Let The Countdown Begin

FINALLY!!! I know, I know...but in my defense this past month has been quite a whirlwind of events. Between moving out of our house, predeployment leave consisting of a quick trip to Texas followed by another quick trip to Vegas, and a final week together in Cali before Chris's deployment to Afghanistan, we've kept pretty busy! (Don't worry, I'll blog about all of it soon!)

We're finally in countdown mode!

The deployment process was quite a bit harder this time for both of us. When Chris deployed to Iraq in 2008, we were and had been dating long-distance for almost two years, so we were pretty used to being apart from each other for extended periods of time. This time around, we've been married for 10 months and so have felt the sting of separation along with all the other challenges/emotions associated with a deployment.

To make matters worse, the volcano in Iceland proved to be a hindrance to them actually getting to leave. We said our goodbyes the morning of the 19th, and I watched Chris and his guys get on the busses that would take them to March Air Force Base where they would deploy from. Our good friend, Kelsey, then took me to the airport for my flight back home, only for me to learn as I was boarding the plane that the busses were returning to Camp Pendleton and Chris would not be deploying that day. Boarding that plane leaving California, knowing that Chris was still there, is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It would be three more days before they finally left the morning of the 22nd. The past week has been full of emotional challenges, but I could not be happier that this part is behind us! I know it sounds weird for those who haven't experienced a deployment, but it's actually a relief after they leave. You no longer feel the anxiety of having to say goodbye for seven months, and get to focus on the countdown of them coming home!

A few hours before loading up the busses...the first and last smiles of the day.

Chris and his Artillery LNO team.

Chris is now in Afghanistan, but is still in-route to his final destination there. I've gotten to talk to him a couple of times, once from Kuwait and once from where they are in Afghanistan right now. Everyone is doing well, just a little jet-lagged from the 9 1/2 hour difference.

I will update as much as I can about Chris's experience in Afghanistan. Of course, some things I won't be able to write about, but hopefully he will be able to send me some pictures, and I'll share whatever I can. I know it sounds cheesy, but I could not be more proud of my Marine and what he does for our country! Please keep Chris and all of our troops in your prayers! Their dedication, work and sacrifices are unending and without hesitation.

I love you, Chris, more than you could ever know.