|
 Julie
wrote in May 2003: Well everyone, I guess it is time to
face the music. In a few days, I will be stepping on to a plane headed to
destinations unknown or unwanted. I suppose that my only true
disappointment right now is that I am not going to be boarding a 747
headed to Atlanta! I don’t know if what I am feeling is normal. However, I
do know that I hope none of you ever know these emotions. I am not going
to tell any of you not to worry, and that everything will be fine. I
learned a few years ago that the hardest thing in life is to except God’s
will for what it is, and to except His will in your life for what it is
therefore.
I do not regret any
decision that I have made to put me in this situation. I know what is at
stake here and it is more than just my life. The United States has been
challenged with an enormous task of protecting what is right and just, not
only for our country, but also the world. I welcome my new task with an
open mind, and though my contribution to this war may be insignificant I
know that this is God’s will for me.
You all have
touched my life in so many ways. I am so thankful to have known every one
of you. I can honestly tell you that this new adventure in my life will
not be the hardest thing that I have ever had to accomplish. That of
course was leaving home! However, I have never fully left, and I never
will no matter what my outcome may be. I have always said that the
greatest feeling in the world must be to go home and know that you never
have to leave again. Those are the emotions that I can’t wait to
experience! These hopes and memories are the only things that are
containing my sanity at this point.
However, I cannot
complain about any fact of my life. I had a wonderful childhood, and I
would do high school all over again in a heartbeat! God has given me a
wonderful family, who would do anything for me. I am so thankful for
parents. Together we made it through all of the good times, the bad times,
and some times that are better left unspoken. I just hope now I am the
woman they always wanted me to become. I am also very thankful for my
friends. You all hold a place in my heart that I deeply treasure. I love
our long talks, and God knows we have had plenty of long nights!
Lastly, Daniel I
know you are trying to hold all of your emotions in right now, and to tell
you the truth I am glad of that. I love you so very much but I don’t know
if I can bear to see what you must be feeling. You are truly the most
magnificent person that I have ever met. You never seem to see the bad
side of things, and I guess that is what makes us work. You have to
remember that in this situation too. We will have our chance to live out
our hopes and dreams.
In short, I hope
all of you take care of yourselves and your families. I will be home in a
few months, but until then please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I
hope that you all will write me as often as you can. I can’t imagine how
lonely I am going to be. And Mom and Dad, I can assure you that I will be
on the first plane to Atlanta as soon as I get back! Until then, rest
assured that I will come home.
JULIE M. SANDERS-KENDRICK
In
Action! August 2003
|
"Hey! Here are a few pics to let you know
that I am ok." |
" |
This is our Girl,
Julie! |
We have another relative participating in the War, meet our
famous, newly found relative, Mark Handren. Julie and Mark hanging
in the desert! Hurry home! Thank you for your service to
our country, as well, Mark!
|
