Just another day

Have you ever seen that episode of The Simpson's where there is a contaminated lake that everyone in town ignores? Well this lake actually produces crazy three-eyed fish and other monstrosities. Where am I going with this? We have a lake like this. Only ours is in between the chow hall and the sidewalk. Every time I walk to breakfast, lunch or dinner I pass it...gag a little and continue on. I almost stepped in it the other day because it was 104 degrees and blowing sand so hard I literally could not keep my eyes open...even with sunglasses on! Close call.

I haven't been traveling much these days which has been good...but somewhat boring. The 9 to 5 used to be something I wanted. However, these days I find that getting out and talking with people is what I love the most. I love waking up and not knowing where the day will go. In that respect, Iraq is good...you never know what will happen.

On a good note, I have been seeing my girls and growing hero more often. I have working Skype in my room now. At first it was somewhat unreliable, but it seems to be more steady now. I am so proud of all of them. They are true amazon women. lol! They do it all without me and make it look easy. I am truly blessed.

I received a harmonica in a care package from the Kennedy clan in Lubbock. Jeff and Sally knew just what I needed. I have been giving it the college try, but it turns out playing the harmonica is hard! I play guitar by ear, so reading music is beyond me right now. I have traveled around the world, learned foreign languages, spoken with politicians, generals and insurgents...but this harmonica is going to be the end of me.

Elections just passed here in Iraq. Everyone is on edge awaiting the results. Not unlike the U.S. There are talks of a recount already... remember Florida anyone? We will see what this new regime ushers in for this country. We will cut back gradually this year as you all know. However, I will not be cut back anytime soon. Although the President has put his foot down about leaving soon, we still have a lot of work to do over here. All of you should know that we have made a significant difference over here. Know that no matter what reason we came over here, we are definitely leaving it better than before. People have hope here now. They will have to work for it, but at least they have a choice now. Continue to pray for the U.S. troops and civilians here. Afghanistan is in the headlines, but Iraq is far from over. Stay behind us...all the way to the end.

-Jerm

There's Never Enoug. h

There really isn't is there? Time I mean of course! I am working 12-15 hour days with little to no time off over here and the scary thing is I don't want more time off, I want more hours in the day so I can get it all finished! I have been so busy which has helped time to fly by. I received my first and second care packages since I wrote last. My girls sent me a great box with posters for my room (hand made of course!) a dvd player and some sweet cards and snacks. They really know how to make it better over here for me. Now my walls are bright and cheery instead of plain old white. It's the little things you know? In this care package they also sent me my lighted shower mirror. I know, I know...a little crazy right?! However, not a week after I received it I used it! Not because I remembered to take it with me for my long walk to the shower, but because when I arrived at the shower trailer there was no electricity. It was pitch black, so I walked back and grabbed the only thing a man's man would...a lighted shower mirror! It worked perfectly and I actually got to take a shower by myself because I am sure no one else thought to bring their lighted shower mirrors! I also received a great care package from my friend Brian's family. They sent me macaroni and cheese snacks along with some beef jerky and a magazine. It was really thoughtful of them considering I have never actually met any of them before.

Since writing last I have traveled around southern Iraq fairly extensively. I took a week and headed out to see what there was to see. I rode on several helicopters. Some had good pilots and some had monkeys flying I think. There was a girl who lost her lunch on one ride just before I had to get on. She came off, helmet in hand and looking worse for the wear. It was a bumpy ride, but I held in there! There really isn't much to see here...from the ground or the air. Lots of sand and dust blowing around here lately. Makes for some muddy gum chewing you know?! I have been trying to relieve some stress by going to the gym when I can afford to take the time. It's tough with so much to do though.

Good news for me! I finally have skype and internet in my room! I have been able to see my girls a few times and have seen Lindsay rather frequently lately. She looks so beautiful carrying my son doesn't she?! Eight more weeks and he'll be here! I can't wait! Come on Mason! We're waitin' on ya! God is so good to us isn't he? I thank Him every day for His blessings and ask Him to watch over my family while I'm away. (Although I know He does when I'm there anyways!)

Well, I had better get back to work here. Thank you all for your support and love. Look in and call my girls when you can! They need it more than me!
-Jerm