Just Me and God :)

Josh and I met one night out. I was too shy so Joelle gave him my number. He called me mid week and when I called him back he was walking to sign his papers to join the Army. He signed with his little sister and Mom next to him. After I met him, I had no idea what the Army lifestyle entailed (even growing up as what my mom calls an "Air Force Brat"...but I think I stayed sheltered and never thought to ask the questions I ask today). I quickly learned after Josh left summer after summer....that this life was going to be a challenge. I fought very hard with both God and Josh to depart Josh and I's relationship. I told the Lord that I needed a relationship with someone who knew Him too....He kept telling me that things would work out. During the summer of 2006, Josh left for Japan (do attend another school) and I took off for Northstar camp for boys..Josh and I talked once a day for sometimes only 2-3 minutes. We both became very independent but the more time that when by Josh would tell me that he needed us and (with me pulling closer to God) I explained that he may not be the direction I can go. Josh told me to just TRUST him. When I returned home, Josh and I attended church together one Sunday. We came out and after we got in the car, I asked Josh what he thought. He let me know that while he was in Japan he came to know the Lord....I cried a lot and could not believe how much I doubted. At that moment in life, I learned the power of prayer and how amazing the Lord can be if you just trust Him.

Every time that Josh and I separated, I would thank the Lord that he wasn't going to a dangerous place. I would keep saying "at least it isn't Iraq." Yesterday morning, Josh left for the place I thought I would NEVER be okay with. Two days before I read that life is a Test and a Trust. I drove aways knowing that this girl was being challenged and I needed to just Trust my Test.

So although it is not a piece of cake, I am doing it. Yesterday I came home and got a few hours of sleep...after calling Joelle to cheer me up. I debated if I should call anyone because I was sad but I knew that she would be sad with me for a second and then focus on what was important. I had a very busy day and later made it out to enjoy the paper work of the military by trying to file claims....I would be happy if tomorrow not another sole told me "you need to keep this piece of paper."

The captains wife called me last night to see if I wanted to go to dinner with her. Shawna and I are heading to Garnish this weekend to ski...we are meeting two other officers there, but I told her that next week would work better. She was great to talk to...and told me that once people find out whose wife I am and that I am a nurse I will be stretched thin. She said I need to learn how to say no....I told her that that wasn't my best quality. :) I told her how excited Josh was and she said that they will keep him very busy once he gets downrange.

I was telling Shawna this morning that it is nice to be around people who are going through the same thing. It makes me think that life is never THAT bad and it can be what you make of it. She has a very good outlook on life and says that after she dated someone who's brother became paralzed she thought..."My family is in good health, I am still breathing, life is good." I liked that :)

So today I am ready to make some phone calls today (so get ready)....I am happy, so don't feel bad for me. I know some days are going to be really good and others not so great but I am pretty sure that is part of the Test.

I love you all and think you all are so great and supportive :)

Love,

Gretchen

Ps. Josh wrote this morning, he made it to his first stop (I don't think I can write the place on here). He hadn't slept yet but let me know that they have a few days before they start....so he was going to be doing a lot of reading and writing....hopefully love letters :).