I know it's been a while, sorry
May 15, 2008
Author:

Well, I know it has been several months since I last wrote an article. I’ve heard about it from my mother, brother, and a couple of friends. I guess I could say I’ve been extremely busy and that would be true, or I could say I’ve just been lazy and not done it, that to would be true.
Things here in Iraq where I am going well, been real quiet, which is nice. I’m getting ready to come home for another vacation, be there for about 21 days. We are planning a trip to Pigeon Forge for a week; spend some time away just having fun.
As far as work here, we have been busy working with the Iraqi Police in training them and getting an academy for them established here. The academy was certified last week by Ministry of the Interior, so now all training is accredited by the Ministry that governs the IP. This had been a real uphill battle, but we finally won and it was a great day, both for us and the IP. As far as trainers/advisors we have a good report with the IP and are shown a good deal of respect. I’m getting to where I understand a fair amount of Arabic, can’t speak a whole lot more, but we are getting along fine with it.
As far as vacation, my boss is leaving at the same time I am, in fact we are flying all the way to the states together, meeting in Pigeon Forge, and then at the end flying back together. The boy that is over Administration just got back from vacation and is not too happy about us leaving at the same time. I am in charge of operations and with me gone; he will have the entire load on him. He is a big boy, I’m sure he can handle it.
Cheri and the kids are doing well, Mary just turned 15 and David will be 18 in a couple days. Jessica is doing well at Furman, French class is giving her a rough time, but she’ll survive. I keep telling her when she graduates, she needs to go overseas somewhere for a few years, make some good money, then come back and get her a job at a local school.
My girls were doing well the last time I spoke to them. They are getting geared up for the summer. Right now they have plans to go to Baton Rouge for a camp, and then they have their summer camp and vacation Bible coming up also. Linda Jean will graduate next year and is planning on going to Crown College in TN. She has taken a liking to the Dobro and had one for a short time. She didn’t like the sound of it and sent it back so she could get a better quality. Crystal found a good deal on a flute, she can make some noise with it and says she is learning to play. Alyssa is still looking for a pocket trumpet, I had to ask what a pocket trumpet is, seems like it is a miniature trumpet.
Well, that is about all there is from this side of the ocean. Once again, thanks for all the letters and prayers. I look forward to getting some of Cupcakes Devil’s Food Cake cupcakes and another pot roast from Mrs. Brown. Oh yeah, I also look forward to seeing the kids and Cheri as well.