Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Anyone near SC?

Hey all! I know my readership has gone down drastically since my little undeclared sabbatical from blogging, but I thought I'd put this out there -

I have a friend who would like to pass on at least one - possibly two or three - tickets to the EWomen of Faith conference in Greenville, SC! Here's the catch - it's THIS weekend! If anyone might be interested, let me know and I'll hook you up with her!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen

In the Army, when a person leaves, it is officially a "Farewell" - it's used as a noun, a verb, and an adjective. (Conversely, the same is true of "Hailing" someone new...) Anyway, we've had several of these over the past week, and this week will bring even more...

~ Thursday morning we did our official transition of leadership at PWOC. It was, of course, emotional. We used the same script I used last year installing Misty at Ft. Stewart when we thought we were moving in December. They gave me a plate they had all signed, I gave my speech, then I quietly slipped out while they started the study time. I have to admit, the advent of Facebook in my life has dramatically decreased the need for goodbyes!

~ Yesterday morning they recognized us at Chapel. As a wife, it was very honoring to be recognized individually, apart from Jon, for the energy I have put in there, specifically through PWOC. We are a team in everything we do; my involvement in the Chapel I look at as an extension of his ministry. Even still, it is nice that people see me as Sara, not just as Chaplain Fisher's wife.

The best part, though, was when Chaplain Godfrey talked about how much he'll miss Sophie! He pointed out that she took some of her first steps in that Chapel and is part of that community. It's true - she's more comfortable in the Chapel fellowship hall or nursery than she is anywhere other than home. Stands to reason - she spends the most time there.

~ Last night we went to Jon's Battalion Commander's house for dinner, along with one of the Company Commanders and First Sergeants who are also both leaving. 1SG Davis is retiring, and CPT Whittacre is actually leaving for Kuwait this week! I remember meeting both their wives at a get-together at that very same house just about a year ago (it is the 603d Commander's house, so it's the same building, just with different furniture!). A lot has happened since then, both in all our lives and in the unit.


Like always, those things will shape who I become; each experience I have had at Hunter Army Airfield will in some way affect who I am in the future. That makes it easier for me, as I have a ridiculous need for closure. The knowledge that I am not leaving this place unchanged in itself adds closure to this chapter in my life.

And for that, I am thankful.

Monday, March 16, 2009

On their 35th...

Today is my parents' 35th anniversary - what an accomplishment! Though I would love to claim credit for this video, my dad made it for my mom. It, of course, displays his humor, but is very sweet all the same! :-)

I am very privileged to have had a great example of marriage growing up. I know my own is better off for it. Happy anniversary, Mom & Dad!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Closing this chapter...

So it seems I'm not much of a blogger anymore. What can I say, life gets busy. Sophie is running all over the place (literally), my class ended, Jon is clearing Hunter Army Airfield. Our living room is adorned with boxes, and we will be moving in the two weeks!

These next couple weeks will be full of goodbyes. The nice thing in the Army is that it's usually, "Well, see ya around!" We both know that may or may not happen. But it MAY. So why go through the emotion of saying goodbye?

I did have an interesting experience this last week. I went back to PWOC at Ft. Stewart, the place where it all began for me. I went to PWOC before Jon even started his official orders when we moved to Hinesville. Those women are what gave me a good attitude toward the Army and a place to belong.

Things, of course, have changed. They now meet at the new chapel. About 75% of the women who went two years ago when I started have moved on. As I was standing talking with someone before the meeting started, the greeter came up to welcome me on my first time.

I think the most encouraging part was seeing the women in leadership. Two years ago, if you would have told them what would happen, they would have never believed it! They had never done anything like it and started out in "behind the scenes" jobs. How awesome! They have stepped out of their comfort zones and are doing a great job serving the group at Ft. Stewart. The President right now, Brandie, was actually one of the first people I met there. She was standing beside the greeter at the time, helping her. The following year she was the greeter herself, and this year she is the President. That's one of the great things about PWOC - it gives people a chance to develop and grow in a safe environment. I know it did that for me.

I am quite a sentimental person. Jon never understands why I have this need for closure when I leave a place, why I can't just leave and be done with it. He has accepted it, mind you, but he is not the same way! Being back there brought back a lot of memories, a lot of thoughts. When I first walked into PWOC just over two years ago, I was new to the Army life. I was just starting to get to know my husband and Sophia was not yet a thought.

It was fitting to go back, to see how it has changed. To see how the new women who have moved in have stepped up, keeping the group going. And when they're gone, there will be a new group. You know, that's why I really don't miss it. Nothing is ever the same when you go back, especially in the Army. Still, the women I met at Fort Stewart last year will forever be a part of my life.