This week will be a hard one. Blake is leaving early Tuesday morning for his deployment. Although I am not at liberty to name the location of his "visit," I will say that it is somewhere in the Middle East, and it will be an extended stay. To be honest, I cannot complain, mainly because this is his first deployment in over 8 years of service. But his fellow servicemen in the Marines and Army spend much more time in the desert on just one tour than he will probably spend over the next few years. We are blessed, but that doesn't mean that the Christmas season will be easy without Blake here with us. I am more worried about the kids. I don't think Grace fully understands what is happening, but Troy is very aware and has even started having nightmares about Blake's deployment.

I am planning some activities to keep the kids busy while Blake is gone, hoping that will help ease the pain of our separation. There are so many things to do around here! A friend just returned from a trip to the coast of Spain, where she says it is warm and beautiful. I've been dying to visit Italy, but I'm afraid the kids might get bored with museums and historical sights. I really wanted to get out of the country, but we may just drive to the mountains for a "snow retreat."

We would appreciate your prayers over the next few months. Of course, praying for Blake's physical safety is important, as he will be working in not-so-friendly areas of the world. But I would also ask that you pray that God will use this time away from home and family to draw Blake closer to Him. I have no idea what this deployment will be like or what he will be doing or where he will be going. I do know that He is in God's hands, and my prayer is that God will do a mighty work while he is gone.

If you would like to e-mail Blake, or send snail-mail, please leave a comment with a contact point, and I will forward his addresses. Merry Christmas from our home to yours!