Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dear Family and Friends,
We hope you are safe and warm this holiday season – our favorite time of the year! As we celebrate the birth and life of our Savior and look forward to meeting the New Year with renewed commitments to live like He did, we want you to know how much we love and miss you!
For us, this year has been a year like no other. Adam and I have been separated for 10 long months while he serves in Afghanistan. Our time apart has been quite a challenge, but one we are sure we’ll look back on in the future and be grateful for all of the lessons we’ve learned.
I am teaching third graders for the second straight year. It has been an exceptional year thus far. We have been working hard learning multiplication, practicing our comprehension skills, and writing stories. We are also having fun learning about the planets in our Solar System. It has been a blessing for me to teach kids who are so meek, mild, and eager to learn. I’m certain I learn just as much from them as they do from me!
Upon teaching this school year, Ad and I were able to see each other in Italy for 18 days during R&R. We spent time wandering the streets of Venice, Verona, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento. It was definitely a trip we will never forget. As these next five months quickly pass, we look forward to the time we can be with each other again.
From Adam –My time here in Afghanistan has brought me so many neat experiences. After my first 18 months since commissioning, I finally made first lieutenant a couple of weeks ago. As I reflect back on the time I spent as a second lieutenant, I will always do so with humility for the many lessons I learned and pride for the small contributions I was able to make to the Afghan people on behalf of our great nation. I’ve been able to work with an awesome group of military doctors, physician assistants, and medics. Helping to save lives, building Afghanistan’s medical capacity, and conducting medical and veterinary outreach missions have all been very rewarding experiences. I’ve had excellent leaders and mentors – all extremely dedicated to our nation, its mission, and the values of sacrifice and selfless service. Lauren has remained my greatest source of strength and motivation throughout. I don’t know where I would be today without her. Lastly, but certainly not least, I want you all to know how grateful I am for my Savior. What a great day it will be when the hatred and intolerance that fills so much of the world is replaced with His wisdom and love. May we all “set aside those things which easily beset us” and work even harder in 2008 to live as He did! Love you all!
May your holiday season be filled with all the comforts and joys life has to offer!
Love,
Lauren and Adam Davies
2 comments:
What a neat card! You are one strong person Lauren!
Lauren I loved your christmas card. It was so good to hear from you. You are as beautiful as ever! I'm excited to keep in touch with you!!!!!
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