Well, as I sit here and type, I am in a La Quinta right outside Nellis AFB. Which happens to be in Las Vegas, Nevada. I've never desired to visit this city, and just my small glimpse of the city and airport have let me know I am quite right in my ascertation of it. However, I did not come here to sightsee! Let me fill you in.
Back about 3 weeks ago, Jonathan was told he had to come out to ---Ha! I hear Revellie playing! It's been a long time since I've been on a base at 630am! --- Ahem, where was I? Oh, Jonathan was told he had to go spend 15 days in Nellis participating in Air Force air "war games" for lack of a better word. The vast area of Nevada is perfect for this, and he was sent to another base in Nevada last June for this same thing. We were really not happy with the separation, but of course we felt we could still muster 15 days pretty easily.
Then, only 5 days into his trip here, and he was told he was chosen to do a 100 day deployment, starting in March. We were expecting the April 70 day deployment, but this was telling us he'd have to go a month early and still stay until July. We were totally taken aback, and very upset. We do separations so terribly. So, not wanting to miss another day together, we hurredly booked a flight, hotel, and rental car to get Elyana and me out here. My sister Karen and her girls were visiting me and had to cut their visit short, and drove me to the airport (more on that another post, since it was so incredibly wonderful).
Even though I was so nervous about taking a 1-month old on a 4.5 hr plane ride, God was gracious and Elyana was amazing. She slept most of the plane ride, took a bottle I'd pumped, nursed, and then just happily looked around as I showed her the sites of the plane. I would have never, ever made it without my wonderful whole-cloth-wrap that my friend Karen gave me. It's the only way you can carry a baby, a carseat, a backpack, and a 50-lb suitcase, all without feeling overwhelmed! Pictures of that will follow for sure.
So for now, Jonathan and I are burrowed up in a hotel room 1/2 a mile from base, grabbing as much time as possible with each other. He still has to work, but all the rest of the time is ours. Praise God we are together! It's very bittersweet, knowing what's to come, but I'm just trying to enjoy every moment without thinking of the future.
12 comments:
Ohh, enjoy that time! Nothing else matters:)
Praise the Lord for those precious stolen moments! I'm so glad you took the opportunity to make it out there this time!! I know you will treasure this when the gloom of separation unfolds in March. You're in my prayers daily, dear friend! May God continue to refine your marriage through this and give you unspeakable joy through your sorrow!
You will never cease to amaze me! You are a strong woman and your love for your family is inspiring. Have fun with the hubby and your sweet daughter :-)
Stuart and I are so sorry to hear about this! But! We hope you have a special time together in Nevada as well. Let us know if we can do anything, and if you need to "get away" while Jonathan is gone, you know our door is open! We love you and are praying for you.
Soooo.....I just realized we don't have a house yet to leave the door open. BUT! After we move into our new house, our door is always open!
Hooray for wraps! They make everything about motherhood easier. And you know you're gonna need three or four before you're done...
So glad to hear you got some extra Grace before the Trial.
Oh that makes me sad that you guys have to be apart again:( But you have my deepest respect for what you do for our country. And I know our Lord will reward you! Enjoy your time. So glad you were able to go.
I'll be praying for you. Please keep us updated.
I'm so sorry that you will have to be apart for so long!!! I hope it will be a small comfort that at least now you will have a little buddy with you to keep you company (though not the same as a husband of course). I'll be praying for you!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you three. How frustrating to have time cut short. You three are great examples of strength and grace.
Yea for the wrap! I'm SOOOOO glad it is working well. I flew with Marilyn at 1.5 mos and I agree, the wrap saved my arm strength...and sanity :)
Thanks for posting a link to my site.
Continue to bask in your family's love!
oh my goodness, girl! i am so sorry about the change in plans- separations are bad enough without having surprises thrown in. please let me know if there's anything i can do to help- i'm on a prescription for zofran now, and have been feeling much better!
Denise...I'm so sorry to hear about another time apart! You do such a wonderful job of making the most out of the time you do have together. I respect you both so very much. I'm glad you'll have your sweet girl with you while Jonathan's away this time.
Denise...I'm so sorry to hear about another time apart! You do such a wonderful job of making the most out of the time you do have together. I respect you both so very much. I'm glad you'll have your sweet girl with you while Jonathan's away this time.
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