AWESOME NEWS!!!!

Dreams do come true, and God does answer prayer (often with the answer you're hoping for!)

First . . . for those who don't know . . . a bit of background. Dave's five years in the Navy was over in April. He is planning to become a Physician's Assistant in a program jointly run by Foothill College and Stanford Medical School, starting in September.

He tried to extend his enlistment to late July, but was told he had to leave the Navy in April or stay until January. He signed on until January, with the assurance from his chief that the chief would do everything he could to help Dave get out six months early (late July). On June 1, he submitted the paperwork for that request.

So now for the current news . . .

We got a wonderful call yesterday from Kelly. The apartment complex she and Dave had hoped to get into when they move here has a vacancy for them in late July. (It's only a couple miles from us - right across the street from the new Kaiser Hospital at Homestead and Lawrence.) It's a newly-remodeled apartment, and the rent is less than they'd estimated.

They were still waiting to hear whether Dave's request to get out in late July would be approved, but decided to go ahead and put down a deposit to hold the apartment.

Then this morning, Dave got the word that his request has been approved. He just called and told us his last day in the Navy is officially July 31. Kelly's last day at her job is July 10.

We are incredibly thrilled. Just peel me off the ceiling!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

He's Home!!!!!!!

Dave just called. Our hero is home!!!! Kelly was there to greet him at the homecoming festivities at Camp Lejeune, and they're now driving home by way of Taco Bell. He's tired, sore, hungry, and jet-lagged, but thrilled to be back. The 48-hour journey involved flights from Kuwait to Germany, then Iceland, then North Carolina.

We're so grateful for the Lord's watchful care and bringing Dave home safely, and bringing Dave & Kelly back together. We're excited that they'll both be here in early March for a 10-day visit.

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes!

Phone Call & Photos

Dave was able to call us Sunday morning. What a joy to hear his voice! His last mission is over (several casualties, but none terribly serious). Now they're in transition mode, turning over operations to the next group and prepping themselves and their gear for the return trip.

For the last few weeks they've been out in the boondocks, sleeping on the ground and trying not to freeze at night. Thankfully, the weather is warming up, and they're back on the large base where they have showers, a chow hall, and cots to sleep on.

Dave sent us several pictures. The last one is the pinning ceremony acknowledging his promotion to Petty Officer 2nd Class. The vehicle is "Big Bertha" - I think that's the ambulance that Dave sometimes drives. (Clicking on any of the pictures will give you the big-screen view.)

We're so grateful for the Lord's loving care, and that Dave will be home soon. We're looking forward to lots of great hugs when he and Kelly when they come to California next month!

Counting Down

Good morning, everyone!

Kelly called last night with exciting news: we have a definite date window for Dave's homecoming and for the 3-week block of leave soon after. For security reasons, we can't publish dates, but rejoice with us that he'll be home soon!

It's also time to stop sending mail. Today is the last date anything can be mailed with any hope of reaching Dave before they leave. Thank you, everyone, for your letters, packages, prayers, and good wishes . . . and for your encouraging hugs for those of us here at home!

We'll let you know when our Doc is really BACK!