It’s 0500 in Kabul. I’m in Afghanistan, safe and doing well. There’s an early sandstorm just waking up, as the sun begins to glow on the horizon.
Last year, I created a newsletter to help folks back home keep track of my deployment, and this year I’ve done it again. I welcome you all to read through my deployment newsletter, which you can download from here.
Back home, Maira is doing well, but could use some assistance with nanny selection. She has been keeping up with the Sequoia, growing her business, and the household, to include my aquaponics project – she has even had some of our lettuce already. Sequoia is now 4.5 months old. I miss my girls terribly, and can’t wait to get them back in my arms.
June 3rd, 2009 at 17:36
Matt,
It’s good to hear from you. You, Maira and Sequoia are definitely in my daily prayers (your mother also).
John
June 3rd, 2009 at 18:53
Matt:
very glad you are ok and we know you miss your family.
off to chicago to visit the grand kids and Dave and Marie
Dave is in Settle and the grandkids are in Michigan at the lake of Marie’s mother. I sent your mother a logitech 9000 so that she can see her graandkid and us and maybe you on skype.Charlie
Hi Matt. It is very hot here in AZ as you remember from 29 Palms. I guess it is similar where you are. Hope you stay healthy and we will be seeing you before you know it.
Love Aunt Barbara and Uncle Charlie
June 4th, 2009 at 04:44
…thinking of you and wishing you well…Jo
June 4th, 2009 at 05:18
Hey Matt!!
Thanks for including us in your newsletter. Please take very good care of yourself and know you are in our prayers for a safe return to Maira & Sequoia. When you get an address, please post it so we can send you some ’snail’ mail!
Love to you!!
‘Mom’
June 4th, 2009 at 05:57
Hi Matt,
Hope that you are doing well. I know that your Mom and Maira & Sequoia are missing you BAD….. You stay safe and we will keep up with you on your blog. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
love ya
Wanda
June 5th, 2009 at 05:06
Your newsletter both touched me and gave me hope for this countries future. Matt, I am proud of you. You are a very gifted writer. I am proud to call you my friend. Keep your spirits up and your eyes toward home.
June 5th, 2009 at 19:57
I am blown away by your newsletter. I can’t believe how professional it is. You MUST have a LOT of computer time to put something like this together. My fervent prayer is that you come back safe and sound as quickly as possible. I can’t wait to see you again and we will do what ever Maira and Sprout need.
June 6th, 2009 at 06:58
hey matt, so nice to be included in this. you and maira and sequoia are definitely in my heart right now, lots of love to all of you…
love,
ellen
June 7th, 2009 at 17:04
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate you all taking the time to read my newsletter, and keep us in your thoughts. For those of you back in California, thank you for taking care of Maira and Sequoia.
June 7th, 2009 at 17:27
Matt,
Dude, I so respect your journey and admire your courage. THanks for doing the work you are doing over there with your brothers. You men allow me to do the work I’m doing with more “privileged” men over here.
My best to you bro.
Jayson
p.s. your daughter is beautiful!
July 5th, 2009 at 11:11
Matt:
I am your mom’s fitness trainer and have been keeping up with you through your mom for a few years now. I wish you, Maira and your beautiful, blessed Sequoia peace, happiness and joy. Please add me to your newsletter list. You and your family are continually in my prayers!
Best Wishes,
Leslie
July 17th, 2009 at 05:42
Loved your second newsletter…..reading it makes everything seem so close,,