Many of you know that my son is an HR contract worker in Afghanistan. This morning at 6:00 a.m. (Afghanistan time) his compound in Kabul was attacked by Taliban men dressed in women’s burkas. They set off a car bomb at the front entrance and then began lobbing grenades into the compound and shooting. By the grace of God, my son got into a bunker safely, but it was the closest call he’s had since going over there. A sad little side note is that May 2 is his birthday and the cooks had made him a little birthday cake–which got destroyed by shrapnel–along with most of his clothes which was in the laundry that took a major hit. A pretty lousy birthday.’
I got to skype with him this morning, and he is fine. Here is a small story about the experience that he sent me to cheer me up:
“Here is your happy thought, Mom. I got to the bunker and was looking around and saw my Rough Tough Marine friend sitting at the end of the bunker reading An Uncommon Grace when the second round of bullets and explosions were going on. I knew he was ready to fight if need be, but calm, cool, and collected there he sat slowly flipping the pages as he read. He finished it and said. “When does your mom’s next book come out?”
I wish I could hug that Marine’s neck right now! Along with my son’s!
‘
Carol Waters
May 3, 2012 @ 11:19 am
So thankful the Lord kept your son and others safe! C. Waters
Laura Raper
May 15, 2012 @ 11:46 am
I thank God that Derek is all right! May God continue to protect him from harm. Love you! Laura
Kelly S.
June 24, 2012 @ 10:30 pm
I just discovered Grace at the library this week. I’m enjoying the intrigue of her story and the interactions with Levi. Their story led me to your website…
My brother will be deployed to Afghanistan this fall and just made it back from a “scouting” mission (for lack of a better term) to learn about what he will be doing when he gets back there later this fall. I’m so glad you were able to talk with your son. Knowing something has happened but not knowing exactly what (due to communication blackouts) is so difficult. Just think… no matter what comes up on his birthday from here on out, he’ll likely say, “Yeah, but it’s still better than that birthday in Afghanistan.” 🙂
Prayers for our deployed troops and the families who support them…
Kelly in Ohio
Serena
June 25, 2012 @ 12:53 am
Well said, Kelly! Prayers that your brother–and all the soldiers and workers will get to come home to their loved ones safe and sound!
Julie K. Dillman
June 27, 2012 @ 11:53 pm
Dear Serena,
Like your other reader, I am tremendously grateful that your son survived this attack. I very much enjoyed reading An Uncommon Grace. Amish novels are a pleasure and comfort to me.Perhaps that’s because an older couple my twin and I knew growing up used to take us to Amish country in Lancaster, PA. Even before that, I read a book when I was in elementary school called “The Plain Girl”. I plan to gift your book to a friend of mine who was an Army Doctor who’d completed one tour in Iraq and another tour in Afghanistan. Looking forward to when your next book is released. Thanks for your writing.
Serena
July 16, 2012 @ 8:34 pm
Hi Julie,
I’ve had my head down, working toward a deadline for my next Amish book, HIDDEN MERCIES. I sent it in to the editor a few days ago and am now allowing myself the pleasure of answering all my e-mails and making comments. I really appreciate you gifting AN UNCOMMON GRACE to your friend who was an Army doctor in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’ve read so much about those men and women and have infinite respect for those who put their lives on the line–usually unarmed–for others. My son once told me that when the call goes out, the doctors and nurses will practically knock anyone down who gets in the path of getting to our young men and women who are wounded. Thank God we have doctors and nurses that dedicated to helping. By the way, my boy is home on R&R right now and I’ve gotten to hug his neck:-)