This is the first time that I have felt the need to create a post. Revelation I know!!!
I am sitting here at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Kuwait City bored out of my mind. I just completed an update to the "linked in" page that I started back in the 2007. Then of course I found many invites from old co-workers that were neglected. Yes I contacted them and hopefully my neglect won’t hamper a reunion.
As my time winds down here, I feel that the last 5 days will blow by with much sand and heat. It is awful hot here! It has been over 120+ with the wind and sand. That is a recipe for the wonderful grinding of sand in your mouth, no matter how hard you try to keep it shut! How do I explain how hot that is? As I told Rebecca, Preheat your oven to 200, quickly open it up and "carefully" insert your head in and when you can take it anymore, stand up and throw sand in your face!!! That’s the closest I can get! They are forecasting 130-140's this week. No better time to leave!!
After my last year in Kuwait, I forgot how wonderful it is to know that the dollar isn’t worth much here. The exchange rate is about 3.6oUS to 1KD. It is so easy to forget the actual worth of items when you see a hamburger for 3KD, Kuwaiti Dinar. Then a 1.250KD water (and it was small) and the lovely automatic 15% gratuity, I just can’t get over the fact of a $20 hamburger! It is just amazing. I can’t wait to visit a Cinnabon back home because I am willing to bet that they are not $3.60 each! For you coffee lovers as I am, that is probably the only thing that is the same. And boy do they love the coffee!!!!!! Every store has a lovely 2 or more group head espresso machine. UMMMMM I am in heaven!!!!! ......And in they are everywhere!!!!!
I know that I can’t wait to get home to those that have loved me and care for me the most. I love you Rebecca for being my rock and my angel on earth. I am so blessed to be next to you in life. The Lord, My Savior, Jesus Christ definitely knew that I needed you!! To my lovely daughter’s Rachel and Sarah and my son, my buddy Seth; you are all growing, and growing….. up to be stunningly beautiful children of the Living God. I am blessed that I was chosen but Jesus to be your earthly father. Blessings to you all!
I will be home soon,
Love Daddy
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The "C" Word Again!
I have tried to email most of you already, but our family is facing the "c" word again.
Though he is not a smoker (never has been), my brother is facing the diagnosis of lung cancer. My mom had breast cancer twice and my brother had testicular cancer twice. This is his 3rd time to deal with cancer.
The cancer seems to be isolated to one lobe of his lung, so he will have a lobectomy on Aug. 6th. Recovery will be 4-6 weeks. My parents will be there for the surgery, along with my sister. I will come a few days later and stay a couple of weeks. We'll all be there to help out as much as we can.
We do not know what the next step will be...whether he will have chemo, radiation, or a combination.
We are praying the cancer was found in the earliest stage - so far every indication is such.
While no one wants to hear they or a loved one has the "c" word, our family is clinging to the hope we have from our heavenly Father. We know He is sovereign & there is not a single detail that He does not ordain. We are in His hands.....my brother is in His hands....there is no better place to be!
I've said it over and over again.....the Lord's faithfulness and goodness does not hinge on our circumstances. I believe that wholeheartedly.
I pray this will be a time to draw everyone in our family closer to the Lord, that this will be a testimony of God's grace and goodness, and that the Lord will receive all of the glory and praise.
Though he is not a smoker (never has been), my brother is facing the diagnosis of lung cancer. My mom had breast cancer twice and my brother had testicular cancer twice. This is his 3rd time to deal with cancer.
The cancer seems to be isolated to one lobe of his lung, so he will have a lobectomy on Aug. 6th. Recovery will be 4-6 weeks. My parents will be there for the surgery, along with my sister. I will come a few days later and stay a couple of weeks. We'll all be there to help out as much as we can.
We do not know what the next step will be...whether he will have chemo, radiation, or a combination.
We are praying the cancer was found in the earliest stage - so far every indication is such.
While no one wants to hear they or a loved one has the "c" word, our family is clinging to the hope we have from our heavenly Father. We know He is sovereign & there is not a single detail that He does not ordain. We are in His hands.....my brother is in His hands....there is no better place to be!
I've said it over and over again.....the Lord's faithfulness and goodness does not hinge on our circumstances. I believe that wholeheartedly.
I pray this will be a time to draw everyone in our family closer to the Lord, that this will be a testimony of God's grace and goodness, and that the Lord will receive all of the glory and praise.
June Update on Russ
Many of you have been asking for an update on the situation with Russ, so here ya go...
Russ completed Phase 1 of his MOS school, but there were no openings for Phase 2 or 3. He has heard he may not get into the other classes until as late as 2011! No, that's not a typo! It doesn't make any sense to us that they have so many people waiting so long for schooling, but....there's only so much we can do about it.
As for the Active Guard Reserve and Active Duty options - the Lord has been closing one door after another. He was told there was a "hold" on the AGR opening, meaning they are not hiring anyone right now.....door closed. Then, he found out the Active Duty Army is not taking anymore in his MOS because they are over-strength in his MOS. He is still going to put a packet in, but it appears that door is closed as well.
For now, we are very content to remain here & Russ will continue with his current civilian job (still working for General Dynamics C4 Systems as a Systems Engineer). We realize how blessed we are that he HAS a job and has a good job which he enjoys. He continues to excel in his current job. We've also been blessed by him being home and actually working here at Ft. Campbell this summer. It's looking like he'll continue to have work here - except for a quick trip to Kuwait in July. We are blessed & feel this is where God wants us right now. When so many doors close (ones we never imagined would close), it gives us the peace that God is in control.
Russ completed Phase 1 of his MOS school, but there were no openings for Phase 2 or 3. He has heard he may not get into the other classes until as late as 2011! No, that's not a typo! It doesn't make any sense to us that they have so many people waiting so long for schooling, but....there's only so much we can do about it.
As for the Active Guard Reserve and Active Duty options - the Lord has been closing one door after another. He was told there was a "hold" on the AGR opening, meaning they are not hiring anyone right now.....door closed. Then, he found out the Active Duty Army is not taking anymore in his MOS because they are over-strength in his MOS. He is still going to put a packet in, but it appears that door is closed as well.
For now, we are very content to remain here & Russ will continue with his current civilian job (still working for General Dynamics C4 Systems as a Systems Engineer). We realize how blessed we are that he HAS a job and has a good job which he enjoys. He continues to excel in his current job. We've also been blessed by him being home and actually working here at Ft. Campbell this summer. It's looking like he'll continue to have work here - except for a quick trip to Kuwait in July. We are blessed & feel this is where God wants us right now. When so many doors close (ones we never imagined would close), it gives us the peace that God is in control.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Warrant Officer Derr...and more!
I know, I know...I'm terrible about keeping up with this blog.
Let me fill you in on what's been happening in our family.
At the end of January, Russ went to Fort Rucker, AL, for Warrant Officer Candidate School. The kids and I drove down there the first week of March for his graduation. (We witnessed a horrible accident about an hour before arriving - but that's a story for another day.) My parents also drove there from FL to surprise both Russ and the children. Boy, were they shocked to see Grandma and Grandpa!!! Russ teared up - he was so moved to think they came so far to support him and be there for that momentous time.
Graduation was wonderful for many reasons. First, it was fabulous to see Russ accomplish this goal. Becoming a Warrant Officer is a great step for his career. Second, it was wonderful to be together as a family again. WOC school is tough on him & tough on the family - he was limited to one 30 minute call a week. That is hard when you're used to talking whenever you want (usually many, many times) throughout the day. Even when he's been deployed overseas, we were able to talk through email or instant messenger. So not talking much made the time apart harder, yet it made our reunion that much more special. Third, there is a pride - a good pride - you feel at a military event. There is such pride knowing we have such brave men and women who serve our country. They are special people & I am so grateful to be associated with the military through my father and husband!! I was filled with pride to have my father (a Retired Army Chaplain) there to help me pin Russ as a newly appointed Warrant Officer.
So many are asking, "What does this mean for you all now?" Before I answer that, I need to remind you that Russ is currently working in a job which directly supports the military. That's why he's been deployed to Iraq twice, Kuwait once, and why he's gone supporting various exercises around the country. He's been serving our country - just not wearing "the uniform" or earning a "badge of honor" for his service. As for his military service - He has been on Active Duty, but he got out shortly after Rachel was born. Currently, he in the Army Reserves (he serves one weekend a month, 2 weeks in the summer). But, with his promotion to Warrant Officer & evaluating our lack of time together, we are considering our options....trying to determine what would be best for our family.
As I write this, he is gone - again! Unfortunately, the nature of his civilian job has kept him traveling even when he is stateside. Home for him has not meant "home" but just "in the USA." That's just not good enough when you have a family! We are doing well by God's grace - both in our marriage and our family - but we are praying for a change. I read a book recently called "Family Driven Faith" by Voddie Baucham. Russ & I have started to read it together. This book has changed me & is changing us. We see that we have to make changes to get our family to the place God desires for us.
Crazy as it may sound, the "change" we are looking at making is Russ returning to Active status....that means either Active Duty Army or Active Guard Reserve. Both would provide retirement benefits (including medical at retirement) which are incredibly valuable right now. We are leaning towards AGR for a few reasons. AGR would provide a permanent duty station. With an AGR position, we'd still have the benefits of Active Duty, but we would not have to move and he would/should deploy less often. We have prayed for an opportunity which would provide for our future, yet keep him home more. Honestly, this is that opportunity. I know it sounds crazy to think the military would keep him home more than his civilian job, but it's true.
Of course, with the good there are often challenges as well. From what he's heard so far, there are no openings here. So, yes, that means there is a possibility we'd have to move. Yes, that STINKS, but it stinks not being a complete family for the majority of the year - year after year!!!! I love my friends here and I love that my children have great friends here. But, even more, I love when my family is together - when my husband is with me to be a husband to me and father to our children. I wish we didn't have to sacrifice one to get the other, but we have to put our family first.
As I write this, I am happy and excited about our future, yet I am crying and sad. I have made this my home and have planted myself here. As I have grown, my roots have grown deeper. Friendships have strengthened. I've put my "all" into the homeschool ministry to see it grow. I'm very involved in church and our homeschooling community. The children have their own roots - friends, church, soccer, music. It's painful to uproot and try to replant somewhere else.
In the midst of the pain, however, I am holding steadfast to the truth that God is sovereign. His ways are best. We desperately want His will for our family and we firmly believe His will is for us to be together as much as possible - where ever He wants us. We have put this situation in the Lord's hands and know that He will work out His will in our lives as we continue to seek His face. He will gently care for us and will allow us to grow again and blossom again where ever He chooses to plant us. It is all in His time...He knows where we are to be and when!
What now? Russ still has another school to attend for the military - this time at Fort Gordon, GA (near Augusta). This school is required regardless of whether he goes Active or not. There are 3 phases. He begins phase 1 on April 6th (he heads there this Saturday) & it ends May 15th. He hopes to make it into phase 2 & 3 immediately following phase 1, but that is not confirmed yet. If he does make it into 2 & 3, he will be gone until August 18th. I know, apart for months again! Since he'll be in GA, we will visit him as often as we can work it out - possibly even for most of the summer. If he does not make it into phase 2 & 3, he will have to wait until 2010. This would push everything off a little longer. But then it opens the door for his civilian job to send him back overseas - ugh!
There are so many variables which will determine our future....will he make it into phase 2 & 3 now? Or in 2010? If he makes it, will he find an opening in AGR? Where & when? Or will there be a local opening for Active Duty Army by then? If we have to move, how long will it take for the house to sell?
As you can see, there is a lot going on in our lives and there is the possibility of some major changes in the upcoming year or so. Please pray with and for us in regards to all of this! I will try to do a better job of keeping this blog updated as things become clearer!! :-)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Still Alive!
Wow! Is it really November? I have really slacked on my blogging. I guess it's one of those things where you wonder if anyone is really reading it, then think, "Is this worth the time and effort?" I know a couple of you faithfully check it.....sorry I let y'all down! :-) I'll try to improve. Thanks for your concern...we're all alive. I'll try to give a little update.
Even though Russ was home from Iraq, he continued to travel almost constantly (not at our choosing, of course)! I found that caring for the children, the house, the bills, and still doing school, ministries, church, then adding in sports, music lessons, appointments and other unexpected disruptions....I just couldn't seem to find an extra moment in the day to blog.
Soccer season went well for both Seth and Sarah. It was exciting to see how much they've improved over the last year. They're still too young for the competitive leagues here, so we continued with the county league. Seth probably averaged 3-5 goals per game, sometimes a lot more! He was quite impressive. When my friend came to one of their games, she was shocked at Seth's playing. Typically, Seth is a pretty shy boy. She couldn't believe how aggressive he got out there on the field. That's where he shines! Sarah really has an eye for the game, too. She scored some, but she had a ton of assists all year. Even at this young age, they both seem to understand and have a good ability to pass the ball. I am bragging now (isn't that my job?), but that's something a lot of 7 year olds weren't doing! They are showing a lot of maturity in their playing. Sarah also played defender quite a bit, another area she excels. They are still practicing (indoors now) with Sarah's coach even though their official season ended.
Softball went better than I anticipated. I wasn't able to be there as much as I would have liked which was tough for me. I was impressed with Rachel's lack of fear on the field. I was scared to death the first game, but she did very well. She hit the ball very consistently - had lots of single hits all year. I think she only struck out once or twice all season. I thought that was pretty good for her first year!! Her throwing and catching improved a lot by the end, too. Most of all, she had a blast!! She absolutely loved it!! She also got her first trophy.
Rachel still continues to pursue music & she'll be singing on Monday at a Women's Club.
Let's see.....other highlights from the last couple of months????? The kids rescued a stray kitten. I'm not a cat lover at all, but this little guy really got to me. He was white with blue eyes and ended up being deaf. He lived in our basement/garage for about a month!! I know it might sound really odd, but this little kitten just opened my eyes to the evil world we live in. What kind of person dumps a deaf kitten off on the side of the road? That little guy actually made me pray for the lost world we find ourselves living in. We finally found him a good home. It meant a lot to the kids to help an animal.
The homeschool group I'm co-directing is growing faster than I imagined. We continue to have a large turnout at each meeting (over 100) or event. The moms and children really seem blessed by the group. I know it's a blessing to me. Seeing the moms and children enjoying themselves makes it worth all of the effort! Seriously.....it's easy to lose sight of that if I focus on the "work" involved, but I do think it's worth it.
The girls tried out for the church musical and each got a part. Rachel got an acting part which she desperately wanted! Sarah, surprisingly, got a little solo part....a couple of lines in a song called, "Jesus in Me." (Surprising because she's not the one taking voice lessons, but she does very well at singing, too. Definitely a trait from their daddy!!) They don't perform until February, unfortunately when Russ won't be here. :-( I'll have to video tape it, for sure!!!
Rachel participated in the Kids' Choral Connection again this year (there were 250 children from across TN that gathered together to create a CD). She tried out for a little solo & got the part! It's only a line or two, but she'll have her solo debut on the CD they made!! That was exciting.
Hm....I feel like I haven't said much about Seth. He just isn't into music yet. I think he'll have talent like his dad and sisters, but he is just too shy right now. He's too busy being a boy - antagonizing his sisters or the dog, trying to play soccer in the house, wanting to build or fix something, or just playing!! He continues to be a gentleman for me, often opening and holding doors for me (or for other people).
We're headed to Kansas for Thanksgiving - at my sister's house with my parents and brother's family as well. For Christmas, we're making a trip home to Naples, FL! We'll visit with my in-laws there and hope to see some friends also.
Phew! Are you still reading?!! :-)
I'll try to write again soon. Let me know you stopped by and read....so I know I'm not just typing to myself!
Even though Russ was home from Iraq, he continued to travel almost constantly (not at our choosing, of course)! I found that caring for the children, the house, the bills, and still doing school, ministries, church, then adding in sports, music lessons, appointments and other unexpected disruptions....I just couldn't seem to find an extra moment in the day to blog.
Soccer season went well for both Seth and Sarah. It was exciting to see how much they've improved over the last year. They're still too young for the competitive leagues here, so we continued with the county league. Seth probably averaged 3-5 goals per game, sometimes a lot more! He was quite impressive. When my friend came to one of their games, she was shocked at Seth's playing. Typically, Seth is a pretty shy boy. She couldn't believe how aggressive he got out there on the field. That's where he shines! Sarah really has an eye for the game, too. She scored some, but she had a ton of assists all year. Even at this young age, they both seem to understand and have a good ability to pass the ball. I am bragging now (isn't that my job?), but that's something a lot of 7 year olds weren't doing! They are showing a lot of maturity in their playing. Sarah also played defender quite a bit, another area she excels. They are still practicing (indoors now) with Sarah's coach even though their official season ended.
Softball went better than I anticipated. I wasn't able to be there as much as I would have liked which was tough for me. I was impressed with Rachel's lack of fear on the field. I was scared to death the first game, but she did very well. She hit the ball very consistently - had lots of single hits all year. I think she only struck out once or twice all season. I thought that was pretty good for her first year!! Her throwing and catching improved a lot by the end, too. Most of all, she had a blast!! She absolutely loved it!! She also got her first trophy.
Rachel still continues to pursue music & she'll be singing on Monday at a Women's Club.
Let's see.....other highlights from the last couple of months????? The kids rescued a stray kitten. I'm not a cat lover at all, but this little guy really got to me. He was white with blue eyes and ended up being deaf. He lived in our basement/garage for about a month!! I know it might sound really odd, but this little kitten just opened my eyes to the evil world we live in. What kind of person dumps a deaf kitten off on the side of the road? That little guy actually made me pray for the lost world we find ourselves living in. We finally found him a good home. It meant a lot to the kids to help an animal.
The homeschool group I'm co-directing is growing faster than I imagined. We continue to have a large turnout at each meeting (over 100) or event. The moms and children really seem blessed by the group. I know it's a blessing to me. Seeing the moms and children enjoying themselves makes it worth all of the effort! Seriously.....it's easy to lose sight of that if I focus on the "work" involved, but I do think it's worth it.
The girls tried out for the church musical and each got a part. Rachel got an acting part which she desperately wanted! Sarah, surprisingly, got a little solo part....a couple of lines in a song called, "Jesus in Me." (Surprising because she's not the one taking voice lessons, but she does very well at singing, too. Definitely a trait from their daddy!!) They don't perform until February, unfortunately when Russ won't be here. :-( I'll have to video tape it, for sure!!!
Rachel participated in the Kids' Choral Connection again this year (there were 250 children from across TN that gathered together to create a CD). She tried out for a little solo & got the part! It's only a line or two, but she'll have her solo debut on the CD they made!! That was exciting.
Hm....I feel like I haven't said much about Seth. He just isn't into music yet. I think he'll have talent like his dad and sisters, but he is just too shy right now. He's too busy being a boy - antagonizing his sisters or the dog, trying to play soccer in the house, wanting to build or fix something, or just playing!! He continues to be a gentleman for me, often opening and holding doors for me (or for other people).
We're headed to Kansas for Thanksgiving - at my sister's house with my parents and brother's family as well. For Christmas, we're making a trip home to Naples, FL! We'll visit with my in-laws there and hope to see some friends also.
Phew! Are you still reading?!! :-)
I'll try to write again soon. Let me know you stopped by and read....so I know I'm not just typing to myself!
Friday, September 19, 2008
A Math Lesson
School Started (homeschooling Rachel in 5th grade & Seth & Sarah in 2nd grade)
+ Soccer Season Started (4 practices & 2 games a week between Seth & Sarah)
+ Softball Started (Rachel's first year & games often overlap with soccer)
+ Support Group Started (the homeschool group I coordinate - 32 families so far)
+ Sparkies Started (AWANA at church - I help out there, too)
+ Spouse Returned (from Iraq)
+ Spouse Left (he continues to travel & is gone most of the time)
= Stressed Out Momma & No Posts since the 4th of July
At least I can still add! :-)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
4th of July
We went to a 4th of July celebration at the home of a family from church. The kids were able to swim, walk in the creek, see the animals, and play with friends. We all had a nice time. The food was great & it was a good time of fellowship.
We then went up to Fort Campbell. We arrived in time to see the parachutists jump from the helicopter. There were 3 of them & they connected to each other. They displayed the flag in the air & landed near us.
We listened to the Army band until it was time for the fireworks. I always enjoy being on the military post for the 4th of July.
We listened to the Army band until it was time for the fireworks. I always enjoy being on the military post for the 4th of July. 
It was also a lonely day in some ways. It just didn't seem complete without Russ. Even the kids commented at Fort Campbell that "this just isn't the same without daddy."We miss you, Daddy!
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