sometimes you're happy...
and sometimes they make you go to Iraq.
I know that's not a very good story, but I just wanted to give a brief update that Andrew has officially been deployed. We had known this was a possibility for a while, but because things with the military can change so quickly, we hesitated to openly share the information. The good news is this deployment should only last a few months. The unit Andrew was assigned to has already been stationed in Iraq for the past 9 months, so he should just finish off the rest of their year long deployment.
I'm hoping he'll be home around Christmas time.
This will be the second year in a row Andrew has missed Thanksgiving.
Does that make anyone feel bad enough to come visit me in Georgia? Just kidding...but seriously, I will make cheesecake.
While the military has required Andrew and me to be apart for long periods of time before, this is the first time I've really had to worry about his safety. It probably doesn't help that in the few weeks leading up to Andrew's deployment we had conversations like this:
Andrew: Can you take my picture?
Me: Why?
Andrew: Because I need a head shot and pictures of both sides of my profile.
Me: Why?
Andrew: In case I get captured and they need to identify me.
Andrew: Don't touch my arm.
Me: Why?
Andrew: Because I have small pox on my arm because of a vaccine and if it gets in your eye you'll go blind.
Andrew: Lyndsey, you can't tell people when I'm being deployed.
Me: Why?
Andrew: Because that information could get into the wrong hands...
Me: What if I've already told some people?
Andrew: Then we'll have to kill them.
Ok so he was joking about having to kill people...or maybe I don't understand military humor.
All that is to say, in light of Andrew's deployment (the worry, the loneliness, the uncertainty), I'm reminded that every day, there are people setting aside their lives for the lives of others. And specifically, I know of one very valuable life that has a small pox patch on his arm and is currently without the modern comforts of cheesecake, who is trying to do what he thinks his best for his family and his country.
And as a member of both, I'm grateful.
12 comments:
I'm thinking of you and sending hugs and love.
It is real people and real families that sacrifice for my own life. Thanks for being a part of that, Kitty. And, of course, Andrew.
I do hope Thanksgiving works out--mostly for the food.
Oh, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how worried you must be about him and how lonely without him! I wish you both the best of luck and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Praying for you Linds. Wish I could afford a plane ticket for you so you can fly out and spend Thanksgiving with your family. If I win the lottery, or Joe lands an awesome job, I will let you know. :)
Goodness. I don't envy you. But I am so so proud of Andrew for going, and of you for letting him.
This all makes me watch the news in a different way. Praying!
Not that you're looking for advice, but the thing that's helped me through most of our deployment is to stay busy. I'm sure being in school will help you with this.
As for the worrying about his safety, I go to God's Word. There are so many passages about trusting and waiting on God. It's the waiting that is the hardest. I hope this time passes quickly for you two. I'll be praying for you both.
So, I already knew about this, but I still teared up a little at the end. Be brave and always encouraged!
And there is ALWAYS a place at the table for your on Thanksgiving if any of your better offers fall through.
Thank you to Andrew for serving our Great God, serving our country, and also serving and providing for Lyndsey! Praying for you two during this time apart!
Lyndesy,
Thinking and praying for the both of you lots. I admire your strength and faith in God more than you know.
Love you so much!!
1 Peter 6-9
Jess
That's the first time I've seen any pictures of Andrew in his uniform... it makes me kind of emotional.
(The conversations made me laugh. You guys are cute.)
Thank you everyone for the kind words. It really does mean a lot to me.
please know that you can always join our family for the holidays... don't get lonely over there!! love from your new neighbors... D&W, E&B
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