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. . .

DEERS and Renting

It's been over a month since my husband has been commissioned and he's still not been entered in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System). What's taking so long I wonder? Maybe they're waiting until it's closer to time for him to leave. I don't know.


On another note, we put down a little on a rental in a town about halfway between where I live now and where my family lives. We were all set to move there and even looked at it and had a tentative move-in date. Then a duplex in my hometown (SL--where most of our family is) came up for rent. I let Mr. H. know  "I would love to live in it, but that since we sort of committed to the other one, we could make that work too."  He remembers it more as a "if you don't let us live here, I'll be mad at you forever..." :)


He contacted the guy with the duplex and we have a move-in date of the 15th. He also called the owner of the house and let him know that our situation changed. 


I've been packing some, but not a whole lot.  We don't have a lot of "stuff" I don't think. I hate to pack up the kitchen or bathroom because that's a last minute thing. I do a lot of baking and cooking and I'd hate to need something that's packed in a box somewhere. Although I do a pretty good job of labeling my boxes. I put what's in it and where it goes in the new place. Or maybe everyone does that...?


A side note: please be praying for our church as they look for a new pastor...

Selling and Looking

Our house went on the market on a Saturday morning. It was under contract in 8 days! I think it's a rare thing since we live in the middle of nowhere in a town of 400. It is such a blessing of course. I stand amazed at how the Lord has worked in our lives in the last few months. To think of how wicked and undeserving we are, and yet he continues to show us His love and bless us more and more.

All that's left is to get the appraiser's report that our house is worth what we're asking for it. If not, then we'll re-negotiate with our buyer.

Today, we're going to visit my family for the day. There's a house we're going to look at renting also. Another thing to give God the praise for. I was getting a little nervous that we wouldn't be able to find someone to rent to us for only 5 months. Well, in the last few days, I've located 3 different places that will do that. Only one is in  my hometown, but the other 2 aren't too far away either.

There's a house in the bigger town a few minutes away, and that one really appeals to me because it's bigger and convenient. The only drawback (well, besides the person not replying to my emails...) is that it's across the street from Fred Phelps' Westboro Church! I'm not sure I want to subject my children to anything they might witness over there! On the other hand, it's close to McDonald's, Wendy's. and Sonic!

Once we set a closing date and we find a rental, I'll be set. Except now I notice myself dreading him leaving for 3 months. I think about who will fix my computer (TeamViewer will be a lifesaver), who will shovel the snow, how will I find someone trustworthy to fix my vehicle if it needs it. I have a dad, 4 brothers and a brother-in-law in the area, but they've all got their own families, so I can't expect them to be at my beck and call.

Mainly when I think about him being gone, I just put the thought out of my head. I refuse to dwell on that until it happens.I'm going to eat up these next few months of just being together.

Our Lieutenant JG

It's official...well, assuming he graduates from ODS and Chaplain School. HE WILL!

Last Monday was Mr. H.'s commissioning service and it was so cool. It was only a 39 second ceremony. Yes, really, 39 seconds. He had to repeat something like this:

"I, ______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according the regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

I'm not sure if this is EXACTLY what he said, but it's pretty close.

We had some family and friends attend, driving almost 2 hours for the short ceremony. It was really a very cool event. One that will go down in my scrapbook.

Questions, Questions, Questions

Mr. H and I have been scouring the internet looking for info on Okinawa. He has been submitting paperwork to whomever will take it since we have NO ONE appointed to help us with this process. I think we're supposed to have a "sponsor" to walk us through this move, but we haven't gotten that contact info yet. His recruiter is young and just isn't too familiar with this process yet. I hoped he would have given Mr. H. a name of someone to contact, but he didn't.

He submitted our housing application last night. I thought they would look it over and let us know which housing type we would get. But not, we have to attend a class within 2 days of arriving at Okinawa, THEN we will know where we'll be living. So apparently, this is my first taste of me not being in control. I mean, I won't know what my house will look like, what the floor plans are, what to pack for it, until 2 days AFTER arriving!? I know all you seasoned military wives are laughing right now...

In spite of that, I'm okay with it. Since all of this is so new, I'm just along for the ride.

Duty Station Choices

Mr. H. received a phone call on Tuesday from his recruiter. His commissioning service is scheduled! I can't wait. Any friends and family who would like to attend are welcome to. I have no idea what the address is. The service is at 1pm on October 3rd in KC.

The same day, Mr. H.got a phone call from his detailer. A detailer is the guy who advises Mr. H. on his chaplaincy career. He gave us 6 choices:

Crete, unaccompanied
Japan, deployable
Japan, non-deployable
Florida
Georgia
California

Crete was out for me. I didn't want to start our military life off with a separation like that. Japan (deployable) was out for me because once again, I didn't want to start out with him being gone AND in a foreign country all by myself with 4 kids. At first my choices were California or Florida. Georgia didn't seem exciting enough. Mr. H. wanted Japan, deployable, above all the others.

Mr. H. and I discussed the different assignments and what his "job" would be at each one. His heart's desire is to be deployed with Marines/Navy. So, I decided that he should do what he wants to do. Why not start off with something you're excited about? So, we chose Japan, deployable.

I'm excited and nervous all at once. I'm excited to begin this phase of our life, but I am a little nervous about being in Japan by myself. I've been researching it like crazy in the last 2 days. It looks beautiful, housing looks fine, and there is so much to see and do. Ancient ruins, an awesome aquarium, Tokyo Disneyland, deep sea fishing, beaches all over the place.

Our island is pretty small and there is at least one million people living there. Check out this map. If you "grab" the map and move it around you can see it in proportion to the rest of Japan. I have heard that the island is about 450 square miles, with 1.3 million people living there. Let me put that in perspective: the county I live in is 800 square miles with only 7,000 people! This will be a whole new ballgame for us!

Check out these photos. Feel free to vacation here with us! Start saving for that 15 hour flight!