Website

Bobby's doing fine. Here's a website on Bobby's unit that I came across. May be interesting to some. Sorry I don't have time to write more.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/continuingcoverage/continuingcoverage.aspx?id=28

I miss my best friend.

"Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?" Proverbs 20:6

Website

Bobby's doing fine. Here's a website on Bobby's unit that I came across. May be interesting to some. Sorry I don't have time to write more.




I miss my best friend.

"Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?" Proverbs 20:6

Doing Better

Well there's not too much to share, but I wanted to post this cool picture. Bobby needs some sunglasses. I sent some in a package today. Looks like those multi-cam uniforms actually do blend in with the scenery. Very reassuring on this end.

Bobby called at 2am last night, and he was doing much better. So glad to hear that his spirits were lifted. We didn't talk too long considering it was so late.... and I had just driven 4 hours.... he said he was doing fine...the dog is fine...everything is fine. Perfect. I got to visit with Bobby's family today which was nice. They're such a help during this process as I know we are sharing the same experience.

I left St. Simons Island this morning for Atlanta to present some of my research at a conference. I'm glad for change of scenery...it keeps things interesting and keeps my mind occupied. It'll also be nice to see my brothers while I'm in Atlanta. It's been too long. Speaking of "too"....I'm too tired to keep writing this post. Enjoy the picture and know that Bobby is doing well.


Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9

Photo: Bobby and Buddies----September 11th 2011

Bobby called last night. So glad to hear from him. It had been over a week and it was so good to hear his voice. We talked for a while, but the conversation was more serious than usual. It's one thing to say that war comes with loss, but it's another to actually experience that loss. We are learning that reality. In war...reality really does entail life or death, and we can only pray that it is life that prevails. God knows there is a time for everything; He has a plan...even if we do not understand. Please pray for Bobby and his unit in hopes that they may find peace during the difficult time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,8: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:... a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

15 Care Packages

Time for another update. Yay! Bobby!!! I came across this picture of Bobby the other day from his Airborne School graduation. It was actually around this same time in September 2008. Three years ago. It really doesn't seem like it's been that long. Crazy. Airborne School was the first of many schools for Bobby, and the first of many times that we've spent apart. I was telling some of my friends tonight that I'm glad he has gone to as many schools as he has...because it helped to prepare me for this deployment. Being apart isn't easy.... but having some practice ahead of time sure does help.

I haven't heard much from Bobby this week. He called me the other day, and although we were only able to talk for about 2 minutes he did give me some good news. He let me know that he received 15 care packages in one day!!!!!!!! 15!!!!!!! That just made my day. 1. Because it was a good morale boost for him, 2. Bobby has plenty of food and baby wipes now haha, and 3. It made me realize how much people care for Bobby. I'm glad to know how many people are willing to go out of their way to help keep Bobby in high spirits. He deserves every bit of it. Unfortunately b/c our conversation was so short, he wasn't able to give me all the details about who sent each package. He mentioned a couple churches, his amazing parents of course :), and some extended family members as well. I'll try to get more information out of him the next time, but I think we did pretty good pretty considering we only talked for 2 minutes. We were able to update each other, and still manage to say "I Love You" 200 times before he had to go. I know there are some people out there interested in getting the names of some soldiers in his company...so that families and churches can "adopt" a soldier in the unit. We're trying to work on that as well. Hopefully soon we'll get some names of soldiers that could use some support. In any case, all your thoughts, prays, and care packages are GREATLY appreciated. I cannot thank everyone enough!

Also, on a similar note....During our 2-minute-speed-update...Bobby mentioned that one of the 15 care packages he received actually had an XBOX in it...with an anonymous note attached...that read: "From Your Florida Friends." Considering I live in Florida now, I had my sneaking suspicions who it might be from...and sure enough my suspicions were confirmed. My good friends Lindsey and Phil Lennon were the culprits. I managed to give them a horrible thank you considering how emotional I was, and I would just like to take the time again to thank them...not just for sending an XBOX...but for caring. For caring about me and for caring about Bobby. Lindsey and Phil are two of the most amazing people that I have ever known, and I'm so glad to say they are a part of my life. They're the type of people that when you're around them, you're reminded of how lucky you truly are. Without them, this stage of my life would be much more difficult, but with them I feel a sense of ease. I know that if I needed something I would have someone to lean on...and that is an amazing feeling. Between them and my best friend Kari...I'd be in a lot worse shape right now. Kari keeps me going on a daily basis, and although she might not realize it...without her I'd be lost. She may think that I'm stonecold-robot-T-Jo, who shows no emotion, but it's only b/c of her that I can keep it together as well as I do. You're my rock and my best friend and I'd know you were an alien if you weren't there to keep me company every single day. Don't worry Kari...your side-cart awaits you :) I wouldn't have it any other way.

I just think it's important to acknowledge the people who help you through these times, and it's these friends that make day-to-day life a real possibility in the mix of all this going on. Hopefully next time I'll have more to update on Bobby. His phone access has been pretty good lately, and I'm hoping it stays that way. Cross your fingers!

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help."

Miss ya Bobby!

First Post

So I figured this would be a better way to keep everyone updated about how Bobby is doing while he's overseas. Honestly, trying to do e-mails and facebook updates and this and that was getting exhasuting...apparently a lot of people care about Ol' Bob. Imagine that?

Recap up until this point on Bobby and I both:

Bobby has been gone for a couple months now, and honestly we're both doing great...well great considering the circumstances. We've definitely put in our fair share of time apart in our relationship over the years, and this is just another part of that process. Hopefully we're getting this time apart out of the way early in our relationship...so that down then road we can be together. We're good with it though, as we know it makes us appreciate each other more. It's amazing how spending time apart makes you realize the true importance of someone in your life. I have been lucky enough to learn that importance over the last 4 and half years, and I know Bobby and I are only stronger for it. He's an amazing person, and I'm reminded of that each and every day.

As far as the actual deployment goes, Bobby has been doing just fine. I wouldn't say their living conditions are optimal over there, but he's making it work. Water and food situations are a little sketch as is the mail situation. I'm hoping as time goes on, these conditions improve. For right now though, everyone back home, family and friends, have really been doing a lot to counter these conditions. We've had a great response from people who have been sending care packages and giving Bobby the hook up with food and supplies. Now...if the mail situation would improve we would be set. But big thanks to everyone who is taking the time and effort to send Bobby and his company supplies. The packages get there eventually, and it is greatly appreciated!! It is the support from family and friends that help to keep morale high, and I think we're succeeding greatly at this. Bobby sounds great, and he's been in high spirits thus far; but then again....that's just Bobby. Is he ever not in high spirits? No.

He also managed to adopt himself a local puppy. Figures. I mean really?...They don't have Afghan kittens running around over there? If you know me, you know how I feel about dogs. Ew. Good thing I love Bobby so much, otherwise I'd have to go on my sniper mission. Haha. All joking aside though, I think it's probably nice to have a companion...something to care for and something to motivate him. He's named her "Ali" like Muhammed Ali. Well that's how he described it at least. We've had a good response from people offering to send puppy food and toys and everything. I'll tell ya...that Afghan puppy is going to be living RIGHT over there. I'm hoping he'll send a decent picture soon, and I'll be sure to post it on here.

I've posted Bobby's address at the top right. If you'd like to send anything PLESAE do. The more the better. I'm also hoping to post an updated list of needed supplies so for those of you sending packages can have some direction. I don't want to bore you too much, so I will leave it at that for now. I'm going to try and update weekly and hopefully more often than that if school allows me.

I'll leave you with a bible verse that continues to ease our minds as we lean on our faith to make it through this. Psalm 23:4 - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

Thanks for all your support. Teri Jo