We went to the Rockingham County Fair on Saturday. I've only missed a few of these fairs since we moved to the Shenandoah Valley in the mid-90s. I think it's one of the best fairs in the State. I grew up in suburbia, and I always enjoy seeing the livestock and poultry on display at our fair. Sunday after church was another tradition: a church lunch!! I enjoyed seeing many of my church family, getting hugs and love from all sides.
Last week was a rather difficult one for me for several reasons:
1) I had trained for and been prepared to go to Afghanistan, but I am not there, a major disappointment.
2) Living in a hotel for more than a few weeks is the pits, especially when I'm the only one without a life/family/etc. to go home to each evening.
3) I have been feeling forgotten and isolated, not hearing from friends unless I emailed/texted and not receiving any kind of mail because I'm still in the States.
So this is another awkward, in-between stage, and I was really feeling sorry for myself. The trip home was much needed. I got encouragement and prayer, and talked to several in my church family about strategies for combating such discouraging thoughts.
A dear friend from church offered to work out 'with' me, so I'd be accountable to someone for getting more exercise. She will email me to tell me what she did that day at the gym, and ask me what I'd done. I think it's an excellent idea.
I'm also looking into taking riding lessons at a local stable. I love horses and have always wanted to learn to ride.
Now I've got some plans and strategies, and things are looking less dismal than they had last week.
Someone asked why I haven't been posting much on my blog. Truthfully, the training at Ft. Jackson was much more interesting (and entertaining, no doubt) than marking time here in North Carolina. Not much is different from day to day; thus, fewer posts.
As I'm posting, a hurricane, Irene, is gaining strength in the Caribbean, and could possibly strike the N.C. coast over the coming weekend. I was asked to provide contact information to my assigned workspace in preparation for possible emergencies. I'm keeping an eye on the news, as is everyone on the East Coast of the United States.
4 comments:
Glad you had a trip home, and here's hoping Huricane Irene doesn't cause too much havoc. It is indeed a small world, my husband and I were also at the fair on Sat :) we went on the helicopter ride, which was very cool!
Kathi, thanks for the good thoughts. I love our fair!! I saw the helicopter buzzing around. I don't know if they'd had that in years past. We went to the horse pull last year....the first time I'd been to one. I loved it! Unfortunately, only had the one day this year, and missed that.
I love reading your blog. The honesty of your feelings, the love of country, the concern for your troops, the deep love for Mike and the kids is all very apparent, but your love and dependance on Christ is what makes your blog stand out. West Side is so proud of you, Girlfriend!I can't begin to know how hard the sacrifice is on you, but you are amazing! I cried like a baby when you shared the very personal video of the goodbyes.Keep your chin up and your head down. Come back to us soon, safe and sound. We love you! -Sharon
Sharon, thank you for your heartfelt comment and the encouragement it gives me. Honestly, it is hard to reveal the 'down' side of this adventure. I try to show my 'happy face' to the world. But it just isn't possible to sustain. I'm hopeful that being vulnerable will help others appreciate the struggles and sacrifices our military members are asked to bear. Love you!
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