Day 423: The End

The journey is finally over. After 48 straight hours of planes or waiting for planes, I finally touched down in Reno Wednesday and was reunited with Sue and the kids. It is such a great feeling to finally have this deployment over with. In some ways it feels hard to believe that it is over, while in other ways it feels like forever has passed since I left.

As I have neared the end of this deployment and have prepared to come home, people often have asked me if I had a good experience and if I would want to do it again. The answers to these questions are "good" and "no"...but let me elaborate a little bit.

First, a word about the experience as a whole. I think one day, Sue and I will look back at this past year as a defining moment for our family, our marriage, and our life in general. Although long and difficult, I think Sue would agree that it was a "good" thing for our family and an experience we probably needed to have. We didn't feel that way at first. Shocked, worried, humbled, and crushed, are just a few words that could be used to describe the moment when my boss informed me that I would be deploying. We always knew I would eventually receive the deployment order, however, we never thought it would come so soon and last for such a long period of time. 452 days--an incredibly long time it seemed at the moment. Regardless, like all challenges in life, we had no ability to choose the "what" or "when" or "why" of this experience, but rather were left to face the trial with as much faith, patience and perseverance as we possibly could.

So, a year in Afghanistan it was. The experience for me on the ground was unique and definitely an educational one. I saw and did things I will never do again. I rode in helicopters. I learned how to handle weapons. I drove and commanded up-armored vehicles. I slept in a wooden hut. I ran a lot of miles on a treadmill. I learned how to speak a little Dari and Pashto. I learned to not drink in the evenings so as to avoid having to use the outdoor "facilities" in the middle of the night. I learned how to try to maintain a healthy relationship with my wife and children strictly via email and talking over a computer. I traveled hundreds of miles up and down Afghan roads and in the process came to know a people, a culture, and a religion that before was essentially a mystery to me. I made many life-long friends from various different countries and backgrounds. I prayed a lot and learned to trust more in my Father in Heaven and a little less on myself.

Sue will have to comment as the resident expert on how this deployment affected our family back home. I know it wasn't easy. I know there were a lot of moments of frustration, worry, and loneliness. However, I also know there were many successes, joys, and bonding experiences between her and the kids. The family not only survived this past year, but again, I think we grew from the experience.

Now, to the question of "Would you do it again?" The answer is easy...NO! I didn't volunteer for this deployment the first time and I wouldn't volunteer a second time. This doesn't mean that the deployment wasn't the right thing for me and our family or that we didn't learn a lot from it. My negative answer doesn't mean that this deployment wasn't a worthwhile experience. It only means that if I was given the choice I wouldn't voluntarily do it again. I think my answer goes back to my previous comment that we can't choose the trials we will face in this life, but rather are left to accept them and do our best to learn from them.

With that being said, I am grateful that someone wiser than me is able to help guide and direct my life. I, like most people in this world, would naturally choose the easy road or avoid things in life that are "undesirable". However, a loving Father is always there to watch over us and give us experiences that we need rather than ones that we want. These experiences are given to us for our personal growth, to expand our perspective, and ultimately to lead us back to Him again. I am grateful for His guidance. I am grateful for His support. I am grateful to know that He loves me and my family and that ALL the experiences we face will ultimately be for our good as we turn to Him.

Now a few words of thanks...

First to my cute little Susie. You survived! Can you believe it is finally over? How grateful I am to have you in my life. How grateful I am to have such a wonderful mother raising and guiding my beautiful children. I know this wasn't an easy experience for you but you did an incredible job--not only back at home but also helping me feel supported and loved. Thanks again for all you have done and continue to do for me. You are awesome. I love you!

To my kids. Thanks for not driving your mom completely crazy. Thanks for sending me so many fun letters, pictures, and emails. There is nothing like hearing from one's children to keep one happy, motivated, and in good spirits. I missed you guys so much and I am so grateful that I am back with you and mom again.

To Sue's family and mine. I will never be able to express fully how much I appreciate you watching out for and supporting Sue and my little ones. You have all done so much for us. One of my greatest comforts while away was knowing that you were all there watching over and protecting my family. Your efforts have been amazing and your sacrifices in my family's behalf have truly humbled me. I am immensely grateful for your love and support.

To our friends. Thanks for the encouraging words and for your support of me and my family while I have been away.

To all others out there who have in someway been a part of this journey or have touched our lives in someway over the past year, I thank you for all that you have done. There have been so many people out there who have done so much for us and supported us in so many ways. Know that your efforts were noticed and appreciated.

So with that, this 452 day adventure (that luckily only lasted 423 days) and the blog that has documented my journeys over this time, is officially closed. It has been a pleasure to share some of my experiences, thoughts, and feelings with you over this period. Thanks for reading. I hope that something I shared was educational, humorous, insightful, thought provoking, or otherwise of some value to you. I know writing it was beneficial to me and hopefully, in the years to come, it will be a valuable record to me and my family as we continue through this adventure we call life.

Farewell.