Off we go, into the wild blue yonder!
Climbing high, into the sun...
Big changes are coming for our little family in the next few months. After about two years of working through a lengthy application process, Steve has received a commission as a Chaplain in the Air Force. This has been his goal for years, since he decided to go back to seminary for his MDiv in Chaplaincy, and we are very excited that it is coming to fruition. Right now, we know that Steve will be attending commissioned officer training (COT) during the month of October, but we do not yet have information about what base we will be stationed at. We are hoping that it will only be a couple of weeks longer before they will be able to let us know where we are going - it is a little crazy to know that you are moving somewhere in November, but have no idea where! I'm told that this hurry-up-and-wait situation is a good introduction to military life. I suppose I will have to continue to develop patience throughout this process.
Yes, I am a little nervous about all of the changes that this will bring, but I am also incredibly proud of Steve and happy that this dream is coming true. As we have talked about this over the years, my heart has also developed a calling and desire to support the men and women of the Air Force and their families. I look forward to seeing what opportunities for service and ministry will be available to me as a chaplain's wife. Also, we both very happy that this career change will allow me to step back from full-time work outside of the home and focus on being a mommy to our babies.
Yep, babies... :) We found out a couple of months ago that Luke will become a big brother sometime around early February 2019. We are very excited about this big change in our lives as well. The first trimester of this pregnancy has gone by extremely fast - having a very busy one year old to chase around definitely has made the weeks fly by!
As we step into this season of huge transitions we appreciate your prayers and support. Here are some specific things you can pray about for us:
1) We plan to sell our house - please pray that this will be a smooth process for us.
2) Pray for Steve during his time at COT - that his health will remain strong and that he will have opportunities for ministry even with his colleagues in training.
3) Pray that God will be preparing a supportive community for us wherever we are moving - I know for past experience that I can trust God to bring the friends I need into my life, but leaving our friends in Greenville is the hardest thing about this change. Joining the military feels a little like stepping into a brand new school where you don't know how to get around, you don't know the culture, and you don't even know the words (or acronyms) for everything.
4) Pray for our marriage during Steve's month of training in October as this will be the first time we have had a longer separation (and it definitely won't be the last)
5) Pray for Stephanie as she lays down her full-time career and transitions into being a stay-at-home mom. I have no delusions that stay-at-home life will be any easier, even though it is what my heart desires right now.
Thank you all for your love and support! I hope to be able to keep you all a little more updated on our life as we head out into this new adventure.
We were so blessed to have a dear friend come to swear Steve in as an official Air Force member.
.....Nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!
