The Closing of a Long Chapter & A Walk Down Memory Lane

Today, August 3rd, 2023 marks the end of an era as we close out what has felt like quite a long chapter in our life. If you’ve been following this blog for some time, you know my disdain for military leadership has not gone without mention. While we have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle, beachy zip codes that we’ve called home, and friends that we still hold dear despite miles and years apart, we are finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

After thirteen years, my husband (our family) is free! With the coveted DD-214 (military freedom papers) in hand, we look now into an abundantly brighter future. I can say with full sincerity that I will not miss deployments and trainings that extend into every holiday and major milestone that a family should be together for, being “owned” by the government, and all that military life demands on a daily basis. Good bye to thankless servitude once and for all! I will spare you the boredom of a 100,000 word post detailing the injustices, abuses, and ill-treatment we have endured, and tell you instead what lies ahead.

Soon, hubby will be starting a new job with (get this!) set hours that do not run late into the night. We have put down a few roots here, so we will be staying in this lovely part of Virginia and promptly looking to buy another house with more land to expand our homesteading operation.

It’s hard to believe I am finally writing this post after the last few months of this year seeming to drag by (knowing his exit was on the horizon). Even the last few weeks seemed like a slow crawl to the finish line; have you ever been there? What a relief to have made it to the end! What a blessing to have a great job lined up, and friends who will pass your name along and take care of you.

If you are struggling through a wilderness like we were, know that you do NOT have to “bloom where you are planted.” I always hated that unfeeling, condescending remark. You are allowed to hate the season you are in. You are allowed to focus your energy on your next steps. Do not let people dismiss your pleas for help as complaining. Venting your frustration and seeking comfort and encouragement are not the same as complaining! Through it all though, remember the promises the Lord has for His that are laid out in Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 12:12, Isaish 40:31, and Matthew 11:28-30.

²⁸“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

Enjoy this little photographic walk down memory lane! A lot has changed in 11 years. We’ve moved from North Carolina to California to Florida to Maryland to Virginia and did a bit of international travel too. I wasn’t writing yet when we went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico but check out these posts for the highlight of our last decade; our dream trip to England and Scotland!