Erin's Orders

Well we received news last night that Erin leaves on Monday for the first part of her trek to Iraq. Sooner than we thought but that isn’t unusual either. She will be traveling out of Travis instead of the east coast like we had hoped. From there it is either a stop in Hawaii or in Japan. She figures Japan is the more likely of the two but is hoping for Hawaii. From there it is on to the sandbox.

Okay, I’ll admit it. I thought I was ready for the news but when I got her call it took all I had to not cry until after we hung up. Then there was no stopping me. But…..it was just those tears one cries when you are going to miss someone deeply. I know in my heart she will be okay and that God has her in His capable, loving hands. I trust that.

Erin is about to cross a threshold that I can not. She is about to experience things I will never be able to understand or comprehend. I’ll always be her mother and will always be here for her but now when I offer my shoulder it will lack the ability of having traveled the same road so I can offer insight. That is kind of a strange realization. But there is one thing that never will lack and that is my unconditional love for her. I think she knows that too.

So, we have been already planning on what kind of packages we will be sending her. She has made some requests for certain books and I am going to do my best to gather up the necessary items. She has come to the conclusion that if ever there were a time to read through some book series these next four months are it. She is always thinking.

Her thought process of what to accomplish with her four months has me doing the same. I told her I want to be 20 pounds lighter when she sees me when she gets home. A GOAL!!! I also have various projects that need completion so I am hoping to do that as well. It is VERY apparent to me that idleness will be my enemy while she is away so I need to stay busy!! The clock will slow to a crawl otherwise and it will be hard enough having her so far away.

Every day I will pray through Psalm 91 for my baby girl. It brings peace.

Psalm 91 NCV

Those who go to God Most High for safety

will be protected by the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "You are my place of safety and protection.

You are my God and I trust you."

God will save you from hidden traps

and from deadly diseases.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you can hide.

His truth will be your shield and protection.

You will not fear any danger by night

or an arrow during the day.

You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark

or sickness that strikes at noon.

At your side one thousand people may die,

or even ten thousand right beside you,

but you will not be hurt.

You will only watch

and see the wicked punished.

The Lord is your protection;

you have made God Most High your place of safety.

Nothing bad will happen to you;

no disaster will come to your home.

He has put his angels in charge of you

to watch over you wherever you go.

They will catch you in their hands

so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.

You will walk on lions and cobras;

you will step on strong lions and snakes.

The Lord says, "Whoever loves me, I will save.

I will protect those who know me.

They will call to me, and I will answer them.

I will be with them in trouble;

I will rescue them and honor them.

I will give them a long, full life,

and they will see how I can save."