I wear many hats in life, as I'm sure we all do. There are none, however, that I take more seriously and wear with more pride than my "military wife" hat. No, I do not get into all the wives clubs and hob knobbing with the Officer wives and such. I prefer to do my part from home. Please do not get me wrong, I can think of at least one time when having the support of other wives and the "club" came in very handy...however, I'm not one for social gatherings of this type. I love doing my job from my home.
I have followed, supported and waited endlessly for my husband during his career. We were married December of 1991 and I have moved from Arkansas (my home since birth) to South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Tennessee, California and currently Maryland. I have made so many friends, seen so many amazing places, put THOUSANDS of miles on a car, had three children, and packed up EVERYTHING, we own, on our own a time or two...this was before we decided to let the military do the grunt work...worth it too by the way!
We had an unexpected order change in the summer of 2010 to Japan. We were not ready, not interested and a little anxious. Luckily, we managed to get out of those orders and are now here in Maryland. I believe God puts in places and situations to help lead us to bigger and better opportunities. Although we never really knew the real reason behind the Japan scare, we are following His lead and doing His will.
I have spent many nights alone enduring countless deployments and travels away from home. Our children have said goodbye to their daddy and felt the excitement of having him return. They have lived in places that most children their age have barely heard of. Our seven year old has endured four moves, and the three and four year old boys have done three of those. They handle changes well and have many friends who have, or do, live all over the world. They have experienced so much and lived in such diverse communities and are completely aware of the world around them. I did not understand half of what they do when I got married at eighteen! I love what this life has taught them and will bring to their lives in years to come.
Jason travels a lot with his job here in the DC area but nothing long term, and for that we are grateful! He recently took a trip to Massachusetts and while there had learned of a job opportunity that could greatly benefit him. We usually know (with the exception of the 2010 Japan scare) well in advance where and when our next move will be. This one, however, is requiring a little more effort, on our part, to get. Jason has to talk to people and prepare himself before it can happen. I have prayed that if it is God's will for us to move then show us the way. So far, the way has been paved and things are going good.
Retirement is only a few years away and the thought of all the traveling and moving coming to an end saddens me a little...even scares me a bit. We will have to choose a place to live..LONG TERM...I'm not even sure how to do that anymore. We may possibly buy a house. We've NEVER done this for fear of being left behind while daddy moves on. I've seen it too many times and am NOT willing to do it. I applaud the families who do, especially the ones who survive it and make it work. I know we could, but I do NOT want to. Retirement would also bring us to the scary task of finding a job and actually keeping it. The economy and job market are not the best and we have been spoiled with steady income and EXCELLENT medical care for our family. However, retirement will happen and our trust in God will only strengthen. I am amazed at how far He has already brought us and I know He would never leave us needing (not wanting) but needing for anything.
I pray we go where we are needed and that we do what is expected of us while there. I pray that if we are suppose to stay here in Maryland and continue our work for the Lord here, then so be it and it be clear. I pray if Massachusetts holds bigger and better things for our family and for God's glory that that be clear. Please keep us in your prayers. I am always ready for the next step and our family is perfectly capable of making the move. Just pray that it is God's will and not just ours.
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