The dreaded brown flight suit... If you're in the Military it will be all too familiar when our husband suits up in that brown flight suit... It only means ONE thing... They are heading to the Middle East to help fight in Operation Enduring Freedom!
And last week our family experienced something that we have not experienced since the first year of Ben and my marriage. He deployed!
He'll be in Afghanistan for the next 90 days! If you are a person of prayer... your prayers are much appreciated... For safety and protection for Ben and the others on his crew... For my peace of mind and trust that the Lord will keep Ben (and the others) safe from harms way... For our children who will miss their Daddy... For our marriage to stay connected during then next three months... For our extended family who will be taking me and the kids in while Ben is away... and whatever else you may think of.
I don't know how people without faith in the Living God can make it through deployments. I am so thankful that I know and can keep truth in my mind and heart instead of fear and worry. It is so amazing to know a peace that only the Lord can give. Not to mention I know that many people will be praying for Ben and our family while he is gone.
Thank you if you are one of them. We appreciate it so much!
When Ben left last week, there was a formal sendoff ceremony from the squadron. The kids and I left on Tuesday, so we miss it. I took these pics off Facebook... They made me sad that I wasn't there... but then again it would have been a lot more sad if I had been there.
These pictures also make me proud. Proud of my husband and these other airman, heading off to help the fight in Afghanistan against the Taliban and Al qeada. Whether you are for the war or against it... there is something that we all have to agree on and be thankful for... Their service to country and to freedom.
He'll be flying his new plane the C-20. I think he was looking forward to getting lots of flying time in the new jet. Even though I know that he misses the kids and I (he even let Peety sleep on the bed for the two nights after we left)!
Ben made it safe to his location... and I have been able to receive email everyday so far and he even called today! It was so nice to hear his voice! It reminds me of when we first started talking on the phone when he was deployed to Quatar back in May 2005. His voice was sorta squeaky, there was a delay in the call, but now I have to share my phone time with two little kiddos who love their Daddy (and even deal with a little boy who closed the phone when he thought Daddy was done talking)lol!
I sure and thankful for technology (and I'm sure Ben will also during this deployment)... as I can take photos and video and send it directly to Ben's email to keep him connected and in the know!
I sure and thankful that distance make my heart grow fonder! (ok... cheese, but it's true)!
Ben is the cute one...second from the right!
There is nothing like adventure...
Yes, I flew by my self from Ramstein Air Base with the kids by myself into Baltimore International, rented a car and drove to Lancaster, PA... It really wasn't too bad. The kids did great on the flight. The worst part was when I thought I would be able to hire a porter to help me with my 2 suitcases, 3 car seats, 1 double stroller and 3 kids... except I forgot that we had to pick up our bags in the customs area, so no porters were allowed in! Haha. So there I was, pushing the cart with the luggage and car seats piled high with one hand and pulling the stroller with Ethan and Emalina in it with the other hand, with Bella following close behind. I'm sure it was a sight to see and I really do wish I had gotten a picture.
OR
Actually the worse part might have been when I realized that I didn't have a stroller coming off the plane and had to carry Emalina in her car seat (with the base attached... at least 30 lbs... my arm can still feel it), while chasing Ethan and Bella 1/4 of a mile to the customs area and then try to keep them contained when we were standing in the customs line... I feel bad for the little couple who offered to help me! LOL!
But regardless, we made it!
We'll be in Pennsylvania until April 9th and then in Billings until the middle of May, before heading up to Canada for the rest of the time.
It really is the perfect opportunity to visit with family and friends, not to mention have help with the kids.
I am thankful that I have such a wonder family, to be able to stay with them during this time.
6 comments:
Natalie, I had the same thought about faith recently. I honestly don't know how people survive deployments without faith. Kudos to you on your trans-Atlantic journey; glad you have all safely reached your destinations. Technology is amazing; I am so thankful for it and know that it will make all the difference. Sounds like we'll just miss you in MT; we'll be leaving VA for WA at the end of May, then we'll be in MT from August until Neil returns next March. Enjoy your time with family, and we will definitely keep you all in our prayers.
I don't envy that long flight and waiting in customs with 3 little ones--but I'm so glad you'll be with family while he is away. I will certainly keep all of you in my prayers! Miss you!
Awh, this really made me tear up. I love how you put that your faith holds you through this! I hope you and the kids have a good visit in the US and Canada...and I hope time passes quickly for you and Ben.
Oops, I wrote the previous...don't know why my name didn't show up.
Carolyn
btw who has peety? I would have helped out with her
I don't believe it, Ben letting Peety up on the bed!!! What has happened to him. :). He is such a softy. We will be praying and praying that maybe one of your flights makes a stop in Saint Louis! Let's Skype soon!
We will be praying for your entire family while Ben is away! I'm glad you made it safe and sound to the states again. Sounds like quite an adventure! Supermom for tackling that trip back alone. Keeping busy and visiting lots of friends and family always helped pass the time during the deployments :)
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