Loving Military Mail

So far I've heard from all four branches of the US Armed Services, and how wonderful it feels to see an email or (better yet) a real paper letter in the mailbox! I can only imagine how it must make their day to get something from "home" --even from a stranger. To see English, to see name brands in the care packages, to see a familiar state on the return address, to hear about "normal" life.

One guy, Eric F., who is my son Ben's age, is in Kuwait, an Electronics Tech for the Navy. He gave me a little education (that I asked for) on how the Navy does their ranking. He is so nice. In co-op last week I read aloud a short email he wrote thanking Mia, one of my little art students, for her drawing. She looked up from her work at the sound of her name and just BEAMED. I thought she was going to levitate. It was so special because she is usually critical of her own art, always asking for help, rarely smiling. He says the Ladybugs picture is on the window at their helpdesk, the first thing people see when they walk in.

I've also heard from others, whom I've mentioned, but the one I feel compelled to stay in touch with, and probably draw out, is Ashly. She's a young, pretty soldier who has yet to get anything from home. There's just such a lonely tone to her letters, and since loneliness is something I battlle (which is best battled by reaching out, not expecting others to do the same for me) then I feel this is my mission for now. It's a way of being on foreign soil without actually stepping foot in the sand. (I don't have to deal with sniper fire either, thank God.)

Must admit it's really hard to curb my appetite for snatching up stuff for soldiers. Sarah and I went to BB's and they had a HUGE box of lotions and shave gels for 3/$1.00. I mean where else can you buy unlimited quantities of that? I bought 9, with self-control. Then there's the single drink mix packs. I like to put one in each letter. I try to write a letter or two a day to various soldiers (Attn: AnySoldier/Sailor/Marine/Airman). Then there was beef jerky for 1.99 a bag. I seldom buy it cuz it's nearly 4 bucks a bag at Walmart, so I bought 4 bags at 1.99. I also found some really cool men's body wash in bottles shaped like a plastic oil can (you can "grip it" and pour thru the spout). The scent is called Full Throttle. I picked up extra for Stephen since "living your life full throttle for God" has been his motto from a retreat a while ago.

Anyway, if you think of it, please pray for a soldier today. The war might not be something you support, but I hope you realize that fighting the terrorists in their backyard instead of ours is something you should dwell on whenever you're tempted to argue with Bush. If you go a packed stadium without fear of a bomb killing everyone around, thank a Marine.

If you're a service member reading this, you know you have my support--and a care package coming soon!