Hello From Mali!

"Hello from Mali", Bryon says to everyone!

Bryon arrived safely in Mali yesterday and is starting to unpack and settle into his routine. He was able to get on AIM last night for a few minutes to let me know he had arrived and that he was excited to begin work today. He is living in a house, which he described as being 'very nice', along with other Army soldiers. He is currently sharing a room with Nathan, the other Sgt. he traveled with from Fort Bragg but that should change shortly. The house is no longer able to accomidate everyone, so within the month they will all be moving a larger house closer to the embassy. Then, he should have his own room. There is a cook at the house who the guys already living there hired. Each person pays a small monthly fee and she cooks nice hot meals for them! That made me very happy, his mom too I'm sure.

He has had very limited internet access. I got only a very brief email from him today. I have not heard how the job is going so far, but as soon as he is able to contact me I will let you all know.

He said when he arrived it felt like Africa. It was hot and there were 8 soldiers with guns standing near them as they disembarked the plane. There was a man from the embassy there to greet them and take them to their house. He sounded really excited last night about getting to the embassy today and starting on the intelligence work. This is what he has been hoping to do the entire time he has been in the army, and this deployment is giving him a great opportunity get the hands on experience he was hoping for.

Please pray for his internet and phone access. It has been frustrating for both of us that we have been unable to talk to each other any more than a two sentence email the past few days. I am trusting the Lord will work it out in His time. I am just very impatient!!!

This is a picture I found on my phone today that Bryon took of me wearing his massive body armor, and all the other VERY HEAVY stuff (I dont know the proper names for all of his gear, but you can see what I mean by looking at the picture). It's pretty funny and he had a great time loading me up with it, as i'm sure you can tell.