Our Joyful Reunion

To all of you who have been praying for us I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Peter was home for two weeks from April 8th- 24th. We had a fabulous time together as a family again. It was wonderful to see how the boys just picked up with daddy right where they had left off. The transition was seamless!!! PRAISE GOD!

I went to the airport to meet Pete at 7:30AM on Tuesday morning. The reunion was extremely emotional. As I saw him come up the escalator at the Atlanta airport I ran to him. As soon as we embraced I felt all of the stress and worries of the previous 8 months leave me. It was all erased!
When we picked up the boys at my mom's house later that day it was such a beautiful sight to see Pete pick Ricky up while he was taking his nap. When Ricky finally woke he couldn't stop giggling as they wrestled on the floor. Paul was also excited when he woke up to see daddy there. It was music to my ears to hear the three of them wrestling and tickling each other that evening.

We had many memorable events those two weeks. We were able to see many friends and family members. We took a four day trip to St. Augustine, where we love to vacation. We enjoyed the beach as well as sight seeing. The boys played miniature golf for their first time- we had a great time.

We were also blessed with the opportunity to see the Broadway production of the Lion King while it was here in Atlanta. All four of us were able to witness the amazing production. What an experience. Then my soon to be sister in law gave us a fabulous back stage tour. That is an experience we will never forget.

We were blessed to share beautiful moments with friends and family on several occasions. Pete said it was great to reconnect. It was very difficult to say good bye again but at least we know it is for a short while this time.

The generosity and support we have received from friends, family and even complete strangers has been amazing!!! Our neighbors even put up signs and flags to welcome Pete home. It all added to the excitement of the blessed event!

I heard from Pete today. He is back at Camp Hughie safe and sound but rather tired. In case you don't have his address here it is:
Peter Zakis
2/201st BDE ETT
FOB Hughie
Jalalabad (JAF)
APO AE 09310

He would love to hear from you! Letters take about a week to get there and packages take close to two weeks.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us through prayers, kind words, contributions, gifts, etc. We hope to have one heck of a BBQ party in September for all of you, to thank you!!!!

May God continue to bless you and your families. May he hold our troops and their families close to his heart!

Cristina