Friday's Letters

I've decided I'm going to measure this deployment in terms of 'weeks. Looking at the number of days is just far too overwhelming and it would take forever to countdown to a month. So 'weeks' it is! And what better way to celebrate crossing off another week than by linking up with Ashley for 'Friday's Letters'.

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DEAR FRIDAY, you took a little too long to get here. Let's work on that and try & make it a little quicker next week. DEAR HUSBAND, knowing that you are in better living conditions than we expected makes me so happy, but no worries that does not mean fewer care packages! DEAR FAMILY, with all of this Skype time I think I've gotten to "see" and talk to you more than when we were in Georgia. I LOVE IT! DEAR FRIENDS, Your support and words of encouragement mean so much. I was so overwhelmed to hear from all of you and knowing we are in your hearts and minds is a blessing! RC and I are so grateful. DEAR GERMANY, invest in air conditioners. Sure 80+ degree weather is nothing after living in Charleston, SC, but not having AC is a whole 'nother story! Blah.
DEAR MOMAX, you are so similar to IKEA and only 15 minutes down the road... I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship. DEAR HUSBAND, you're cute and I miss you. That is all. :)

Deployment Diary: Week 1

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, I'm sorry. I know you've seen these all before! 

But I've decided to challenge myself to taking at least one Instagram picture a day. I think it will push me towards getting out and doing something fun everyday. Plus will be fun to look at the 200+ pictures when this deployment is all said and done. This week felt forever long, but we made it! 

// Day 1 // Said goodbye to RC.
// Day 2 // Went to a winefest with some friends.
// Day 3 // Set up the wireless internet.
// Day 4 // Enjoyed the sunshine and started a bible study.
// Day 5 // Went to the Farmer's Market in the marktplatz and then Zumba.
// Day 6 // Found a thrift store and explored with a sweet friend. Skyped with RC. Found a note on my door.
// Day 7 // Picked up Mr. Owl from the thrift store and shopped at Momax!

Personal Growth

We are facing a deployment. My husband who has become my rock in this transition has left. It's going to be hard. I can't even fathom being apart for 9+ months. It scares me to no end. I know there is a time to grieve the loss of our time together, but I also know that there is a time to take control of my emotions.
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My husband is at war. He is being shot at. That is not going to change. The scary reality is no matter how much I dwell on his safety I am not in control of that. The only thing I am in control of is how I handle myself. I want to take this time to improve. I want to become the best ME I can be for ME. I also want to be the wife that RC deserves.

I'm still adjusting to this military lifestyle. It's difficult uprooting and starting over. When you sacrifice for your spouse I think an identity crisis can occur. So often who you are can be defined by what you do (your occupation), who you associate with (friends), who you are a part of (family), and what your role is (wife). So when you leave those things behind in a move you can loss grasp of who YOU are. I want to find out who I am again. 

Every second of every day I will be thinking of him though. All I want is for him to come back to me. Safely. And if any of this sounds selfish, believe me, I would rather not have to take this personal journey this way.