Neal Update

Dear everyone:

Just thought I would send an update....though we really don't have any NEW news! Neal is safe and still out in the field. Hopefully, in about two weeks, he can return to the main base. He is well, his spirits are good and he is staying healthy...with just a little weight loss but that is expected when out in the field for so long.

He goes on a long patrol tonight/today (not sure when) so keep him in your prayers today. Here is a picture that one of the newsmen took while embedded with Neal's group. PBS did a whole big report on his unit as well.

He is getting your mail and packages and says "thanks all of them for me, it is the highlight of my day to get mail and stuff...especially some of the snacks!". So...we thank you all.

Amy is doing good with her pregnancy and continues to work and set up house before Neal returns. He is scheduled for an October return. Hopefully, she can get some leave to go home to KC for a visit soon. Later this month, I will go and spend some time with her - probably over her birthday on the 29th. We are really proud of her and how she is doing during this time without Neal...it is a lot to manage by yourself and no family in town to help, but she gets it done!

Mark and I are enjoying the life/work/ministry here in Jax. Just yesterday, Mark went out fishing on the kayaks with his brother-in-law Laird (Linda, his sister's husband) and caught his first big red....27 inches long and it was a fighter! They all caught fish so it was a good day! Linda and I lounged at the pool....after a 1.5 mile walk in the heat - but hey, it was nice! We still ride bikes down at the beach and love it.

Next week, Megan and the kids are coming for a visit. Poor Ryan has to stay home and "bring home the bacon and hold down the fort" so if you see him next week....give him hugs from all of us - we wish he could come but it just didn't work out this time. We are excited to see Megan and the kids. God has been good to us in that we have AND will get to see each other quite often for the remainder of this year. In these things, we are humbled by His goodness to us!

Let us hear from you....that is, if you haven't burned up from the heat - WOW! Our love to everyone,

Cathy and Mark