Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve!

Santa has already done well tonight - he brought in an extra large return of soldiers. We didn't make it to the actual ceremony, but apparently Santa himself led them through the doors into formation in the Hall of Champions. What more could anyone ask for but the return of a hero just in time for Christmas? There are still many, many more downrange, so as you enjoy time with your families tonight, say a prayer for those whose family is far away and fighting, waiting to come home at last.

My Christmas Eve was lovely, starting with banana cinnamon pancakes in the morning, my favorite Christmas reading at breakfast, a hike to the castle in the cold and sunshine, and an afternoon of warm fire, winning at nertz, and naps. We then went to a Christmas Eve service at the chapel which I shall refrain from describing, then people came back to the house for bread and soup, a simple dinner in reminder of the humble birth of our Savior.

It doesn't really feel like Christmas. I know that the trappings and trimmings and traditions are not what the holiday is about, but they're nice, and it's different without them. I miss my family, far away in various places of the US of A. This is only my 2nd Christmas without them, and it's a little bit sad, even though I love being in Germany and celebrating at the Festaburg. Makes me feel even more for those who are off serving their country, and for the families they've left behind who are wishing they were home.

"I like you better in person."

That's what Jonathan said to me tonight, as we sat downstairs working out some worship songs for Friday's Bible study, and it struck me as a curious statement. We have been e-mailing back and forth for about a year now, almost every day, short little blurbs about life or curious thoughts or pretty much anything. As time went on, the approaching end of the deployment became a more frequent topic, and the idea that "see you soon" was dwindling from months to weeks to days, "talk to you later" was about to become actual talking rather than typing. Now, "see you soon" means the minutes between hanging up the phone and driving to base to pick guys up. They're finally back. The Festaburg is full again, even with so many gone home on block leave.

This is why we're here - we're here to be family for those who have none to come home to. We're here to be a home away from home, to be friends, to share life. In II Thessalonians 2:8 Paul says, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." We share food, trips, talks, games, projects, walks, music, movies, our stories and our struggles and ourselves. And really, sometimes I think that's exactly what it's about - God shared Himself with us, and we can't share Him with others without sharing ourselves, as well.

Welcome Home

Soldiers have been coming in in groups of all sizes for several weeks now. Most of the brigade is back by now, and I know I already described the ceremonies to you. Really, I think it is one of the most emotional events I've ever witnessed, except perhaps a soldier's memorial. The anticipation as everyone waits, the cheer as the soldiers enter, the building tension as the speeches and prayers are said, the relief as they're finally dismissed and home...it's incredible.

On Thursday night, Brad and I attended a ceremony at 11pm, hoping to see some more friends come in, as they were expected that night; no such luck. So, in the middle of the night, I got back in the car to go back for a 2 am ceremony. Friends who I have been e-mailing for more than a year were expected back, and I couldn't stand to miss their return. I almost missed it!! I went to the back gate, forgetting it closed at midnight, and forgetting it has a counterpart just up the hill that's open 24/7, I drove all the way back around to the front gate.

By the time I got to the Hall of Champions and parked, I could hear the music and the screaming, and I ran around and into the building just in time for the prayer and dismissal. Then it was run into the crowd and search faces until I saw them. I found Jonathan first, and he ran up to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a hug, and we found Sean and I got another great hug. We stood around and talked, trying to put 14 months of waiting into words. I can't really describe it. I'm so glad I was there, though - these guys have no one here to come home to, and both said often how glad they were that I was there to see them, even at 2 in the morning. I know I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Welcome Home!!

SURPRISE!!!

So, today I was able to go to my first welcome home ceremony (turned out being four of them) at the Hall of Champions (and later on the field) on post. No one we knew was really expected in (at the first one), so Brad was there to hand out candy bars, and I was there to video tape it. The bleachers were filled with wives and children anxiously awaiting the arrival. Signs were hung around the gym, families had hand made and custom ordered signs, little children ran around with "Welcome Home Dad" shirts, women were dressed and coiffed and nervous. The whole atmosphere was one of intense anticipation. As the doors opened, Toby Keith's "Red, White, and Blue" began playing, and screams and cheers echoed through the room. More than a hundred soldiers walked in in ranks, and the room was wild with people calling out, trying to find their loved one in the crowd. I was filming and taking in the moment, not looking for anyone in particular, but still moved by the moment. Both the German and American national anthems were played, a prayer was said, and a speech given (the best kind - less than 30 seconds long!). The first kiss was announced, and the soldier ran to his wife and I was already tearing up seeing that. Then the call came - "DISMISSED!"

The room exploded. Children raced off the bleachers, wives ran, there were hugs and kisses and Brad handing out chocolate bars and shaking hands, and I was filming, and then - there was Nellie. Running up to me, hugging me, and on the video all you see is wild movement and the sound of unintelligible screams and squeals. We hugged, and it was the greatest hug I can ever remember. She had seen me as soon as she walked into the room, I hadn't seen her till she was right there, and we were crying and squealing and so happy to be together again. I was so glad that we were there, to be there for her to come back to, and to hug her over and over. Eventually we calmed down enough to be able to speak clearly. SHE'S BACK!!!

The other ceremonies on the field were similar. I cannot explain the feelings that overwhelmed me as I stood there and watched the soldiers come through the gate and file onto the field, as they saluted the flag and stood for the anthems, as they answered the officers giving speeches. I cannot explain the look on the face of the woman who won 'first kiss,' or of the little girl who sobbed as she held Daddy's face in her hands for the first time in over a year. Pride, joy, gratitude, relief, so many emotions were pouring out of everyone there, even those of us who didn't have someone specific to welcome home. These are our heroes, and they are returning at last!

2 Days

Only two days left in the United States of America. The last week has flown by, and yet whenever I think of how far I still am from the Festaburg, every minute seems to be dragging. Even though I know there is still a lot to be done - like packing, for instance - I feel so ready to just BE there already. Soldiers are coming home, spring is spreading over Germany, friends are writing and making plans, things are coming together, and I am still more than 6000 miles away.

I got an e-mail from a friend yesterday that made me want to be there even more. As the soldiers come home, Baumholder puts on a (very) small ceremony, at which family are present and one wife is selected to receive the 'first kiss,' and then the soldiers are finally allowed to hug their wives and children after more than a year apart. My friend e-mailed me with their hopeful arrival, and said, "I don't expect anybody to be able to make it to our little return reception in the gym, but it would be really cool to have somebody to hug when we get back to Baumholder, if the circumstances present themselves." So many of these guys and girls don't have anyone on post to come back to - what family they may have is back in the States. This is where ministry happens: just being there to welcome them home, to thank them, to support and love and pray for and laugh with and hug them. This is why I am so excited to get there, before I miss anyone else coming back.

Heading Out Soon!

So, after 9 months, the countdown begins again - 22 days until I head to Germany!! I've been asked to go back and intern for Brad and Debbie once again this summer, and I'm heading out May 18th. This is a shorter trip, 'only' three months this time. I'll be getting back with just enough time to catch up to the time change before starting my second year at Southwestern in August.

This summer marks the end of the '15' month deployment and the return of Baumholder’s troops from Iraq! This means that the Festaburg will be full of returning friends and heroes, and an increase in ministry opportunities. My duties will again include childcare, cooking, cleaning, teaching German, and helping the couple who take over from the Ellgens for the month of June to keep the House open and running smoothly in their absence. I am so excited to go back and see what God has in store for this summer, and to see my friends again!!!!! (!!!) [just a little excitement here!!]

I'm still about $6500 short on the support I need to raise. I do have enough to get over there, which is the main importance, though. Whether or not you can contribute financially, your prayer support is essential, both for the fund raising and preparation and for the soldiers and ministry in Germany. Please keep the deployed soldiers and the families they have left behind in your prayers, especially now as their return is so close!

If you do wish to contribute, please make checks payable to Cadence International. Specify on a separate note that you include with the check that the gift is for Laura Cardy, account #10728. These donations are tax-deductible; Cadence will mail you a receipt. Cadence International's mailing address is: PO Box 1268 • Englewood, CO 80150

I really appreciate everyone's prayers! The blog will be updated like before, hopefully every couple days, and I'm going to work on having a weekly e-mail update as well. If you'd like to be added to the list, just send me your address at laurakcardy@aol.com and I will be sure you get the newsletters! Thanks so much everyone.

God Bless!
~Laura

Day 1 1/2

Well, I'm here!

After a loooong flight (20 hrs travel time!), I landed in Frankfurt, collected my luggage, and walked through the doors to see Brad's smiling face waiting to take me to the Festaburg. I was oddly wide awake, despite only getting about 45 minutes' sleep on the plane. We ate dinner, then I unpacked and ended my evening (10 pm is still light out, therefore still evening) with a large cup of chammomile tea on the balcony, enjoying the fresh air, birds, green trees, and general glory of God's creation.

This morning I woke up at 6 am (whatever happened to jet-lag??) and did more unpacking, but then fell asleep again and didn't wake until 1 pm (ah, there it is). Then it was a normal Friday - help cook for Bible study dinner, work on projects for Brad, and then people come over. Only this was different, for me - there were 3 soldiers over, instead of 30. My first taste of post-deployment life. It was still a lot of fun, and it gives a chance to hear every individual more during discussions. But I do kind of miss the large, rather chaotic groups. Two of the guys were new to me, I only knew Jonathon from before. After Bible study, we played a ping-pong tournament before Brad took one guy back to base. So far there's no plan for tomorrow except waffles at 10. :)

I am so happy to be back here - and so blessed to be wanted here! One of my tasks is going to be teaching Brad German, every morning from like 9-10. Should be fun! They say teaching really helps you learn something even better. I am excited to see what God has in store for my summer here! Keep me in your prayers, please. :)