My DH 's enlistment in the Army will be up a year from November, so the decision about what to do after that has been weighing heavily on him. He is currently working to finish his bachelor's degree at Ozark Christian College through correspondence so that when his enlistment is up he can apply for the Chaplain Candidacy Program with the Army. This would mean a raise and more benefits because he would be an officer.
I don't love the idea of us staying in the military, but I don't hate it either. What I am really hoping for, though, is that the pay increase will enable us to find a place to live off-base (wherever they station us). Army housing has been great for us, and you can't beat the fact that they pay all utilities and make any repairs that are needed, but we've been smooshed up next to people for the last 4 years with almost no yard to speak of, no place for the kids to run, no garden spot and no privacy. We've lived in some beautiful places. Monterey, CA was gorgeous and high class. Hawaii is beautiful and temperate and exotic. But I miss the corn fields and cow pastures of the midwest. I miss the small town life where you see people you know everywhere you go. I miss swinging on the porch swing with a glass of tea in hand, watching the sun set.
Of course, even as a Chaplain, they could send us anywhere, with no guarantee of farmland nearby. If they do that, we'll just have to hold on until the next duty. I may not get my dream of a quiet spot in the midwest until DH retires, but at least with the Army that'll only be in 16 more years.
I can’t believe how fast the time has gone! It seems like it wasn’t that long ago that he was away at basic training, and he were all counting the days until the whole thing was over. My how things change! I know you are both stronger for the experience. We’ll pray for you all as you ponder and prepare for the future.
My sister and her husband (who is my husband’s brother! I married the youngest and she married the oldest) are just in the process of selling their house and moving…….again. This time at least they are very happy that they are moving closer to family. I’ll never totally understand because I don’t live it, but I know that for my sister Army life can be very hard. I’ll be praying for you too!