FIRST I have to sincerely thank Nic for being an amazing son and keeping close contact with his mom. Almost everyday I get a text or email from him and a phone call about once a week. It makes it seem like he really is just away at soccer camp, instead of on the other side of the world. I really appreciate the love he has for his family and how thoughtful he is. What a wonderful young man!
He sounds really happy and is working very hard. He gets bored a lot because there isn't much to do which makes the days seem to drag on, but he is a hard worker and takes his job seriously. In just a few weeks Nic will hit his one year anniversary with the army. Wow, thats amazing. He has grown so much and accomplished huge things in the past year. We are incredibly proud of the outstanding soldier he is! I love hearing him talk about different experiences and how seriously he takes them, instead of some of the soldiers that still can't seem to follow the rules. Because of this Nic is creating a strong career with the army and is greatly appreciated by his superiors.
Most recent he spent several days out in the field, living in tents. His grandparents and I made sure he was well stocked with hand (and full body) warmers. He loved the experience! Reminds me of the adventures he had with friends as a teenager. He really IS living his dream.
A couple of weeks ago he got to travel to Busan, a city on the southern coast as part of the BOSS program (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers). He stayed in a five star hotel on a beautiful beach. What an awesome experience. One he will remember forever. How many people can say they walked on the beach in South Korea? He had a great trip.
Then, it was back to the cold area of South Korea and home to base. He said there was a skiff of snow on the roads and the street crews were out. He and Alex planned a snowboarding trip over Christmas vacation, but are having a hard time finding accomodations. I sent his snowboarding coat, gloves and both their goggles...oh, and cup of noodles of course...for the trip in case they get to go.
A huge thank you to everyone that has sent Nic packages! Each and every one is fun for him to get and seems to give him a boost. His aunt and uncle, Nick and Tracy, sent his Christmas package via UPS and we are finding out there really must be a slow boat to China and UPS uses it to get packages to South Korea. My packages are getting there within seven days through the post office. Tonight Nic said he doesn't know how UPS packages get there because they don't have a UPS station. So hopefully the boat docks soon. =) Thanks Nick and Tracy for sending it and we will keep you posted on its adventure.
I sent Nic a Christmas tree with ornaments and a set of lights from Grandpa and Grandma Goss. Nic will have to take pictures of his decorating so everyone can see how festive his little cubicle, yet cozy, room is.
A few weeks ago Nic was told he would be transferring to Youngson Base in Seoul. He had mixed feelings about this. Even though it meant larger living quarters and a base with more to offer, he has made many close friendships with people on K16. Today he found out his requests to stay on K16 have been granted...with help from Sgts begging to keep him. So, no transfer before Christmas. It will be nice for him to be around people he knows during the holidays.
We all miss Nic TONS and the house is definitely a trillion times quieter without him here. But we are EXTREMELY proud of the choices he has made and the life he is creating for himself. We have lots of pictures around the house of him and Hayden will show them to you if you stop by...along with his favorite ornament on the tree which is Nic's batman car he calls "batman Nic". Nic is a great example to his little sister and brother...and to his parents.
If you want to get in touch with Nic, the best way is through email at pyromaniac941@hotmail.com. He doesn't have a lot of free time and probably will not email back much. He does get on facebook occasionally so you can post with him on there. His old cell phone number is in suspend mode while he is overseas so he does not receive calls or voicemails on it.
Merry Christmas to everyone and we hope you will keep Nic and all of our soldiers in your prayers throughout the holidays and upcoming year.
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