It's been a while since my last update, and where did I leave off? Zach has spent 3 1/2 weeks at Fort Dix, N.J. from there an 18 hr. plane trip to Kuwait where he received training for about 3 1/2 weeks then on to Iraq, where he is in northern Iraq. His FOB (forward operating base) is FOB Sykes. Kind of set up in the middle of the desert surrounded by barbed wire and sand bags. I remember the first phone call when he arrived in Iraq, he said, " there is nothing but sand for as far as I can see." There is so much dust at all times, and sand storms. He has to wear something over his nose and mouth because of all the dust he breathes. He sounds congested when I speak to him over the phone. The connection is not good, our conversations are all choppy, and we repeat alot of things to each other. This makes him frustrated, he said he hates not being to talk to his family. I tell him it is okay, it could be worse, no contact at all.

They finally found his tote with all the things he had sent earlier from home, he was happy to get it! It contained his guitar, bed sheets and blankets from home, plus speakers for his stereo, he has to have his music, me too. He has been in Iraq for about 1 month now. We are still hoping he will be home around Christmas this year. Maybe not until early 2010 though.
He tells me his days are long, he is up at 4:00 a.m. and works until late. They are currently 7 hours ahead. so he tries to call me on my lunch hour at work, when his day is almost ending. He is a very tough person, and has shown more strength than I could have imagined. He always just says, "Mom I am fine" every time I talk to him, the same comment. And of course I cry after every phone call after our I love you's and good bye's.
His time there has just begun, I pray that his strength will continue and he can endure the remaining months ahead. I am his mom and I worry unceasingly for my son so far away. I know God watches over him and all of our soldiers. I am thankful for all the heartfelt prayers, and I know Zach feels them too. I continue to miss him every day, but I am getting a little stronger as time goes by, and spring is just around the corner!