The Little Things

As most of you already know I'm in Afghanistan. I've been away from my family for a month now and it hasn't been fun. I miss them so much and hate the fact that I can't come home kick my boots off hug and kiss my wife and daughter. I can't play with my dog or go to church with my family. Instead, I'm stuck out here wondering when they are going to authorize us to shoot the rabies infested dogs that chase us around. I get hugs from some of the crazy guys I came over here with. I'm not going to complain that I'm over here, because I expected it. After all, I joined in a time of war. I joined because of the war that was going to come after 9-11. But I am going to list a few things that I miss, that I took for granted back home.

My family, I miss them so much. Being able to come home and see your wife smile, unless your daughter was a demon then she is scolding and pointing at your daughter saying, "It’s yours." But I even miss that. I miss seeing a smile on my daughters face as she looks at me across the room then runs away because she is shy and gets embarrassed to show her love for me. I miss my dog that is usually first to the door and the last to get greeted by me. I miss being able to cuddle my wife watching anything from Glee to Battleship. I miss my daughter when she is upset and nothing but "nuggling" daddy will fix it.

I miss being able to go outside, wear my ipod and comfortable shorts and not having to tuck my shirt into those shorts and going for a run.

I miss my church. I have a church here, but its ran by the military. The chaplains try to do their best but are restricted by the federal government on what they can say and do. And I can't wait to come home and be a part of my church. Not just someone that attends it. I can't wait to give back, be a part of the youth group. Start a men’s group with Drew and a couple other guys.


I miss being able to play my Xbox. Not going to lie, I do miss it. It was something I was able to do to just unwind, whether it was watching something by myself or with my wife or playing a game.

I miss the luxury of time.

I miss my toilet.

I miss clean running water. Water that I can go into the bathroom and brush my teeth with and not a bottle of water.

I miss 20 minute showers.

I miss having shampoo and body wash all the time.

I miss the time I had away from the guys I work with.

I miss the fellowship I had.

I miss the Waymans, our extended family.

I miss my home group.

I miss hanging out with Chris and Claire and having all the holidays in one night.

These are just some of the things I miss. But, I will sacrifice them because I believe that God has called me to the army. So therefore God has called me to make these sacrifices and I am right where God wants me. I am in His will and doing His work for the kingdom.

Please pray for God to continually break and test me. I have not been broken in a long time. I feel I have hardened my heart because the army requires me to so I can turn on what my wife calls "Soldier Mode." I just need to be able to turn it off. I feel it’s been on for the last few years including my personal life. I want God to break me to the point where he can start molding me into the man I'm supposed to be. I'm tired of just living; I want to live for Him and Him alone. I want to be able to live and on a daily basis have people look at my life and have absolutely no doubt that I serve the Lord Jesus Christ. I want people to know that I love Him, and through His love I am saved and they can too.

Please keep my guys and I in your prayers. Thanks to all who support us. I love you Kate, stay safe and stay strong. Love you Aliyah.