Christmas Packages

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Well it is that time of year. Snow and ice is here to stay in WI, college finals, getting ready to drive/move out to our house in Washington, and of course the hustle and bustle of Christmas time. I have two more final exams to take, the LAST two I will ever take in my life (which feels awesome) and a kitchen to pack up before Wednesday morning. Both my mom and Mark's mom will be coming down on Tuesday to help me figure out how to fit everything in the car. That should be a fun little game to play (not), especially considering the high temperature on the forecast is 14 degrees and a low of 0. I'm just grateful for the extra help! On Wednesday, me and B.K. (a wonderful friend), will be starting our road trip out to Washington in my car, with car top carrier and a bike- going through the mountains in the dead of winter. Got to love it. Please keep your fingers crossed that the interstate stays open and that we don't have to use our tire chains through any of the mountain passes.

Now onto Mark...

He sent me a photo from this September when the Afghan elections were being conducted. He was working with the ANP at one of the election stations at the time. They kept a pretty crazy sleep schedule he said. Below is the photo someone took of him sleeping in the truck. Not too comfortable looking!

I don't even want to know how his neck and body were feeling after a few days sleeping like this.

I also have some pictures to share from the wonderful Brown Deer 3rd graders Holiday Supply Drive. What a wonderful turnout they had! Ms. B's class did a wonderful job and the soldiers in Mark's unit will love it! They collected enough items to fill FOURTEEN huge care boxes!

Ms. B and the 14 boxes gathered from the supply drive

Below is a picture of some of the items that were gathered in her classroom before they were put into the boxes. Not only was I amazed at all of the items they gathered and were really touched by all of the generosity that was shown, I LOVED the bulletin board she put up in the classroom.

The sign above Mark's picture says "Getting to know LT Mark." The two maps point out where the students are and another map pointing to where Afghanistan where Mark is. Below the map of the US is the letter Mark wrote to the class. It truly has been a wonderful experience for Mark and hopefully it has been for the students as well.

Mark also sent a picture of him SMILING! Can you believe that! They somehow got him to wipe off his serious, stern face and exchanged it for the smile that I fell in love with back in high school! Mark said it was a wonderful night that they all got to laugh, share, and relax with some good company. They even shared their wonderful night (and photo) with one of the Afghan ANP (in the middle of the photo to the right of Mark).

On totally different note, I was blessed to chat (typing style) a little bit back and forth with Mark this afternoon. He is doing well and is getting excited for his upcoming leave. That seems to be something he brings up every time he writes or we are able to talk. I can certainly tell how much he is looking forward to it. In addition to that, he shared a little bit about getting to try some Afghan food. He said it was absolutely delicious and described eating some Afghan rice, some amazing bread, and some really good chicken which he thinks was some kind of rotisserie style chicken.

He also said that he got to talk with one of the Afghan interpreters for nearly an hour just on a personal level. He even shared with him one of the many brownies I sent- which the interpreter did enjoy. They each shared a bit about their family, thoughts, and work. The man has been an interpreter off and on since 2001 and originated from eastern Afghanistan. Mark said that the interpreter expressed to Mark his gratitude for him and the other soldiers being there and Mark expressed his gratitude for the interpreter's work. Mark realized that though they are from two different cultures and parts of the world, they had lots of similarities. Mark reiterated to the interpreter his belief that he thinks the majority of the world is interested in safety, peace, and a good future for their children. The interpreter certainly agreed that he shared that same interest as well.

Hearing that helped me to feel and understand how blessed and fortunate we are to live in this great country and how proud I am of Mark for trying to bring those same blessings and fortunes to the people of Afghanistan by training their police force to be able to provide public safety.

Love,

Angie