Seth's deployment

So yes, Seth has deployed. At this point in time, it is a bit redundant information, but am blogging about it anyway.

A week ago Tuesday, September 21, 2010, Seth officially began his deployment to Iraq, by getting on a plane, leaving us in tears and waving goodbye. We woke up at 5:00 a.m. and drove to Idaho Falls airport. The streets were lined with American flags and yellow ribbons. There had to have been at least 4 blocks of them. It was very emotional as we watched, not just Seth, but other friends and their families being separated, they said goodbyes and boarded the plane. The airplane hanger where we waited and the soldiers checked in was packed and a bit chaotic. It was surreal. Though we had been preparing for that day for more than a year, it always felt like it was still a couple of weeks or at least days away. Mom and dad were there, as well as Seth's dad. We waited and watched till we couldn't see the plane in the air anymore. Then there was nothing left to do, but go home and try and maintain as normal a life as we could knowing what we did; that Seth and so many others were gone. At war.

The concept that this isn't just another drill weekend, or training he has gone to hits at funny times. Like when I am doing laundry and storing clothes away, rather than trying to get them washed and ironed for a regular work day when the weekend is over. It's getting texts, or phone calls I know won't last too much longer (As we don't really have an international calling plan)

But all in all, we are holding up alright. We pray a lot. Read scriptures a lot. And the love and support by so many family and friends is priceless. We couldn't do it without all you. And we don't! Your love and prayers are felt daily. Thank you for your continued concern and support. It really has made things far more bearable. It is still the beginning. We pray for a speedy end.

And then we will all celebrate at Disneyland. :)