Be It Ever So Humble

In the last two and a half months the children and I have traveled over 6000 miles, been in three major cities, visited historic sites, modern attractions, and natures beauteous offerings. Our many vehicles started with trains and ended with planes. In between we rode in taxis, on buses, and let's not forget the tow truck segment of our journey. We have been on Army forts, Naval stations, and seen Air Force bases.

I have dealt with all kinds of tedious adult tasks: paying TWO rents, buying and selling a van, insuring and licensing said van, having the van in and out of the mechanics shop, phone/medical/electric bills, GPS systems, etc. I baked bread, made oatmeal, and cooked a Thanksgiving dinner in crockpots. I spent a holiday season away from my parents and my in-laws.

Someone asked me if I feel like an experienced traveler now.

I don't.

I do feel less naïve, more confident, and have a greater faith in God.

At so many points on this adventure (in particular with the van) I was internally begging God to get me through some unforeseen crisis. Completely unfamiliar with my surroundings, I was praying for His grace to see me to the end. I can say that He always gave me the tools I needed: the GPS lady on my phone guiding me through frenzied roads and traffic, Roman's uncle working for a mechanic and helping with all my car distresses, sympathetic strangers carrying bags up/down escalators for the crazy lady with three kids in tow, sunshine and rain.

The past two months have been the most insane and courageous adventure of my life.
For this moment I am glad to be home.

To all of you who prayed for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Graduation at Ft. Jackson

We spent two days at Ft. Jackson with Roman. The first day was Family Day, which was very relaxed. We spent time at the playground, the small lake, and just being together. It was glorious. It was also surprisingly hot. I think we all got just a bit sunburned.

After the long weeks of waiting, it was such a relief to see Roman.

The entrance to Ft. Jackson.

Despite arriving two hours early, we still had to face quite the crowd.

The kids patiently waiting in the stroller.

The bleachers were filled with anxious, excited family members. The noise was rather deafening when soldiers all came onto the field. Clapping, cheering, stomping, and whistling. It frightened the kids a little bit. Rather than cheering I was crying with relief. When they let the families go it was quite a rush to get onto the field. After maneuvering our large stroller onto the field, Rhonda stayed with the kids while I went to find Roman. All the soldiers had to stay in formation until a family member came to them. Roman said it was agony to watch me search for him. After all, it was a little hard to find him when everyone is in uniform, and there are large crowds. It was also one of the largest graduating classes of the year, over 1,000 privates.

Ethan cried when he saw Roman. I think he was shocked that we were finally seeing him again. When Saoirse's turn came she just rested her head on Roman's shoulder and stayed there, like she never wanted to leave. Carsten was his usual smiley self, just happy to be out of the stroller.

 

Children still need attention, even when parents just want to hug.

Her vocabulary shocked Roman, as it had grown during his absence. She loved talking to Daddy.

Ethan was so excited to see 'armies' (soldiers) everywhere.

Some target practice with Daddy.

I asked Ethan if I could take his picture by the tank. He told me to take it of him watching the tank.

 

Graduation Day was much cooler, and full of pomp and ceremony. There was a fine army band, and of course a field of men and women in dress blues.

Roman's cousin, Jeff Wagenius, is a lieutenant in the Air Force. It was lots of fun to have him attend the graduation. Roman has one other cousin in the Air Force and a cousin in the National Guard.

 

I hope to send a family picture around after New Years!

Going East

I bought my train tickets!

 

In 25 days my three children and myself will climb aboard an Amtrack train headed towards the east coast and Roman. 25 Days!

I am more excited than I can possibly express in the bland typing you see, since I am not really the type to use ALL CAPS or italics or !!!!!!, but I digress.

 

Roman will be graduating from boot camp on Thursday November 13th and if all goes well we should be able to spend the day with him on the 12th. Just five more weeks to get through before seeing him. From the letters he has sent me and a recent phone call, we know that he is working hard, taking on extra duties like he always does and made sharpshooter. He has received letters from several family members and a few friends, and always appreciates receiving them. Sometimes he shares these letters with his fellow soldiers. Apparently there are men and women there who don't really receive letters.

 

I have also been grateful to everyone who has encouraged me over the last several weeks. Those praying for me, and those who take the time to call, send a note or write a FB message. I appreciate each one and they often give me a lift in the middle of my days with crazy toddlers.

I also wanted to thank my mother and sisters, my mother-in-law and all my sisters-in-law as well for all the help they gave me while I have been sick the past two weeks. I finally seem to be on the mend, praise the Lord!

 

Many of you have asked how you can help. While your prayers and words are wonderful, we do have some financial needs at this time. Planning such a major trip is expensive, though I am trying to do it as cheaply as I can. I am still paying medical bills from Carsten's birth. Our life and needs are simple, but food and gas and rent must still be paid. If any of you can find it in your heart and wallet to help us, we would receive it most gratefully and humbly. I trust the Lord to supply all our needs, and also that He hears and gives us our desires. Thanks again for the prayers and words you have given so far!

 

Hope everyone is having a lovely October!

 

Roman's Address

I have finally received a mailing address for Roman! A friend of his from boot camp sent me the following note:

Hi.

I'm a friend of your husband, Roman Mallery. He asked me to pass on this message to you:

He's doing well in BCT at Fort Jackson. He's met a lot new and different people, likes most of the platoon as it's made up by a lot of good people, and has a really good battle buddy to watch his back.

Additionally, he likes his drill sergeants (DS) despite how tough they are. The DSs like him enough that they've put him in charge of the barracks, and have made him "Bay Boss." He is constantly caring for the platoon, helps others, and serves his faith when the moments present themselves.

He misses home, often thinks of you and the children, and asks everyone to please keep him in your prayers. Since his arrival to BCT, he has been to church services the two times it was available.

Please share with everyone his mailing address:

PVT Mallery, Roman
F CO 2/60th INF REG
BLDG 11000
4th Platoon
Fort Jackson, SC 29207

He is looking forward to receiving a lot mail from family.

Also, please share with everyone his projected graduation date: 13 NOV 2014.

In my personal estimation, your husband is a solid recruit, is doing well, and possesses eagerness and the correct attitude. He is a good man, an man of apparent faith, and a compassionate leader.

Seeing this in my inbox sent my heart racing with relief. It has been several days since I last had any contact with him. Oh, the delight a simple note can give a weary soul! And to hear how Roman is praised. It will give me a boost to face the coming days. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and expressed their concern and love. Such words mean a great deal to me.

How This Day is Still Impacting Our Lives

The other day I was talking about the events of 9/11 with my mother-in-law.

As the conversation progressed I realized the great significance those horrible events have had on my life. 

I was 12, living in California and shortly there after our family moved to Montana. The move had already been in progress, but was expedited by the terrorist attacks. I remember desperately wanting to find some way to help.

Roman was 17, a young volunteer firefighter living in Montana. His dream of being a soldier changed that day from boyish fancy to manly purpose. He would have gone to New York in a heartbeat if he was just a little bit older.

On this, the 13 year anniversary of the attacks, we are 25 and 30 years old. For years Roman has participated in memorials for the 343 firefighters who died that day, as well as the many others. This year he has become a soldier. 

I am so proud to be the wife of this man. He is not a firefighter because it is cool (though he certainly enjoys those moments).  Nor is he a soldier because he wants recognition.  

Roman possesses a deep conviction that he is called to help others. Where there is chaos and disaster he knows that is where he needs to be. The calling of God for him is compassion for the weak, and the defense of the the oppressed.

This calling is why I sit on my lonely bed, missing him terribly in the cold nights. This calling is what I tell my three little ones about when they ask why Daddy is gone. This calling is why it has rarely bothered me to watch him answer that beeping pager. I have seen the visible truth that those who serve others, receive much from that service.

The words of Christ ring in my heart,

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Anticipation

 

Anticipation is a odd feeling. It contains a spectrum of emotions ranging from dread to excitement.
Right now I am experiencing both ends of that spectrum.

Next week Roman leaves to begin training with the National Guard. It will be over two months before we see him again, provided I can save up the necessary travel funds to transport myself and three children across the country. If I can't we won't see him until Christmas. And he won't be home for good until February.

Roman has wanted join the military ever since 9/11. The weight of conviction he has for this pursuit is astounding. Joining the heritage of thousands before him, answering the call of duty and honor. I know that he will succeed in everything he puts his hand too, because he has a strong passion, a noble character, and a great faith in a Sovereign God. 

My own faith feels weak right now. As I stare down the blank weeks on my calendar and ache at the thought of not being able to speak to him every day. We have had a fair amount of separation for work in the past, but this will be longer and with less chances to hear his voice. I have three young children, two of whom will ask daily, "Where is Daddy?" and "Why can't we go get him from work?" Too young to understand the concept of time, but old enough to notice that things will be different. And we will pray every night for Daddy at 'armies work' (to quote Ethan).

In addition to Roman being gone for training, events in the world remind me of the probability of his being deployed to dangerous places. The Cold War with Russia seems to have come out of deep freeze, while ISIS proves to the world that Islam is far from a religion of peace. The USA is hardly peaceful territory with the media frenzy surrounding Ferguson.

While I could spout my many opinions on all of the above (and as a history buff they are quite thorough), mostly they remind me that my husband is needed. There will always be manipulative, aggressive, and tyrannical leaders who need to be stood against. There must always be faithful men and women ready uphold truth, justice, and mercy.

What does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

I believe that Roman will come home, and I think that our marriage will be stronger for this time apart. I am excited to see how he will change and grow. I do dread the coming weeks of solo parenting, but I am so proud of what Roman is accomplishing that I can say to my children, "Your daddy is awesome!" without bitterness.

Plus, I will be able to write amazing love letters!




Long distance relationship advice from WW2 letters.