Well we have definitely settled in here at Ft. Jackson, and now we're starting to look ahead to the next unknown. It's funny though, even in the short time we've spent here God has really allowed us to settle in. I've been struggling to remind myself that God has always been faithful in that regard as we start planning months of more unknown and unsettled.
The next step for us comes April 2nd when we have to send our car off to Italy. Unfortunately we really need a car for the rest of our time here, but God has provided some unexpected money so that we can rent a car until we leave South Carolina. It took a couple days of me wondering and worrying before I just started praying hard and muttering bible verses to myself about faith. The day after I forced my perspective to be lined up with trusting, I was able to make the reservation for the car. You think I would learn!
The second big step comes May 2nd when Micah graduates from AG BOLC. There's some days in between that day, when we get kicked out of post housing, and when he reports in Georgia for airborne training. It seems that nobody can tell us how that's going to work. The army will pay to get him down to Georgia of course, but we're not sure how to get a flight arranged. From what we've heard, we have to cover whatever other costs come up in that transition time. I know that God will yet again provide, but as always it's difficult to live that perspective out in the 24 hours that I have in the day. The good news is that I get to stay with Micah when he's at airborne training!!! We had heard from most people that I wouldn't be able to come. Originally we were thinking that I could stay with friends in Charleston, but they have twin boys coming, so we weren't sure that was going to work out. So that was a relief! Then my parents offered to help with plane tickets so that I can stay with them for awhile before I meet Micah in Georgia.
It's absolutely crazy the things that God has truly sorted out for us since we came out here. It's really just another reminder to keep a watch on my emotions and my perspective as we face more unknowns.
The biggest unknown on our plate right now is what happens after Micah finishes his airborne training. Our first instinct was to go ahead and fly out to Europe, and take some of Micah's moving leave time to visit with Micah's sister in Germany. Unfortunately we're not sure if that's possible because we have no way of knowing when my visa is going to come into Fort Jackson. Ideally I could sign for it before we go to Georgia, but since my passport still isn't in I haven't been able to even start the visa process yet. So we aren't sure if we have to find a way to get back to Ft Jackson (on our own dime) after airborne to get my visa. There's definitely a possibility that my visa won't be ready even then in which case we have to float around Ft. Jackson (on our own dime) and hope that I'm able to get it in time for us to make Micah's report date, otherwise he may have to fly there first and have me meet him.
As we face this new and fast approaching unknown, James 1:2-4 popped up in my quiet time: "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". Firstly, whenever I read about the lives of the disciples I can't help but think how trivial my "trials" are and am forced to again reflect on how blessed I am. Secondly, I am forced to recognize how small my faith is at times. In the past year there has been well over 50 times in which God has not only taken care of Micah and I in the midst of huge unknowns, but blessed our socks off. And yet, I continue to struggle to keep the perspective of trusting the God of the universe as I try to figure out the days ahead. Clearly, I have not reached mature and complete in this area, and need to be thankful for the opportunity to understand another piece of my heart that God is molding.
So okay God, I accept that I have to persevere in life, and therefore won't at any point in time have life worked out. Please help me to simply keep putting one foot in front of the other and praising you for who you are and what you are doing in spite of me.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Reminders
It is ridiculous how silly military uniforms look. Micah had his first real dining in with his training unit last night and had to wear his ASU's, which are the dressy blue ones. On the hanger this uniform just looks weird. The pants are royal blue with this yellow stripe down the side, the jacket is a really dark navy blue, and they complete it with a white shirt, a black bow tie, and the floppy black beret. Yet somehow when he puts this uniform on he is this handsome soldier that commands my attention and affection.
It is also pretty amusing to see these put together spiffed up soldiers hanging out together after hours. They go from brave defenders of our country to ten year old boys laughing so hard that they cry. After Micah's event ended, a whole bunch of them (and me) went to hang out in one of their rooms. It's really interesting to watch them interact and also really interesting to see the different kinds of people that end up together. Some were the successful kids in school, some were the trouble makers, some were just average. Most are single and out to have a wild time, some are in a relationship but still like to have a wild time, some are married but for all intensive purposes are single, and some are married and missing their significant other.
When we finally got to bed last night I was just really thankful. As much as the military can separate me from my husband, at this point I am blessed to be able to be involved in his work world. Sometimes that means something as simple as meeting the people he's referring to in his stories. Sometimes that means being able to see who he is to them.
I can't put into words how thankful I am to know that the man I see at home is the same man that they see. He is respectable and respected in both realms. Besides recognizing that he is good at what he does, it is obvious that they all respect who he is.
One of the things I love about Micah is how easy he is to talk to. He really cares about people, and that is really apparent. Alot of the guys open up to him, but one of the guys in particular talked to Micah about his marriage. It's such a sad situation but reminded me how lucky I am. This guy has been married for years, has a three year old daughter, and his wife has decided that she doesn't want to go through the military thing. Now I understand on some level how she could feel this way, although I can't imagine telling my daughter that her dad isn't around because I didn't want to try. The military has a way of making you have to function sometimes as a married person and sometimes as a single person. It's tough to navigate, and I can imagine it would be tons more difficult as a mom. Hearing about the situation reminded me that Micah is not ultimately the one I trust, and not ultimately the one I look to for joy and fulfillment. It is a daily challenge to remind myself of this truth, but I know it is a truth that I can trust to guide my life. I can devote myself fully to being one with Micah but know that either in a tempoary or permanent time apart I can trust that my God has a plan for me and will be my joy and fulfillment. These spouses that don't have the promise of Christ feel like they must live separately, and yet also be one with someone else.
Sometimes God reminds me of the alternative to a relationship with him, and I was so thankful for the reminder. I just hope that as we go forward Micah and I can be an example of the joy and fulfillment Christ brings, especially through our marriage.
It is also pretty amusing to see these put together spiffed up soldiers hanging out together after hours. They go from brave defenders of our country to ten year old boys laughing so hard that they cry. After Micah's event ended, a whole bunch of them (and me) went to hang out in one of their rooms. It's really interesting to watch them interact and also really interesting to see the different kinds of people that end up together. Some were the successful kids in school, some were the trouble makers, some were just average. Most are single and out to have a wild time, some are in a relationship but still like to have a wild time, some are married but for all intensive purposes are single, and some are married and missing their significant other.
When we finally got to bed last night I was just really thankful. As much as the military can separate me from my husband, at this point I am blessed to be able to be involved in his work world. Sometimes that means something as simple as meeting the people he's referring to in his stories. Sometimes that means being able to see who he is to them.
I can't put into words how thankful I am to know that the man I see at home is the same man that they see. He is respectable and respected in both realms. Besides recognizing that he is good at what he does, it is obvious that they all respect who he is.
One of the things I love about Micah is how easy he is to talk to. He really cares about people, and that is really apparent. Alot of the guys open up to him, but one of the guys in particular talked to Micah about his marriage. It's such a sad situation but reminded me how lucky I am. This guy has been married for years, has a three year old daughter, and his wife has decided that she doesn't want to go through the military thing. Now I understand on some level how she could feel this way, although I can't imagine telling my daughter that her dad isn't around because I didn't want to try. The military has a way of making you have to function sometimes as a married person and sometimes as a single person. It's tough to navigate, and I can imagine it would be tons more difficult as a mom. Hearing about the situation reminded me that Micah is not ultimately the one I trust, and not ultimately the one I look to for joy and fulfillment. It is a daily challenge to remind myself of this truth, but I know it is a truth that I can trust to guide my life. I can devote myself fully to being one with Micah but know that either in a tempoary or permanent time apart I can trust that my God has a plan for me and will be my joy and fulfillment. These spouses that don't have the promise of Christ feel like they must live separately, and yet also be one with someone else.
Sometimes God reminds me of the alternative to a relationship with him, and I was so thankful for the reminder. I just hope that as we go forward Micah and I can be an example of the joy and fulfillment Christ brings, especially through our marriage.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Our temporary home
Well we have been at Ft Jackson for about three weeks now, and we've begun to feel that it's home. We actually really like the post. Even though it's winter, there's lots of pretty trees and landscape and all the building are a beautiful brick and kept up really nicely.
We had some road bumps when we got here, but I can't say we didn't expect it. It took awhile for us to get the post decal on our car, but now we can get on post really quickly. It also took quite a fight to get my updated military ID and get us enrolled in TriCare for this region, but that's finally figured out!
The one thing that went really smoothly was figuring out our housing. When Micah told the lodging staff that I was with him, they moved us to a different hall than most of his classmates. It's kind of hard to describe though. The exterior looks like a dorm, it functions like a hotel with breakfast in the lobby and daily maid service, but feels like a miniature apartment. It is much better than we were expecting! I am just happy to have an alternative to sitting on the bed, a small full rather than mini fridge, and a stove top! We don't have an oven which makes meals a little harder and means no baking, but I have to remind myself that we still have more than we expected!
Micah has been doing really well in his class and has gotten near 100% on his tests. Needless to say, I'm really proud because the amount of information involved is pretty overwhelming. He always says that they are able to use some information, but from what I've heard about the tests I'm not convinced that is why he does well.
He has also been really intentional about trying to spend as much time with me as he can. I am so thankful. My continuous goal has just been to be someone that he wants to come home to and not blast him with how bored I've been. So I have been trying to keep busy with random things like laundry, dishes, running random errands on post figuring things out. Not to mention a little reading, tv, working out, and recently getting our taxes figured out.
But you know what?! I really am so thankful to be here together. My goal is to remind myself of the alternative to being here with Micah everytime I begin to get restless.
We had some road bumps when we got here, but I can't say we didn't expect it. It took awhile for us to get the post decal on our car, but now we can get on post really quickly. It also took quite a fight to get my updated military ID and get us enrolled in TriCare for this region, but that's finally figured out!
The one thing that went really smoothly was figuring out our housing. When Micah told the lodging staff that I was with him, they moved us to a different hall than most of his classmates. It's kind of hard to describe though. The exterior looks like a dorm, it functions like a hotel with breakfast in the lobby and daily maid service, but feels like a miniature apartment. It is much better than we were expecting! I am just happy to have an alternative to sitting on the bed, a small full rather than mini fridge, and a stove top! We don't have an oven which makes meals a little harder and means no baking, but I have to remind myself that we still have more than we expected!
He has also been really intentional about trying to spend as much time with me as he can. I am so thankful. My continuous goal has just been to be someone that he wants to come home to and not blast him with how bored I've been. So I have been trying to keep busy with random things like laundry, dishes, running random errands on post figuring things out. Not to mention a little reading, tv, working out, and recently getting our taxes figured out.
But you know what?! I really am so thankful to be here together. My goal is to remind myself of the alternative to being here with Micah everytime I begin to get restless.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Settling in
Wow, well it's been about a month since I wrote last! Lots has happened!
Well the last couple days in Riverside were pretty much one big blur what with all the random errands, the last minute visits, and my mind going a mile a minute. The biggest task was just figuring out everything we needed to set aside for South Carolina before the movers came. I basically looked like a crazy person randomly running to the table and writing something down I needed to remember. The hard part was that my first instinct was just to bring everything just in case, but we couldn't because we have to fly everything from South Carolina to Italy. So rather than bring our case of important papers, we had to sort through anything we needed to file taxes and in-process. All that to say, my brain was complete mush by the time we actually got in the car to leave.
The movers came a little later than we expected, and since we had everything out and unplugged we were pretty bored! They finally came at about one in the afternoon. At that point we were thinking that it could be a long night since they had to pack and move all of our stuff! But the next 3 1/2 hours was filled with us in awe as they were this ridiculous whirlwind of paper, boxes, and tape. It was crazy! We then faced our empty first apartment, and it finally became real that we were leaving.
But you know what?! God was really faithful in reminding me to focus on my attitude. So in that adventurous spirit that consumed me that week, here is a picture of our unexpected and entertaining campout the night before we handed in the keys!
After that we spent a couple of days at Micah's parent's house. Those couple of days were filled with soccer games of the niece and nephew, endless games of Settler's of Catan with my brothers and sisters-in law, Laker games, and card games. It was awesome to be able to spend some time with family before we headed out. Of course the goodbyes were hard, especially with the kids.
We started driving on Monday January 31st, 2011. We were packed down real good, but we figured out how to leave access to the snacks ;) That first day was a pretty boring drive due to the flat ugly desert view. Our first stop was in Flagstaff, Arizona which was about an 8 hour drive. I think I probobaly would've been a little bummed that night, but we got to hang out with Micah's longtime friend Brian and his girlfriend.
We had an awesome breakfast the next morning at Cracker Barrel, and when we checked the weather channel learned that the whole country was experiencing blizzard conditions and craziness. We took off not really knowing how far we would get in our 2 wheel drive car, but with God's protection made it to Tucumcari, New Mexico. We drove into some of the snow, and had a little difficulty when we stopped off the interstate, but all in all were able to keep a decent pace. That night was our first introduction to ridiculous temperatures on our trip as we walked across the street for dinner in reported -38 degrees with windchill. Our third day was long for me because Micah was really sick so I was the sole driver that day and because we were pretty worried what we would encounter as we got into Texas and Oklahoma. But again God really blessed us with a clear drive through Oklahoma City. The trouble came when we got to the other side of the city. Most of it was ice with snow on top of it, which made it navigable, but we were only moving at about 20 mph. I was thankful that I grew up with snow and I know how to drive in it, but being around people who were spinning out, getting stuck in medians, and crashing into others was pretty un-nerving. This was the first night that we stopped short of our goal of getting into Arkansas, but we were just thankful to be safe in a warm hotel for the night in Shawnee, Oklahoma!
We took our time the next morning hoping that it would warm up a little bit and the plows would have more opportunity to come through because outside Oklahoma City looked like it hadn't been helped at all. The roads were still pretty bad when we left, and just getting back onto the interstate was quite a triumph, but we were able to go about 40 or 50 mph which made us very happy! Once we got into Arkansas we had a pretty clear road and eventually stopped in West Memphis, Arkansas.
The next day was really fun for us because we stopped for lunch in Nashville at the Hard Rock Cafe. My awesome hubby even looked to get Opry tickets. There wasn't anything going on, but it was a really sweet thought! We walked around for awhile, and enjoyed the atmosphere, but were soon reminded by some dark clouds coming in that freezing rain was expected to meet us as we started driving again until we stopped for the night in Knoxville, Tennessee.
I have to admit that I was a little sad the next day that we only had a couple hundred miles to go. I was excited because my back hurt crazy bad and we were both sick, but I kind of liked our drive. The craziness of the weather made our time really feel like an adventure, and the fun of just talking and singing together made me kind of treasure the time in the car.
Well the last couple days in Riverside were pretty much one big blur what with all the random errands, the last minute visits, and my mind going a mile a minute. The biggest task was just figuring out everything we needed to set aside for South Carolina before the movers came. I basically looked like a crazy person randomly running to the table and writing something down I needed to remember. The hard part was that my first instinct was just to bring everything just in case, but we couldn't because we have to fly everything from South Carolina to Italy. So rather than bring our case of important papers, we had to sort through anything we needed to file taxes and in-process. All that to say, my brain was complete mush by the time we actually got in the car to leave.
The movers came a little later than we expected, and since we had everything out and unplugged we were pretty bored! They finally came at about one in the afternoon. At that point we were thinking that it could be a long night since they had to pack and move all of our stuff! But the next 3 1/2 hours was filled with us in awe as they were this ridiculous whirlwind of paper, boxes, and tape. It was crazy! We then faced our empty first apartment, and it finally became real that we were leaving.
But you know what?! God was really faithful in reminding me to focus on my attitude. So in that adventurous spirit that consumed me that week, here is a picture of our unexpected and entertaining campout the night before we handed in the keys!
We started driving on Monday January 31st, 2011. We were packed down real good, but we figured out how to leave access to the snacks ;) That first day was a pretty boring drive due to the flat ugly desert view. Our first stop was in Flagstaff, Arizona which was about an 8 hour drive. I think I probobaly would've been a little bummed that night, but we got to hang out with Micah's longtime friend Brian and his girlfriend.
We had an awesome breakfast the next morning at Cracker Barrel, and when we checked the weather channel learned that the whole country was experiencing blizzard conditions and craziness. We took off not really knowing how far we would get in our 2 wheel drive car, but with God's protection made it to Tucumcari, New Mexico. We drove into some of the snow, and had a little difficulty when we stopped off the interstate, but all in all were able to keep a decent pace. That night was our first introduction to ridiculous temperatures on our trip as we walked across the street for dinner in reported -38 degrees with windchill. Our third day was long for me because Micah was really sick so I was the sole driver that day and because we were pretty worried what we would encounter as we got into Texas and Oklahoma. But again God really blessed us with a clear drive through Oklahoma City. The trouble came when we got to the other side of the city. Most of it was ice with snow on top of it, which made it navigable, but we were only moving at about 20 mph. I was thankful that I grew up with snow and I know how to drive in it, but being around people who were spinning out, getting stuck in medians, and crashing into others was pretty un-nerving. This was the first night that we stopped short of our goal of getting into Arkansas, but we were just thankful to be safe in a warm hotel for the night in Shawnee, Oklahoma!
We took our time the next morning hoping that it would warm up a little bit and the plows would have more opportunity to come through because outside Oklahoma City looked like it hadn't been helped at all. The roads were still pretty bad when we left, and just getting back onto the interstate was quite a triumph, but we were able to go about 40 or 50 mph which made us very happy! Once we got into Arkansas we had a pretty clear road and eventually stopped in West Memphis, Arkansas.
The next day was really fun for us because we stopped for lunch in Nashville at the Hard Rock Cafe. My awesome hubby even looked to get Opry tickets. There wasn't anything going on, but it was a really sweet thought! We walked around for awhile, and enjoyed the atmosphere, but were soon reminded by some dark clouds coming in that freezing rain was expected to meet us as we started driving again until we stopped for the night in Knoxville, Tennessee.
I have to admit that I was a little sad the next day that we only had a couple hundred miles to go. I was excited because my back hurt crazy bad and we were both sick, but I kind of liked our drive. The craziness of the weather made our time really feel like an adventure, and the fun of just talking and singing together made me kind of treasure the time in the car.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Yikes!
Our days in Riverside are rapidly coming to a close. We finally got a moving date figured out, January 26, which I realized last night is a week from today. Right now Micah and I are still working so I don't think it has really hit us yet, but my last day of work is tomorrow and his is Monday. So I think all the chaos will start to become real very soon. There is however a long list of random things we need to figure out or accomplish before we leave Riverside. Not to mention a lot of food we need to eat so that we don't have to throw it out! The biggest things are ridding the house of whatever we don't want to haul across the country, and getting everything that we're taking to South Carolina together so that they don't pack it. I am just so thankful that we don't have to pack everything up ourselves!!!!!!!
As chaotic as it's beginning to be, God has been faithfully reminding me to keep the right attitude throught it all. We get to help some good friends out who recently got engaged by giving them our fridge and dishes. Not to mention we have been seriously blessed with a great first apartment that we weren't expecting, so I can't wait to see what else He has in mind! But most importantly, everyone that is really hard to leave has been a huge blessing in our lives! Great jobs with great people, amazing friends, an amazing church, and the coolest family possible! We have never been void of laughs, support, encouragement, or challenge to grow.
But lately the thing I've been most thankful for though is my hubby! I married an amazing man with a heart that wants to protect and defend. He is always selfless and looking after me. He works so hard at whatever he does and truly just wants to help people. I couldn't be prouder of what he does or who he is.
I've been so thankful lately that God led me to focus on that, because that makes this whole process so much more of a joy. If for no other reason I am moving because I want to support my husband because I'm proud of him. I don't want to be some crazy lady freaking out because I don't know all the details. I want to be the cool wife signed on for an insane road trip and then overseas adventure.
As chaotic as it's beginning to be, God has been faithfully reminding me to keep the right attitude throught it all. We get to help some good friends out who recently got engaged by giving them our fridge and dishes. Not to mention we have been seriously blessed with a great first apartment that we weren't expecting, so I can't wait to see what else He has in mind! But most importantly, everyone that is really hard to leave has been a huge blessing in our lives! Great jobs with great people, amazing friends, an amazing church, and the coolest family possible! We have never been void of laughs, support, encouragement, or challenge to grow.
But lately the thing I've been most thankful for though is my hubby! I married an amazing man with a heart that wants to protect and defend. He is always selfless and looking after me. He works so hard at whatever he does and truly just wants to help people. I couldn't be prouder of what he does or who he is.
I've been so thankful lately that God led me to focus on that, because that makes this whole process so much more of a joy. If for no other reason I am moving because I want to support my husband because I'm proud of him. I don't want to be some crazy lady freaking out because I don't know all the details. I want to be the cool wife signed on for an insane road trip and then overseas adventure.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Chai Me
There are few things that my coffee shop has that are better than Starbucks, but their chai rocks! Since discovering this the money I get from tips goes away a little faster. My chai latte makes me feel at home. Yes, I realize how crazy that sounds but its true. Admit it, you know those drinks that just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, content, and make you want to smile. A slightly weird and simple joy in life, but a joy nonetheless.
I've always attempted to be intentional about recognizing those little joys in life. All in all I think I appreciate the things that I have, although I'm not always as vocal as I should be about it. But lately I've been trying to be as purposeful about recognizing the ways that God has been repeatedly faithful in the way he has directed my life. So I have begun journaling all the times in which God's plan has been better than mine. I really wish I had done this sooner, but somehow it never seemed necessary. I know that God's plan is better than mine. I know that whatever changes is always for His purpose. And yet, my daily thoughts and random freak outs don't always reflect that mind set.
Since I collected all these adorable journals, I have also began journaling about my fears. Through the women's retreat, my small group, and some other random conversations I've begun to realize that I am plagued with fear. Through taking a wise woman's advice and "playing out the fear to its end", I'm discovering that it all comes down to whether or not I truly trust whether God's plan is better than mine. Sounds familiar right?
My hope is that I will begin to recognize the thought patterns that contradict what I know to be true: God's way is always better.
I've always attempted to be intentional about recognizing those little joys in life. All in all I think I appreciate the things that I have, although I'm not always as vocal as I should be about it. But lately I've been trying to be as purposeful about recognizing the ways that God has been repeatedly faithful in the way he has directed my life. So I have begun journaling all the times in which God's plan has been better than mine. I really wish I had done this sooner, but somehow it never seemed necessary. I know that God's plan is better than mine. I know that whatever changes is always for His purpose. And yet, my daily thoughts and random freak outs don't always reflect that mind set.
Since I collected all these adorable journals, I have also began journaling about my fears. Through the women's retreat, my small group, and some other random conversations I've begun to realize that I am plagued with fear. Through taking a wise woman's advice and "playing out the fear to its end", I'm discovering that it all comes down to whether or not I truly trust whether God's plan is better than mine. Sounds familiar right?
My hope is that I will begin to recognize the thought patterns that contradict what I know to be true: God's way is always better.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Bye-bye Christmas
So it is amazing to me how completely sad it always is after the Christmas season is over. There are months of buying gifts, crazy awesome decorations, sappy and fun music, and stories of being a kid and being joyful. Not to mention celebrating the birth of our Savior! Then one day passes and it reminds me of when I found out Santa Clause isn't real.
But this Christmas was even more of an emotional roller coaster because it was our first Christmas together. We had the adventure of getting our first tree, figuring out how to keep it alive, and the fun of having it make the apartment smell amazing. We bought decorations for the tree and apartment, which fulfilled numerous ridiculous fantasies I had when I was younger. We bought gifts as a couple, sang carols, and for once we celebrated Christmas morning together (void of day before the wedding distractions). All this to say that our Christmas was especially full of wonder!
So it was especially disappointing to have to end the season. The other day we finally took down the tree and the amazing smell that still accompanied it. I knew that it would be kind of an aw, bummer kind of moment but I really didn't anticipate the tearing up part of the evening.
It kind of hit me. I really don't know what our next Christmas will look like. We won't be in our first apartment near all kinds of family. It wasn't necessarily terrifying, but the reality of the move just sort of came to life for me in that moment.
Then yesterday Micah and I were driving, singing along to the radio, and just having some good talks. All the sudden I just got this crazy giddy feeling. You know, the kind where you feel like a little kid going to Disneyland for the first time. Anyways, I realized that despite how terrified I am about the little unknowns of the next year, I really am looking forward to part of it. Instead of thinking as a grown up having to be responsible and have everything figured out, I just have to look at the whole experience like a teenager just taking a long vacation. I'm looking forward to taking a roadtrip with the hubby, of living at our first post, and ultimately going on a crazy adventure with my best friend.
But this Christmas was even more of an emotional roller coaster because it was our first Christmas together. We had the adventure of getting our first tree, figuring out how to keep it alive, and the fun of having it make the apartment smell amazing. We bought decorations for the tree and apartment, which fulfilled numerous ridiculous fantasies I had when I was younger. We bought gifts as a couple, sang carols, and for once we celebrated Christmas morning together (void of day before the wedding distractions). All this to say that our Christmas was especially full of wonder!
So it was especially disappointing to have to end the season. The other day we finally took down the tree and the amazing smell that still accompanied it. I knew that it would be kind of an aw, bummer kind of moment but I really didn't anticipate the tearing up part of the evening.
It kind of hit me. I really don't know what our next Christmas will look like. We won't be in our first apartment near all kinds of family. It wasn't necessarily terrifying, but the reality of the move just sort of came to life for me in that moment.
Then yesterday Micah and I were driving, singing along to the radio, and just having some good talks. All the sudden I just got this crazy giddy feeling. You know, the kind where you feel like a little kid going to Disneyland for the first time. Anyways, I realized that despite how terrified I am about the little unknowns of the next year, I really am looking forward to part of it. Instead of thinking as a grown up having to be responsible and have everything figured out, I just have to look at the whole experience like a teenager just taking a long vacation. I'm looking forward to taking a roadtrip with the hubby, of living at our first post, and ultimately going on a crazy adventure with my best friend.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Coffee Shop Revelations
Just a quick thought for today. The ways that God can kind of give you a hug are simply insane.
There's a regular customer at the coffee shop that I work at that I've been attempting to develop a relationship with. He's an old veteran who is basically just a grump. For some reason he has taken a liking to me, and every once in awhile will open up about his life.
Today he was reading a book. Apparently it was written by a priest who works to rehabilitate gang members in LA. He then explained that he could never have the patience to do something like that.
At that moment, I saw my chance to interject with some faith talk. I began describing the amazing joy that comes with knowing your strength isn't the only one that matters. Having faith isn't just about trying hard, it's about accepting God's power, love, strength, patience, and a whole lot of other traits when yours fails.
It's not like I had an out of body experience or anything. More like what I had been reminded of on Sunday(2 Corinthians 12:9), just came to life. I daily pity this man because he is so cynical and unhappy. Listening to him is a constant reminder of what living without the resources of God would be like. And yet too often I focus so hard on doing my best, like figuring out all that I can about moving, that I lose focus on the amazing power that God offers to me as a resource.
There's a regular customer at the coffee shop that I work at that I've been attempting to develop a relationship with. He's an old veteran who is basically just a grump. For some reason he has taken a liking to me, and every once in awhile will open up about his life.
Today he was reading a book. Apparently it was written by a priest who works to rehabilitate gang members in LA. He then explained that he could never have the patience to do something like that.
At that moment, I saw my chance to interject with some faith talk. I began describing the amazing joy that comes with knowing your strength isn't the only one that matters. Having faith isn't just about trying hard, it's about accepting God's power, love, strength, patience, and a whole lot of other traits when yours fails.
It's not like I had an out of body experience or anything. More like what I had been reminded of on Sunday(2 Corinthians 12:9), just came to life. I daily pity this man because he is so cynical and unhappy. Listening to him is a constant reminder of what living without the resources of God would be like. And yet too often I focus so hard on doing my best, like figuring out all that I can about moving, that I lose focus on the amazing power that God offers to me as a resource.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
My attempt in the blogoshpere
Well hello to everyone out there. I married my best friend a year ago now, and have been loving every minute of it. Now comes the adventure that I committed to when I said I do. I am now Mrs. Lt.Washam, and a part of the active Army.
I knew what I was getting into. Well, at least I knew that my life wouldn't be what I always pictured. But I also knew that I married an amazing man with a huge heart. It is why he does what he does, and why I continue to fall in love with him every day.
We are scheduled to report for training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina on February 6 and will be there until May 2. This is really exciting for a few reasons. Micah proposed in South Carolina, we have some dear friends out there expecting twin boys, and we are so ready to be out of California.
Micah then goes to Ft. Benning, Georgia until May 20 for airborne training. He is so excited to be able to jump out of planes...odd, but I'm happy for him!
We then are required to report to Vicenza, Italy for our permanent station. Yes, you read right, ITALY! We are really excited about this because, well, it's Europe! Not to mention Micah's sister Bethany is stationed in Germany and will be about 7 hours away!
Now obviously all of these changes are really exciting, but all of these changes are also completely terrifying to me! Mostly because they all are CHANGE. I hate change. I am plain jane. I wear plain clothes that are the same and in different colors. I eat the same plain food at home and when we go out to eat. Change, especially moving, asbolutely scares me. I moved as a kid a couple times, and it was purely awful. Things such as eating lunch in the bathroom were involved. So it is really difficult to hear the word MOVE and remain calm.
But here's the thing. I have a relationship with God Almighty. I know that He is bigger than any situation we might encounter over the next few years. He is in control. He has also repeatedly proven that if I genuinely seek His will, He will always take care of me.
It is for that reason that you can find this blog at washamadventure. I know that God will provide, and I hope that you will join me in finding out how.
I knew what I was getting into. Well, at least I knew that my life wouldn't be what I always pictured. But I also knew that I married an amazing man with a huge heart. It is why he does what he does, and why I continue to fall in love with him every day.
We are scheduled to report for training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina on February 6 and will be there until May 2. This is really exciting for a few reasons. Micah proposed in South Carolina, we have some dear friends out there expecting twin boys, and we are so ready to be out of California.
Micah then goes to Ft. Benning, Georgia until May 20 for airborne training. He is so excited to be able to jump out of planes...odd, but I'm happy for him!
We then are required to report to Vicenza, Italy for our permanent station. Yes, you read right, ITALY! We are really excited about this because, well, it's Europe! Not to mention Micah's sister Bethany is stationed in Germany and will be about 7 hours away!
Now obviously all of these changes are really exciting, but all of these changes are also completely terrifying to me! Mostly because they all are CHANGE. I hate change. I am plain jane. I wear plain clothes that are the same and in different colors. I eat the same plain food at home and when we go out to eat. Change, especially moving, asbolutely scares me. I moved as a kid a couple times, and it was purely awful. Things such as eating lunch in the bathroom were involved. So it is really difficult to hear the word MOVE and remain calm.
But here's the thing. I have a relationship with God Almighty. I know that He is bigger than any situation we might encounter over the next few years. He is in control. He has also repeatedly proven that if I genuinely seek His will, He will always take care of me.
It is for that reason that you can find this blog at washamadventure. I know that God will provide, and I hope that you will join me in finding out how.
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