We draw pictures. (even if some of them are stick figures with sad faces and “dots that are tears tumbling down.”)
We write letters. (Long ones, short ones, just because ones–even our little nieces get in on the letter writing.)
But our favorite part of staying connected is mailing boxes.
We fill the rectangles of cardboard with clip lamps and cookies and soap and coffee creamer. We pack CD’s full of pictures and videos–his connection to the life his family lives on this side of the globe.
And then… he waits. For the letters, for the boxes, for the crayon drawings. Bright spots in his dusty Afghan world.
We put sunshine and color into his days, even from across the earth.
We’ve received a tremendous amount of support in these early days of a long deployment. You all are bright spots in my days.
A number of you have asked for John’s email and mailing address–I’ll be sending an email with that information tonight. Do let me know if you’d like to be included. I also have the addresses of a few good friends of ours who are deployed with John and could use some brightening of their days. They’ve given me the go-ahead to give out their addresses and birthdays and favorite candy bars, so let me know if you or your family would like to “adopt” one of them!
I’m glad that you are keeping in touch! It’s the only way to make these hard times going. I read your tweet of your husband sending you flowers hehehe so I told my husband that he better send me flowers when he deploys to Afghanistan ;)
Thank you for posting your journey, it sure gives me hope.
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Wonderful portrayal of love.
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we want “in” on the adresses to mail stuff too to whomever needs it! thanks! email me:) ps… arianna was your real addy too. love ya!
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I have a very close family friend who’s over in Afghanistan for the second tour, and before that in Iraq for a tour. I know how it brightens his day when he gets things from me. I would love to get an address to anyone who would love alittle reminder of who thankful we are for their services.
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Hey Ashleigh girl…You are doing a great job as Mommy and wife! I’m very proud of you! We may possibly be sending packages to Afghanistan. Uncle Louie is praying about a job offer that will take him there. I’m praying for God to give him clear wisdom to know what to decide. I love you bunches! ~~ Auntie Beth :)
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I’d love to be included. I don’t know anyone deployed right now and would love to send mail and goodies.
I used to the work for the Marine Corps so in the last year that I haven’t, I feel the need to do something. Even if it’s something small.
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Hey – I might be a little late for this because i was on vacation, but my family and i have been looking for a way to support soldiers over there for months now – I would REALLY APPRECIATE IT if you sent that email to me too… thanks! my email is missbear@skybeam.com
We’re praying for y’all!!!
Chare
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Send me someone to “adopt” please! :)
jhenry418@gmail.com
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I LOVE the picture of the boys carrying out the box! Way cute! I really loved all the pictures! And the sweet post of course!;)
Praying!
Ginger~
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We’d love to send some love across the ocean. :)
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Hi – I would love to be included on the addresses. I have become a fan of your blog after becoming a fan of Sarah Markely’s blog through another friend (not sure how she became a fan?) But sending a care package is something I would love to do either for your husband or any of his friends. Just nice to know it will actually go to someone. Thank you for sharing your heart. I lift you and your family up in prayer often.
Love,
Sara
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Wow, isn’t the mail such an awesome invention??
I know how much it means to receive a parcel from home, and I wasn’t even in Afghanistan, just in Ireland (which isn’t all that far from Norway).
All you people mailing are wonderful! You’re doing an all-important thing, not at all small. I’m not quite sure if I’ll be able to contribute right now, but oh, Asleigh, you’re sweet for sharing the addresses with those who can!!
Praying for you, and John and the boys. He’s holding you all in His hand, His mighthy, strong, protecting, safe, loving, careful hands =) All praise to Him!
åslaug abigail
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how nice are you? you have no idea how much he will love what you sent.
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Hi Ashleigh,
Love what you and you children are doing for you husband. We are from Australia and we’d love to send a letter to John or his friends from us here in Australia – no kangaroos though!!!!
Lots of hugs,
Narelle and her mob! xxxx
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I’d like to be in on the email with the addresses!
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Please include me in that email.
praying for all of y’all.
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I’m late- but would like in on the mailing stuffs if you still have a moment. :)
Been thinking about you more than usual today…*hug*
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this is awesome
my husband and i are totally in … would you mind emailing us too? Thanks!
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We’d love sharing the love with our troops! Please include me in your email of addresses. :)
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Would love their addresses…I’m sorta terrible at mailing “things” but I love to send letters. The kids and I would love to tell them how we’re praying for them.
xoxo
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Ashleigh- I have thought about you so much and kept you and your family so close in my prayers over the past few months. I’m sorry I have been absent in comments though! The spare time has been scarce these days!!! hehe But, I am praying for you, Ash. *hug*
I’m sure you’ve heard this… but don’t you think the girl on American Idol, Katy, resembles you a bit? Every week when I watch it, I think of you! Just a bit! You could be cousins or sisters or something!
Anyways, I would love to have their addresses. I know that I couldn’t be a faithful frequent mailer, because I can hardly keep up with checking my own mail or doing my own laundry! But the kids and I would love to send each a few letters & pictures, and maybe a care package here & there. Are there any rules about what can/can’t be sent?
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P.S. by pictures, I mean that the boys would like to draw pictures. I don’t mean family photos! hehe!!
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