Christmas Reflections - between USA and Iraq

How many miles is it to Iraq? Not so far that our prayers cannot reach or expressions of love and support be felt. Its distance cannot deter that we celebrate with family and friends across oceans. War will not rob us of one memory or stop the making of new ones. Fierce is the passion for protection, calling toward a land that holds one that we love - MICAH - and for him the once babbling, rambling petitions are becoming so simple and pointed.

So many of you have said that as you shop, dine, entertain, decorate, buy trees, visit Santa and bake that you are mindful and soberly aware that many fellow countrymen and women are engaged in war, in danger and sacrificing themselves on many levels through their commission. In return, Micah (and countless others) are mindful of us. Christmas is mystical - God becomes man - a virgin gives birth - angels appear to shepherds - a manger the chosen bed for the Messiah - the incomprehensible becomes consuming comprehension.

Is Christmas 2006 a little mystical?

There is a feeling; an experience, a strong tether to Iraq; a conduit keeping us close to Micah.

Or is the same as it always is in the ways of the Lord - Acts of Love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John3:16

Noel
A Christmas reflection

Magnificent angels manifest joy
His birth disarmed death’s claim

Heavenly jewels crowned the world
Earth tendered a manger plain

God’s love for all mankind
Marked humans all the same

His finding quenches the searching soul

Even those who deny speak his name

There will be a Merry Christmas between Micah and all of us .

Between Iraq and the United States.

Because...

Christ is Born - Let us glorify Him forever!

A Different December...

During this time of year thoughts, prayers and memories all intermingle with reality that Micah is serving in a war. The marked difference of the life we have here in America clash with Micah's stark living conditions in Iraq but in photos it doesn't show on his face and his voice continuously assures that he is alright. When I spoke with him last he had a cold but was on the mend. He told about one of their missions working in the orchards at one of Saddam's palaces. He said it was beautiful. If you're like me - I can't wait till he can send pictures.

Here he is workin' That boy loves to drive.

Night vision goggles- you know he loves these - bet he wishes he had them at Auburn.

He also said he is training on some new equipment. He can't say what or where but they are out on missions a lot now - I think they were out during Thanksgiving and I know he is out at this writing. After intense situations and hard work - Y'know Micah is always gonna find a way to play.

He says Hello! Loves you all! Is thankful for all you are sending! Misses Everyone!

Same sun - Same Moon over us all

Everyday is a reminder , at sunrise his day is almost over

and as moon appears he is just about to wake.

Thank you Lord for the day.

November - So much to be thankful for...

...only 10.5 months to go. I talked with Micah on AIM on Tuesday 11/7. I am so thankful for the technology of our time. So far every two weeks is long enough, I can't imagine not hearing for months or more as it was for other mothers who had sons at war not that long ago. He was doing well. Here he is in the computer room - Micah is on the left.



He has been really busy and they work hard. They have been out on a couple of missions. We don't know where. He said they have all gone well and that he and all his buddy’s are all ok.
The weather has been cooler there. Around 68-72 F. I thought that would feel better to them with all the gear they have to wear. Micah said that he has become so acclimated to the heat that now that temperatures have dropped he actually feels a little cold.

I watch two time zones and check two weather reports but it has been hard to picture him half a world away.

So I hope these pictures give you an idea of where he is and what he's doing. It helped me to see his face.








Speaking of his face. Look at him in THIS picture.
See that look? For 21 years - that is the same expression that would say, "Mom see what I found?" Just then it use to be slugs, frogs, worms, spiders, slime - snakes! Some things haven't changed - my reply hasn't - I still say - "MICAH PUT THAT DOWN!"





Micah wants to post his THANKS for all the cards, letters and packages you have all sent. They mean so much to him. He is so grateful for your support and prayers. Please also pray and think of those men who stand with him and work beside him. Their lives depend on each other. Remember all Veterans with honor and thanksgiving this week. Our land remains great and free because of their sacrifice and service to our country.
Micah sends his love. Misses us all. God Bless You All!

October in Ramadi

Micah is doing well. This is a picture from about a month ago when he was in Kuwait. He has begun his work in Ramadi, though we don't know exactly what that is. Though there has been an escalation of action in the area he said where he is, he has been out of harms way. He said that they work hard, eat well and then fills his down time with a college course he's taking online, emails and messin around. They did get their tv/dvd but are still waiting for internet in their rooms. He can get to internet access in a common area that he can go to. He said so far time seems to be moving fast. One month down - 11 to go. He is on the edge of every thought and his calls are priceless. His voice sounded introspective and focused. He loves getting emails and mail; cards, letters and packages. He is thankful for all your encouragement and prayers. So far it has taken about a week for letters to arrive and 8-10 days for packages. Thank you for all you all are doing to uphold Micah during this time - till he gets home.

Journal #2

Micah is now in Ramadi, Iraq. (this pix is from Ft. Benning, GA - his gun - sorry- his weapon has been named Lucy)
He has begun his work on the base there and is doing fine. He said it is dusty and sandy. They have seen and heard a few explosions but were not close when they occured. They have yet to work out of the base area, but will soon have a mission outside the compound. He lives in a dorm like room in the BOB- (his secure base) with 5 other soldiers. Were you as worried as I was about the conditions he would be living in? Well not to worry, at least while he's in this area - outside this perimeter is probably another issue. They have many conveniences: a small refrigerator, a microwave, they just bought a TV and what I was most concerned about, an air conditioner. His bed is an upper bunk with the space below set up for personal use (like a little office).

They will get internet service soon. He said he'll send pictures when that is hooked up. Micah does have a lap top so will be able to email as soon as that service is connected. Until then there is an area close to his residence where he can make phone calls (international calling cards would be greatly appreciated) and get online. Though his time/usage of both is limited. You can email him at tollemc@gmail.com and he'll pick them up as soon as he can.

When not working they hang out together - right now they are hooked on the "Prison Break" series (on DVD). (See the list in his profile section for things he needs and things he'd like to have) He is able to get mail now and would love to hear from you. He said thank you for all your prayers and support - He loves you all!

Journal #1

Micah is currently in Kuwait. He will leave for Iraq sometime in the next few weeks as far as we know. (you are going to hear that phrase a lot). The last I heard was that he would be headed somewhere outside Ramadi. The one thing I do know is that we won't know exactly where he is. But I will post all that I hear and all that I know so you can be as up to date as possible.

I talked with him two weeks ago just before he left the Untied States. He has called once since then but I missed him. I had laid my cell phone down for 10 minutes and of course this is when he called. So now I have it chained to my wrist - I won't miss another call if I can help it. He has called Alli, his girlfriend. She will keep me up to date too. He said the base in Kuwait is really nice. It has a Burger King and Taco Bell - so the man is happy! He also started a college class. Good use of any down time he might have. He misses everyone and sends his love. Thank you for your love, prayers and support. God is with him and so are we.
Micahsmom