Deployment

Jason's Army Reserve unit just confirmed yesterday that he has orders to be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan for a 12-18 month tour, starting in March 2007. Because it's 1.5 years away from now, we have some time, yet the date could be changed at a moment's notice.

I am praying that God's Will be done in this situation. Naturally I don't want my husband to go, but we knew what we signed up for when he joined. We've had so many separations due to the Army, and they have been so difficult to go through. Jason is the kind of man who, if it weren't for his family, would probably volunteer for a tour. He doesn't say that, but I know it's true. He wants to serve his country, and he's very good at what he does, and is well-suited for military life. If it happens, I know that on the other side of the tour, he'll look back and be proud of what he did, but it would be very difficult for him (not to mention US) to be away from us.

There is a chance that we could be granted advanced schooling, which would be a year long school, back in TX. If the timing is right, it would "skip" him from this tour. Moving to TX again would be fine with me, as we lived there during his last school and were happy. We'll be happy wherever we are, as long as we're together.

It's so hard for me to look at the big picture when all I can feel is the emotion of not wanting to be separated for that long, and not wanting him overseas.

If he decided to, he could push his medical issues to have a medical discharge from the Army. We're both not sure about going that route. While separation would be difficult, we both feel it's important to honor the commitment he made, and follow through with his responsibility. We also KNEW, and were willing to to make that sacrifice if necessary. If they told him he had to leave tomorrow, we'd accept it, pack his bags, and "Soldier on" <-- LOL. But the fact that it's looming ahead of us is difficult.

We've got time, and choices to make. What sounds like the "best plan" may not actually be the best plan. Our heads and hearts are confused so my request is that God give us direction, clarity, and peace about the direction things will go... and whatever direction that is, that it will go smoothly.

Our children will NOT be told unless the time is drawing CLOSE and they need some time to internalize it before he leaves.

Prayers appreciated.