Matthew

Over Labor Day weekend, Matthew came down for a visit between the end of his training and his flight to Kuwait where he'll be for a week or two before moving on to Iraq. The Guard had an official send off in June when they left for 10 weeks of training. It was very inspiring to see so many men that were willing to give up a part of their life to serve our country. Because it was a Guard unit there were so many wives and children that were saying goodbye and their sacrifice is definitely not lost on us. We're so very proud of Matthew, but we certainly miss him, especially now that he is in harms way. My dad once said, "you're safer in God's will, no matter where that may be, than sitting in a rocking chair on your front porch. One of our greatest prayers for Matthew now is that he will find some other Christians to fellowship with while he is in Iraq. His wife, Kathleen, is living here while he's gone and we're so happy for that. She is such a sweet girl :) Matthew's been away from home so many times, but this is the first time that he's left something behind that makes it easier for us!

These pictures are from the send off at the Naval Academy Stadium in Annapolis. The stadium is huge, so just one end was used which is why all the seats you see in the pictures are empty. Matthew is directly in the center of this picture.

Kathleen and Zachary


Mathis' shirt had a picture of him with Uncle Ma, as he calls him.


The back of his shirt:





Kate's shirt said "guess what?" on the front and on the back: "I'm going to be a big sister." It was fun to share our happy news on this day when we were all pretty sad.

Holly with her cute curls.


It was a blessing to have prayer as a part of this ceremony. The chaplain prayed for safety for the soldiers and the well-being of our country.


It is a reassuring sight to see so many bowed heads.


Also amazing to see our politicians acknowledge God. Many of them certainly do not claim to be Christians, including our governor (center front row), but they all bowed their heads out of respect.






Their buses had quite the escort of state and county police cars and motorcycles as well as private individuals on their own bikes which accompanied them all the way to New Jersey.