God of Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

So, we are moving to Alaska. I'm not gonna lie, I'm freaking out a little.

I didn't really recognize it until my friend told me yesterday after I had confessed a minor meltdown, "You're probably a little more stressed than you think. I mean, you're moving to Alaska."

Sure, I knew I was completely shocked the day Hubs snuck out to his car to leave the voicemail. I was finishing up with bible study when I saw the missed call and checked the message. Then I listened to it again. Then I had to sit down. "You and Jessie need to get your fur coats because we're going to Alaska!" With several girls staring at me, I realized I was laughing with a strong urge for tears. I remember one of them asking if I was ok.

When Hubs came home that day, there was such a nervous excitement between us. I asked him with a lump in my throat and eyes as big as half dollars how exited he was on a scale of 1 - 10. 

"TEN!" Hubs isn't exactly easy to excite. But he really belted that number that day and he really meant it. I wasn't so sure. I definitely wasn't singing "TEN!" with my fists in the air.

Don't get me wrong, I was excited. I even helped choose this. But that's kind of where my confusion came in. We never get to choose. Here's how this goes- on Hubs' army account he gets to list his top three desired duty stations. He made sure this was updated correctly before the time the army made assignments during a specific division of NAVSCOLEOD. We had fun talking about our top three. Where would we live if we got to choose? Where would we definitely NOT want to go? Where do you think we will go anyways? See, we can put whatever army post we want, but the reality is that Hubs would get assigned to whichever unit needed his specific qualifications. 

With some deliberation, knowing we would be there only two years (which, in true army fashion, is now three), we made Ft. Richardson in Anchorage, AK our #2 choice. We had (and still have) heard nothing but the most amazing things about this assignment. Those who have been not only love the scenery and location and the activities available, but the post, job, and people. What an adventure! I mean, it's only two years. Why not choose somewhere we would never go otherwise? Plus, we get all the military benefits of an overseas assignment without any of the hassle. It's far, but it's only two years, right?
**I must also add that we did not have the option to stay here at Eglin AFB. If we had, Hubs would have made all necessary moves to make that happen. We have loved our time here in this tiny town!

So, Hubs put in his top three, and that was that. I wasn't really concerned about it. We were at the mercy of the needs of the army. Again. I had accepted that. So when I heard that we had a hand in sending us to a foreign (to us!) place, there was definitely a moment of, "Oh crap. What have we done?" Hearing the extreme opposite of our beloved beach home, a place I've only seen in pictures, was surreal. 

After Hubs shouted, "TEN!" and sat down to share that moment with me, it made me so much more sure that this was going to be good. He said he was in shock too, but we had prayed about this situation for months and he was at peace with it. That's when I realized that I completely and sincerely agreed. Yes, I felt like a deer in headlights, but it was just shock I felt, not fear. I was truly at peace with it too. Then, Hubs diffused any remaining uneasiness by saying, "Plus, we're doing this together. There's no one else I'd rather go to Alaska with; I'm so glad I get to move there with my best friend!" Swoon.

That was back in April. We got the news, called family and friends, and then went back to life as usual. Hubs muscled through the exhausting pass/fail curriculum. I finished a semester of school and started a part-time job for the summer. We went to the beach every Saturday. The past few weeks, however, have been different. We started planning to leave. We made lists, appointments, and schedules in preparation for our move. We spend every morning doing a devo, a work out, and sometimes a little cleaning up, yet I still have felt more stressed than seemed normal. We are enjoying our last days in one of our favorite places and gearing up for a pretty incredible trip. So why am I on edge?

"You're probably a little more stressed than you think. I mean, you're moving to Alaska."

Oh, yeah. That. 

And if that didn't do it, talking to my mom yesterday did. She said she was surprised when she looked at a map recently and saw how far Alaska actually was. "I've been weepy all week about it!" And I realized I have been focusing so much on us getting there, that I haven't really let the fact that we're about to live there soak in. I've been so excited to see to mom soon, that I haven't thought for a second about the driving-away-from-her part.

I'm freaking out.

Here's what's just come to me. I do this with God. I'm going to VERY loosely parallel Alaska and heaven for a minute: they are destinations that are waiting for me, and it is out of my control how I get there. I know the way and know I'm going, but I freak out in the process. In this move and in my life I somehow, after continual evidence of His care, still ask, "Is God going to work this out? I should probably help Him out by making lists (I literally had over six working lists), appointments, and schedules." And let's not even go into the what-ifs. What-ifs  are a disease you catch from the unknowns. 

Our God is a God of peace. He has granted me a faith to just know He's in control. That's the peace- that weird knowing in the midst of my worry that is beyond my understanding, beyond my planning, beyond my feelings. Hubs recently said, "I know God has something for us in Alaska." I don't doubt it for a second, but man I wish I were better at living like it. So, I'm letting go. Of the control I so hilariously think I posess. Of lists, appointments, and schedules. Of what-ifs. I want to trust Him, and there is no better time practice doing it that when you have a bad case of the unknowns. Sometimes, being military makes me think it's a terminal case. But, praise Him, it's not! He has promised, He is faithful, He works all things according to His purpose. 

He is moving us to Alaska, and He is moving me more toward peace in the process. 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Introducing...Jessie

Jessie "The Bullet" Woodard is a beautiful blonde chiweenie (half chihuahua, half dachshund) who is an avid fetch enthusiast, rapid wind sprinter, and has a thing for ropes. She is our first dog and came into our family early November 2012. She has never met a stranger and is occasionally outfitted in latest fashions, her Titan's jersey, or her red snowsuit when weather permits. Jessie likes sunbathing, kisses, rawhides, belly rubs, and when Dad (Hubs) comes home.

Introducing The Plan...aka Never Say Never

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

When others have asked us if we are driving or flying the trip to Alaska, we've scoffed at them. "Haha...duh. Definitely flying. There's no way we're driving that trip."

We're driving that trip.

Here's what happened. 

At the time of Andrew's graduation, we had received paper orders for a report date of August 10th. Since that was less than 30 days away, we were given an addendum to orders that pushed his report date back to September 10th. About a week ago or so, while Hubs and I were walking on the beach, he brought it up. "Just hear me out. What if we drove?"

We kept mulling over pros and cons trying to decide how to get ourselves up to our new life. At first it seemed simple, just a trip home to Nashville and back, then hop on a plane. As usual with the army, it became quite a bit more complicated than that. The more we talked with offices on base and and the details of cost and itinerary, the more we considered our time spent and season of life, the more we prayed and discussed, the more our decision became clear.

Our first priority is prayer. What's best for our marriage and the time spent with each other? Draw. Did we want more down time on one of the most beautiful beaches in America where we feel so at home or an adventure of a lifetime across the U.S., up into Canada, over the river, through the woods, to our new duty station we go? That was a toughie. We always consider the quality of time with family and ability to invest in our relationships. Either way, we would be able to spend about the same amount of time with our loved ones in Nashville. Having seen them over the weekend of Hubs' graduation and knowing some up-coming dates, we weighed both possible itineraries. A few incentives played out for the drive. After that, all the details of Hubs' leave (army talk for vacation time allowed), the government move, and reimbursement allotment continued to sway us toward a road trip.

While there might come another opportunity to make this trip when we leave Alaska, there may not. Right now we have the time, will have expenses covered, we don't have kids, and are relatively young. (This does not concern you, Kelc.) It is an amazing opportunity to let God take us on a tour of such a beautiful part of His creation. We almost have to do it! Plus, I asked Andrew, "Don't think, just answer. Fly or drive?" We both knew the answer.

Last Wednesday, we left the TMO appointment (army talk for the government office that arranges the details of our move) assured of move dates and booked part of our travel ensuring the next month and a half to be quite the ride. 

We have two weeks left to soak up the sun, then mid-August begins our month-long journey. A weekend in New Orleans, six days in Nashville, Louisville to St. Louis, a day in Denver, Salt Lake to Seattle, leading us to our purchased Alaskan Ferry Adventure. It will take us through the inside passage: a quick ferry change in Ketchikan, a two-day journey in Juneau, disembarking in Haines, AK on our 3rd anniversary to drive through Canada's Yukon Territory en route to Anchorage. Complete with chiweenie in tow. 

Introducing Our Family...and a United States Army EOD Technician

"Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:4 & 5

I cannot think of a better way to open this blog than to tell you of our Family vacation weekend celebrating my Hubs' dedication and graduation from NAVSCOLEOD to become a U.S. Army EOD technician.

My husband has been in one of the most intensive training schools the military offers for the last 12 months. He spent Phase One unaccompanied in Ft Lee, VA from Aug-Oct 2012, followed immediately by Phase Two beginning in Nov until graduation last weekend on July 19, 2013. I was so proud/nervous/excited to watch him work through this process and accomplish such a difficult task.

Our family began filtering in that Thursday. I picked up Hubs’ sister, Kari from the airport in the same minutes my parents and grandparents called to say they had arrived at our house. We ate lunch and drove into Destin to meet his dad at Seascape condos where we stayed. His mom and family friend, Mrs. Jane, as well as my sister, brother, and his wife, all arrived that evening and our vacation was off to an exciting start! Ethan didn’t get there until Friday evening, but we were pumped he was able to be apart of such a special weekend.

{L to R: Mrs. Jane, Lea Anne, Kari, Mike, Hubs, Me Kevin, Lynn, Kelcee, Anthony, Carrie, Maw Maw, and Popey}

The next morning we hurried out for the graduation ceremony. It was much less formal than I thought it would be, but such a fun morning knowing what a long road led to it. I am so thankful that my sweet friend, Victoria, was willing to come snap a few family pics for us. She is one of many answered prayers during our time here.

I was completely shocked that my husband chose me to pin him during the ceremony. Several wives at this graduation did, but it typically isn't done. It's supposed to be bad luck to let anyone other than someone who has been an EOD tech for longer than 6 months do it. But Hubs said he chose me because, "You helped me get through this school more than anyone else did." I was completely honored. I made Hubs practice with me and tell me 10 times what I was supposed to do. Andrew said that when I got up there, I held out my hands and they were visibly shaking. I guess that's why the kind Army gentlemen said, "You don't have to be nervous!" Well, I was, but my brother said I was the second fastest wife-pinner and I didn't drop the backs, so I'd say it was a success! One of my proudest moments.

The rest of that day was spent on the beach with lunch at Pompano Joe’s and a bbq dinner at our condo. I had a cake done by KarabooBakery, and I made oreo balls to look like little bombs. I had an engineer print done at Office Depot (24x48) and printed a small EOD crab on cardstock (8.5x11) for all to sign & frame. I gave him a fun gift and we all went around and expressed our appreciation for Hubs’ hard work, dedication, and persistence. He was slightly embarrassed, but grateful. I am going to put the notecards and cards into a photo album with pics from the weekend for Hubs to keep and remember such a special family celebration.

The next morning was rainy, so some of us went to breakfast and met others at the outlet malls after. I do not have a love of shopping, but the trip ended up being very productive. First, I got a great deal on boots for Alaska and my mother-in-law was so sweet to buy me a second pair! Thank goodness, Kari and I finally have matching sister adventure shoes. I’m especially excited about the next find I’m about to share because, when I was deciding what to get Hubs for his graduation gift, I knew it was one of two things I knew he had been wanting. Well, I gave him the old school shaving kit on Friday. And after fruitless searching for about a year for a brown leather band watch, we found exactly what he wanted the very next day at Fossil.

It was sunny by noon, so we had another fun beach day the rest of Saturday. My sweet and faithful dad called us all together for a devotional that night before a great and late dinner at Cap't Dave’s. We then headed out for solid sibling time in The Village at Baytowne Wharf. We loved getting to get a little QT with them. With the military sending us all over the map since getting married, my sibs in Nashville, and Kari in Denver, that time with them meant more to us than we can say. It was the first time we have all hung out, and even though it was just sitting around talking, it is still one of my favorite "firsts" ever.

My Sisters: Kari, Kelcee, and Carrie

Sunday was goodbye day. Lea Anne and Jane left early that morning. I think I might remember Hubs trying to wake me up to say goodbye. I’m too old for sibling night out! Hubs, Jessie, and I met Mike and Kari on the beach for a while before packing up for check out. They left before noon, and my sibs were close behind. We got to spend the evening with my parents and grandparents before they left the next morning. We talked on the back deck, had pizza, and played a couple of games of Joker’s Rule before heading back to Niceville. We had such an amazing weekend, but it was great to sleep in our own bed!

Congratulations, Hubs! I am so very proud of you and your amazing accomplishment. You made it!