Farewells at Work

This is my last week at my regular job.  The past two weeks have been fast and furious, trying to close out all of my work and turning over my programs to my temporary replacement.  I feel (sorta) sorry for Greg, the poor guy who is takng over - - his expression is that of a person who is trying to take a drink from a fully charged fire hose. 

Last week my two bosses Bill and Paul threw me a going away party, inviting the facility through a mass email.  Dozens of folks showed up, some with their own baked goods.  All feasted on the piles of pizza my bosses bought for the event.  There were many handshakes, hugs, and kisses.  Made me feel good to have so many well wishers there, to say that they will miss me, and to let me know that my wife, family, and I will be in their thoughts and prayers as I ready myself for my mission in Afghanistan.  I do appreciate you, Bill and Paul, for making this possible.  You guys are the best!  Thanks.

It has been a little odd to go around our 2000+ employee facility, with the word out that I am soon heading to Afghanistan.  I have been greeted and sent off with looks of both pride and concern, sometimes bordering on fear.  A few of my friends (guys and gals alike) would give me a handshake or hug, and quickly turn away so I would not see their tears.  I did see them, though.  Out of all of the words people have said, those few silent tears have been to me the highest compliment any friend or coworker could experience.  If anything, these recent touches from those I admire so well have further motivated me to prepare wisely so that I can serve honorably to come home proudly.

There have been many thousands who have served this fine Nation by departing their loved ones and familiar settings to go to lands unknown, into cultures and languages they do not understand, to fulfill missions never yet realilzed, with people they have never met.  They have used their training, their experience, their character, and their intuition, and have succeeded despite all of the odds and obstacles thrown before them.  And now it is my turn to do the same.  I pray to God above that I will continue to look to Him, to seek His face in all situations, and to succeed.

Greetings

Hello All -


This is my first entry into my blog that I just set up.  Am not so sure what I am doing, but I'm confident I will figure it out as I go.

More later.