Monday, September 20, 2010

Day of Tears

Well, today is the start of a new chapter in my life. For the second time in my life, I am compelled to put my life in the States on hold for a year. I am deploying overseas in support of the conflict in Iraq.

I made it pretty well through the morning, but upon arriving at the hanger where the families were waiting emotion finally overcame me. I've only ever seen my father cry a few other times in my life and I just couldn't hold back the tears. I was grateful to see so many of my close family come to see me off: grandparents, aunts, parents, sister, brother-in-law, and last but not least, my adorable nephew.

While I miss him so much, I'm glad my nephew is too young to realize where I'm going and what I'm doing. He just knew everyone was sad.

I am glad to get the goodbyes out of the way as it is one of the hardest things I've done. Now I'm sitting in the deep south...specifically Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I will say, I don't like this humidity thing whatsoever. I will be here for a time to conduct training and medical preparations. If I can manage it I will visit the Brethren in the area.