One of the many things I have discovered as a Mom of a son in the Army, is that you get to sort of "adopt" the friends that are serving alongside your son. And that includes their families! What a special blessing it is to pray for them and support them as they are working to bring liberty and order to evil and chaotic parts of the world. With equal importance prayers are also said for the wives and children separated from their loved one and on their own until their soldier returns.

I have had the privilege of praying for Eric's buddy Gabe while he is in Iraq, and for Mari (his wife) and their girls here at home. I met Gabe and Mari at an ROTC dinner back when Eric and Gabe were in college at Azusa Pacific. Both Eric and Gabe were on the APU football team, and Gabe was a groomsman in Eric and Chelsea's wedding. Gabe and Mari were married later that same year. It has been interesting to follow the "boys" through college and on into their military service. When Eric deployed to Baghdad in 2007, Gabe and Mari helped Chelsea with many practical household things and were just there for her in many ways. (That is a special attribute you find in military people that the civilian world could take some lessons from...)

Mari and the girls were in Rocklin last week for a wedding and squeezed in a stop at our house! It was really fun to see them. Gabe's parents were with them, so I had a nice visit with them too. I will have to find out how Kathy liked shopping at The Galleria! Natalie had a great time with the little girls--she loves getting the chance to be a big sister! Mari has done a fantastic job throughout the deployment and is an amazing young mother! It was special to be able to give her a hug.

Gabe is due to come home in two months, and we are counting down the days with Mari and all of Gabe's family--what a great day that will be!