from Florida specifically for this.

Crazy Horse Memorial, a monument to all Native American tribes still in the making after over fifty years, is an awe-inspiring carving of an entire mountain. The picture doesn't do complete justice to this massive project but to give you an idea of the size - imagine a four-story building fitting inside the hole in the mountain, because it could if they tried it.

The mountains of Southern Wyoming loom high at the end of a long two-lane highway that took us through the quaint town of Lusk.



No, it's not Las Vegas - this is the Memphis Pyramid Arena, aptly designed as a reminder of the town's Egyptian namesake.

Andrew and Hannah rake up leaves at their Great-Grandmother's house in Sedalia, MO.

The massive door, adorned with the art from previous crews, would seal off the missileers during the Cold War alert days at this Launch Control Facility for the Minuteman II Intercontinental Ballistic Missile outisde Rapid City, SD.

I loved the contrast from this picture take on the interior loop of Bandlands National Monument.

Distance signs from Wall Drug have adorned wooden signposts all over the world and here the kids are, riding a Jackelope at the infamous watering hole on I-90.

I took several pictures in the Badlands, but none were as seemingly "set up" as this one - the Bighorn Sheep is framed perfectly by the Badlands and the horizon - all I had to do was take the picture.

The Shrine of Democracy (known as Mount Rushmore) is one of my favorite attractions in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I've been visiting my whole life and it's a wonderful thing to share now with my own children.

Of course, nothing worth sharing is worth sharing without my favorite travel companion of all-time - Rachel. She has put up with my "detours" and crazy mileage days beyond my understanding.

Interestingly enough, it's not over yet - though we are back in Florida, we will leave in one week again to drive to San Antonio where we'll spend a month while I'm on temporary duty at Randolph. The fun never stops!

Holding tank headaches!

Sunset over St. Andrew's Bay from the cockpit of our 1976 Irwin 28 MkIV

Rachel piloting the Irwin through the Gulf swells - that's Panama City Beach off her right shoulder

Hannah asleep in the v-berth, Rachel asleep on the starboard settee, and A&E watching a movie on the port settee

Rachel and the kids at the drop-down table after night fell

In case you aren't aware, we decided that one sailboat wasn't enough so we spent some savings on a craigslist post for a 28' sloop just a couple up the miles from our home.  The boat is overall in great condition considering the price and the age (1976) but there were some maintenance things that needed to be taken care of and the toilet holding tank was at the top of the list.

The Irwin smelled even after a good airing out, new dehumidifier, clean carpets, and washed seat cushions.  All that remained to clean out was the flexible holding tank which more than likely held sewage from when the boat was first commissioned 34 years ago.  The problem is that you can't just dump that stuff overboard - you have to either find a dumping station at a marina or go three nautical miles offshore to be legal - guess which one I chose. . . 

So, we left at around 2 PM and returned by 8 PM and although we didn't sail a whole lot, we returned with an empty holding tank and some valuable experience.  See, the marine head on this boat has several "Y" valves which allows me to dump my toilet into either the holding tank or straight into the ocean or dump my holding tank into the ocean or a deck cap for dockside emptying.  It is complicated and messy so we've decided that the six hour jaunts just to legally empty our holding tank are not worth it.  We will be replacing the entire marine head system with a Thetford 155 Porta-potty with removable holding tank.  Yes, we'll have to empty it every time we are gone for more than a few hours but we can empty it into any toilet rather than specific dumping stations.

I hope it all works out!  I'm sick of telling my two year old, "no, you can't go potty".

The Last Few Weeks...

David's family to support him being awarded the Bronze Star

Cole and Nathan Bergren back from DC to visit us

Rachel cleaning her dirty kitchen floors--what a difference!

All three sleeping as we drive from one family's home to another.

Elizabeth riding a dirt bike with her cousin Caleb

How have we spent our time? Packing, cleaning, painting, swimming, traveling and visiting friends and family. We've had a really blessed time. Thank you, Everyone, for making time to work us in to your busy lives! We enjoyed our time with all of you! Here are just a few pictures. I really regret not having a picture with every single one of you!

Hooded Sweatshirt

Every once in a while, an article of clothing comes along that is of very little consequence at the time but ultimately becomes a cherished item.  That is the case with regards to a gray hooded sweatshirt that we bought at a small local dive in Northern Canada.  We were driving through the Yukon Territory on our way to Alaska when we stopped to stretch our legs at a small diner/gas station at one of many continental divides throughout North America.  The sweatshirt was hanging and seemed like a fitting purchase to remember our trip as it not only bore the embroidered logo of the place we had stopped but would also keep me a little warmer considering the more northern latitudes we were entering.  So, I bought the shirt, put it on and we went on our way.  That was the summer of 2003 and seven years later the sweatshirt is still keeping me warm and casual.

You may have seen the above picture in the slideshow on the right but there is really a lot more to the story that meets the eye.  Yes, I'm in the photo with Rachel (my wife) and I am wearing what I now call my "concert shirt" - the aforementioned sweatshirt.  From the picture you can tell that we were probably at a concert and we left with a few souvenirs.  This is all true.  What is not shown is that it is a Third Day concert - the first one ever in Fairbanks, AK and the second one ever in the entire state (the Anchorage show was two days earlier).  We bought front row tickets the minute they went on sale without knowing we would be hosting the band themselves for a base tour on the eve of the concert.  The tour went well and it was a real blessing to give back to a group of men who have given us so much.  The pick, drumstick and program with guitar chords to "Cry Out to Jesus" were tokens of appreciation from the band that we'll always cherish.

The sweatshirt has accompanied me to several other concerts including Jeremy Camp, Bebo Norman and the Music Boat.  I wish I could hear the stories of those days and nights from the sweatshirt firsthand - I imagine it would have a slightly different perspective.

In Him,

A Whole Lot of Love

I am weeks away from coming home now and the year has been amazing! Still, there is a lap left and I would be remiss to not ask everyone to continue praying for my safety as well as Rachel and the kids during these remaining days.

Still, I am thankful. I am thankful for the prayers more than anything else. They have sustained me through some very difficult and dark times since getting to training in November, 2008 and I know they will continue to sustain us as we prepare for a much longed-for reunion.

I am also thankful beyond words for the generosity poured out to Rachel and the kids while I have been away. Everything from lawn mowings to surprise baby-sitting just for Rachel's sanity has been more than we could have ever asked for. Thank you.

I would also like to say thank you to anyone who sent anything over to me. In some ways its a hassle - you gotta fill out the insurance/customs papers for the USPS and you gotta pay for the items and then pay for postage. And in a lot of cases you knew full well that the only thing I could really do was relish in the love that was sent over seas and then send it straight back to the house! Regardless, you sent it - and you sent a lot of it! The above picture shows only a fraction of the packages and letters I received over the last year. I debated over whether or not to publish a list (I've kept a pretty good one so far) of everything I've received and who sent it, but I know that no one sent anything hoping for any special notariety or privilege so I will let those who sent stuff know who they are and instead relish in the joy that comes from giving in love.

A few more weeks and (Lord willing) I will be on my way home. Thank you all again!

In Him Always,
David

"Fire Night"

The kids call it a "fire night" when we have a fire in the fireplace. Last night we did this in addition to making cookies! They were really thankful, which says volumes to this tired Mommy! We had a great night together! I hope you and your family are working hard to make time for togetherness as well. Even if it's wrapping together, shopping together, or a quick cup of hot chocolate or tea together for a few minutes a day. Merry Christmas!!!

Rachel

I am back in Afghanistan

And I have been for almost two weeks.

The last 130 days are slowly ticking away and I am starting to finally get back into the "post-leave swing". I've started several projects lately and I have a few more left to start in the hopes of getting most of the concrete work done before winter sets in.

I am not travelling as far as I was before the break but I am travelling about as often. The air is getting a little clearer as the cold sets in, but it is still a drastic difference in air quality from the North Georgia mountains or the Gold Coast of Florida.

I have been exercising more lately, running almost every other day. I also use the stationary bike and occasionally workout on the rowing machine. In general though, I still feel like I need to lose a few pounds.

Every day I am comforted by my Creator and my life is made perfect by His grace. It is a hard concept, grace; but it gains importance in my life daily. I am constantly reminded that I am saved by grace alone and that anything good that comes from me, actually comes from Him - driven by His grace.

In Him,
David

Waterscape Condominiums

Waterscape - the website sells itself! I love this place!

Rachel, the kids and I just spent our second vacation at this huge complex on Okaloosa Island, immediately of Hwy 98 after crossing into Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It is situated right on the Gulf and within a short drive to all of the main attractions in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

The architects who designed this place had the upper-middle class family in mind and made sure accomodations would be comfortable and amenities plenty. The horseshoe shape of the building ensures that the main recreation area, complete with "Lazy River", waterfall, gym, BBQ grills, three pools, two hot tubs, and plenty of seating would be protected from most of the wind as well as a lot of the sun. Of course, being situated on the Gulf, the white sands of the resorts private stretch of beach are just a short walk over the wooden walkway. This proximity means that some rooms come with a grand view of the Gulf of Mexico. The architects designed every unit to angle towards the Gulf, so even rooms that are on the inside of the horseshoe on the bottom floor have a good chance of seeing the water. The resort offers free internet in seemingly all rooms (bring a Cat 5 cable just in case your unit doesn't provide it) and a free movie rental kiosk that allows each room to check out one free video at a time.

Here are some tips before visiting:
1. The best rooms for accessibility to the amenities are definitely the interior, bottom floor units. The largest units are closest to the Gulf, though they are a little further from the pools. When selecting a room, remember that the recreation area is two-levels, so the room you would want in the lower level recreation area would be a first level room. However, the upper level recreaction area has second level rooms opening out to it. The website has a terrific map that you can use to decide which room you want. Make sure you pick your own room with the ResortQuest agent when you call!

2. Go after labor day! These are very expensive condos and the rates drop significantly after the peak season. Plus, the amenities are more available due to a smaller crowd. You will lose some access to a lot of the fun things in Destin due to them closing their doors for the "winter", but you will not lose the sun or the relaxing.

3. Call the resort to see what they recommend bringing. Under the auspicious of saving money, they had not stocked the room we were in last time with enough toilet paper or liquid soap (powder dishwashing detergent is provided to wash the dishes in the full kitchen's dishwasher). I also recommend bringing laundry detergent for longer stays.

4. Because you are renting a condo, the management is not run like a resort. There is no daily maid service, room service, or a concierge. The front desk (when they are open) will help you with local area questions and local eateries will deliver.

5. Bring pool toys, floaties, etc as well as beach equipment (don't forget a kite!) Umbrellas and beach chairs are provided free of charge and kayaks are rented out. Also, it may be fun to have a cookout one night at one of the poolside BBQ grills, however an easier picnic with sandwiches is just as fun.

6. Sodas on site are expensive ($2/16.9 oz bottle)! Bring your own, but avoid glass bottles of any variety - they are not allowed on the pool deck.

7. Don't plan too many extra activities off-site. Relaxing by the pool or building sand castles is a perfect way for a family with young kids to save money while enjoying their time together. Other than eating out one meal a day, we went fishing from the pier, geo-caching, mini-golfing, and to a movie. I think anything else would have been too much for the time we were there (5 nights).

I hope you'll take my advice and stay there some day - it is really a nice place for young families to relax, refresh, and build memories.

In Him,
David

You Wait in Kuwait

That's about it in a nutshell. I am currently in Kuwait waiting for a flight back to Afghanistan (not that I'm too anxious to return). My stay on the way over for R&R (Rest and Reconstitution) was very short - less than a full 24, but the stay on the way back has already passed 48 hours with no end in sight. My best guess is that I'll be on my way within 72 hours.

There is plenty to do here, however. I've got mutliple sources of internet access (obviously), a 24-hour DFAC (Dining Facility), KFC, McD's, Subway, movies, books, games, and decent transient sleeping arrangements. All in all, it's not a bad gig. The best part is that the weather has been very mild for the area due to being here in mid-late fall versus the middle of the summer.

Still, I'd rather be at home. The 15 days with Rachel and the kids was all too short, though very well spent and very appreciated. Rachel and I spent a week by ourselves in a cabin on Lake Blue Ridge with our sailboat, Sundae, tied up at the dock just behind us. Then we picked up the kids and shared some very terrific time with both her family and mine before heading to Florida for a week on the beach at one of our favorite vacation destinations. The resort we stayed at is called Waterscape and it is wonderful. It has five different pools, two hot tubs, and it is right on the Gulf with it's own white sand beach.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement over the last year since getting tasked, trained, and deployed. We have a few months left before being fully reunited. Until then, I'll try to keep you up to date.

In Him,
David

Counting down. . .

In just a few short days I will be with Rachel again. Granted, leave will be very short and I will still have several months left to finish out my tour afterwards, yet I am still excited. All of my gifts have been bought and/or sent home and most of the preparations for what should be a very relaxing and rejuvenating two-week vacation spread out over three states are complete.

The last 198 days since leaving Montgomery have been fun, difficult, and rewarding altogether. The 15 days with Rachel, the kids, and our families will hopefully be, more than anything else, refreshing!

In Him,
David

"They say it's your birthday!"

Wow. I never really expected to have such a great birthday 7,000 miles away from home and yet God provided! He provided in so many ways but more than any other, in the love that was evident in care packages, notes on FaceBook, and messages left on Skype. Rachel sent a half sheet of her freakin'-awesome cookie cake and my mom sent all the trimmings for a rockin' "Transformers" party. Thank you, everyone for making this a special day.

A "Transformers" party in my office, complete with an amazing Confetti/Angel food cake that my mom had shipped from GA! She may have forgotten forks (something that we are definitely not lacking over here) but she made sure to include icing, 32+1 candles, hats, a "Birthday Hero" ribbon, the "Happy Birthday" banner, plates, napkins, and those funny things that roll-out when you blow into the open end. This birthday was definitely more than meets the eye!

My mom also sent several presents, probably the most exciting of which was a copy of The Reagan Diaries". Reagan is quickly growing to become my favorite president and one of my favorite leaders. I can't wait for this semester to be over so I can devote a lot of time to exploring this man and specifically his devotion to God and his wife even more.

Finally, but certainly not least, I received special letters from Rachel and all three kids. I am not sure why this photo uploaded like this, but maybe that's how Hannah Joy really wanted me to view it! Anyway, along with these special letters from each of them, I received framed 5x7s of each of the kids and enough Mentos to open a 7-11!

In a strange twist on the typical birthday fare, at least three folks sent me care packages that also had two-ply toilet paper! I guess there are at least a few folks reading my blog!

In Him,

David

Andrew can swim!

(MP) - I am thrilled to announce that a summer of swim "team" practices paid off in a HUGE way just a couple days ago. Andrew (6) swam the entire length of the pool (25-meters) by himself! At the beginning of the summer he could not even swim on his own at all! I know Rachel is trying to post a video of this great feat, so stay tuned!

My 30th Birthday!

Well, it was a wonderful day. I got flowers from David (aren't the peonies gorgeous!), wonderful friends watched my kids so I could go to dinner and a movie with another dear friend, and I had tons of Happy Birthday calls and cards. Here is a picture of me with my little cake the Golarts got for me--yummy! Who could ask for more (except David home, of course!)? Thank you, all, for a wonderful day!

TRAMPOLINE!!!

(MP) - Thanks to some wonderful Air Force friends who are moving away, we now have a trampoline in our backyard! I'm sure Rachel will post pics of it soon (along with pics of the kids piled on top of each other). Even though I'm thousands of miles away, I'm still excited! I may stop at the house while I'm on leave just to get a quick "jump" in!

Two of My Many Heroes

Mother's Day is a wonderful time to support worthy causes throughout the country such as FTD, Hallmark, and Russel Stover's. For me, it's a great time to reflect on two heroes in my life who happen to both be mothers.

Rachel

No one on this Earth is capable of filling the void that would otherwise be in my life right now like my wife of eight years and sweetheart of fifteen. Yes, she may go ballistic if I don't put my dishes in the washer, but put her in the toughest of situations and she is calm, cool, collected and a much better decision maker than me! She is everything I could ever imagine or dream of in a wife and mother and I am thankful for the work God did by bringing us together.

Mom

Unlike my wife, I had little choice in who I was stuck with for a mother. Sure, there were times I even questioned my place in her home and made the "run" away only to find myself back on a plaid couch, comforted by Mom. Mine is the quintessetial mom. She may have raised six kids but she made each of us feel (in just the right proportions and at just the right times) like we were her only child. My Mom had a temper! Hooo-ee! But, no matter what, she always demonstrated to us her love for our dad (the best lesson she taught me) and no matter what, she would always find a way (any way) to keep the family moving forward.

I really don't know how either one of them does what they do. Maybe it's really not for me to ask. Rather, I am supposed to just honor them and thank them for being who God called them to be.

Jeremiah Sulhoff

"God will uplift"

On 28 April 2009, Jeremiah was born into the hands of God. Five days later a very small gathering of family members honored this tiny life during a short graveside funeral in Montgomery, Alabama. We never really knew him or his desires or his talents. But we know this, God did. Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1 remind us that God is aware of our innermost being even before we are born. Although we mourn our loss, we can rejoice in His gain. Jeremiah lived a life short of the usual selfish desires and temptations that plague all of us. Yet we still recognize that he was also saved by grace and not by any work of his own. He received the inheritance of sin through me and Rachel and nothing can change that. But he also was received by the Lord as the Bible promises those little ones a place in heaven.

I'm saddened deeply that I was not with Rachel and the kids during this difficult time. God still provided though, in the way of family and friends at my work, our church, and in nearby Atlanta. Thank you for being there for her and the kids. Thank you for being there for Jeremiah. Thank you for answering His call.

In Him,
David

Afghanistan

Well, I am almost there. Yes, I know - I'm in Afghanistan, however I still am not at my home for a year. The air is filled with a crazy amounts of particals and smoke, but the mountains are beautiful (when you can see them). The food is hit or miss and the accomodations are better than one should expect in the middle of a war-torn country. More than anything, though, I miss my family and the sooner I get busy with work the sooner that becomes the one thing that constantly invades my daily thoughts. Wish me well as I cope and pray through this tough time. I think of friends and family often, and you can rest assured that you are in my prayers as well.

In Him,
David

Guten Tag

Yes, I am in Germany right now. I'm waiting to board for our next leg on this yearlong journey in the making. So far the flights have been OK. I've eaten four times in 10 hours and my indigestion is getting the better of me - thank goodness I have an aisle seat! We've had several movies and several more to come.

I still think wifi is just about the coolest thing in the world - just an hour ago I video-chatted with Rachel and all the kids (even Hannah put in her $.02). They are well, but I miss them tons already - and it's only been 3 days!

We stopped over in Iceland and I watched a pretty amazing video that presented many of Iceland's amazing landscape and regions. What was more impressive than the movie was the projector. I have no doubt it was a very high-end DLP as the image was easily a 30-40 foot diagonal image and the clarity was unbelievable! It made me eager to save and prepare to drop some change on an upgraded model for our home after I get back.

Well, that's enough for now. I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to posting again!
God Bless!

A Psalm for me, now.

Psalm 91:14-16

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Lying in bed alone far from home, these words comfort me. It will be at least seven months before I see Rachel and the kids again as well as the rest of my family and friends, but I am determined to not shaken by the duration ahead. Soon I will begin a very long journey to my home away from home for the next year and these words (along with many more I hope to devour) must stay on my heart and mind every minute as new and unique challenges present themselves.

I almost must continually remind myself the same thing that Larry Boy had to remind himself in his tussle with the Bad Apple - that I can't do it alone. God has put a support system that is unrivaled to comfort, encourage, bless, and support Rachel and me during this time that He wants us to use. He also wants us to communicate regularly with Him about what we are going through mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and so on.

So yes, the words of that Psalm comfort me - but in reality, I'm not alone tonight. I am surrounded by His presence and the prayers of a countless army of spiritual warriors standing in the gap for me and my family, and I am thankful.

In Him,
David