The Countdown Begins

The night before he left, his family came to dinner. Then, my family stopped by later that evening. They asked him questions and joked around. I don't know how it felt for him, knowing he wouldn't be seeing these people for 3 months, but he said that he had a good time. They gathered around us later and prayed for us. Okay, so I cried a little.

The morning of his flight, he started saying that he would miss me and I started to cry again. Then later, he said something again and I started to cry AGAIN. Ugh!

I know this is perfectly normal and in a way, I feel like I should be crying more. But I'm afraid that if I do cry, then I won't stop. I don't want my kids to see me crying like that. I have to show them that yes, it's sad, but it's also going to be alright.

My oldest son cried a little before we left for the airport, which surprised me. He doesn't usually wear his heart on his sleeve. In fact, his feelings are usually a mystery to everyone.

As you can see, my daughter had a rough time yesterday at the airport. She and I haven't really talked about how she felt about her dad being gone for 3 months. I figured she didn't really grasp that concept, but it must have hit her all of a sudden. Or else, like me, she was trying to put off the tears as long as possible.

I did cry when he and I hugged. I wanted to stay in his arms all day and not let him go, but I also wanted to get on with it-- the separation. The sooner it starts, the sooner it gets over!

He called when he landed in FL and then again when he was in a taxi on the way to the school in RI. When he got there, the taxi wasn't allowed on the premises, so the policeman offered him a ride. When he got to check-in, they told him that they had just sent someone to pick him up. Oh, well. They also didn't have his name on their roster, but he showed them his orders and that was cleared up quickly. He called one more time later that evening and told me that he met some people already. One was a baptist chaplain like him, so that was good. Also, this guy had the same experience as far as not being on the roster. How we have known for 3 months that he would go there and the Navy hasn't known is beyond me. I'm sure I should get used to that, huh!

In the past few days I've received encouraging words, texts, and offers of help. I just want to tell you all THANK YOU! I take great comfort in knowing that people out there are praying for the both of us. I know that I can't get through this on my own. As far as offers of help go, I don't really know how you can help me yet. Since I've never been here before, I'm just not sure.

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.