Nick called last night, and he had finished his final day in his sector in Dora, Baghdad! He spent the day with his troops going door to door and saying goodbye to the citizens they had become close with. It sounds like it was an emotional day. There has been so much good change in his neighborhood, and the citizens are truly grateful. These particular Iraqis are very sad to see Nick and his soldiers leave. I also spoke with Nick's Iraqi (Kurdish) interpreter, Neo (sorry I thought it was Neil all this time), and he said that several families were crying and begging Nick not to leave. Needless to say, we are very, very proud of Nick and his guys!
Nick has mixed emotions. Of course, he is so excited to come home, but he is also sad to leave. They have made so much progress in that area, and he is worried that the next group of soldiers won't appreciate their sacrafice and hard work, and will never really grasp how bad the area was just one year ago. One third (about 30) of Nick's soldiers earned the Purple Heart, and five lost their lives. Please remember those families in your prayers. Al Qaeda no longer has a place in Dora!
Nick plans on keeping in touch with his friend Neo, and also several of the Dora families. He is also coming home with lots of Iraqi treasures. Many of his new friends gave him farewell gifts! A tea set, clothes for the kids, a painting, a statue and a pipe to name a few. I am curious to see them!
We are anxiously awaiting his return within the next two weeks. Nick has some work to do on the FOB (Forward Operating Base) and still has lots of packing to finish. When they are done they will head to Kuwait to out process, and eventually head home. Thank God that Nick is returning! We can't wait!
7 comments:
Thank you God for protecting Nick! We are so anxious to see the whole family together! Oma and Pa
Hooray! Sounds like we're both getting ready for wonderful homecomings! Or, I guess another option would be for you and the kids to move to Iraq and Nick could continue his work....maybe not, huh? :-)
Hooray, Sarah! I can't wait for you to be back together again.
And, just so you know, I'm proud of Nick, but I'm also proud of you for all you endured this year. I think you deserve a medal, too!
Yeah!!!!!!!!! I am so glad the time has finally come!! And like Kristen said, I'm proud of you too, Sarah!! Two kids, a dog, a house, an FRG...whew!! You are amazing! We'll be praying that Nick has a safe trip home!!
Sarah, what fantastic news! Nick and his guys must feel a great sense of accomplishment. I'm proud of you too.
Guess I better get my butt in gear and give you a call since catching up with friends is probably not what will be on your mind in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to see homecoming pictures!
I was so glad to receive word about Nick. We have been out of commuincation for a week or so and
he has been on our minds. Thank God for his safety and for the work he has done.
Marsha
So happy to hear that Nick is on his way home. Like many people have said, we are so incredibly proud of Nick and the work that he has done! We are also proud of you Sarah! You are an incredible woman!
Your little ones look adorable as usual! Sophie looks so much like you I just can't believe it!
Take care, and we will be praying for a safe return for Nick!
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