After nearly 7 months in the middle east I am finally coming home for 15 days of leave.
I am scheduled to fly out of COB Delta (as a part of the draw down of military forces in Iraq, the title “Forward Operating Base” has been changed to the more benign “Contingency Operating Base”) on an Air force C-130 and will spend a day or two en route to Atlanta, Georgia. I don’t think I have looked forward to anything with such excitement. [a note from the author: A close second place goes to Christmas 1996 which obviously was the holiday season just after Nintendo 64 was
released in the United States providing us with a 3-D Mario, the rise of the first person shooter in Goldeneye and subsequently preventing me or any of my friends from any notable interactions with girls until long after turn of the millennia. For those of you non-geeks out there, just call one of my brothers and either will confirm that describing any anticipation as surpassing that of Christmas ’96 borders on the hyperbolic].
I was home schooled from kindergarten to high school graduation. My summer camp as a kid was a week long. I never studied abroad during college (who in their right mind would voluntarily give up a semester at UVa/in Charlottesville to hang out with foreigners? I pity the fool…Sorry but who isn’t completely psyched about the new A-Team movie ?) The longest I was ever in a basic training style army school was 5 weeks. All this to say, I am not altogether used to being away from home for long periods of time. Now that I have been away for more than half a year the idea of coming home seems surreal. I suppose this shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the unusual realities of living in a combat zone, however, I have experienced this to a greater than expected. A couple of weeks ago I was downright anxious about the idea of coming home, but through much prayer and the encouragement of loved ones my anxiety has in large part melted into joy. (please take the time to watch this short video which I really feel accurately demonstrates how out of place a veteran may feel initially after coming home). I expect it will take some time to get used to not carrying a gun, not having to scan the sides of roads for bombs while driving or not looking for a bunker at the sound of a siren. While it will be nice to leave these things behind in Iraq, I am far more excited by what will be regained upon my arrival back home.
I have already begun giving myself pep talks mustering the discipline not to make a scene in the Atlanta airport by sprinting through the terminal and mowing over unwary TSA employees on my way to hugging Molly. Think Tim Tebow (Go Broncos!) blindsiding an FSU linebacker in the red zone. Not good.
By the way, for those who don’t know, a hug from Molly White is one of life’s treasures and should never be taken for granted. I struggle with envy of those of you whom have had these regularly over the past few months (this means you, Vanessa Newton).
After arriving in Atlanta, hopefully on the morning of May 14, I am planning on driving to Columbus, GA to see friends and worship at St. Andrew’s PCA. I spent only about 16 months living in Columbus and attending SAPC but I was so blessed to gain incredibly close friendships and community there. Having lived without it for the past 7 months I can honestly say the blessing of membership in thriving church community is truly life giving. My friend Bradley recently asked me how I would want to spend my precious few days in Columbus and I explained that simply spending time in friends homes, having dinner, talking and laughing seems like an absolutely thrill right now. Some soldiers use their two weeks R&R for “exciting” vacations to the south pacific, Hawaii or Europe. But not me. I simply want to be around the people I love and regain a sense or normalcy…and enjoy some home cooked meals. Which brings me to the next stop on the itinerary. On or around May 17 Molly and I are driving up to Virginia Beach to spend time with my family. Six things come to mind immediately:
1) Sitting at the kitchen counter talking with my mom while she cooks something incredible.
2) Hanging out on the porch talking with my dad.
3) Surfing with my older brother, Wesley.
4) Golfing with my younger brother, Reed.
5) Laughing with my sister, Lera.
6) Taking a nap on the sofa with my dog, Cricket on my chest.
Go to war for a year and you will realize the simplest parts of your life, which you have taken for granted for years are the most dear to you.
After leaving Virginia Beach Molly and I hope to spend a couple of days with her family at the beach in South Carolina before heading back to Columbus and ultimately to Atlanta for my flight back to Iraq. I know the 15 days of leave will go by way too fast but I am really glad to already be over halfway finished with deployment and should be home for good in late September/early October. I will have an extended block leave this fall after our final return at which time I will be free to travel more extensively and see as many of you as possible.
[Another note from the author: all credit for inspiring the inclusion of links and pictures belongs to Jennifer "J-Money" Hocutt. She truly has perfected the art of blogging.]
