A New Adventure

5 years ago in a church service our journey began.  My husband Jim had a calling from God to become an Army Chaplain.  Jim is prior military and this calling is a perfect fit.  However, we sure didn't "absolutely" believe it would happen at the time. It would be a long road ahead since Jim would have to earn his masters degree before he would be able to enter into the Army Chaplaincy.  There was a minor change in this career path for a couple of years but the track was set straight soon after.

So here we are now about to embark on this new adventure. School is about finished for Jim and he is completing his second master's degree.  I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I wonder why God would call "us" to this ministry.  We are very ordinary people living ordinary lives.  5 years ago I never would have dreamed that we would get to this point.

Jim and I both grew up Catholic.  We went to several different churches of different denominations over the years since we've been married (13 years, 14 in Feb.).  I suppose we were trying to find the right fit or the "meaning of life". Really it was a learning experience of what we feel God wants for us.  We've had lots of life lessons along the way.  Looking back at it now we can both see that this was part of God's plan to grow us.  The story would be much too long if I were to go into too much detail.  Lets just say that we have, over the years, met up with some people who were not what they appeared to be.  We have great faith in God and what He has in store for us.

After the months of working with the Army, getting an endorser and getting physicals done, we are ready.  Jim's packet made it up to Washington, DC for the September board.  The Board of Chaplains approved him for active duty.  Jim will leave soon for Ft Jackson to begin Chaplain School.  After 3 months we will move to our first duty station.  We haven't been told where that will be just yet.  We are both hoping for a "warm" climate but we really don't care.  We are excited about the opportunity to serve our country.  I pray that God will help me to be the kind of "Chaplain's wife" that He wants me to be.  I believe that because of my diverse background; growing up a Catholic and learning about many different religions, that I will be able to relate to many of the soldier's wives and families.  I am not a judgmental person or a person that lives a "holier than thou" life.   
Jim and I have always worked with youth in our "many" churches.  What better youth ministry than that of the United States Army.  So many of the men and woman coming into the Army are 18 to 21 years old.  We believe that God has been preparing us for this all along!!  I just hope I don't let Him down :)

And so, until then next blog, I will say goodbye and HOOAH!!

Jeremiah 29:11