This week has been another emotional week for me. Joel left for Georgia last Sunday and right now we are not for sure when he will be able to return. Right now the class is until April, but we are hoping that is will be soon after Christmas. Then Monday comes and I get a call from my friend Aly who began to tell me of the F-16 that went down early that morning. The pilot was the husband of my dear friend, Ginger. At that time, no one knew many details and we were all holding on to the hope that Troy had survived. I was shaking with fear all day long. I immediately called Joel (who was still driving and not heard of any news) hysterical. There were so many things racing through my head....What? How? Why? I thought of Ginger and heir FIVE children. How was she taking the news? How would she tell her sons? I could barely eat that day. I stayed on the phone with friends wanting more answers. When I got in the bed that night and started to fall asleep, I didn't think it was fair that I was getting rest while my precious friend was going through turmoil.
The following day, Ginger was told that Troy had not survived(although he is still classified as
"Where-abouts unknown" last I checked). I still cannot imagine having to go through this. It is hard enough for me to deal with it just being a friend. Ginger has a tremendous faith in God (as did Troy) and I know that times will be hard but that she will be given the strength to carry on. That is why Troy chose her.
They have 2 sons and 3 daughters. Keep this family in your prayers along with all the other people that have lost loved ones in this war.

***

Today, my mom called and said she is flying in Monday!! She will be riding back with us to Mississippi. As for the rest of the holiday season, we don't know exactly how it will pan out. But we do know that we will make sure that we spend it with family.

***

The house is coming along. I took some pictures of the kids room and posted them below. The girls love their room! And we ended up decorating Luke's room in vintage planes (go figure). When we unpacked all our pictures, it made sense to use ones Joel had collected over the years. I think it looks nice. The rest of the house still needs some attention here and there, but it is good enough for now.