Received from Afghanistan 20th February 2008

Today I was handed a parcel you so kindly sent to Afghanistan. Many thanks for sending all the goodies. Everything will come in handy; the tea bags are already open.

I've been here since the end of November 2007 and I think the Padre has a lot of parcels sent to him to distribute. It's so nice to know so many people at home are thinking of us.

This is my first time away with the RAF. I joined 4 years ago now, so it was my first Christmas and New Year away from my friends and family. We all made the most everything, Christmas dinner was served by the officers, but we had no Christmas pudding and no alcohol. We played bingo and a quiz before counting down to 2008.

My parents have promised a second Christmas dinner when I return home at the end of March. We get a few days off to go home mid tour so I am looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up on some rest.

Thank you again for the parcel,
Take Care,
Rachel