6 Months

It is crazy how time does fly. I can't believe it was 6 months ago that I dropped Thomas off on base and said goodbye. A part of me feels like it was just yesterday. All the feelings and emotions are still around. The hard part is knowing that he isn't anywhere close to being home again. I can't believe the last time I got to talk to him and see his face at the same time was in July for 15 minutes over the satellite video teleconference. I think that is the part that makes it so hard. Not getting a chance to see his face regularly and missing hearing his voice. I really hate that the video I have of him on my computer got erased when I had to fix my computer. 

It hasn't been easy. There have been good days and bad ones. Sometimes bad weeks. I am so thankful though for the friends I have made and the really sweet memories I do have these past 6 months. 

My first big trip of the summer was to go to Tennessee to visit my grandparents for a week and my awesome friend Keilah. I loved spending time with my grandparents. They helped me finish a quilt I had been working on and start work on the second. I loved hearing all the stories about my family from my grandma and the walks I got to take with my grandpa. Sweet memories.

Got to spend some time with these two awesome ladies for a whole week! Loved every minute of it. Still can't believe we are old enough to be married and have babies :-) 

I got to go out to Pennsylvania and see my family for my little sister's graduation from the Discipleship Program at Miracle Mountain Missions Ranch. First time we had all been back together in 2 years. A long over due visit. Had a lot of fun being back together as a family. 

Also had some fun back in Virginia with my family after Laura's graduation. I got to visit Maymont in Richmond with my mom, Laura and Bradley. Got to tour the gardens and see the mansion as well. 

Maymont

 I also got to go and visit Williamsburg with my mom. Got to spend the whole day together just the two of us. Haven't gotten to do that in a very long time. I  was so thankful for the time together. 

Me eating at the King's Tavern in Williamsburg. Don't have any of me and mom but just know she was sitting on the other side of me :-) 

I also got to go hiking a couple of different times this summer as well. My favorite hike was going to Wallace Falls near Monroe. It was a beautiful day to go as well. 

Last but not least I got a chance to run in my first 5K run. It was really awesome for the fact that I got to be a part of raising $10,000 for building for a well in Africa. I got to run with my sweet friends Racael and Carmen. Will for sure be looking to try and run in a 5K again. Just have to let my leg heal. I managed to injure it some how back in August and it is still giving me problems. Hoping if I stay away from running until January it might heal on its own. We shall see. :-) 

I heard a song a couple of days ago that I have fallen in love with. Oceans by Hillsong. I just love the lyrics and just how it fits with where my heart is right now in the middle of deployment. 

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

God has stretched me beyond what I have thought possible this past 6 months. Each day God wakes me up and helps me get out of bed. There are so many days I would just love to sit in my pjs and just hide from the world. I hate that I have to work so hard just to get through simple tasks. God and I have had our rough patches this deployment. Sometimes I am just numb to everything around me, but he draws me back in and reminds me that he is there carrying me. He is good and He is faithful. I am thankful He never gives up on me. 

I love my husband so very much. Every day I pray that he stays safe and that soon I will get to hug him and hug him and see his handsome smiling face. One day at a time.