Awesome Tuesday

Clay visited with our Tuesday night life group. Our hosts, Gary & Ellen Blair, had a suprise celebration for Clay. What a special group of loving wonderful friends we have. They pray for Clay and also for me and Barry and I know they will continue to support us for the remainder of Clay's deployment.

The cake was beautiful. It was a special night all around. Everyone got to ask Clay questions about his experiences in Afghanistan. More photos have been uploaded to the online album. Newer photos will be at the end of the album.

Living Quarters

Here are pictures of the housing in Afghanistan - plywood buildings. I believe Clayton said this was the first one he lived in. Makes me really appreciate the comfort of home. In the second photo you can see the bunkers used for shelter.

Monday

Today was day 3 of our visit with Clayton. We started the day with a bike ride and breakfast. Clayton went with me to WalMart to pick up a few things. It's been a while since he's done that. The little things that make up our day are not things he can do in Afghanistan. Something I think about often. Even the indoor plumbing and "real" showers are a nice part of being home for him, along with a nice big comfortable bed. I can't imagine [mostly] using a port-a-potty and getting 2 minute showers of recycled treated water.

We ended our day grilling burgers, brat and hot dogs. We are trying to squeeze in all of Clay's favorite meals in 15 days. Yum for him and ouch for my waist line.

We took a few photos today. They are in the online album.

Sunday Pics

We didn't take many pictures on Sunday. Just a couple before we left for church. After church Vickie, Gary & Karen headed back home. We had lunch at Dorothy's and came home to relax the rest of the day. Barry and I took a little nap while Clay caught up on his game time. He was tired and went to bed at 8:00 pm - something he hasn't done since....2nd grade. Ha Ha! He joined me this morning on my bike ride. We rode 4 miles and then I cooked breakfast for my guys.

Photos from Day 1

Saturday was day 1 of our visit with Clay. After we all slept in we spent the day at Grandma Wall's. We had lunch at Applebee's and grilled baby back ribs for dinner with lots of side dishes. Dale & Diana came over from Pratt and joined us for dinner. I made homemade strawberry ice cream for dessert.

Barry's brother and sister came to see Clay. Thanks Vickie, Gary & Karen for welcoming Clay home with us. We appreciate you driving out here!

More pictures on in the online album.

Photos from Clayton's Visit

Clayton & Barry goofing off.

Clayton finally arrived in Kansas on Friday. It took him 5 days to get here. Photos from his arrival day can be viewed in an online album. We'll post more photos during his visit.

Clay is coming home!!!

I am so excited! Clay is on his way home for a 15 day visit. He left yesterday and should arrive in the United States on Wednesday. At this time I have no information of his flight to Wichita. Maybe I will find that out later today when we expect to hear from Clay again.

He was supposed to have already arrived [yesterday] but there was a problem in communication. Something that is all to common if you ask me. You get no information until the last minute. Anyway, let me scoot that soapbox under the table...

I can't believe I haven't posted updates in a few weeks. Not sure where the time went. I will try to do better in the future because I know there are many people that read this blog and continue to support us with your prayers. Thank you. We do appreciate it.

More later!

Note from Aunt Mariann

Dear Clay,

Sounds like you're really being kept busy w/long hrs. We're all anxiously awaiting your arrival soon and I'm sure you are anxious to get here!! It's a race here w/KS to see which state has the hottest weather! It's been in the 100's for quite a while now.

Troy, Debra and I keep very very busy. But sometimes I wonder what I keep busy with!! I do a lot of photography and am taking 2 dancing lessons. Otherwise, mostly general everyday things to keep up with. Of course, Troy & Debra go to work every day to keep things going there. We have company almost every night.

Do you have much free time to do anything special?

I'll close for now. Be careful...

Love you and miss you, Aunt Mariann

- continuing to pray for you.

Updates

To friends & family:
We had a video call with Clayton tonight. He is doing well. Working 12 hour days, 7 days a week. He does his PT during the day sometimes. He lives in a plywood shack which vibrates from the nearby aircraft. [Not something I like to think about].We didn't get our call last Thursday so I was happy to see his face. Plans to leave Afghanistan arriving in the states is still on schedule for August 23rd. I can hardly wait.

To: Clayton
I always forget to tell you things when we are on our calls. The time delay is still weird. Last week, and it's looking like this one too, we are experiencing some high temps. 106 last week and low 100's most of the time.

I've been making pepper jelly and pepper sauce and putting peaches and tomatoes in the freezer for this winter. Kathleen and I picked 55 gallons of sand hill plums.

It's been to hot to do much outside, however, Dad cleaned out the barn this past weekend. We need to get new siding on it this year when it cools down. I think we have tweaked all the new sprinkler heads to where we need them. We also got a fountain this weekend. It was on clearance, so we got it for 60% less. I almost bought it a while back. So glad I waited.

We went to Pratt on Thursday to Grandma Wall's sister, Diana's house. She's the one that mailed you the phone cards. She had a cookout for Lance's brother, Chad and Leslie. They now live in Indiana and were in town visiting. We had a good meal and good time visiting.

Saturday morning we sat outside and watched two bunnies play in the side yard. I never get bored of watching them. Well, that is all of last week that I can think of. I'll leave you with these 2 pics.

We are so excited about seeing you in 2 weeks. Take care and keep safe. We'll talk to you on Thursday.

We love you beyond words,
Mom & Dad

Video Chat

We had a video chat with Clayton tonight. His internet connection is better during the early morning hours over there so he got up at 5:00 am to call us. [sweet boy]. His hours are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm right now so he would be getting up earlier anyway.

Despite the heat over there he is managing to stay cool and is doing as well as can be expected. We all are looking forward to his R&R at home at the end of the month. I wish this was his final trip home.

Keep safe, son!

Note from Jennifer

Jennifer Wall Kendall

Jennifer says hi and that she's praying for you. She is also very proud of her cousin!

Lazy Sunday

Hi Clayton,

We are having a lazy Sunday afternoon, as you can see. I was on facebook a few days ago trying to find some people I have lost touch with and am so excited that I found Armen and Nancy Sharigian. Armen and I worked together at PCA/Humana/HealthEase for many years with Mr. Pete and others. I can't wait to catch up with him. It's been at least 7 or more years. He's such a dear sweet man that I have a lot of respect for - even when we didn't always agree. Ha! We get busy in life and friendships slip away. Remember that as you go through life. Hold on to what is important! I look forward to talking to you tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a video chat so I can see your face. Until then, keep safe.

We love you, beyond words!
Mom