3 Days Until Go Time

It has been awhile, but nothing new has gone on really. He's just been working like mad getting all his paperwork in order. He's made tons of phone calls, got our home finances simplified for me (hopefully), and has been taking it easy with us. He purchased a binder that is about 3 inches thick with paperwork. He has to have about 3 copies of every piece of information. Today he is going to get all his stuff packed. It's kind of a mistake on his part though, because I know he will unpack and repack at least 2 more times! :) Here's the packing list:

Chaplaincy School Needs

Cash:  $(I can't publish how much he is taking....he would NOT like that.)

Supplies:

12” Flat Ruler

6 x 9 Steno Notebook

Envelopes

Ball Point Pens—Black

8 White Undershirts

10 Pair Underwear

10 Pair White Socks

2 towels

2 Washcloths

5 Pair Black Dress Socks

Razor & Blades

Toothbrush/paste

Deodorant

Soap/Shampoo

Nail Clippers

Shower Shoes

White Mesh Laundry Bag

2-3 Civilian Outfits

Running Shoes

Shoe Shine Kit

Cleaning Suupplies

Small Box of Laundry Detergent

Uniforms

Optional but Allowed:

iPod

iPad

Laptop

Phone

iPod & iPad Charger

Phone charger

Ibuprophen etc.

Alarm Clock

Watch

Wallet/Checkbook & Debit Card

Paperwork:

PCS Orders

Copies of Prescriptions—None

Medical Records

Immunization Records

Oath of Office

Direct Deposit Information

Original Birth Certificate

Original Social Security Card

Driver’s License

Passport

Original Marriage License

Originals of Children’s Birth Certificates

Originals of Children’s Social Security Cards

Recruiter Contact Information

Saturday morning, we'll get all 4 kids loaded up quietly in the van to drive him to the airport. His parents and my mom want to go also. His flight leaves at 8am. We are both getting a little sad. I haven't cried yet, but I came very close last night. I'm pretty sure I'll cry on Saturday. He doesn't report until Monday, so he'll have a day or so to explore, if he chooses to. I think he'll go to a chapel service on base on Sunday.

I know we signed up for this, but when he's been gone in the past for various mission trips, it has only been about 2 weeks. The first few days are great, but then by the end of the first week, I really begin to miss him. I guess that's a good sign, huh? I keep asking him if he's sure that he has to train, can't he just skip through that and take us to Japan already? He says is stinks knowing that we have to be away from each other for 3 months and knowing that it's the right thing to do. True.

Hopefully in the coming weeks, he'll be able to post information about where he's at. If not, I'll do my best. I asked him to take photos, but he isn't that kind of guy. I hope he'll get in someone else's photos then.

Counting Down

Life has been VERY fast paced these last few weeks. We moved a couple weeks ago, and closed on our house last Thursday, and it seems like time is flying by. The decision to choose the Navy, the CARE board, and my commissioning service seem like they were ages ago. In reality it has only been a few months. Now we are in a countdown until I leave for ODS and Chaplaincy School. I'm hoping to have my travel itenerary in a week or so.

Wednesday was our last time leading the youth group at our church, and I am truly going to miss each of those teenagers. They are great people, and I wish them the best. This Sunday will be my last as as pastor. I already know it will be difficult to leave the people and this ministry, but I know this is where God is calling me to serve him at this point in time. This gives me great peace (Eph. 1:11-12).

With all this happening, the reality of January is starting to set in. The last week or so I have been getting all my paperwork in order and purchasing the items I will need for ODS. We sent off for our tourist passports and are working on applying for our DOD passports. I have talked to many people in the process, but I can never seem to find the right person the first time. It seems as if I must talk to the whole department (or multiple departments) before I get ahold of the right person. I was truly frustrated and decided to pray about it. Later that day, I was connected with a LT who went to Japan right after ODS and she was able to guide me through this process. Funny how God works, isn't it!

For me (Mr. H) time with my family is starting to take priority. Strange, how knowing you'll be gone for 3 months will do that to you. Last night as I carried our middle son back to bed I got a little emotional as I thought, "Who will do this when I'm gone?" There are a lot of things I would like to do before I leave, but I'm not letting them get in the way of being with my family. I've seen this attitude in some of the soldiers I've worked with before, and never fully understood it. Now I do! It makes me even more grateful for those who have gone before me and those who serve today. The men and women of our military make great sacrifices to ensure our freedom. If you see a soldier, sailor, or marine (past or present) make sure you thank them for what they do!

T-Minus 23 Days and counting until ODS begins. . .