We Just Never Know...


We just never know what God has in store for us. When Stephen left 6 weeks ago, it was hard to imagine what it meant to him - what was going through this little family's hearts and minds. He told us to have a good year. Easier said than done for him, though. After Laurie returned from her training for the first part of the program in TX, The kids had 10 months to be a family together and it went so fast. But as that 10 months went so quickly, we could only pray that his deployment would go quickly as well.
And so, the roller coaster ride continues. The highs of Laurie's program being very close to being completed, and then she could settle down and practice what she learned. It would give her some down time - FINALLY! But then Laurie found out last week that she will be assigned to one of the Army posts in Texas. Did this mean she and Stephen would be at separate posts when he returned? It looked that way. She emailed her program coordinator to find out what was going to happen. Who would Kasey live with? But no, when Stephen gets back from the sand, he will also move there so they will still be together. They were supposed to stay here, but the Army doesn't always remember what they say. Thing is, logistically speaking, the move is pretty much in Laurie's hands. We will do all we can, of course, as far as the actual move. But the planning, the dates to be coordinated, and finding a new place to live for the five of us will be pretty much up to Laurie. Stephen will help her find a home via the wonders of internet and we will stay here until Kasey finishes the school year, and then follow Laurie. Thankfully the Army will pack and move them, so we can be here for that too. We will move out so the house can be rented, and live at a hotel for a couple of weeks until Kasey is done with school. They would like us to stay with them - to help with Kasey AND because Stephen (in Laurie's words, "loves you and likes having you around."). I guess Laurie and Kasey do also. :)
But we will increase what we give Laurie each week to help with additional expenses. There will be a small war over this but we are still the parents. I love being the parent!
When a soldier leaves for deployment, he or she just never knows what the year will hold. But they trust that they will come home to the people who love them.
This is no different for Stephen - he has people who love him and he knows that we trust as he does - that God will bring him safely home. And home is not where his house is, but where his loved ones live.
And do you know what? Two Star Banners are ok to hang in the Lone Star state too. It will be the last thing I pack here, and the first thing I unpack in our new home.
Blessings my friends.