December 26, 2004

12-26-2004
Hope that you all had a great Christmas. We were able to spend part of the day with my sister and her family. They seem to be doing as well as can be expected. Jeremy was able to talk to them on Christmas, but he was rather groggy and didn't make a lot of sense. But they were still grateful to hear his voice. They also talked to him again this morning. Again, he was groggy, but able to communicate. I told my sister that many, many were praying and she said, "We know that - he wouldn't be doing as well as he is without those prayers. I don't know if he would even be here without prayer." Keep those prayers going.

Jesse was able to drink a little water and was able to talk to his nurse. His nurse has been very kind to Sid and Paula and she dialed home so that Jesse could talk to them. Jesse was groggy, but just to hear his voice was so encouraging to them. Sid said, "That was the best Christmas present we could get." Sid and Paula are so thankful for your prayers, calls and concern.

Adam called home about 8:30pm to wish us a Merry Christmas. He was going to try to call home earlier, but the line was 2 1/2 long, so he waited for it to be a little shorter. He sounded pretty down and wanted to know how everyone was doing. He, of course, is really concerned about them all. He did open some Christmas presents. He said that the Christmas Tree he built was gone now that Christmas was over in Iraq. We asked him what the green was that covered the tree was and he said it was sand bags. Then they spray painted the red and yellow balls on it. He was especially proud of the Eagle Globe and Anchor at the top - the castle carved in the globe is the symbol of Charlie Company Engineers. He had received our Christmas package and actually waited until Christmas day to open it. He said that they got the day off on Christmas Day. They had an inspection this morning. It was taking them all awhile to get ready for that.

Please pray right now:
1. For Jeremy, Jesse, and the rest of the injured and their families.
2. For safe travel of the Marines to the states and safe travel of the families to be reunited with their Marines.
3. For Gunnery SGT. Howard - it is his job to talk to all the families and keep track of what is going on with them. He is doing a great job. Pray for his family - he has been spending most of his time taking care of needs of the families.
4. For our Marines and soldiers in Iraq continuing the fight for our freedom. Pray for wisdom, alertness and assurance as they do the duties assigned to them. For God is keep his hand on each one - that they would feel God's hand on their shoulder.
5. For our leaders here and Iraq - for wisdom and clarity as they determine the plan and orchestrate troops.

We are so thankful for each one of you.
In Christ's love and protection,
Jill