My Brother Mark

Today my thoughts have wandered almost half way around the world. My brother Mark called me this morning to let me know that he had safely arrived in Baghdad, Iraq. Unfortunately I was in the shower and missed the call. He is serving in the Army National Guard and has been deployed to Iraq for about a year. He's a Combat Medic and has earned the rank of Specialist (same level as a Corporal).

We have been continually praying for his safety. My kids have never failed to remember him in their prayers and I am so very thankful for their faith.

He is supposed to be stationed in a relatively safe area, but with what's going on over there, who knows what that means.

I am so very grateful for the internet. It makes keeping in contact with him so much easier and faster. Lately I've only been able to see him every couple of years and only talked to him a few times more than that, but since our mother passed away we've been in able to contact each other regularly. It's amazing how much more I miss him now that he is so far away.

God bless our soldiers and keep them safe.