Words From Iraq

Well I am having trouble sleeping tonight for some reason. Tonight is Saturday(well Sunday morning now) for me. I was thinking of you all and decided to read a little in our family blog. I miss you all ever so dearly. Unfortunately for most of us this longing and missing comes at great distances. When we are far from our family we miss them dearly.

It has been almost three months since I left the states. I am surprised at the amount of time that has already past, but the daunting 9 months left are seeming insurmountable. I will survive in patience until the time comes, but inside I truly wish it were tomorrow so I could see my adoring wife and beautiful child!!!! We are looking forward to our next little one and hopefully I will be on R & R (Rest and Relaxation) when our new one comes. This will be a well deserved two week break with my family.

I have a little free time here to do college courses. I am enrolled at AMU (American Military University) and going for a degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. I hope to be finish up to two years worth of college by the time I come back. I have 29 credit hours right now with another 3 coming at the end of this week(next Sunday or so) when one of my current courses end. I hope to have 40 credits done by October. The military is paying for every cent of my education and I plan on taking full advantage of such!!!!!

One might ask why I have done what I have done. I do not seem like the military type. This is very true, I do not enjoy the idea of what a military does. However I have come to learn that the military is not only shooting, fighting and killing, but so much more. It is an organization of like minded people. We are working for a better cause and helping defend our nation and its ideals. I am proud to be amongst many wonderful people and see how they live their lives serving others. Proud enough that back in April I re-enlisted into the Army for additional time. I enjoy being part of this organization and amongst my co-workers and very professional individuals. I hope to further my career by becoming an officer in their ranks. As an officer you are a higher paid supervisor that does all the office work (paperwork, ect). You are expected to lead and guide in your units and hold the highest positions of responsibility. I believe I am ready for such and hope to achieve these goals sooner rather than later. I just have to get some college under my belt before I can become one.

Know that each of you are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Truthfully I don't know what to pray for for each of you because we have been apart so long, but know that the thought is what counts. I hope all is well with you all in your studies, work, families, and even pregnancies. Just learned today when you were due in the blog Heather (Congratulations!! I like the name Nathan)

Missing my family, but I am serving the Lord in his vineyard. Though we are not allowed to teach (missionary-wise to the Muslim world in general really) in this country we are holding strong to the faith and introducing the gospel to other service men and women alike. Currently I am serving as Service Member's Group (Like a branch) Clerk and loving it. I am serving alongside many loving and inspiring men that strengthen me and my testimony just by their presence. I am humbled I have been chosen to serve with them.

I thank you all for your prayers for both me and my family in our time of separation. Our love grows stronger every day we are apart. We are bound eternally with love and devotion. Know that I love and cherish each one of you and can't wait to see you all again.

Love your brother,
Defender of the Faith
Nation's Protector

SPC Joshua David Emmot