August 21, 2004

Rod got a call from Adam this morning about 10:30 am. Adam let us know that his base was bombed during the night (that would have been yesterday for us). He said that no Marines from his company were injured, but he did say "We lost some good Marines." We are so thankful that he is OK, but are grieving for the parents who are finding out now that their sons are dead. It almost makes me feel selfish. I just have to pray for those families. I have been watching the news all day, but haven't seen anything on their base. Adam said that he is leaving on a convoy and won't be able to contact us for 2 weeks. He was pretty shook up when he talked to Rod. They were only able to talk 3 minutes. Sometimes the commanding officers tell the guys to call home and let their families know that they are OK before it hits the news. We are thankful for that.

Please pray for
1. The families of the Marines lost in the explosion. Pray for the Marines in their units and their concentration and ability to continue the fight.
2. Pray for the chaplins dealing with families and Marines.
3. Pray for Adam for calmness and alertness as he leaves for his first mission. Pray for protection of the convoy. Pray that they would each feel God's protective guiding hand.
4. Pray for the leadership of each unit.
5. Pray for the leadership of our country.

This is hard for all of us. I was with Ashlee and Jason today and that helped a lot. Rod was at Promise Keepers in St. Louis and I know that he had support there also.

We are so thankful for the prayers you each offer on the behalf of Adam and our other Marines and soldiers fighting for freedom.

I'll update you as soon as I know anything else.
In Christ's love,
Jill