Winter Fun!

Hi Everyone!

A quick update on the Captain: He is doing well and so appreciates all the wonderful packages he has been getting as well as letters and e-mails! Thanks for keeping his spirits up and thanks also for all those prayers! God is gracious and sustaining him well. Stay tuned as we actually have another post coming with some exciting news regarding his deployment.

The rest of the ducks are doing well and enjoying time closer to grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. We also have been enjoying the change in scenery & climate!! Here are some pics of the girls enjoying life with snow:

Praise Report & Prayer Requests

"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." Isaiah 65:24

PRAISE REPORT:
Once again we need to share how God is truly taking care of these soldiers and answering our many prayers. The Captain went out on a 10-vehicle convoy to reach the more remotely stationed soldiers in order to administer medical treatment and give H1N1 vaccines. Their convoy experienced a full day of safe travel and when one vehicle got stuck (normally a 2 hour procedure to free it) they were able to pull it free in 20 minutes!! To God be all the Glory!! He continues to demonstrate His goodness in all things!

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness"
1 Timothy 2:1-2
PRAYER REQUESTS:

• This goes without saying - but please continue to pray for the safety of the Captain and his unit.
• Please continue to pray for wisdom for the Captain as he treats his soldiers for a WIDE array of problems.
• Please do pray for the morale of the troops!! We need to cover these soldiers in prayer for peace of mind and mental stability. There is REAL evidence of mental breakdown among the troops. Pray that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
• We ask that you specifically pray for the family of Private First Class Michael Rogers who was lost in a non-combat related incident. Also, please cover Medic Beam in prayer as he is having a challenging time.

Baby Duck Feature

The kids grow so much each day and this is especially evident in our Baby Duck. So dear Captain, here are some of her latest shots! We love you!!

Let the Christmas Traditions Begin!!

The little ducklings finally got to decorate their much anticipated gingerbread house!! After many years of doing gingerbread houses, Mama Duck and Nana Duck had to work hard to keep our "control freak" natures in check and really allow the little ducks to create away. I think we were successful - Big Sis Duck even drew a diagram of where all the candy should go! Here are some pics of the fun:

A Plan is made:Starting the house:
Carefully placing the candy:
The house is complete!
Three Ducks excited to be done (and probably experiencing a sugar high)!
We miss you Captain!!!!!!!

Package Clarification

So, I have learned my lesson on posting after midnight as clearly, my brain is not functioning at full capacity. My P.S. post regarding packages caused much confusion so please allow me to clarify:

1. Personal packages, letters, and e-mails can and should be sent to the Captain at anytime. He gladly welcomes hearing from you!! Please do let me know if you need his address.

2. We have had many groups of people and organizations ask about sending bulk supplies (e.g. socks, dental stuff, personal hygiene supplies) to the Captain's unit. After talking to the Captain and his Sergeant, they determined that it would be better to hold off on these bulk shipments until February as they already have a surplus of things and they hope to have a better assessment of their needs by then. (This is what I was referring to in my P.S. post).

SO sorry for the confusion!! I've learned my lesson on late night posts.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

P.S.

ACK!! I forgot to mention....Care Packages!!


Many of you have been asking about care packages for the Captain and his unit. With the approach of Christmas, there are actually many groups and organizations that are remembering soldiers and sending them supplies. The Captain's unit has actually had to send packages and supplies on to other outposts as they have an over abundance of things. As such, we are holding off on a care package campaign until around February.

That being said - please DO continue to e-mail and send letters to the Captain!!


If you need EITHER of these addresses, please shoot me an e-mail and I will be happy to provide. :-)

Update and more prayer requests for The Captain

Life continues to be an adventure for our sweet Captain! Here's an update:

Praise Report
We are so thankful for the following blessings and answered prayers:

• The Captain arrived safely at his Outpost location.
• After a very sandy/dirty start, the aid station is cleaned up, freshly painted and ready to serve soldiers.
• The porta-potties that were in such TERRIBLE condition have been yanked out and replaced with NEW porta-potties and the Captain said they are "so much better!!".
• The PX at the outpost has been setup and stocked and has a much improved selection of basic necessities that the Captain had been missing (ie toilet paper, wet wipes etc....).

Prayer Requests

• Please continue to pray for the leaders of the unit. Pray for wisdom as they plan their missions and strength to lead with integrity and compassion.
• The water purification system at the outpost is currently only able to function at 25% capacity. As a result, they have restrictions on water use for showers etc...Fortunately, the unit has bottled water brought in for drinking but please pray that they can repair the purification system.
• The outpost is currently experiencing quite the rat and mouse infestation problem. The Captain says the rats are larger than squirrels!! The latest plan is to bring in a large number of cats to help keep the rodent population down. Please pray this works!! So far, the Captain hasn't had any mice/rats in his living quarters but they have had mice in the aid station.
• After a rainy night, the Captain discovered that the roof for his room leaks. Fortunately, the leak is not over his bed but it did mean that he woke to a rather large puddle in the middle of his room.
• Please continue to pray for wisdom for the Captain as he treats his patients. Many of the soldiers have been coming in with sleep issues ~ often they just want medication so that they can sleep at night. The Captain has had some wonderful opportunities to share his faith and witness Christ to these young men. Please pray these soldiers seek Christ for peace & healing for their many sleep issues rather than rely as they have upon drugs. Pray also that the Captain has increased opportunities to witness his faith.

Mama Duck and the little ducks 3

• PRAISE for safe travels north
• PRAY for ease of replacing Mama Ducks identity (both military ID and driver's license). Pray that she not have to return home to accomplish this. Also, please pray they are spared from identity theft.
• PRAISE for sweet baby duck on the way and PRAY for smooth, healthy pregnancy
• PRAY for the little ducks as they are really missing their daddy!!

As always, we so appreciate all your prayers, encouragement and support!

What a blessing you are!!