Close Call...

So you know how you never pay attention to the news unless you hear about something that will directly affect you? Well, yeah that was me last week. Usually, unless Abel is here to tell me the latest news on CNN or local news, I don't really pay attention, sad, I know...but last Wednesday when I started hearing all the buzz about the government shutdown, my ears perked up. (See, some of you are going, "government shutdown? Huh?) Why? you ask? Well, the Military would be directly affected by the shutdown, since they are obviously run by the Federal Government, and all pay would be stopped to every branch of the Military, including those that are currently deployed, and delaying pay until the shutdown ended. Senseless. Completely senseless. They had to reach a resolution by midnight Friday night. For about 2 minutes, I let all the "what if" scenarios run through my head and then I caught myself and was reminded of a scripture that was sort of "drilled" into us (in a good way) at my MOPS group this week:
Isaiah 41:10 "So do not FEAR, for I am with you; do not be DISMAYED, for I am your God. I will STRENGTHEN you and HELP you; I will UPHOLD you with my righteous right hand."

Ok, God, I said. Thank you, I'll trust you even if it happens, because I know you've always had our backs.

Friday, a surprise call from Abel came in the afternoon, awesome to hear his voice, but he began telling me that his unit/company had just had an "emergency" meeting about the shutdown, and how it would affect them. Now mind you, these guys have NO outside news from anywhere, no tv, newspapers, internet, nothing, (all just part of the Basic Training process) so Abel had no idea what was going on, so I had to explain it all to him. And once again, I was reminded of Isaiah 41:10, and shared this with him.

Well, 10:30 on Friday night I turned on CNN and Breaking News Reports were that a deal had been reached...wow! Thanks Congress, nothing like waiting till the "11th hour", but nevertheless a deal was reached.

I know God gives us times in our lives like this as opportunities to see how our attitudes towards it will be and then sometimes in the "11th hour" it all works out and sometimes it doesn't. I just have to remember that His timing is always better than mine or anyone else's.

Moving right along...
Sunday morning brought another phone call! Yay! During church no less :) had to slip out...thank goodness I still keep my phone plastered to me :)

This week they get to move on to Blue Phase, the last phase of training!!!...he was excited because they get to learn how to throw grenades this week! Can you imagine all the testosterone flying around there right now?! LOL!! Next week they go to Victory Forge, a 6 day "rite of passage" trip, full of combat scenarios, live fire, camping, etc... and then the week after that is GRADUATION!!!!! I could totally hear the "relief" in his voice knowing the end is in sight!

If you want to send Abel a Birthday card you still can...his birthday is this Friday the 15th. Also don't forget, no letters after the 22nd.

Well here are the most recent pictures...

Getting ready to get fitted for their Dress Blues...the nice fancy uniforms that Soldiers get to wear...unfortunately because the country is at war, they will not get to use these uniforms for graduation, they will have to wear their ACU's (Army Combat Uniforms) That's ok though, he'll still look awesome!!
Waiting....

This picture doesn't have Abel in it, but it gives you an idea as to what the uniforms look like. Nice!
In line for chow...so serious :) 4th Platoon! Go Head Hunters!! They obviously have a lot of fun :)

The guy directly to the right of Abel is one of his good buddies Chris, and also the head of the guy right between their heads is Steve another good buddy.
Wow, all decked out in full gear...


Until next time....