Normandy

Here is "Iron Mike" looking out across the field that the 82nd Airborne dropped into during the invasion of Normandy.

The 1st ID had to climb up cliffs right off of Omaha beach. I'm standing on one now that goes straight down into the ocean.

Utah beach still had barb wire and obstacles that the Germans put up to slow down the troops.

This is the same shot that is at the end of "Saving Private Ryan." You can see the ocean in the background. Some F-16s flew over while we were at the cemetary and saluted the fallen soldiers. They played the National Anthem and Taps, it was a pretty powerful experience.

This is Gold Beach where the British Army came on shore. You can see a Mulberry in the background, used to make an artificial port.

The Remembrance Tree

Losing someone we love is one of the hardest experiences in life. Life changes forever, someone that once brought so much happiness is now gone. We have lost some of our dear soldiers here at Landstuhl and have gone through that loss with their families. Today I had the honor of helping to plant the remembrance tree here at Landstuhl Army Medical Center. We will always remember those soldiers we took care of and their families. Each one so unique and so precious.
I am getting ready to visit the beaches of Normandy over this Memorial weekend. We are also approaching D-Day on June 6th. It's time to remember what happened and what is still happening, and even though pain comes with remembering, there is also joy in knowing that we all impact eachother and we all matter in this crazy life. We're in this together and I am so proud to be a part of this team.

Joy

Have you ever just been really happy?! To the point where you feel like your smile is twice it's normal size and everything seems more beautiful?! I think feeling this way is normal. When we do not allow ourselves to just let go of our insecurities and pride, we are cheating ourselves of life. We can choose to be happy. I chose to put on this stupid costume and be crazy for a moment in time. It made other people laugh and there is something special about making people laugh. Bringing joy to their lives, even for just a moment. Since I have discovered the joy that the Lord brings to my life I can't help trying to bring joy to others. Seeing people happy makes me happy. Now this is beautiful...

"The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:8.

Amen, My heart is full and the veil is gone. I hope that you are smiling right now, cause that would make my day!

Much love, Sarah

Baptism

My story...

I grew up going to church, Salem Lutheran Church in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. I was baptized there as a baby, confirmed there as a teenager and even sang in the choir. This was my introduction to a life that I never knew I would live. When I went to college, I was on my own for the first time and I realized that my life was empty. I had the best family ever, wonderful friends and what seemed like everything going for me. But I was unhappy. That first Easter away from home I finally understood why Christ died and rose again. It wasn't just something that happened in the past, Christ died so that I, living today, would know God's love for me and know life to the fullest. I asked Jesus to be apart of my daily life. I started reading my bible, I wanted to know what this new overflowing joy was in my life. My life changed, I no longer got angry at life's little quirks, I was showing people TRUE love, I was no longer worried about appearance. I wanted everyone to know this joy that I now had. I wasn't afraid to say, yes, I am a Christian! This is my life.
That is why I have decided to be baptized today, here in Germany! I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit and remain in the presence of the Lord. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!" 2 Corinthians 3:17. So I wanted to let you know that this is a wonderful day today. The Lord has shown me a deeper love than I have ever know or will ever know. I want to be able to face temptation and come out victorious, I want to be able to pray for those I love in the Spirit of Jesus. I want to be filled with living water! I only wish that you could be here to share this with me. My love for you all will only continue to grow! Enjoy today and thank you for being apart of my life!

Much love, Sarah