Update from Ariel

Hey, everyone!

Just wanted to let y'all know that Josh left for training for a while before he deploys. He has been gone for about a week, and he will not be home before the deployment. Please remember that I cannot post specific dates, times, or places on here due to OPSEC (Operational Security). Sorry.

I talked to him twice for about ten minutes each time since he's been gone. He says he's doing well, but he's very tired. He's only able to get about five hours of sleep each night because of the training they're doing. Keep him in your prayers-- that he'll stay alert and focused and that he'll be able to do well throughout training. From what he has told me, I think he is enjoying the training for the most part. Yes, it is very tiring and sometimes painful (if they're doing hand-to-hand combatives), but I think it will be very rewarding for him to go through. He's very excited to deploy. I cannot say where he is going until after he is already there. Sorry.

The day before Josh left we found out some big news. We are expecting our very first Army Brat! Yes, it will be difficult because Josh will be gone for the entire pregnancy and most likely the birth, too; but we're still extremely excited. We know that God has His timing for everything, and we're looking forward to welcoming a baby Anthony into the world. I am still going to school full-time, so I would appreciate prayers for concentration, strength, and rest. Currently I am not experiencing any morning sickness, but we shall see as time moves forward. I have not gone to the doctor yet (I was out of town for the past week), but I will keep everyone updated as the pregnancy progresses. If I have calculated correctly, then I am about six or seven weeks along, and I will be due early April.

Waiting for him,
Ariel