Almost home

I can't believe you're coming home tomorrow. I feel so blessed that you will be spending Christmas with us. I am praying for your safety, for Joy, for focus. That your time with us will be full of every sugar plum dream you've had since August. That being  home will be the everything you want. And yes, I will make chocolate chip pancakes for you on Sunday morning.
You do know I'm going to cry when you step off that airplane in your uniform, right?
With love,
Your very proud momma
Ps: see you in 25 hrs!

Week Four - Letter Two

Got your letter today - oh, I can't believe what I'm reading! Jael, your confidence in where you are and what you are doing is amazing! I am so proud of you.

Your sense of humor cracked me up! Singing in the church choir... you are so funny. But it blessed my heart that you've stepped up and gotten involved in the worship team playing the tamborine, and that you are loving church. Really, that is so important. And I can't wait to see what you decide to do when you get to Fort Lee.

We miss you terribly, but we will continue to send letters until the deadline. I am going to treasure the letter I got today, and hold it close to my heart until I can hold you and give you the biggest hug.
"The Lord watch between me and thee while we are apart." Genesis 31:49

It comforts me to know that you are seeing God's work directly in your life right now. I think that's what every mom prays for. And if not every mom, definitely this one.

I love you sweet girl - only 6 weeks from today for graduation!
Momma

Week Four - Letter One

Oh my gosh!

I got to hear your voice today! I practically flew over the pews - as your call came through at 11:37 am, in church - and jumped up so fast ... it was a phone call I had been hoping for, as a few parents had posted on Facebook that they got their calls yesterday. It was so quick, but so so lovely.

I wasn't lying when I said that I am constantly praying for you. I miss you, and Daddy misses you, and I think your sisters miss you too! God keeps giving me verses for you, and when I get them I stick them in a card for you... which is why I keep writing you. I hope they offer a touch of encouragement when you are struggling. My most favorite thing today was to hear the strength in your voice, and the clarity - very evident that you're doing well. And hello? Squad leader? Way to go, girl!

So, word for today... one that you've known since you were little: Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Christ is doing all things through you, Jael. He is giving you strength, determination, grace, more strength, and probably that much needed sleep that you need.

I am bursting with pride. After jumping over the pews to take your call, it was so hard to not run into church and scream "I got to talk to my girl!!!". Thank goodness it was the end of the service so I could start telling anyone who would pause to listen (and even some who wouldn't pause - I would stop them anyway!).

Then, to find out that you still were able to call Mike, and Jana and Jeanette - I am so thankful that you wanted to make those connections on your one chance to call home. Each of us got a little blessing of you today. I can't explain to you how precious that is, to each of us!

Love you sweet girl -
continue to cling to Jesus for all of your needs!
Your very proud Momma

Week Three - Letter One

Hey J,

How's it going? Are you hanging in there? I am following on Facebook, but Foxtrot Company is way better than Alpha Company to tell us what's going on. And I gotta say, I am having a hard with that. This week has been really rough on me. Which I know is not fair - cause you have to be having a way harder week than me.

But I've been crying. A lot. And I couldn't figure out why until this morning.

Yes, today is September 11. And every time I see something on TV, or hear an announcement at school (which was really well done on Friday), I would cry. But I listened today to President Bush's tribute in Pennsylvania at the site of the Flight 93 Memorial, and it hit me.

You have made a choice that many are not able to make. And that choice is to go beyond yourself... you understand that there is no greater love than this... the perfect example was on 9/11. So, I think I am understanding with a much greater depth what you have committed to do while serving our country in the Army National Guard.

I am bursting with pride, and humility. And shedding a few tears, too.

Thank you, Jael.

Thank you for living beyond yourself.

You are an amazing girl~
Love you!

Week two - letter one

Dear J:
Got your first postcard yesterday! Oh, what joy to see your handwriting and to hear your voice through your writing. And, you wrote more than I expected...
I'm so proud of your PT time, and that you passed. Way to go, girl!

I've been missing you so much these last few days... I can only imagine how much you miss home. This might sound terrible, but it is my prayer that they are keeping you so busy you almost don't have time to miss us.

(con't two days later)
Got the second postcard today. I love that you sounded different, stronger. That you are even more stronger in your walk with our Lord God, your provider.

You are an amazing young woman, and I can't wait to see you, too. Christmas!

Love your momma

Week One - letter two

Dear J:

Did you climb Victory Tower today? I read about F Company's plan to work on that yesterday, and I know that Alpha Company will arise to the challenge! (Foxtrot Co already has a Facebook page up, can't wait til yours is there).

I am hoping that you are beginning to feel like a family there. We are missing you so much, and I'm guessing you are missing us... if you have time. That is why this bonding time with your fellow soldiers is so important.

Something that was shared with daddy and I when you were an infant was that our goal as a parents should be to raise you to be

1. Independent of parents (ouch)
2. Inter-dependent of other people (right now that would be your fellow soldiers- something I am sure you're already learning)
3. Totally dependent on God

Probably some of the best parenting advice ever. Thanks, Pastor Burman. 20 years later and it still sticks.

Anyway sweetie, although I know you're learning those first two things on the list, my prayer is that you are clinging to item #3. Because being fully dependent on God not only honors Him in your life, but it will get you through every moment in basic. Remember, He is your tower & strength.

I miss you. I love you. I am more proud beyond words.

Love, your momma

Week One - Letter Two

Dear J:

I was so excited to get your 30 second phone call yesterday... and I mailed your first letter to you. I can't wait for you to receive it, and you've gotta know that there are so many more heading your way. We also can read the welcome letter posted on Fort Jackson's website. I am just so thankful that we have the capabilities today to have contact like we do.

But of course, I know that unless you have a chance to write a few sentences on one of the postcards you took with you, I won't hear from you for awhile. And that's okay. I know that it's part of the process.

I sure do think of you, though, througout the day. Like when I come across a John Wayne movie. Or see fruit snacks at the store. Or watch the trumpet section at band practice. You've left a hole in our family, but it's a hole that gets filled when I begin to pray for you. And that's what I do every time I see that thing that reminds me of you... (oh, wait, isn't that a Michael Buble' song?)

I love you, my sweet girl. I am in constant prayer for you. And, I'll send another letter tomorrow - I promise! I hope it doesn't take too long to reach South Carolina...

Love, your momma

Week One - Letter One

Dear J:

What a difference 48 hours makes. Your text two nights ago left me stumbling for a few minutes. You were questioning why you were there, and there was so much doubt. So little sleep. And some fear, I think, too. And I became fearful. How could I be a mom who could talk you through this?

As we talked about your lack of sleep, my encouragement was to look to Jesus again for His example. How he stayed up all night praying in the garden while the disciples slept. And if you couldn't sleep, maybe you should pray for all of those around you. I don't know if it helped, but I treasured the text that was waiting for me the next morning (from 3:38 am your time)... you had gotten 3 hours of sleep!

Getting your phone calls on Friday were awesome, but I could still hear that slight fear. It wasn't until the final time we talked, at 6:00 pm your time, that you told me "this is it - it all starts tomorrow". And amazingly, I could hear the excitement and readiness in your voice. And most of all, that sweet determination.

I'm not sure what today held in store for you. Your first offical basic combat training day. But I can't wait to hear the stories and see the woman of God you become through all of this.

Remember that you are a mighty warrior girl, and that God does have such a purpose for your life! I don't want to be fake, and even though I am slightly scared for you, I am not going to let that show. I will be your biggest cheerleader - and yes, I'm going to be one of "those moms" - bumper sticker on the car, t-shirt, keychain.

Hoo-ah, my sweet soldier girl. Stay strong. And remember, Momma loves you!

Week Zero - Letter Two

Dear J:

I was so happy to hear from you today - the 5:00 am text, the 10:00 am phone call. And that last phone call at 12:20 pm. I didn't know that would be our "final civilian phone call", as you put it - but I am so glad that we had that chance to talk again. You've never been much of a phone person - and because you're not afraid to admit it makes me love you all the more.

Thank you for making your last phone call to Mike - he did call me, and we passed the word around that you were safe in S.C. I understood when he told me that you were afraid to talk to me, that you didn't want to break down again. You are a tough warrior, Jael - but it makes my heart smile to know that your heart is soft towards your momma.

I keep thinking about David, one of the greatest warriors that God ever used. I truly can't wait to see how God is going to be using you at basic training, and in the Guard.
Psalm 144:1-2 "Praise be to the Lord my Rock who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me."
Jael, hold strong onto the Lord your Rock. That is my prayer for you, especially in these next few days. I love you!

Week Zero - Letter One

Dear J:
I dropped you off two nights ago at the hotel. Nervousness and excitement were both in your eyes - but I was a good momma, and I stayed strong and didn't cry.
This is a dream you've talked about for years - even buying a camo-theme laundry basket when you were in middle school. Dreaming and talking about a life in the military. Understanding the dedication and willingness to do more for others than for yourself - that is who is you are. That's why I know you are where God wants you. And why I could walk away without crying.
Even though I have a confession - you didn't see me crying in church Sunday morning before we left for the hotel.
They were playing the song "Amazing Grace", and when I sang the verse "my chains are gone, I've been set free. My God my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy rains, Unending love Amazing Grace" - I cried. Hard. Because when I see you, I see His mercy. He held you in His hands and declared He has a plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11, baby. That's you.
I love you and I am proud of you. You are my American Soldier. When your plane flies out to Fort Jackson tomorrow, I will be continuing to pray for you moment by moment.
You are amazing!