HE’S BACK!!! Yup, Barrett got back Sunday’ish. Sunday’ish? What does that mean? It means the ship came to the pier and all the Marine’s gear landed pier side when the heavens opened, unleashing sideways rain, thunder, lightening, and wind. Logistics kept the Marines from getting their gear under cover, so all their covers dropped tears as they saw their clothes, computers, shoes, books…whatever…get flooded. Then the buses were late. How late? Midnight’ish. Most of the Marines did not feel their pillows till after 2am. Barrett? He ended up sleeping on the floor of his office under a wet blanket with a wet pillow. He banked that sleeping their would give him an extra two hours of sleep before their formation Monday morning. Welcome home Marine! =0)
We did see him for lunch on Monday when he was allowed to come home. Every item not in a plastic bag was dripping wet. His shiny black shoes even turned blue from the dampness. It was laundry day for sure! Its so good to have him home! Annabelle now has someone come when she asks for “DAH!”.
For those of you who didn’t know, we also just got back from Hong Kong. Annabelle and I left last Friday for our seven day exploration of that remarkable city spread. Barrett was able to join us for two of them! What fun!! We went to an amusement park that also sported an aquarium, kids park, and fair inside of it. It had two areas connected by a gondola that gave a breathtaking pier of mountains and oceans…and the roller coaster screaming to be ridden! NOBODY was there (it was Halloween afterall) so Barrett held onto Annabelle as I ventured the circling and flipping terrors! We gandered at fish, panda bears, rou rous, octopi, sea lions and walruses as all the Asians gawked, squealed, and kissed Annabelle. It was quite a scene!
Our trip also included shopping, going to street markets, another gondola to see the world’s largest Buddha (or the scenic trek to get there), a tram to Victoria’s peak, the science museum, and hours on the subway. Annabelle made friends with the coffee shop we visited every breakfast. We also exchanged daily greetings with the Thai Restaurant ladies a few doors down from our hotel. We walked for miles, played at parks, and went to a free aviary. It was really a great visit. We are thankful so for the opportunity and cultural exchange.
Alas, now I’m back on my government issued green couch with a gurgle in my digestive system and Annabelle having the case of the fits, but it was nice to sleep in our own beds with our own pillows. Barrett should be home for the rest of our time here on Okinawa letting his travels be with us on the island, instead of islands a plane trip away. Thank you for all of your prayers with us on this journey. I realize there are a lot more to come, so please continue to pray for us. Barrett is leaving this duty station having impacted so many Marines and sailors. The Lord really gave him wisdom, humor, and time with these Marines to leave a lasting impression on their lives. He has been able to share the gospel to all ranks and enlistments and has kept his testimony pure. I am so proud of the work that he has done for the kingdom and will miss the friends we have made during his time with the MEU. Pray that as he changes units the Lord will watch over his Marines from CLB and give wisdom in how to best serve his new Marines.
On a personal note, our extended family has increased by one! My brother Jonathan and his wife just welcomed their sixth child, James Luther on Reformation day! Congrats to you! We are so happy for your added joy!
Now…go out and vote!