Family Day Tour

A week ago this past Monday, Dave's company commander invited the spouses out to take a tour of the training area and to see first hand what the guys are doing in BOLC III (or as some call it FA OBC). Here are some pictures from the day. It was a dreary day, muddy and rainy.

Above is Captain Hanson and his 13 yr. old son Harrison.

Above is one of the guns Dave is learning how to operate. They shot a few rounds off for us to watch, I believe it went about two miles. The Wildlife Refuge is on the other side, so they have to be very careful not to shoot it too far or it may take out buffalo. This is a 105 mm Howitzer and has a max range of 33km.

In the truck are the rounds being used.

Dave is actually sitting down at the gun about to shoot it. We had to stand across the street so as to avoid any hazards associated with blowing stuff up. It stunk he got a first hand view. j/k

Above are some of our neighbors one building over. I have a horrible time saying their names... I think it is the Kubasiak's.

Above is Dan and Alleen Van Horn. They live a few miles away.

Dave, Falls, and T. I cannot say T's name either. He is Sumoan and I have a horrible time (he's from Hawaii). I believe you spell it Tuisamatatele. Sorry T!!! T has been going to church with us every Sunday and has been such a huge help when it comes time for the guys to do homework. They finish with class anywhere between 4 and 6pm and usually have about 4 hours of homework.

This is Ethan. He is on some of the previous posts. His wife Jen and daughter Ellie live in the same building as us but on a lower level. He is working the rain gear and doing FSO (Fire Support Officer) duties: calling for fire. Poor Ethan is the one we constantly are bothering to borrow his lawn mower. He and Jen are dear friends whom we thank the good Lord for placing here with us. His daughter Ellie gives the Gerber baby a run for its money.

This is Victor Fields, but we call him Vic. He and his wife Nicole live about half a mile away just on the other side of the golf course. They are awesome people, as well. He has some killer ups in ultimate Frisbee.

This is Joanna and her family. I forgot their last name...I am a horrible neighbor. They just moved in down the road about 5 buildings down. Super nice family. Spanish is her native tongue, so I will attempt to have conversations with her and will fail massively. =)

That's all the news that is news. Enjoying each day the Lord blesses us with and the friendships we have. The people here really are so warm and welcoming. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. =) We miss you all and love you very much.

Hot days...

I know many of you are in the South and understand how hot and unforgiving the sun and humidity can be. This morning Jon was out running doing PT when his drill srgt. called out "Tyson fall out!" to which he responded he was fine as he bumped into guys and stumbled. Little did he know his core body temp was 106.5!!!! I think you can die at that temp! Praise the Lord they wrapped him in ice sheets and got his temp down to a healthy 98.

UPDATE: The next evening Jon was sent back to the hospital with another high temperature. I do not know the technical terms, but his muscles started breaking down releasing protein into his blood stream. The extra protein is overload for his liver and kidneys. I'm not sure what all that means, but I know it isn't good.

Please pray for Jon: a speedy recovery, no long term damage, and for the Lord to prepare his heart for whatever may happen next.

Wanted to keep you updated on the family and thank you in advance for partnering with us in prayer. I'll let you know everything I know as soon as I do. Thank you again, we covet your prayers. Love you and God bless you!!!

Talked to Jon this evening...he is feeling much better. =) Praise the good Lord. Thank you for your prayers.

Return from the House of Mouse

...and friends. =) It is so good to be home with my husband and pudgy pup. Ruth was so cute, she peed on the floor when I walked in b/c she was so excited. Don't worry, Dave didn't greet me the same way. He showered me just like Ruth, but with kisses. There are better pictures on Niki and Leah's blog. Click on the link below and to the right.
These pictures were taken with my cell phone and are not the greatest quality; however they will give you a sneak peak. I took lots of pictures, just not with my camera. We are compiling all pictures/movies onto a DVD and I will post better pix later. The Lord blessed us with BEAUTIFUL weather, lots of entertainment, lots of walking, and great fellowship (when the kids were sleeping...hehehe...j/k).

Above is Cinderella's Castle, but it isn't the real deal. I saw the real one while studying abroad in Spain in 2003. I will have to get my external hard drive out and pull up the real picture so we can compare. Still love it, though. =)

My beautiful niece, Leah R. Haynes (aka: Princess Unicorn). She is the girl above, not Shamu and child.

Above and below are pictures from Sea World. This was my 6th or 7th trip to Disney and my first to Sea World. I could have spent all week at Sea World...cute little fellas. I LOVED IT!!!! I didn't get to see the sea lion or dolphin show. =( Bummer.

So, my sweet sister (Niki) asked me a great question..."How do you know when a Killer Wale is having a bad day? or how do you know when he/she is in a bad mood? Do they give you warnings before they swallow you whole?"
I'd still love to work with these fascinating creatures. The entire time I watched them gracefully dance about the water I had this overwhelming thought in my mind...all creatures of our God and King cannot help but glorify the Lord. They eat, sleep, etc., but they perform their job/purpose for being on earth whatever it may be...they have no choice. Which begs the question, "Do I?" It was awe inspiring and humbling all at once. We serve an awesome Lord, the One and Only.