Why did the temple have to close at this time? I had the constant feeling I needed Isaac's name on the prayer roll, But it would be a few day until the temple would be done with its cleaning and repairers. So on my knees I went as he was constantly on my mind, asking God to protect him physically ,emotionally and spiritually,and to please make him strong in all three areas. I also prayed for those with him and all the other solders. It had been several weeks since I had last heard from him . It was then that I had received an almost inaudible phone call where he had stated that they had been moved to a new location in Afghanistan. They had no address, so mail service was not available. They were living in tents and sleeping on cots. As every min of every day stretched into weeks without any contact my mind continued to be on him. With every thought I somehow had a wonderful sense of peace that I just needed to keep praying and all would be well in time. But I needed to keep praying. Why was the temple closed now? I needed him on the prayer roll.
The day came when the temple was finely open and I felt relief as I dialed the number and spelled out his name to be added to the prayer roll. The more prayers the better.
When Isaac's deployment to Afghanistan was done the air force would allow him to come home for a few weeks before he would have to go to his next assignment. I look so forward to the end of July when once again I would be able to see him. As Mothers day approached and still no word from Isaac I held on even stronger to the hope of seeing him in July. I wanted his homecoming to be a full expression of the love, pride and gratitude I felt for him. When Mike asked what I wanted for mothers day, for the first time the answer wasn't the standard," I don't know" This time The answer came quickly and without hesitation. Red ,white, and blue flowers. I wanted to plant the yard in red white and blue flowers. When Isaac arrived home I wanted even this wonderful, blessed ,American soil to yell forth in blooms "Welcome Home soldier. We missed you and are so proud of you." As I worked to plant flowers, Mike worked on cleaning and repairing the fountain. The fountain that Mike had so lovingly build for me as an anniversary gift took on even a deeper meaning now. The pineapple base that meant "welcome", The two cranes on top that symbolized peace,now seemed to be calling out for Isaac to come home. Even the front door was awaiting his return. Last summer when Mike was refinishing it I asked him to sculpture some cranes for it. As my attention returned to planting the flowers I said a prayer, " please protect him and make him strong."
Every morning when I first got up I would check my Email then again when I returned from work and finally before I went to bed. Still no word. Then finally there it was in black and white. An email from Isaac!
They had rushed them out in the middle of the night. They were not told why they had to get out so fast, or their destination. But just to pack their stuff and get on the plane fast. He was now back in England at his base and was done with his deployment. " Its really nice to be back and everyone has been very nice" I said a short prayer of thanks then continued to read. His available base listing had come out. He wasn't sure why but there was a massive demand of troop movement to Korea. He only had two options for his next base: Oson or Cunson, both bases are fighter squadrons in Korea. The words seemed to jump out of the page. Korea? We had thought he would be able to get a state side base, but instead he was going to Korea? My heart felt heavy. I had to admit I know very little about Korea, but what I did know I didn't like. Kim Jyong Yeil calmed to have nuclear weapons and would sell them to anyone including Osman bin la din. I would have to start studying more about Korea. Almost as fast as a feeling of fear passed though me a sense of calm followed. I knew that God had a plan for Isaac and was sending him where he needed him. I just needed faith. Isaac finished by saying that "the good news is that it looks like all of my Friends are going to Korea too" I was glad he would have his Friends with him.
Isaac's homecoming will mean even more now that he will be going to Korea when he leaves. How grateful I felt that he was safe back in England.How grateful I felt for the service of our military and especially for Isaac. May god always be with them giving them strength, wisdom, courage, and peace no matter what they may face. I love you Isaac!
