I have been here in Gulfport Mississippi for just over a month now but to be honest it does not feel that long. Tims seems to be flying by the busier I get which I am grateful for. I still miss home so very much but the pain is less as I am getting into more of a routine. Dont get me wrong, I still miss my loved ones as much as when I first left it is just that it is not as painful. I guess I finally came to terms with it all and realized that home will be there waiting for me when I get back. I think of this deployment more like a job now and I also know that I am not the only one here who is experiencing their first delployment. We are pretty much just one really large family here and there is a bond between us all that is very special and unmatched.

I am entering my third week in cable splicing school and I am surprised at how well I am doing, I am excelling and am one of the top students in my class. I tend to doubt my abilities but I continue to surprise myself.

This Saturday is Seabee day and they are offering "free fun for the entire family". I don't know if we are required to attend but I hear there will be rides and food and all kinds of events. Maybe I will just have to attend my very first ever Seabee day, I did not even know we had our own day. We special!!

Family day is coming up over the memorial day holiday and we all get a four day weekend. A lot of people are having their spouse, parents, children, significant other coming to visit for our one and only chance to see our families before we head over to Afghanistan. Actually we get another four day weekend over the fourth of July weekend but Memorial Day weekend is geared towards our families with informational events and again, fun for the whole family. I am very pleased that I will have a very special visitor coming to see me over family day weekend. I really don't know if I could make it through with out some sort of one last visit.

Well it is time to say good night and wish all the best and that I am keeping all of you in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you to all for making this just a little bit easier!!