January 13, 2005

January 13, 2005 Adam called very quickly yesterday. He called in the morning and Rod talked to him. He really just had time to get Jesse's phone number. He really wants to talk to him. Jesse was in surgery most of the day yesterday, so I imagine he didn't make contact, but now that he has his number they should be able to talk. Adam did say that things are slow on Al Asad - he wishes it was busier. Time moves too slow when he is not busy. Jesse's surgery went well yesterday. He is pretty uncomfortable, but they are working to get medication right. We need to keep praying. Jesse would love to get cards of encouragement. Please don't send any balloons, flowers, etc. They can't have them - too much chance of contamination. Mail is very helpful and encouraging to him right now. His address is: LCPL Schertz, Jesse J Brooke Army Medical Center 3851 Roger Brooke Drive Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234 Also, (Jesse's mom) Paula's birthday is on Sunday, January 16, 2005. If you want to drop her a card - I'm sure she would love it. We did get an email from the commander in Iraq requesting that we stop sending packages to C Company as of now! I think that is a good sign of things to come. Please keep sending letters and cards. Maybe (I'm not holding my breath) we'll get them home in the near future! (Packages can take up to 2 months to get there - they won't forward them - so when a company leaves all the packages are left for the next company to take care of.) Please pray right now: 1. For all the wounded - for control of pain, protection from infection, and healing above and beyond human expectations. Our God has the power to do all this, but He wants us to ask and tell Him what we desire. 2. For strength for the families of the wounded - for patience as they wait on the medical people to make decisions and help their loved ones. 3. For family who have had to come home and are away from the wounded. For comfort and wisdom as to when to return. 4. For all our Marines and soldiers in Iraq - for concentration and alertness - for wisdom and quickness - for time to pass quickly. We are so thankful for all of you. Please keep praying - everyone here and in Iraq knows that God is hearing and answering! In Christ's love and protection, Jill