Well, the day that every military wife dreads has come and gone. Thursday, November 7th, my husband went on an overseas rotation for nine months. It has been the hardest three days I’ve had in a while.

My husband is my very best friend and my soulmate. We spend a good 80% of our time together I would say. That can seem alarming! However, we’ve both developed healthy habits and are not codependent on one another emotionally. We are still individuals, we’re just blessed enough to share a life together.

That doesn’t make this any easier. I’ve sobbed and not been able to sleep well. I’ve watch so many YouTube videos on how to get through deployments – they have great ideas that don’t seem to help.

A few things do keep me going though. My support system is outrageously amazing. I have the best family and mother-in-law in the world. I have so many precious friends – some in the same position. My pups are never far from me. I’ve started a few hobbies: crocheting, coloring, exercising again. They tend to take my mind off things.

And what keeps me going the most? Oh you guessed it! My precious friend Jesus. I am so blessed to know that the Lord put Andrew and me together. Who am I to question this? We all know that God never puts us in anything we can’t handle. I have prayed that He will stay close and Satan will stay far. That’s a promise He will always keep (well, all of His promises are kept).

Right before Andrew left, I whispered in his ear “Remember who will give you rest when you are weary and heavy burdened.” This was a reminder of my favorite Bible verse: Matthew 11:28: “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” That’s my Jesus right there! The one who carries our own burdens, weeps with us, and gives us rest.

At the end of the day, nine months will fly by. I look forward to the hugs and kisses in July, and everything will be okay. Another one of God’s promises!

For now, though, I’ll crochet, color, and exercise my heart away until I see my darling’s smiling face. Y’all take care as well – ttyl! 🙂