February Rolls on By

Hello All,

Well it has been a rather quiet February, which with a deployment on hand, is not a bad thing! Mark has been settling into his job and as of today has 2 and a half weeks under his belt as a platoon leader. He is absolutely loving his job. I can't even explain how the tone of his e-mails has changed. I can tell he is loving his job even if it means less sleep, less family talk time, and all the other sacrifices that this job brought. I think for him- the opportunities it has brought has been what has made the big difference- with the main opportunity to lead soldiers. He is absolutely loving that responsibility.

We have found out that mail is considerably slower at the new location. Mail gets delivered only once a week. So if you plan on sending any packages with perishable food items- Mark has informed me to try sending items on Fridays. Sending packages on Fridays will help to minimize the chance of your preishables getting some extra bake time sitting on a truck bed in the sun. My package that I sent on the 5th (a Saturday) still has yet to arrive- though I know that Maryellen's (Mark's Mom) package that she sent on the 4th (a Friday) has arrived.

Communication overall has exceeded my initial thoughts and concerns. Always a bit of relief! We do talk much less than before- but knowing that he is loving what he is doing makes it worth it. However with that being said, satellite phones have little to be desired- but they do get the job done. Before the phone cuts out after 2 minutes or less- I at least know he is okay and usually happy!

Though I would never wish a deployment upon anyone- this journey has helped me to realize many things about myself, Mark, and our relationship. For me- it has helped me realize just what a strong and independent woman that I have become. Mark continues to amaze me in his ability to make me feel so loved and taken care of from so far away. I have never felt so connected to him and amazingly with so little contact. Whoever thought that was possible!?

Love

Angie