And so it begins...

So here it goes, to my followers, though few you may be. I made a promise to myself that before I left on this deployment that I would not let it pass without documenting my thoughts over the next year. I'm not sure if this is the most appropriate means to do that, but it seems like a good way to share what I'm thinking with my family and friends back home. I'll leave it open to the public for the simple reason that it's easier than trying to figure out who exactly I need to share this with. Here's the ground rule for all those who may stumble upon this blog: if you don't like it or agree with it, feel free to navigate away. I promise I won't be offended...really. However, if you want to come along for the ride for the shear entertainment, you are more than welcome. Please feel free to comment. I may not engage in extensive dialogue or debate, but I am interested in what you have to say.

What you'll see in these first few blogs are flashbacks to the beginning of this journey. I started a journal during the trip over so my initial entries will come directly from those written pages. Enjoy!