Half Way There

Today marks the halfway point of this deployment, which is both exciting and a little daunting.  On one hand we get to say "WOOHOO, we're half way there!", but on the other, it means that we still have a while to go.  It is a great time to reflect on God' faithfulness, in general, and thus far this deployment.  It has been a long couple of months and the next couple will likely seem longer because we will have less communication and the newness of San Diego is beginning to wear off.  Still we are trusting that the same hand that has carried us through everything we've come up against, will continue to do so.  He has brought us some great new friends, and allowed us to stay in contact with old ones.  He has provided a new circle of very supportive ladies for me, and lots of children for Zach and Kylie to play with.  He has allowed us almost constant communication with each other, which has made the transition so much easier.  Most importantly, He has brought us to a place where we are forced to rely on His strength.  Neither of us could make it through this on our own.  It has become very apparent to us why there are so many broken families in the military.  The family was not designed to function with members thousands of miles apart; it is hard!  The only thing that can keep a husband and wife as one, and allow children to continue to feel their fathers love from so far away is God.  He is showing us that there is nothing that is too hard for Him, and that is such a comforting reality.

Some of our best memories in Auburn revolved around college football, so of course the phrase, "half way there", brings back special memories in that context as well.  It makes me a little sad that as football season approaches we aren't preparing to have a living room full of our closest friends, all wearing orange and blue, cheering on our beloved tigers.  Thank you to everyone who stayed up late with us, ate too much junk food with us, and got too worked up over a game with us:).  We will be with you in spirit!  War Eagle!

Please continue to pray that God would watch over us and keep us while we are apart and that Nathan's sail home, and all the stops along the way, would go smoothly.  Also, we are earnestly praying that Baby Lydia would arrive in God's perfect timing, and praying that it would include Nathan being here for her arrival.  Thank you for your prayers!