I just thought I'd give everyone an update about my dear Marine pals Nick and Tony. Mostly Nick. :)
Nick called the group of us on Sunday afternoon to say hello and give us an update. He called around 1:30 p.m. which was around 1:00 a.m. his time. He had to speak softly because all around him were sleeping. It still amazes me that we are all so close that he would call us at an hour like that just to say hi.
Anyhow, he had good news and nerve-racking news. The good news is that he still has a lot of free time, he and some fellow believers are starting a Bible study soon, he and a friend of his lead one of their athiest friends to the Lord, and God's protection has been all over him.
The scary news is that the area they are presently in is much more dangerous than he had anticipated. His birthday was March 8, so I asked him how it was. He told me that he forgot it was his birthday when the date finally rolled around and that he had to go on two missions that day. Upon their return from the second one, his tank was attacked by a small, what I think he said was, Chinese missile. (And no, it was not fired by Chinese people, it's just called that from what I understand.) Anyway, when the missile hit the tank, it basically just fell to the ground. Nick said he didn't really even know they were attacked until they got back. That thrilled me. What an answer to prayer. So, that's a definite encouragement to hold them up in prayer continually as God truly has heard our cries.
He assured me that they aren't miserable, and that he actually kind of likes the area they're at for the time being. When we spoke on the phone he mentioned that he might stay the whole seven months. This didn't really surprise any of us about him. He is after all a soldier and I believe he loves what he does.
All that to say, continue to intercede for Nick and Tony and the men in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. They covet your prayers, and they don't go unanswered.
Nick, since I know you're reading this, we are so proud of you and support you with all we've got. Be safe and send me pictures! :) I want to see your crazy mustache. Oh, and for the record, you can tell whoever said that to you that there are no such things as dirty Italians :)
Ciao!
Posted by Portia at March 23, 2004 08:52 AM
