Welcome Home, Soldier!

Roughly 9 months ago, my friend Ellen put her husband, Dr. Mark Benton, on a plane to Kuwait.

Alot can happen in 9 months -- Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentine's Day... School Programs, Birthdays, Award ceremonies, First days of school - not to mention kids growing!

But, last night - Mark came home.

So George, Sarah Jane and I stayed up way past SJ's bedtime and met some friends at the airport to welcome him home. On the way there, George and I did our best to explain to SJ the sacrifice that Mark and his family made. I found myself at a loss for words to adequately describe to my 6 year old the sacrifices and the importance of a Soldier, but I did the best I could.

It was a great experience to be there to watch him re-unite with his family after almost a year.

Here are a few pictures from the Welcome:

SJ and her friend, Emily waiting on Mark:

There he is!:

Mark's Daughter, Rachel:
...and then Gregory:
and his wife, Ellen:

There's really nothing like little girls and their Daddy:

Ellen and Mark:

Welcome HOME!:

SJ just signed up for Girl Scouts. Here she is with a few of her Girl Scout friends and Mark:

The Benton Family:

The "Welcoming Committee":

God Blessed America greatly when he filled it with men like Mark. Here in Albany, GA - we're glad he's home.