Here is David's new address. He can now get packages, so I'm sure he'd appreciate any snack food, magazines or books, etc. Or just an encouraging note!
SN Murray, David T E3
320A Dewey Avenue
TSC/BEQ 534 Room #104
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Graduation
David is officially a SAILOR! He graduated from bootcamp on Wednesday November 26, and we got to spend the remainder of the week together. He will stay in Chicago for another 12 weeks (but will be HOME for Christmas!!), and then it's hopefully off to San Diego...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Last Letter
This time next week I will be in Chicago with David!
I got his last set of letters today, and I thought his last letter in particular was quite amazing. It's long, but it's worth reading. His wisdom is incredible, and I am so thankful that his time in basic has been spiritually fruitful if nothing else!
November 16
"I was praying this morning while taking a shower (which is the best part of the day), and I realized the summary of the whole military experience up to this point. Paul talks about how our lives are not our own. I think this is the key to everything. Oswald Chambers also talks about this same topic a lot too. Most of my time I worry about what I think is best or what I want for our life. However I don't think this is the right mindset to have. Our lives no longer belong to us. We must submit to the plan God has set before us. This does not necessarily mean God doesn't care what we want. In fact, our lives ultimately are far better off in Christ.
The vital thing to remember is that it may not be easy, but we must let our lives be run by God. It makes it difficult to try and figure out what we should do next, if all we have to go on is what is best or what we "want" to do. Inevitably we will choose the easiest route if left to ourselves. However when we must make decisions but we do it with the larger picture of God's plan in mind, it becomes clearer not easier. Often this requires a lot of sacrifice. Think about it like this: Is God's plan really so small that it is deterred because I get homesick? I doubt it. Instead I think God will grant the strength to accomplish His plan.
This whole concept is something I really struggle with. It is very hard to submit my entire life to God. It is risky to lay our life out there for God to do with what He wants.
Sometimes I feel like our situation is similar to Jonah's in the Old Testament. God has called us to do something that at this point I don't "want" to do. So we could run away from it. However in the long run Jonah running off did not pay off. Short term he didn't have to do what God asked, but the result was that he brought calamity to himself and those around him. The better thing is to be obedient from the start.
I feel like we have just walked through a dark time, and now I am praying that we will come out of it soon. God breaks us to help us learn. It is necessary, but I am ready for us to be restored. As long as I am at bootcamp (away from you) I will be broken, but when we see each other again restoration can begin. So that is my prayer, that God will start the re-building process. That way we are full of strength to take on the next challenge."
I got his last set of letters today, and I thought his last letter in particular was quite amazing. It's long, but it's worth reading. His wisdom is incredible, and I am so thankful that his time in basic has been spiritually fruitful if nothing else!
November 16
"I was praying this morning while taking a shower (which is the best part of the day), and I realized the summary of the whole military experience up to this point. Paul talks about how our lives are not our own. I think this is the key to everything. Oswald Chambers also talks about this same topic a lot too. Most of my time I worry about what I think is best or what I want for our life. However I don't think this is the right mindset to have. Our lives no longer belong to us. We must submit to the plan God has set before us. This does not necessarily mean God doesn't care what we want. In fact, our lives ultimately are far better off in Christ.
The vital thing to remember is that it may not be easy, but we must let our lives be run by God. It makes it difficult to try and figure out what we should do next, if all we have to go on is what is best or what we "want" to do. Inevitably we will choose the easiest route if left to ourselves. However when we must make decisions but we do it with the larger picture of God's plan in mind, it becomes clearer not easier. Often this requires a lot of sacrifice. Think about it like this: Is God's plan really so small that it is deterred because I get homesick? I doubt it. Instead I think God will grant the strength to accomplish His plan.
This whole concept is something I really struggle with. It is very hard to submit my entire life to God. It is risky to lay our life out there for God to do with what He wants.
Sometimes I feel like our situation is similar to Jonah's in the Old Testament. God has called us to do something that at this point I don't "want" to do. So we could run away from it. However in the long run Jonah running off did not pay off. Short term he didn't have to do what God asked, but the result was that he brought calamity to himself and those around him. The better thing is to be obedient from the start.
I feel like we have just walked through a dark time, and now I am praying that we will come out of it soon. God breaks us to help us learn. It is necessary, but I am ready for us to be restored. As long as I am at bootcamp (away from you) I will be broken, but when we see each other again restoration can begin. So that is my prayer, that God will start the re-building process. That way we are full of strength to take on the next challenge."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
T Minus Two Weeks
I missed a phone call from David on Saturday (I wasn't expecting one, and I was right in the middle of photographing a wedding ceremony, so I didn't even check the phone). I was pretty devastated when I realized what happened until I learned that when he couldn't get in touch with me, he called his dad. Bill is having heart surgery on Thursday, and that's actually why David called- David told his superiors that his dad was sick (we had vaguely written about it in our letters) and that he needed to call. So, we're thankful that God had his hand in working that out for us.
I DID get to talk to him yesterday for a bit though! (He said that he thought there was a problem with the bank account and that he needed to call home... which, he actually did think there was a problem... even though there wasn't :) He's doing well. Only two more weeks from today until he graduates!
Also, a sweet girl named Becca runs a website for Military Wives where she sells her art and encourages the military community. She is starting a new branch of the website called Glam Gals where she profiles "inspiring military wives" and she asked me to be the first interview. I am totally honored to be called a military wife (that was the first time it hit me that I actually am one now!) and am so humbled to even be considered for this. Here's the article/interview if you're interested:
Glam Gals
If you have a chance, be sure to get your letters into David asap! Only a few more days left! He says that the letters are what sustains him.
I DID get to talk to him yesterday for a bit though! (He said that he thought there was a problem with the bank account and that he needed to call home... which, he actually did think there was a problem... even though there wasn't :) He's doing well. Only two more weeks from today until he graduates!
Also, a sweet girl named Becca runs a website for Military Wives where she sells her art and encourages the military community. She is starting a new branch of the website called Glam Gals where she profiles "inspiring military wives" and she asked me to be the first interview. I am totally honored to be called a military wife (that was the first time it hit me that I actually am one now!) and am so humbled to even be considered for this. Here's the article/interview if you're interested:
Glam Gals
If you have a chance, be sure to get your letters into David asap! Only a few more days left! He says that the letters are what sustains him.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Quotes
I received my second stack of "David letters" on Thursday, and I thought I'd share some of his wisdom...
"I really think this basic training is not so much preparing me for the Navy as it is a spiritual preparation. I am learning to lean not on my own understanding, but instead just give glory to God in everything that I do." -Oct 15
And this is a short poem he wrote in the middle of one letter:
"Our roots reach deep,
no storm nor drought,
nor wind nor hail,
can loose what God planted."
He also talked about how so many guys there are homesick for a place that doesn't exist- they don't have great homes to return to. He talks a lot about how thankful he is for the support we have, and he says that while he knows that he has people praying for him, he knows that for a lot of these guys, he's the only one praying for them. So he asks that we think about the other guys in his division and lift them up as well as we pray for David's strength and health.
These letters are SO much fun- I get them every Thursday (a week's worth all bundled into one or two envelopes!)
"I really think this basic training is not so much preparing me for the Navy as it is a spiritual preparation. I am learning to lean not on my own understanding, but instead just give glory to God in everything that I do." -Oct 15
And this is a short poem he wrote in the middle of one letter:
"Our roots reach deep,
no storm nor drought,
nor wind nor hail,
can loose what God planted."
He also talked about how so many guys there are homesick for a place that doesn't exist- they don't have great homes to return to. He talks a lot about how thankful he is for the support we have, and he says that while he knows that he has people praying for him, he knows that for a lot of these guys, he's the only one praying for them. So he asks that we think about the other guys in his division and lift them up as well as we pray for David's strength and health.
These letters are SO much fun- I get them every Thursday (a week's worth all bundled into one or two envelopes!)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Communication
Talk about a good weekend. I received my first stack of letters from David on Friday. I got about 10! He had been stock-piling until mail day (they can only send mail once a week). AND- I got a phone call from him yesterday! We got to talk for about 30 minutes, which was huge. He is doing well, but definitely misses home.
He talked about how he likes a lot of the guys in his division and how his good friends Nathan somehow ended up in his class. He said he’s goofy looking with his new haircut- he even drew me a picture. They aren’t doing physical training as much as he would like, but he hears it will pick up this week. He says the days go by slow by the weeks go by fast. And he says the food is pretty good. ☺
He is graduating on Wednesday November 26- the day before Thanksgiving. I’ll be able to go up to Chicago that week and stay until Sunday. Then he has to return to base for eight more weeks of training (ugh!) BUT- he’ll have liberties on the weekend and on nights, so he can call and I can visit. We are also pretty sure he can come home for Christmas.
His address changed back to the original one (no clue why)- so check below for the new correct address if you need it. David says the letters mean everything to him!
He asks that we pray for no injuries or sickness, as that will delay the process. I’ll keep you updated!
He talked about how he likes a lot of the guys in his division and how his good friends Nathan somehow ended up in his class. He said he’s goofy looking with his new haircut- he even drew me a picture. They aren’t doing physical training as much as he would like, but he hears it will pick up this week. He says the days go by slow by the weeks go by fast. And he says the food is pretty good. ☺
He is graduating on Wednesday November 26- the day before Thanksgiving. I’ll be able to go up to Chicago that week and stay until Sunday. Then he has to return to base for eight more weeks of training (ugh!) BUT- he’ll have liberties on the weekend and on nights, so he can call and I can visit. We are also pretty sure he can come home for Christmas.
His address changed back to the original one (no clue why)- so check below for the new correct address if you need it. David says the letters mean everything to him!
He asks that we pray for no injuries or sickness, as that will delay the process. I’ll keep you updated!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunshine
Here are a few things I'll be sending David to make him smile- a photo board of my brother and Samson and cards from the kids I nanny for. Love it.
Friday, October 10, 2008
His Address!
We have his address!!
I know he'd love some letters. Here are some warnings though:
-only send letters and photos- no gifts, food, etc.
-no decorations on the envelope at all!!
-don't expect much in return- my friend told me her husband only had Sundays to write.
Address the envelope like this:
S/R Murray, David T
Division 802 Ship 10
3425 Sailor Drive
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Thanks! All of your encouragement has meant so much to me- I can't wait until he gets to feel it too :) Love you all.
I know he'd love some letters. Here are some warnings though:
-only send letters and photos- no gifts, food, etc.
-no decorations on the envelope at all!!
-don't expect much in return- my friend told me her husband only had Sundays to write.
Address the envelope like this:
S/R Murray, David T
Division 802 Ship 10
3425 Sailor Drive
Great Lakes, IL 60088
Thanks! All of your encouragement has meant so much to me- I can't wait until he gets to feel it too :) Love you all.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Note Card Magic
I got my last phone call from David around 10:30 last night from Chicago- he definitely sounded sad, and after talking to him a few times throughout the day yesterday, I know that he is definitely feeling a little lonely and anxious. He told me that most of the guys there seem to have those cold feet feelings, so he knows it's totally normal to feel this way.
He said that he's memorizing Psalm 1, and that it talks about being like a tree who bears fruit in season and who doesn't wither in winter- he pointed out that he's not required to "bear fruit" always, and that sometimes, in the hard times, he's just supposed to "not wither".
Last night I found a stack of note cards I had started writing months ago with verses and quotes, hoping to send one every now and again to him with letters. The note card on top was this:
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:3
Amazing, right? Kitti told me that she had been praying for us to see that God was there, and how obvious could that be?
So I encourage you all to pray the following things for David:
-that processing week would be fast! (It could last one-ten days, so we hear)
-that he'll meet some great friends SOON
-that he'll be encouraged
-that we'll get his address soon! letters will mean the world to him
-that he'll feel protected and loved
He said that he's memorizing Psalm 1, and that it talks about being like a tree who bears fruit in season and who doesn't wither in winter- he pointed out that he's not required to "bear fruit" always, and that sometimes, in the hard times, he's just supposed to "not wither".
Last night I found a stack of note cards I had started writing months ago with verses and quotes, hoping to send one every now and again to him with letters. The note card on top was this:
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
-Psalm 1:3
Amazing, right? Kitti told me that she had been praying for us to see that God was there, and how obvious could that be?
So I encourage you all to pray the following things for David:
-that processing week would be fast! (It could last one-ten days, so we hear)
-that he'll meet some great friends SOON
-that he'll be encouraged
-that we'll get his address soon! letters will mean the world to him
-that he'll feel protected and loved
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Eight Weeks
I just walked in from saying goodbye to David.
I can’t tell you how weird it is to know that I won’t see him again for eight-nine more weeks. And while we know that in the military world eight weeks is nothing, in the Callie-David world, eight weeks seems next to impossible.
We’ve had an amazing weekend of seeing good friends and spending time with family. And here is what I am learning from all of this so far:
-We have been blessed with such an amazing group of people who love us. David said he was having thoughts of “Why would I ever take a job that would make me leave these people?!”, but it’s amazing to know that “these people” will pray for us, visit us, call us, write… We love you guys.
-I don’t think I could handle a minute of this without God. I think I’d be sitting here crying and miserable if I didn’t know that there was a God who was bigger than eight weeks and who would comfort us, protect David, and get us through this.
-David is the most amazing man ever. We were talking to some family friends the other day, and they were telling us how they’d been married over thirty years and that they dated since high school. The husband said, in all seriousness, “We’re one of the greatest love stories of all time”. How great is that?! So David and I decided to go ahead and claim that too. And I think it’s true.
-We take our marriage for granted. I want to challenge all of you to really spend some time appreciating hugging and cuddling and watching TV together- everything.
We’ve decided that when David arrives in Chicago today (when he gets to make his last phone call), we’ll talk on the phone and then hang up and be happy. We can be sad until then, but after the phone call, we’re going to look to the positives of the next eight weeks.
Now I’m off to read the letter he left for me… ahhhh….
I can’t tell you how weird it is to know that I won’t see him again for eight-nine more weeks. And while we know that in the military world eight weeks is nothing, in the Callie-David world, eight weeks seems next to impossible.
We’ve had an amazing weekend of seeing good friends and spending time with family. And here is what I am learning from all of this so far:
-We have been blessed with such an amazing group of people who love us. David said he was having thoughts of “Why would I ever take a job that would make me leave these people?!”, but it’s amazing to know that “these people” will pray for us, visit us, call us, write… We love you guys.
-I don’t think I could handle a minute of this without God. I think I’d be sitting here crying and miserable if I didn’t know that there was a God who was bigger than eight weeks and who would comfort us, protect David, and get us through this.
-David is the most amazing man ever. We were talking to some family friends the other day, and they were telling us how they’d been married over thirty years and that they dated since high school. The husband said, in all seriousness, “We’re one of the greatest love stories of all time”. How great is that?! So David and I decided to go ahead and claim that too. And I think it’s true.
-We take our marriage for granted. I want to challenge all of you to really spend some time appreciating hugging and cuddling and watching TV together- everything.
We’ve decided that when David arrives in Chicago today (when he gets to make his last phone call), we’ll talk on the phone and then hang up and be happy. We can be sad until then, but after the phone call, we’re going to look to the positives of the next eight weeks.
Now I’m off to read the letter he left for me… ahhhh….
Friday, September 12, 2008
4 am
So David calls me yesterday saying, “I have good news. And I have bad news.” (You’d think he would’ve learned by now that that is not an okay way to start a conversation with a girl!)
Good news: David got all of his paperwork cleared for the Navy.
Bad news: He had to wake up at 4 this morning to go to processing and to get his new contract!
So, if all goes well, we should know David’s ship date for Basic Training today or Monday. Crazy! We’ll keep you updated…
Good news: David got all of his paperwork cleared for the Navy.
Bad news: He had to wake up at 4 this morning to go to processing and to get his new contract!
So, if all goes well, we should know David’s ship date for Basic Training today or Monday. Crazy! We’ll keep you updated…
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Faithful
Back story: I have always been really affected by music, and recently I have found a huge amount of comfort and sympathy in the lyrics of certain songs. Tonight I attended what was definitely the best concert IN HISTORY- Brooke Fraser (a singer/songwriter from new Zealand) at a little venue in Little 5. I was wholly moved by just about each one of her songs (download them ALL), but there was one chorus in particular that spoke to me:
"When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear every word I pray
And I want you more than I want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful"
Buddy's sermon this past weekend was just as powerful. He spoke about storms that we will experience in our lives and how we can choose to respond to these storms (or to any situation, really)... We can choose to be fearful and to doubt. Or we can choose to be in awe, to have faith. And the amazing thing about this is that we can't do both. If you are fearful about something, it shows that you have no faith. On the other hand, if you are faithful in a certain situation, you lack fear. Both fear and faith involve us anticipating the outcome- neither are reactions to the outcome (never thought of that before!) So do you look at something and fear the worst, or do you look at something in awe of what God has done, faithful of what He will continue to do?
That night when I checked my email, I read this concerning our friend Phil in Iraq:
"We are praising God for a bomb not able to go off that was pointed at Phil in Iraq. He was helping with an attack where 2 guys were killed and 1 seriously injured . He went in, to back them up and the enemy tried to detonate the IED but God who is sovereign over all kept it from going off. Thank you Jesus. Please continue to pray for him as he is often in danger."
It would be easy to look at this and be fearful for Phil's safety, to have doubts about this war. But here is his mother-in-law, praising God for keeping him safe, holding on to her faith that Phil is under the control of something much more powerful than a human enemy.
So as we wait on the military to tell us when to go, we are made more faithful each day. We can't sit and doubt what we're doing or when we're going to do it. God totally humbled me in the midst of my doubt by taking care of our house (I still can't believe how that worked out!)
So I know I keep getting deep and serious, but I can't help but notice the lessons I am learning in the waiting. Can't imagine what we'll learn in the "doing"...
"When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear every word I pray
And I want you more than I want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful"
Buddy's sermon this past weekend was just as powerful. He spoke about storms that we will experience in our lives and how we can choose to respond to these storms (or to any situation, really)... We can choose to be fearful and to doubt. Or we can choose to be in awe, to have faith. And the amazing thing about this is that we can't do both. If you are fearful about something, it shows that you have no faith. On the other hand, if you are faithful in a certain situation, you lack fear. Both fear and faith involve us anticipating the outcome- neither are reactions to the outcome (never thought of that before!) So do you look at something and fear the worst, or do you look at something in awe of what God has done, faithful of what He will continue to do?
That night when I checked my email, I read this concerning our friend Phil in Iraq:
"We are praising God for a bomb not able to go off that was pointed at Phil in Iraq. He was helping with an attack where 2 guys were killed and 1 seriously injured . He went in, to back them up and the enemy tried to detonate the IED but God who is sovereign over all kept it from going off. Thank you Jesus. Please continue to pray for him as he is often in danger."
It would be easy to look at this and be fearful for Phil's safety, to have doubts about this war. But here is his mother-in-law, praising God for keeping him safe, holding on to her faith that Phil is under the control of something much more powerful than a human enemy.
So as we wait on the military to tell us when to go, we are made more faithful each day. We can't sit and doubt what we're doing or when we're going to do it. God totally humbled me in the midst of my doubt by taking care of our house (I still can't believe how that worked out!)
So I know I keep getting deep and serious, but I can't help but notice the lessons I am learning in the waiting. Can't imagine what we'll learn in the "doing"...
Monday, August 4, 2008
The Fortune Cookie
So, we're out of the house and into the dorm room that is my parents' basement. It's really a pretty amazing set-up though (and I get internet here, thank goodness!) Samson (or as mom calls him, the "hellhound") is loving his backyard and is doing a pretty good job at destroying everything he can get his paws on.
We decided to postpone our Virginia Beach trip (we were going to leave this morning or last night after the move- whew!), but we did eat Chinese last night, and my fortune read "Traveling at this time would be a good investment of time & money." So, we're going in complete opposition to the fortune- we'll see how this works out for us... :)
I'll post some photos soon. Now I have to go learn how to drive my new car (it's a stick... and I sold my Honda in the midst of the move yesterday... we like to do things all the way, if you haven't noticed...)
We decided to postpone our Virginia Beach trip (we were going to leave this morning or last night after the move- whew!), but we did eat Chinese last night, and my fortune read "Traveling at this time would be a good investment of time & money." So, we're going in complete opposition to the fortune- we'll see how this works out for us... :)
I'll post some photos soon. Now I have to go learn how to drive my new car (it's a stick... and I sold my Honda in the midst of the move yesterday... we like to do things all the way, if you haven't noticed...)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
The American Dream
After our real estate agent (whom we adored) had to leave the business, I’m not going to lie- I was pretty stressed out about our house situation. This isn’t the ideal time to be selling a house you just purchased a few months ago (is there ever an ideal time to do that?). But last week, I had this amazing peace that it was time to enjoy my house, and God was reminding me that He was in control of this (I mean, He’s done bigger things).
So I came home and cleaned the house and started thinking of new ways to decorate and enjoy it. And in the midst of this cleaning frenzy, I get a phone call.
The woman on the phone had randomly driven by our neighborhood and randomly driven by "our house, and after checking out the pictures of our home online, she “fell in love” (the paint colors did it, she said- whew, that made that hard work so worth it!). Long story short, she wanted the house. And she wanted it by the end of the week.
So, praise Jesus for reminding me that He is in way more control than we are, and that He is the best real estate agent out there (and He charges way less).
Let’s also discuss how humbling it is to speed-pack your three-bedroom house… for a one-bedroom apartment in California (with a pit-stop in your parents’ basement for 6-9 months). You really start thinking about what’s important when you downsize like that. The Kitchenaid Mixer we had to have is just going to have to patiently wait on us in storage while I enjoy Mom’s cooking and free rent (can we praise Jesus for that too while we’re at it?)
So, we’re saying goodbye to the American Dream we got to live for a few short months. And while I loved my house and will miss it dearly, the chorus of Switchfoot’s “American Dream” reminds me that sometimes you’ve got to sacrifice for the real rewards:
"This ain't my American dream
I want to live and die for bigger things
I'm tired of fighting for just me
This ain't my American dream"
The house and the jobs and the dog have been amazing, don’t get me wrong, but we’re ready for the adventure…
So I came home and cleaned the house and started thinking of new ways to decorate and enjoy it. And in the midst of this cleaning frenzy, I get a phone call.
The woman on the phone had randomly driven by our neighborhood and randomly driven by "our house, and after checking out the pictures of our home online, she “fell in love” (the paint colors did it, she said- whew, that made that hard work so worth it!). Long story short, she wanted the house. And she wanted it by the end of the week.
So, praise Jesus for reminding me that He is in way more control than we are, and that He is the best real estate agent out there (and He charges way less).
Let’s also discuss how humbling it is to speed-pack your three-bedroom house… for a one-bedroom apartment in California (with a pit-stop in your parents’ basement for 6-9 months). You really start thinking about what’s important when you downsize like that. The Kitchenaid Mixer we had to have is just going to have to patiently wait on us in storage while I enjoy Mom’s cooking and free rent (can we praise Jesus for that too while we’re at it?)
So, we’re saying goodbye to the American Dream we got to live for a few short months. And while I loved my house and will miss it dearly, the chorus of Switchfoot’s “American Dream” reminds me that sometimes you’ve got to sacrifice for the real rewards:
"This ain't my American dream
I want to live and die for bigger things
I'm tired of fighting for just me
This ain't my American dream"
The house and the jobs and the dog have been amazing, don’t get me wrong, but we’re ready for the adventure…
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Coming Home
So we were driving home from my parents' house on Saturday and somehow made a wrong turn (we've driven this drive hundreds of times... how we made a "wrong turn" is obviously an act of God...) We ended up taking 124 into Snellville, and as we're driving, we notice that the streets are lined with families, most holding American flags. Now it's mid-July, a full year away from the 4th or Memorial Day... we were so confused. Until we saw a sign: "Welcome Home Cpl. Ayers" So as we near Ronald Reagan, we see a police car, sitting with his light on, and some big commotion up ahead. We naturally decide to pull over and get out, to see what's going on, and a few other people do the same and join us. We're expecting that someone is returning from Iraq, and we're proud to watch this celebration, anxious to see him and his family. As the procession nears though, I notice what's leading it- a hearse.
The hearse is followed by at least 100 men and women on Harley's, some with army flags flying, all with American flags at the rear of their bikes. One rider looks at us and gives the side wave, mouthing "thank you" as we stand on the street. He didn't know what was ahead- people waiting in red and blue, holding American flags and a "welcome home" sign. These were the people to thank- those who knew the story and were here in support.
I returned to the car completely changed. I think David was scared out of his mind watching me stand there crying for a man I had never met. But it wasn't that I was sad or scared- I was proud. This man, Corporal Ayers, did something with his life, and at his death, people lined the street celebrating his service and sacrifice. And what does it say about a man to have hundreds follow behind his hearse in love and support? I knew that this was a family I wanted to be a part of- a family we are proud and excited to join.
I expected Cpl. Ayers to be older, maybe even retired army, as the bikers all seemed to be in their 50s at least. But when we researched him when we got home, we found a different story entirely. Army Cpl. Jonathan Ayers was David's age, and he graduated from Shiloh- the high school that I graduated from. He was killed in Afghanistan on Friday July 18 with eight other men in one of the deadliest attacks on US troops since the 2001 invasion.
Learning about Cpl. Ayers' death reminds me that we are given one life, and we're given that life for a purpose. It's not about survival, but living. Cpl. Ayers lived only 24 years- David's age- a time where we feel like we're just getting started. But he did big things with his time. He worked to change an entire country, to protect HIS country back home. I know that not everyone has to serve in the military to find purpose- for my friend Callie, she changes the world through nursing. For our friend Tyler, I think he'll find purpose in music. For me, I believe it's photography. But for David, I believe this is where he's finding his purpose. I have already seen a change in him- a desire to be there, to get started. I'm not scared for him (I'm sure at some point I will be!), but I am proud and excited. And so ready.
So to Cpl. Ayers, thank you for your service and sacrifice. And thank you for reminding me what it looks like to do something with the time you are given. I pray that the "Welcome Home" sign reads true- that you're home with your real Dad, experiencing what freedom really is.
"Each of these heroes stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase in its blessings."
-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
The hearse is followed by at least 100 men and women on Harley's, some with army flags flying, all with American flags at the rear of their bikes. One rider looks at us and gives the side wave, mouthing "thank you" as we stand on the street. He didn't know what was ahead- people waiting in red and blue, holding American flags and a "welcome home" sign. These were the people to thank- those who knew the story and were here in support.
I returned to the car completely changed. I think David was scared out of his mind watching me stand there crying for a man I had never met. But it wasn't that I was sad or scared- I was proud. This man, Corporal Ayers, did something with his life, and at his death, people lined the street celebrating his service and sacrifice. And what does it say about a man to have hundreds follow behind his hearse in love and support? I knew that this was a family I wanted to be a part of- a family we are proud and excited to join.
I expected Cpl. Ayers to be older, maybe even retired army, as the bikers all seemed to be in their 50s at least. But when we researched him when we got home, we found a different story entirely. Army Cpl. Jonathan Ayers was David's age, and he graduated from Shiloh- the high school that I graduated from. He was killed in Afghanistan on Friday July 18 with eight other men in one of the deadliest attacks on US troops since the 2001 invasion.
Learning about Cpl. Ayers' death reminds me that we are given one life, and we're given that life for a purpose. It's not about survival, but living. Cpl. Ayers lived only 24 years- David's age- a time where we feel like we're just getting started. But he did big things with his time. He worked to change an entire country, to protect HIS country back home. I know that not everyone has to serve in the military to find purpose- for my friend Callie, she changes the world through nursing. For our friend Tyler, I think he'll find purpose in music. For me, I believe it's photography. But for David, I believe this is where he's finding his purpose. I have already seen a change in him- a desire to be there, to get started. I'm not scared for him (I'm sure at some point I will be!), but I am proud and excited. And so ready.
So to Cpl. Ayers, thank you for your service and sacrifice. And thank you for reminding me what it looks like to do something with the time you are given. I pray that the "Welcome Home" sign reads true- that you're home with your real Dad, experiencing what freedom really is.
"Each of these heroes stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase in its blessings."
-Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Saturday, May 10, 2008
For Sale!
Open House tomorrow- we've got to sell our beautiful new home by October- know anyone who might want it?! :)
Here are some pictures:
www.2450arnoldmillroad.blogspot.com
Here are some pictures:
www.2450arnoldmillroad.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The Other Man in My Life
So the Murray family has grown, thanks to the addition of a redbone hound named Samson. We had been wanting a dog to keep me company while David was away, and Samson just fell into our lives thanks to a sweet family from North Georgia who found him, brought him back to health, and put him on craigslist. We then met him in a Chick-fil-a parking lot, where he just handed me the dog, and that was it.
Samson has been the perfect fit for us- he's incredibly cuddly and sweet, but he's also very playful and energetic, and a great watchdog. David was out of town a few weeks ago for work, and I never once was scared in this house because of Samson's presence. And, if there was ever any doubt he was for us... check out his favorite toy...
Samson has been the perfect fit for us- he's incredibly cuddly and sweet, but he's also very playful and energetic, and a great watchdog. David was out of town a few weeks ago for work, and I never once was scared in this house because of Samson's presence. And, if there was ever any doubt he was for us... check out his favorite toy...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I Wear My Sunglasses At Night
David had his PRK surgery on Saturday, which is yet another step towards actually being in the Navy. PRK is the same basic surgery as Lasik, but instead of cutting a flap of the cornea and letting it heal back together, PRK involves actually shaving off part of the Cornea and letting it all grow back- ugh! I am sure I had a harder time watching the surgery than David had experiencing it. The recovery time is longer for PRK, and it's been amazing to watch David handle it. On Sunday morning I vaguely remember David waking up and then next thing I knew he was stepping in the shower after going for a run (I slept through all of this, P.S.) Later that day we clocked his run, and the kid ran almost 4 miles the morning after his surgery! People told me he'd have to take a week off of work, but not David. He also played in his championship soccer game last night while I yelled from the sideline "Don't hurt his eyes!" He is very sensitive to light though, so he has been wearing his sunglasses everywhere (like while he sits in our dark living room watching TV). I also walked in yesterday to see David and Stephen sitting on the couch, which they moved within inches of the TV, so that David could see it better. But regardless, he CAN see, and that is a miracle. Amazing the gifts God has given some people... (Fun fact: David's doctor was the head of the Lasik program for the Air Force for awhile, and he was recently the eye doctor for a few episodes of TLC's "Ten Years Younger"!) So now we wait the six months the Navy requires after a surgery, and then he's off to boot camp. In the meantime, we have a house to sell!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Family
I think I should document these comments since they are pretty monumental. :) We told my parents that David did for sure sign, and my mom says "I decided that you and David are so great that I need to share you with the rest of the world!" and my dad says "We support you one million percent." Those comments are huge to us, and we're excited to start this adventure knowing that we have the full love and support of our parents.
Now I'm off to our meeting with Petty Officer Ross! He's supposed to tell us what life in the military will be like... hmmm...
Now I'm off to our meeting with Petty Officer Ross! He's supposed to tell us what life in the military will be like... hmmm...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The Very Beginning
It's likely that no one will see this for quite some time, but I think it's important to write about it now, as we're going through it. David joined the military yesterday, February 9, so today is day one of being in the Navy (David is currently playing XBox and drinking some chocolate milk... I'm guessing it probably gets harder than this!). We went out to visit San Diego last month and loved it. We thought it was a beautiful city with a great history and huge patriotism. We think I'll do well there professionally (and hopefully socially!), and we are thrilled with the idea of living at the beach (in California, no less!) We got the chance to talk to a few people there going through the program David hopes to go through, and we left feeling even more confirmed in the fact that David should be there, doing what these guys were doing. So he was sworn in yesterday, and is scheduled to ship out on October 2, 2008. Next comes his eye surgery, and then that date may change a little. He woke up this morning and said, "I feel really good about this", so we are excited and anxious and ready, and we hope to live a full and exciting year in Atlanta until October comes.
Here are some pictures from our San Diego trip, including David and Tyler in front of the seal-mobile and it's license tag (UDT= Underwater Demolition Team... coincidence?):
Here are some pictures from our San Diego trip, including David and Tyler in front of the seal-mobile and it's license tag (UDT= Underwater Demolition Team... coincidence?):
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