A Special Day

27 years ago today our parents were nestled in Germany rejoicing in the birth of a son. Its so amazing to think back on that as I sit here and ponder it, they had no idea what their future held, or even more so what the little baby boy's future would hold that they held in their arms. 3 years later the family would grow a little more with the birth of a daughter (ME!!) But thats not what I'm here to talk about. But, that is when John became a big brother. We've had some amazing times through the years, some good some bad, I smile thinking about the time that John picked a fight with some grade school bullies in Washington that were throwing rocks at me. But then I frown when I think about the time that I had to help distract a father who was sick with his addiction to alcohol from potentially hurting the brother I cherish so much. I chuckle when I think of all the times he dunked me in Grandma's pool and all the memories we have from the summers camping with Uncle Joe, swimming in Grandma's pool, and staying up until the wee morning hours playing cards with Megan, Jamie, Ruth and Grandma. What an amazing time we've shared John. I am so honored and blessed to call you my brother. You've been there for me when I had absolutely no one else to turn to. You stepped up and played dad not only when dad was sent away from us in Korea, but even when I needed guidance that only you can give. You stepped up and helped lead me to Christ, and for you mentoring me along my walk with Him. God blessed me with a brother that is more wonderful and awesome (and yes sometimes your a HUGE pain in the butt) and that brother is you. I love you John! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER!

A little reminder...

I got the honor, no, the privilege of assisting in an all day training event at Fort Jackson yesterday (Wednesday.) I went with CH Winchester for the day and we trained Chaplains, Chaplain Candidates, and Chaplain Assistants who will be graduating from their initial training on the 31st. We talked with them on how the Chaplains should interact with their commanders in terms of Wounded or hospitalized Soldiers. I then also got to talk with the Assistants on things that the schoolhouse doesn't really teach. It was so uplifting to be with them and spread the little bit of knowledge I've gained in my 2 years in. Of course, CH Winchester had to publicly (in front of the 100+ Soldiers) on how I wanted to get out and encouraged all of them to help encourage me to re-enlist...still isn't working. However, I do continue to think about joining the National Guard at the end of my enlistment. It will all just depend on the outcome of my neck. Aside from the joy of passing on some love of the Chaplain Corps, my heart was pounding all day long...and not because the heat index made it feel like 108 degrees out in the sun all day, but because I could hear the sound of M16s in the distance. And simulator grenades from nearby training sites. And then, my favorite part was at the end of the training sessions we had 2 huge mass casualty exercises where the Assistants and the Chaplains responded to incoming rounds (simulator grenades...so awesome) but also to large numbers of Soldiers wounded that ranged from hearing loss all the way to the dead...in a combat situation. It was soooooo awesome to watch the assistants take charge, starting with putting on the Chaplain's gas masks before their own (I do say HOOAH, gave his life up so that the Chaplain could still do his job) to making the Chaplain duck behind them as they moved tactically from one Soldier to the next. I was ohhhh so proud! I've posted pictures to share. Days like that...make me remember why I joined the Army, and why I love my Soldiers so much...Thank-you CH Winchester and the rest of my office for allowing me to attend and help conduct this training it made a lasting impact on my life!

Assisting his Chaplain with his

gas mask.

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"INCOMING!!!"

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This is how we protect our

Chaplain while we move

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This is how a high-speed Chaplain

carries the wounded!

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And this is how we guard the Chaplain as he ministers to Soldier!

Quality Time

I got to spend the afternoon with Zeke today!! We went to Superpets together and got some shampoo for him and then got some snails and some snacky fish for Champ! After that we came back to my barracks room and then it was Bath Time!!! After that Zeke decided it was nap time while mom did some laundry...:-)Stinker even tucked one of his bones into my dirty clothes and so now he has a sparkling fresh clean bone again!! lol then after a few hours of snugglin it was time for him to go back :-( One more month...I got an apartment!!!! My move in is the 15th of September!!! YAY!!! Zeke and I will be back together again soon!

Rededication of my life, my heart, my soul, my all

Today, I rededicated my life to Christ. I met with Pastor John last month and discussed what I've gone through these past 4 years, and my reasoning behind wanting to take this step in life. So today, I took that step in front of the congregation at Quest Church, where I've been attending worship.

Here, Pastor John was talking to myself and the congregation about the step I was taking.

Behind me are Leesa Winchester, CH (CPT) Rick Winchester; I work with CH Winchester and asked he and his wife if they would be my sponsors through this step. Next to CH Winchester is my new dear friend Vickie who I help teach Children's Church with, and attend bible study with.

This is where I was telling the congregation how the last 4 years have been pretty rough, most due to bad choices and a little to life's normal challenges that come our way. I told them how it all came crashing down hard while I was in Korea, and instead of turning to God, for help, I turned my back on him, and like a stubborn child I crossed my arms and said No, God, I'm doing this on my own. I told them how once I made it through my year there, on the plane home I told God I was coming back to Him, that I knew I had messed up big. Which has lead me to the point of rededication of my life. I challenged those at church, to not take the road I took, that God won't take the problems away, but He will be a good companion to walk through them with.Here Pastor John was asking me if I repent of my sin, if I rededicate my life to Christ, and a few other questions.
Pastor John making the sign of the cross on my forehead with water, telling me to remember my baptism, and then we prayed.

Before my rededication, we sang None But Jesus...

None But Jesus Lyrics (Hillsong United)
Hillsong United - None But Jesus Lyrics
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore

This is a version of the song we sang, it completely spoke to my heart. And I felt it was an amazing setup for what was about to take place. I challenge all of you readers to take the path I didn't when life comes at you hard. Don't put down your cross and fight on your own. God wants to be your companion to walk through it with you, to help you through, but only if you're willing to allow Him.

Update on my neck...

So...for the family members that don't know whats going on I have been diagnosed with osteophytes (bone spurs) in my neck on the right side. I have them from my C3 down to my C5. I was referred to a spine specialist, but since he's deployed my referral got kicked up to the nero-surgeon. He saw my MRI, and I'm happy to report he turned me down. He doesn't want to see me, and said that my "MRI is not abnormal enough yet to operate on." So those that were worried about me having operation this early, rest assured they wont give it to me anyway...so, my doctor has now referred me to physical medicine. There he said they will attempt non-evasive procedures for pain management. For example, steriodal injections. Please pray for me, those are not the ones I want...I can't afford to gain more weight, and I hear that that is only a temporary fix to my problem. I continue to pursue a permanent profile so that I'm guaranteed a lil help from the Army to keep my neck in the works of bein fixed once I leave the Army. I'll know by November what my next step is, I've already brought up a medical board discharge with my doctor. He said he wants to wait until November when my latest profile (no running, no situps...) expires to see where we'll go next. Once he puts me on a non-deployable profile, which I'm pushing for...the medical board process will start...or so he says...please keep me in your prayers, I have a hard time bringing it up to my church and the chaplains...but it scares me and the pain bothers me daily.

Love you all

Auntie Em

The Comforts of a New Home...

It's official Zeke is happy and doing well down here in Georgia! The drive was a little rough on him, but he spent the night in the hotel with me and enjoyed being out of the car at that time...I'm in the process of finding a spot offpost for Zeke and I, without the Army's help, so times will be alil tight walleted, but I think, no, I know its whats best for Zeke, and my morale as well. All I've said since I arrived in Georgia was that I wanted Zeke with me. Now that I have him, I can't imagine him being anywhere but in my arms...He's doin great staying with my former-roomie Bridgett for now! I'll keep you all updated on my house hunt, going to look at a tiny 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom house for the 2nd time today with my supervisor and his family. We both deemed yesterday that it wasn't safe at the first mobile park I was looking at so we're going to try again today. Stay tuned for pics and updates of the place I settle into!
<----Zeke in one of his sleeping spots in the car on the drive back!

Quite comfy cozy at his temporary home at Bridgett's house!