It's not always easy.

We talked to Laurie last night. She got another good grade on an exam yesterday, but she said that two of her friends had not made the grades they needed to stay in the program. It's an extremely difficult program, and to make the "grade" so to speak, they are required to study, study, study. They have no "life" to speak of except studying, and I think it's discouraging sometimes when soldiers see their friends try so hard and not make it. Some people just don't do well on exams - studying for hours doesn't help, and hope isn't enough to get the grade they need. And so, although I heard discouragement in her voice last week, she isn't changing a thing. Her life is studying, PT, taking the dog for a walk or run, doing laundry (while studying of course). I know that she is tired, but she feels it's worth it. And so, Kasey and I will fill a box with happy things and send it to her for Easter. He made a wonderful dinosaur picture yesterday at preschool and he says his mommy likes dinosaurs so he will send it to her in our happy box.
Same with Stephen - he never sounds discouraged, but does sound tired. Our happy box will go to him tomorrow as well. Sometimes when he calls us at dinner time and he should be in bed, but says they just got back, it makes me wonder how the mission went. Know what I mean? So I bought him some extra special things yesterday and Kasey and I will make some cookies tonight and frost and decorate them. Stephen will know without a doubt who decorated them. :) And this is good. It isn't always easy to know what to say when they are tired or discouraged, but I just ask God to give me the words that will offer a little bit of sunshine or peace. I count on Him a LOT.

Things here at home are good - if busy is good then we are REALLY good. It's wonderful to have my early morning time with Kasey, to get him ready for school, comb his hair a bit because he needs another Army style haircut (we just did that about 3 weeks ago - it grows really fast).There's a lot to be said for busy-ness. It keeps me focused on the task at hand, and helps my heart be grateful for God's hand at work in my life. We don't always know where the road is going to take us- further away or closer to home - but we know He is always with us however long that road may be. And I am assured of His hand on my children as well. I pray they feel it.

God bless our troops - and all of us who wait.