Friday is like Saturday

Hi Patrick,

Here in Iraq, the weekend starts on Friday, because most people go to church on Saturday. I had to work today anyway, but things were less busy.

I had chicken strips for dinner and thought of you. I know how much you like chicken. I had a BIG pile of broccoli with the strips though, so maybe you wouldn't have liked my dinner all that much....

Love you lots,

Dad

Where I eat.

Hi Patch,

I wanted to tell you about where I eat everyday. Everyone calls it the D-Fac, which is short for Dining Facility. It's really a big cafeteria, like the one you have at school. We get our trays and then our silverware and then we can ask for the food we want. There are LOTS of coices. I tried to eat lots of fruit and vegetables, because it would be easy to gain a lot of weight here and I want you to stop patting my stomach and saying "Big belly, big belly."

There's dessert everyday, but I haven't had any yety.

I love you,
Dad

Yay!

Skype worked! Nice game of dominoes, bud. You beat me pretty good.

Talk to you again soon.

Love,
Dad

Oh boy, is it hot!

Hi Patch,

It was 115 degrees Farenheit here today. That's HOT! But it's supposed to be even hotter tomorrow.

I hope we will Skype tonight. If not, I'll try to call you.

Love,
Dad

First Day at Work!

Hi Patch,

I can't wait to see you on Skype. We'll have to do it soon. I'll send an email to your Mom and she and I will figure out when we can do it.

Today I went to work for the first time at the Embassy. I had a good time and got some stuff done. Then I had dinner in our BIG dining hall and worked out. Now I'm really tired and going to bed.

I love you more than anything,

Your Dad

Hello Buddy!

Hi Patch!

I'm here in Baghdad. I got to ride on a HUGE army airplane. We sat on benchs and there were NO windows so we couldn't see when we got here. It is VERY hot and VERY dusty. Luckily, there is a strong breeze, so it doesn't seem too bad.

I love you very much. I'm soory that I missed your call on Friday.

I will be in my apartment soon and will call you as soon as I can.

Love,
Dad

Glad you like it.

Hi Patrick,
I'm so happy you like the digital picture frame I gave you. Hopefully, it will help you think of me when you miss me.

I updated our count down too. Now it will let us know how long until we go to the beach for Thanksgiving with all the Derkses.
And here's a picture of the house! Looks like fun!!!

Love,
Dad