Shout Outs

Man, this deployment was an opportunity for our friends and family to bless us like crazy.

We'd like to give a special thanks to our families who:

• Sent boxes of supplies to Mark when his luggage was lost.
• Sent all kinds of mail to Mark.
• Babysat Sophia
• Bought us a webcam
• Helped throw Sophia's 1st birthday party
• Helped us and loved on us during trips to Ocean City, Maryland and Destin, Florida.
• Cleaned our house and did almost monthly repairs and maintenance jobs around our house
• Helped when the refrigerator stopped working
• Cut up a tree that fell during a bad storm
• Bought us a new car battery
• Cleaned the gutters
• Cleaned up shattered glass from a table on the back deck as a result of a storm
• Invited us over for regular dinners
• Made Mark a printed book of his pictures
• Made a huge "Welcome Home" banner, and made sure Mark was all set with cookies, brownies and gift certificates to his favorite food joints

Shouts outs to friends and family who:

• Helped make Operation Snail Mail a HUGELY successful mission. So many people sent Mark regular letters and cards. Mail was a tremendous encouragement, so this was MUCH appreciated.
• Mailed big old fun and helpful packages to Mark. He got packages from high school and college friends, ladybug friends, supper club friends, adoption group friends, family, coworkers and strangers.
• Emailed and called Sophia and I regularly to check in.
• Made us "Field Manuals"
• Kept us out and socializing.
• Listened to me cry before Mark left
• Threw me birthday parties
• Went to the airport
• Had your students write letters to Mark
• Emailed Mark jokes and pictures
• Brought over fans when our air went out
• Participated in "Operation Triple Threat"
• Put balloons on our mailbox and flags in our yard (Thanks, "Duct Tape")
• Brought ladies night to our house!
• Sent Mark regular, hilarious D.U.F.U.S. letters (You should publish those!)
• Blogged about Mark's return (here, here, here, here and one private blog)
• Wrote about Mark's return on Facebook
• Flooded us with blog and FB comments
• Encouraged
• Prayed

Thanks to a GREAT BIG GOD who:

• Protected Mark
• Protected us
• Surrounded us with the love of family and friends
• Taught us many lessons
• Showed us His faithfulness
• Showed us His provision
• Used us
• Gave us peace and hope
• Rocked our world in a not so fun, but good, way

We are literally blown away when we think back over the blessings that were DUMPED out on us. We are so very grateful. Back together as a team, we plan to pour some love right back on ya'!

I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. ~Ephesians 1:16