Off to Serve...

As I sat in an arena filled with spouses, families and friends along with 89 army soldiers soon to deploy overseas, I realized that no amount of preparation or advice could really have prepared me for having to say goodbye to a loved one. As I found out this past weekend, behind each soldier lies a story. Some are newly married or engaged, others are expecting children and some have just graduated high school. They come from many different backgrounds and from all over the country. The "Going Away" Ceremony was a way of honoring the soldiers' service to our country as well as encouraging the soldiers before they leave by inviting their family and friends to take part. It is much like a graduation ceremony and featured speeches from local officials as well as the unit's commanding officers. For many present that day, it was a difficult time to say their final goodbyes. It was a time filled with flashes going off as families snapped pictures of their loved ones. There were several activities for children including face painting and caricature drawings. Also, numerous community television stations and newspaper reporters were one the scene to capture the event. My parents decide to join in the festivities and took part in seeing Robert off (pictured below).

Aside from the ceremony, the weekend was also a time for getting last minute things in order. The unit offered many classes for the families on dealing with deployment and "everything you needed to know." I had the chance to meet several army wives as well, many of whom I hope to keep in touch with over the months to come. It was comforting to have met others could relate to the feelings and issues deployment brings. Pray for these wives! They are often forgotten about when soldiers deploy but serve a very important role. I look forward to getting plugged into the unit's Family Readiness Group and have already been recruited to work on the monthly newsletters.

Perhaps the greatest highlight of the weekend was finally getting to meet the Army Chaplain whom Robert will be working alongside everyday of his deployment. I had prayed for months that God would put Robert with a Chaplain that could not only be a faithful soldier, but also a Godly mentor and I believe God in His awesome sovereignty has done just that. It was great spending time talking the the Chaplain as well as his wife who is also a wonderful woman.

Saying my last goodbyes to Robert was tough...I won't lie, but before he got out of the car to leave, he said the weirdest thing to me, "I'm in better hands than Allstate." WHAT?! I thought, out of all the random things he's ever said before this could perhaps have won the prize, but as I drove off thinking about it, it made complete sense. Robert is in better hands. He's in the palm of his Savior who has already promised to guide and direct each of his steps in the days and months to come. Rest assured, Robert will be fine :-)

Hoooooah!