tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34845352747891880342024-03-05T02:10:08.709-08:00Army Wife LoreneLorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-72497776453057602382013-09-05T09:11:00.001-07:002013-09-05T09:11:31.564-07:00A Return to the REAL World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had great intentions to make blog posts regularly, but realize I am not capable of more than 10 requirements at once. Therefore, something had to give and blog posting (along with other things) were set to the wayside. I am OK with this as Facebook has chronicled our lives in Europe and thus, is anyone really missing anything if they do not read my blog? Does anyone really care? Nope. But, it is a good way to remember where we have come from, where we are currently, and you guessed it, where we are headed.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, time is running out and so the post has to be short (for a change). I am currently seeking a position for next year when we leave the military and move on to the "real" world as people call it. But, frankly, what is the real world? Is it a world (especially the USA), where there is no concept of personal responsibility? Is it a world where the bigger is better? A world where "I have "rights" and you better respect them - because if you do not, I will litigate until you do?" That is not a world in which I am looking forward to returning.<br />
<br />
This world - the military and overseas world - is a world where we have no "rights" unless they are spelled out in a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). We cannot tell the Europeans how to run their businesses - we have to abide by their rules. We do not get to strike if we do not get what we want. We do not get to say "no" to a task that has been "ordered' of our husbands. Yet, in this world we have the most amazing people. Yes, there are some spoilers who do not get it, but overall, there are many who do. This life is REAL.<br />
<br />
This life reminds us daily what is important. It isn't about "me" or "us" or "they." It is about "Him." It is about being responsible with what we have been given. It is about caring about others more than caring about ourselves. Being a good neighbor.<br />
<br />
Well I have rambled on long enough. I hope to update the goings on of the Hutchinson clan soon. Until then "Tchuss"! </div>
Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-28902933250208682902012-08-14T06:27:00.001-07:002012-08-14T06:27:13.567-07:00SUMMER IS COMING TO A CLOSE :(I am in awe of the fact that when summer begins on June 14th, it seems to fly by, but when it starts the end of May, it seems to drag on. I cannot believe I am gearing up for another school year! But, I am truly excited that I will be teaching for Liberty University at the same time. Thankfully, Rachel will take a few classes at the high school (Patch American HS), Sarah will be home full time taking online courses with Liberty University Academy, and Zach will be in school full time (Robinson Barracks ES) so he can get speech services. I get the best of both worlds...homeschooling and public schooling. I am good with that for now!<br />
<br />
Greg continues to work so many hours we cannot even count them anymore. If he goes in at 7:30am and doesn't arrive home until close to 10pm, EVERY night, that would be like 14 1/2 hours right? That's 5 days a week and so that is like 75 hours...OH MY! That's just wrong. We went on an anniversary trip recently and for him to go, he had to stay in the office until 5am on the day we left...22 hours straight. Yeah, I am less than thrilled...as is he of course! But we did enjoy our anniversary trip to Scotland. What a beautiful countryside. The view from the plane was amazing. I wouldn't necessarily go back to Edinburgh, but I know my husband really wanted to check that off of his list of place to visit before we leave here. Given that he works so much, I wanted to bless him with "his choice" - Scotland wouldn't have been one of my top 100! But, I am glad we went, it was really nice to get away from kids and work and spend some good, quality time together. Scotland is worth it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidADrBGMp6Y93OFtYs93gKriHmAmT3ZTxc1NHXXGTAvxVDNTvhjHOKzdJIrrz6ocTZ8pz23vmqStgCcVg3d2WnaIu2QRQfdXu0TtMYV55J8ZDAvE7mHfl7zBnQF9C4VkpMxhubTTD_klO_/s1600/IMG_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidADrBGMp6Y93OFtYs93gKriHmAmT3ZTxc1NHXXGTAvxVDNTvhjHOKzdJIrrz6ocTZ8pz23vmqStgCcVg3d2WnaIu2QRQfdXu0TtMYV55J8ZDAvE7mHfl7zBnQF9C4VkpMxhubTTD_klO_/s320/IMG_3631.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Since my last blog post, which by the looks of it was like 10 months ago, we have encountered many challenges, triumphs, and struggles. All of them have caused us to grow. Whether we are able to reap those benefits right now, or later, they were worth the time spent. I am certain God will be using them to purify our hearts towards Him. I have been encouraged recently to pray "God whatever you need to do to me (or my family) to make me a woman after your heart, I am willing to walk through with you." This was the scariest prayer after reading so many books about the struggles of parents with children. I so don't want to walk a path of difficulty, but if that is the path I need to walk so that I can please Him...I WILL! Lord, I will!<br />
<br />
The children are doing well for the most part. As a parent, I have had a new respect for my parents in a way nothing could explain or teach except experience. I know it was a different time, but I don't think moms are different. How my parents were able to say good-bye to my brothers and sister boggles my mind. I always remembered the leaving, but never realized how the sadness could linger for so long. I don't look forward to a short 12 months from now when I launch another out of the house. Why didn't someone tell me about this part...I always thought the younger years were the hardest. NOPE. These are the hardest years hands down! Have I done enough? Have I taught them enough? Have I prepared them? Will they still want to have a relationship with the family after they are gone? Seeing that I have a relationship with my mom now and always have had, I am guessing it will be OK, right? Tell me it will be ok! <br />
<br />
In the last year we have visited Prague, France (went to see the Tour de France), Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, and Scotland. We are getting around! Berlin and Rome are next on the agenda! Pictures to follow. Until then, we enjoy what we have left of summer and get ready to launch our kids into a Senior in High School (Rachel), last year of Middle School (Sarah), and Fourth Grade (Zach). What fun it will be! Oh and Bekah is a senior in college...but at this point, she is already launched as she now lives in the states full-time and works herself through school!<br />
<br />
<br />
Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-11673899564418232522011-11-15T09:04:00.001-08:002011-11-15T09:50:21.895-08:00Home for now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div><br />
As I began to think through this post, I could not come up with a title. Usually the title is what gets me to write. Something significant stands out and I run with it, but for now the beautiful thing called normalcy has set over the family. The craziness just to get here, the chaos of living for weeks without our things, sending my daughter back to the states without us, and then getting settled in OUR home for the next 3 years has been accomplished. Now normal has begun!<br />
<br />
We have already had the joy of exploring parts of Europe. We have visited Florence, Italy through Switzerland! On our way home we stopped in Leichtenstein...the smallest country in the world - I believe. Greg and I went to London for the Bears vs. Bucs game in October. I went this weekend to France (Strasbourg) for lunch! How cool is that? So the benefits of living in Europe are starting to be felt! Prague is our next destination!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07N5pgkDnfsGpbNOG2wWetFrlIDJY6f-bKWVzFdb_x9kwYadXmLcXdB_xhTCSLs7_kVvn4q4scHQ94X0I-KDkYvY16eflftHhWkFIdVdxdnhea43WIsZCeFqJRi8XuKGBQjY9GXsAtgni/s1600/IMG_1313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07N5pgkDnfsGpbNOG2wWetFrlIDJY6f-bKWVzFdb_x9kwYadXmLcXdB_xhTCSLs7_kVvn4q4scHQ94X0I-KDkYvY16eflftHhWkFIdVdxdnhea43WIsZCeFqJRi8XuKGBQjY9GXsAtgni/s320/IMG_1313.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Having watched my kids go from "why are we here" or "I have no friends and I want to go back to the states" to rarely ever being home and having friends to invite over has warmed my heart. Tearing your kids away from the love of friends during the teen years just rips my heart out. I love the opportunities of moving often and seeing parts of the world and even the states that others have not seen, is such a blessing. But that blessing comes with many negatives.<br />
<br />
But isn't that the truth about life in general? Does everything go rosy for everyone all the time? When a new job - blessing - comes along, with it comes stresses/changes etc. When a new baby comes along - blessings - it brings stresses/changes like no sleep, extra worry, financial issues, etc. So I guess I get to show my children apart of life that some children may not experience until they are an adult. Maybe my children are just more prepared??? Let's hope so!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoT1SDu8K4i-ZTvwU-Ha9v6Ul0vAczUNgdZXHWsaBl_3PUlcjdmN1iDL-BEoucUxQJWj3Mz1Wc1mVwEvY0eXOeHR2Cf8BOkBInpT0CMe_Xhm5whGkTURfzTLQbURY2NJo_Ugr2OJw-Ch8/s1600/IMG_0811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoT1SDu8K4i-ZTvwU-Ha9v6Ul0vAczUNgdZXHWsaBl_3PUlcjdmN1iDL-BEoucUxQJWj3Mz1Wc1mVwEvY0eXOeHR2Cf8BOkBInpT0CMe_Xhm5whGkTURfzTLQbURY2NJo_Ugr2OJw-Ch8/s320/IMG_0811.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Since my last post, things have improved dramatically. Rachel worked her job, was the manager for the Volleyball team, earned her Varsity letter, and went to Homecoming with a date (her goal!) She has become even more responsible than I have ever seen her. She gets up really early to go into school early for extra help or to sell cupcakes for her Charity Water organization (they raise money to build wells in poor countries). She goes to Awana, Bible Study, and Youth Group regularly. She is well liked and loved (I know because as soon as someone finds out I am her mom, hey say, "Oh I love her!") Does a momma's heart good. I even asked her if she wanted to go to school full-time next year (she only needs to take like 2 classes) and she said YES! CRAZY girl wants to take more classes than needed just to be in school! Gotta love that.<br />
<br />
Sarah has been acclimating to her surroundings and I am learning that she is a home body! She LOVES to be home. If someone wants to come over - great! But if not, she is just happy being home. I am not forcing her out and about to different events because frankly, soon will come the time when she wants to be OUT like Rachel and I will miss it...so I am enjoying it now. She has a good friend, Katie, and they love being goofy together. She has made a few friends at school and that's been good, too. She had the opportunity to play volleyball after school but she only choose to do that once. She isn't into staying after school! Again, works for me!<br />
<br />
Zach has struggled more than the rest of us. Not to adjust to life here, but rather to adjust to life in school. He is showing those K behaviors like "running to get THE spot on the rug" while simultaneously knocking children over to get there. Whoops. Then when something is passed out in class, Zach is jumping over others to get HIS. Not good. The teacher already called me in for a meeting. YIKES! We are working on our self control. He did have his retainer/expander removed and then a new one replaced. The new one totally takes up his mouth and he has a device he wears during bed that is supposed to stretch his front teeth over his bottom teeth (a protractor). Poor kid! But he has fared pretty well despite his challenges!<br />
<br />
Bekah is in the states and seemingly doing well. I would love if she would consider coming to Germany/France to go to Georgia Tech! They have a campus in France about 2 hours from here. How cool would that be??? So we will see if she wants to do that. She is at the age where she gets to decide how to spend her semesters. Oh to go back to the time when I made all her decisions. She would never be allowed to leave! LOL I love my kiddos.<br />
<br />
Greg and I even started leading in Awana...something we have never done. We are also both scout leaders! Greg is the community chairperson for the area Boy Scout Troop/Den (Zach is a Bear) and I am a Cadette Girl Scout leader. We are attending the International Baptist Church which is really neat as we get to worship with Germans, Americans, and those of other races/cultures! I love it. We are feeling like this is HOME for right now and that makes life more normal.Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-36976737267049482442011-09-19T23:49:00.001-07:002011-09-20T00:15:05.732-07:00Our New Normal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVPGI7Ig34YDuFqRDdo_KHRRgBvRH4_F5EUdLNL5WwOUYYGsiBaKimwG5TuoJyUGkiTb82WmCd2RFgHnmDNB5bTpUt13Y7j7pShW_prTN3lRmgm6z3YgkikarUbj4O6rvsFO3urn0m14p/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVPGI7Ig34YDuFqRDdo_KHRRgBvRH4_F5EUdLNL5WwOUYYGsiBaKimwG5TuoJyUGkiTb82WmCd2RFgHnmDNB5bTpUt13Y7j7pShW_prTN3lRmgm6z3YgkikarUbj4O6rvsFO3urn0m14p/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" /></a></div>
I can't even describe how I have felt over the last two months. Today is the two month anniversary of our arrival into this great country called Germany. Due to the nature of this move, it seems like it is eons ago we were sitting in a hotel room wondering if we would ever get quarters. Eating out every meal (except for the great breakfast at the Marriott) was just frustrating. The refrigerator in the room was smaller than the one I took to college (30 years ago!) The rooms were not adjoining so we spent a lot of time in the halls between rooms attempting to keep our cooped up children in check. Then there was the parking in the garage for sardines. Seriously, these people have the smallest cars and smallest parking spaces. I guess they aren't used to the machines we call vehicles. Seriously, our cars in the states are ridiculously huge and total gas guzzlers. At about $8.50 USD for an equivalent gallon of gas, I think our cars in the states would definitely start getting smaller. Americans are spoiled with cheap gas prices, big warehouse stores, and grocery choices. Yes, grocery choices. The food here is found in stores like Aldi, Norma, Kaufland, and Rewe which all have limited quantity, choices, and supplies. Now the things missing in America are the good old fashioned bakeries. Or Bakerei here in Germany! Oh my, they are fabulous. And Donner or Kebap (kind of like a gyro) restaurants. So yummy! But I digress.... oh and chocolate. My goodness it is SO good over here. I need to get my friend's addresses and send them some of this chocolate monthly. It will take all your cares away!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwnrLe1yfNYU9UKuDPry5FPgGfOeP10FH1i5qet-Pv3Yntt0KbRvpBqq6qDvsF1GJgoK3Cp3_aMkDm9aUvKFkZBeIuKCK2bqSbulHvekho8TSrxvb8QlJRi0Ez_hYsIdfq9JOrahL0SAx/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwnrLe1yfNYU9UKuDPry5FPgGfOeP10FH1i5qet-Pv3Yntt0KbRvpBqq6qDvsF1GJgoK3Cp3_aMkDm9aUvKFkZBeIuKCK2bqSbulHvekho8TSrxvb8QlJRi0Ez_hYsIdfq9JOrahL0SAx/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" /></a></div>
The emotions that we have endured since our move here are all over the place. With Bekah being here, going to France with Rachel for 5 days, getting ready to go back to the states for school, to Rachel going to volleyball camp, starting a new job, going to school for the first time in her life, getting on the volleyball team - oh wait, no she didn't - that's another story.... Then there is Sarah going to school part-time, making some good friends, starting girl scouts and youth group, to Zach going to school full-time, becoming a Boy Scout for the first time in his life, and learning how to manage all of this has created a roller coaster of emotions which very well might derail by the end of this blog entry.
Bekah is all settled at school and working to finish up the last of about 3 semesters before she graduates. Her time here was limited but we wanted to make it as eventful as possible. Not to mention the fact that we wanted to get out of the hotel. So, we went off to Munich and saw some cool things there and then to Dachau concentration camp. Truly an awe inspiring place. These people endured so much and yet still had faith. There are four churches on this site now and the protestant church even has service on this site every Sunday. How incredible to still have faith after so many people were massacred there because they didn't agree with one man's view of the world and how it should be! Truly these are grounds in which to tread with reverence. She also had a chance to go to Paris with Rachel for 5 days. The events they experienced as sisters will never be forgotten. But I was a bit uneasy with my two beautiful daughters off to Paris without an "adult" - even though Bekah is truly an adult, I still see her sometimes as my little inchworm! A number of other things happened with Bekah that won't be written down for eternity...but caused intense emotions, but also brought some things to light that needed to be brought into THE light! All good, but all exhausting! Rachel who is usually pretty easy going and goes with the flow, struggled the most with this move. Understandably, as she left good friends in GA but also because she is at a rough age to meet new people. So, she wanted to go to school, first to experience it, but also to try to make friends quickly. Oh and yes, she definitely wanted to play volleyball. During the 2nd week of August (after her return from Paris), she went off to volleyball camp for a week. She quickly learned that she was an "outsider" and that to become an insider, they needed to put you through some tests so to speak. Outside of attempting to make her feel bad that she was a "virgin" they shunned her because she didn't cuss, drink, swear, or have her first kiss. One girl said, "Wow, I feel like a ho-bag sitting next to a girl who hasn't done anything." Another girl said, "Oh don't worry about not being a drinker - that'll change here since you can drink at 16." Lovely set of girls to hang around, eh? Tryouts for volleyball were on Monday (or so we thought - as the flyer said "Tryouts begin on Monday at 1530 to 1700")- what does that mean to you? Did you understand that to mean that the tryouts are ALL WEEK? Not us either...but after figuring that out Monday at 1700 Rachel asked coach about missing a practice or two during the week since she had to work and didn't know tryouts were all week. He said, "Oh not a problem - I saw you today and you will probably make a team - Don't know if it will be Varsity or J/V, but you'll make a team" - this was said in front of another parent, too! Hmmm.... OK.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXq-v-sDHwKgqxNLov9iX3GwTdFXafNZFc_NSG_NnRA6l9y2RSYjnWlthilMlJUFuefvBFc3qRasxc_xx8BkfyXIgY9GJPTC5gtM5hD2QTTMTXGeuPBAY5Cav0fMySxXwIzdNwzcwRRLS/s1600/IMG_0333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXq-v-sDHwKgqxNLov9iX3GwTdFXafNZFc_NSG_NnRA6l9y2RSYjnWlthilMlJUFuefvBFc3qRasxc_xx8BkfyXIgY9GJPTC5gtM5hD2QTTMTXGeuPBAY5Cav0fMySxXwIzdNwzcwRRLS/s320/IMG_0333.JPG" /></a></div>
Rachel missed practice on Thursday and after practice on Friday the first cuts were made. Rachel was cut. She was mortified. She went to him in tears and asked him what she could do to improve to make it the next year. He saw the look on her face and immediately realized he had made a mistake and forgot to add her name to the list (since she was absent the day before). After he realized what emotional upheaval he had caused, he said, "Oh I am sorry. And since I put you through that, let me let you in on some information. You will be on my Varsity team!" WOW! She was so excited. That weekend we went out to purchase all her volleyball stuff and then the list for Varsity came out on Wed and guess what...??? PSYCH! Nope. Her name wasn't on the list. REALLY ??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The next day the list came out for J/V and NOPE her name wasn't on that either. Oh my word - this was unbelievable. We were in complete shock. How could a person do this to an adolescent? I couldn't fathom what he had done. The emotional rollercoaster almost flew off the tracks at that point. I was needing an intervention! Rachel has stayed on with the team as their manager so that she can condition with them and workout as much as possible. But also to stay close to a game she loves. Her heart is so sweet and tender and she holds no animosity towards this coach. She continues to amaze me as I would like to hurt him. But I have allowed her the space to deal with this on her own! She is doing well in her courses and seems to love her job. Oh wait, that's another story too. She is getting sexually harassed at work and doesn't even realize it. Had to teach her about that too!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnFYV7H48Z4t8POEkzR1Mpm8i6mBb3-12LkvDvapoujBOU1wy-_XpLoO6Rl3wkkjy7X3Px2Z_NkOZf1maqKGRRm_hnWnHy-W4KhA8cS_mvBHMD35gU27tCGNbGiXZMwCA7vxx9XXVRaur/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnFYV7H48Z4t8POEkzR1Mpm8i6mBb3-12LkvDvapoujBOU1wy-_XpLoO6Rl3wkkjy7X3Px2Z_NkOZf1maqKGRRm_hnWnHy-W4KhA8cS_mvBHMD35gU27tCGNbGiXZMwCA7vxx9XXVRaur/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" /></a></div>
Sarah keeps us busy with going to school, homeschooling, girl scouts etc. She is doing very well with this move and seems to take a lot of the punches we endure in stride. I am so proud of her and grateful that she is happy go lucky and willing to experience whatever is thrown at her. Same with Zach. Although he is learning some really tough life lessons, he is definitely handling most of them very well. It is evident that Zach doesn't like authority or to be told what to do that is contrary to what he wants to do. sounds like a kid right? Well, he can take it 5 steps beyond that with some doozy temper tantrums, but all in all he is manageable and we are getting accustomed to our new normal. That's it for now. I will save a blog entry for Greg and my updates!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-48518268661572745282011-08-05T11:42:00.000-07:002011-08-05T11:50:38.250-07:00A blast from the blindsideNever saw that one coming. I have prided myself (that always causes problems when one prides themselves on something) on looking ahead and seeing what is to come, but no one could have prepared me for this one.<br /><br />I won't get into the specifics because in actuality, those specifics don't really matter. What matters more, is recognizing what it is. Sin. Simple as that. When I realized that I didn't see it coming, it was because I wasn't on the look out for sin like I am supposed to be. Been in all the classes, have the tee-shirt kind of thing, I know to be on the lookout for sin. But, complacency had set in. I have sat in that easy chair of life and kicked back believing that my sights were aimed in all the right directions and all I had to do was just pull the lever so I could sit up straight in my easy chair and then blast them with whatever weapon I currently had at my disposal. However, not every sin uses the same weapon. I didn't see the enemy come in this shape ever before and my weapon that I used on other sins I saw in my sight was not adequate for this one! I needed the Word of God and frankly, my past weapon has been my insight and knowledge ABOUT scripture, instead of scripture proper.<br /><br />But now I am prepared. Well, maybe not prepared, but rather preparing... I am constantly on the lookout now and my bazooka (the Word of God) is aimed in the right direction. This is going to be a battle. A battle of epic proportion. A battle I intend to win since the right weapon will now be employed. Thank you Father for equipping ME - all of us - with your Word. THE sword for battle. The rest of the armor is going on and I am going in. Back me up people...I will need the support.Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-59648745542193487762011-07-24T12:54:00.000-07:002011-07-24T13:30:14.086-07:00On the other side of the Atlantic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEG4PasQVO4_LoG_A6CTHNYxoS7dqRogExwl0O6RqDd-B3nwSYXk-BLco0KpH0XfbcemZtx_a4mDD3uQ5ULySfu2pIIk8ai5Arp1puQ9zgrUdMs8x3G2Z6lHusjqlWz447PnXXdO-GhF5/s1600/278396_10150251126038036_651068035_7776367_5772638_o%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnEG4PasQVO4_LoG_A6CTHNYxoS7dqRogExwl0O6RqDd-B3nwSYXk-BLco0KpH0XfbcemZtx_a4mDD3uQ5ULySfu2pIIk8ai5Arp1puQ9zgrUdMs8x3G2Z6lHusjqlWz447PnXXdO-GhF5/s320/278396_10150251126038036_651068035_7776367_5772638_o%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633018843722960770" /></a><br /><br /><br />I cannot believe it has actually happened. I can say that I have lived in Germany! You don't know how jealous I have been over the last 20 years hearing other Army wives go on and on about their time overseas, and I have to sit there and listen to it, all the while wishing I could participate in the discussion. Not because I needed to be apart of the conversation, but I had always figured, if my husband had to be in the military and was gone all the time, I should at least get a bit of the benefit of living in an exotic place! But NOOOOO, he always had some stupid job that was related to homeland defense, and how often can people do homeland defense if they aren't IN the homeland? So, I have sat through numerous events with spouses who talk about their trips all over Europe and how they would say, "Oh when you get to go, you'll love...blah blah blah!" Yeah, well, I thought our opportunity was gone. We are nearing our final duty station and I figured the chances were nil. But, I was wrong again - such a naysayer I am!<br /><br />Finally after 20 years...we are here. In beautiful Stuttgart. I no longer feel that the rug will be pulled out from underneath us, like I did just 1 short week ago. I kept thinking this couldn't really be happening. Even after our first shipment left in June along with my car, I still believed it would all be sent back because it was a big mistake. It was a horrible feeling to think every call or email was going to be the one that pulled the plug on my overseas happiness opportunity! It is all about me isn't it? Greg has sacrificed so much to give this to me and for that I am eternally grateful. He has been my rock - especially through the terrible times we have had getting here. I don't think I could have done this without him, nor would I have wanted to.<br /><br />The signs were on the wall that this wasn't going to be an easy move back in June. Up to that point, things had worked quite well. Bekah's passport was expired, and the soonest we could get an appointment to get one ordered was late in May. But the post office lady said, "Go to the courthouse in Atlanta because no one really knows they do them there!" Sure enough, we walked in, walked to the window, filled out the form, and BAM, 7 days later had a passport in our hands (didn't even expedite it!) But, within a few weeks, Greg got the news that the entire family was required to have military passports...WHAT!? How do we get those in a short time span (we were only about 6 weeks out from travel)? We went to the newly opened passport office on Fort McPherson and the woman there assured us that she could expedite and get them to us in 4-6 weeks! REALLY??? Seriously...that's like way too close for us. but she did the expedite letter and we were hopeful. Well in about a week and a half the 3 girls passports arrived and we wiped our brow believing Zach and mine would be following behind. Day after day we waited and waited to find nothing returned to the passport office. THese are military passports so you can't just call the local passport office or check online. In speaking with the passport office we asked when we could check on them. She said we'd have to wait FOUR weeks from the time they were sent out! WHAT?! So I dutifully waited the 4 weeks and then at 4 weeks showed up at her office. <br /><br />She then thought that an email status inquiry was the best way to get information! REALLY??? Why not a call, I don't know. This was a Thurs. Friday afternoon she still had no response. We are now only 7 business days from travel. Monday we learn that the passport agency wants my and Zach's tourist passports. Now we have NO way to leave the country. But I dutifully surrendered to their request. She shipped them on Tues. They were received on Wed. But I didn't know this at the time. I contacted the passport lady and she basically told me to just wait and she'd start calling around to the people she knew to get a status check. Thurs was a crazy day of moving so I didn't call but on Friday I went into her office and left her a note that I needed to know what whas going on. She came back and said, "Oh, we haven't received anything so I guess it isn't coming today!" She went on to add..."You and your son may have to leave separately!" WHAT? Are you CRAZZZYYYY!!!???<br /><br />So Friday I went into overdrive and began the process of contacting my Senator, Marco Rubio, in FL, who kicked it into high gear and flew through the process of helping me get my passports. I had to sign releases, fax them over, and then have Greg do the same. Within hours we had information about the location of the passports and that they had been returned for a special stamp (Zach is adopted from China). By Monday however, we still didn't know if they would be able to get the passport to me by Tues morning (the day we were to fly), but by 2pm - the workers in DC were walking my passports between agencies and getting the appropriate stamp and getting it FedEx-ed to me by the next day! At 10:30am I tracked the package to Fort McPherson. At 11:15am I had the passports in my hand.<br /><br />That is the passport saga. DURING this same time frame, we had issues with shipping our second vehicle. The second vehicle was to be shipped out of Charleston SC. But the paperwork necessary to get the shipping documents was being held up due to a miscommunication by Germans as to what was actually needed to ship the vehicle. By Wed, all the documents had been fedex-ed to me and I was able to scan and copy all that was needed. All I had to do was call on Friday for an appointment on Monday to drop the car off at the port. Oh remember the problems with the passport on Friday??? I was stuck on the phone freaking out about that, I forgot to make the required drop off appointment in Charleston. Bekah and Greg drove down the night before and just prayed the port would have Grace and Mercy at the door - She was there! Grace allowed the car to be shipped and all is good!<br /><br />Shortly before all of this saga, the household goods shipment nightmare occurred. I won't even go into that crazy situation. I don't want to rehash it as it makes me sick to my stomach. Suffice it to say if Allied ever comes near my home again, God help them. <br /><br />I am grateful we have weathered this storm. Or should I say hurricane. It was a whirlwind of excitement but it is all good now as I lay my head on this side of the Atlantic. All worth it? So far so good.Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-26588735528144507292011-01-12T14:39:00.001-08:002011-01-12T14:59:32.928-08:00BE QUIET AND WAIT!November and December of 2010 in Atlanta was filled with many different emotions. In November, the weekends were filled with me jet setting about the country. The 2nd weekend was filled with a spiritual high going to PWOCI Conference. This is a conference that brings together PWOCers from all over the US every 2 years. It is a time of spiritual renewal and a mix of emotions ending with a spiritual high. Upon returning from the mountain top, the next weekend was filled with a trip to Orlando with the family for a Reintegration conference (soldiers returning to family life after time overseas!) The family enjoyed some much needed bonding time at Disney and then in a wonderful 4 star hotel! It was definitely a fun time. I turned around 3 days later to get into the car for a trip to FL for Thanksgiving. Bekah flew in from Charleston and we drove to Venice with the rest of the family. We had a quick few days together and then Greg and I turned around and got on another plane to Aruba.<br /><br />Aruba was the trip designed to celebrate 20 years of marriage. I don't think we should have ever come home! It was really a great trip. We enjoyed the company of good friends (Mark & Laura McCatty) who endured the coastal waterways and beautiful southern breezes with us. Scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, hot tubs, and bocci ball were the highlights of the trip! Oh yeah and barracuda. Man that was the tastiest treat ever!<br /><br />After returning back to reality on the 6th of December, an 8 hour trip back home was waiting for us! The kids enjoyed their time with grandma and grandpa but were definitely ready to get into that car and get home. I guess Gma and Gpa didn't take them out of the house except for two trips to WalMart. They were a bit stir crazy!<br /><br />After our arrival back to Atlanta, Bekah came home from school a few days later, and Grandpa George arrived for a 3 week stay. It was just crazy here. Grandpa needed some entertainment so we set him up with a computer at the table. He would play "Sparkle" (his way of addressing the game Farkle on Facebook!) and check his bank balance each day (sometimes multiple times a day). He appeared to have deteriorated or maybe just given up on life being anything but eating and sleeping. Kind of reminded me of babyhood. That is pretty much what my kiddos did in their first months of life...seems like grandpa is just waiting for him time to "check out." It's actually kind of sad. I definitely don't want to be unproductive through my later years. I want to stay active and alert - being involved in my grandchildren's lives. <br /><br />Christmas came and it actually snowed here in Atlanta. Apparently that hasn't happened in over 100 years! So we had a very pretty White Christmas in Atlanta 2010. Since our Thanksgiving dinner was held at the American Legion in FL, we didn't have a real dinner. So, I made the whole kit and kaboodle for Christmas. What a nice night.<br /><br />December 29th Grandpa left for home but within days (the 31st) the house had another addition - Rob. Bekah's boyfriend came for the Passion 2011 conference held in Atlanta at the Phillips Arena. What an amazing time of spiritual renewal - AGAIN! I was blessed with not only one conference in two months but TWO! YAY ME!<br /><br />Not completely certain how the conference affected the 2 of them, but I believe we will see if it has done anything by watching the actions of the two of them over the next few months! Much of the conference talked about the balance between what we believe and what we do. Is there consistency? So, we'll see!<br /><br />The dissertation is coming along. In October 2010 I passed comprehensive exams and became a doctoral candidate. I have been working on my proposal/prospectus since then and am getting closer to completion! UGH. If only....<br /><br />We are also believing we will be moving to Germany. Just waiting for those orders. As usual...we will know when they tell us. So be quiet, hurry up, and wait!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-50758577416210569362010-05-31T13:42:00.000-07:002010-05-31T17:07:35.161-07:00MAY 2010 IS NOT THE MAY 2010 WE HAD PLANNED!May 15, 2010 was supposed to be the day that Rachel and Rebekah began their training as lifeguards. They had already been hired on by Sweetwater Pools as lifeguards under the idea that they were trained and ready for the opening day at the pool to which they were assigned (Fairfield subdivision). The girls had already been to the Introduction to Sweetwater/Training the Saturday prior and were really very excited about what the summer was going to hold for them. Then came May 15, 2010...<br />The girls took off early that morning to arrive at Eagles Landing Country Club Pool for their first day of training. They had worked the week before at the pool on post with the lifeguard, Daisy, who was helping them prepare for the prerequisites they had to accomplish before even being considered capable of being trained. The girls had to be able to swim 300m and then they had to save a "brick" from the bottom of the pool in 1 min 30 seconds. They trained with Daisy the weeks before the actual test on May 15. I was so nervous for both of them but knew they could do it.<br /><br />I wasn't there, but Bekah kept me up to date via texting that they had arrived and gotten the testing started. Shortly thereafter, I got a text that both of them had survived the swim and were doing well (although Rachel had a few issues with her swim she passed!) A bit later I get another text that says Rachel failed the "saving of the brick" because she took in too much water as she was trying to swim back to the wall. She apparently got out of the pool, threw the brick down and yelled, "that kid would have died." I felt so bad for her. She takes this stuff so seriously and really gets mad when she doesn't do well, or could have hurt someone. She is so sensitive. Thankfully, they allowed her to do it again once she had herself back together and she passed with flying colors in 1 min 20 seconds! Bekah had already passed and she was just hanging out waiting for everyone else to finish.<br /><br />Then the training in the pool began and all seemed to be going well. Until they learned to jump off the lifeguard stand. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFCJb1UCxpZAum4pvF7PdXT2BDiYayFlNc8fXb87p4Z-1SuQvmNw1x1QcYC0q6pe-LSB7dEhYxnnMJnhTf991E9zCi63KODMgkvND803a86lp0eg-03ZVtng7QLJtI_McD3LWcNUu4RC5/s1600/SDC11098.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFCJb1UCxpZAum4pvF7PdXT2BDiYayFlNc8fXb87p4Z-1SuQvmNw1x1QcYC0q6pe-LSB7dEhYxnnMJnhTf991E9zCi63KODMgkvND803a86lp0eg-03ZVtng7QLJtI_McD3LWcNUu4RC5/s320/SDC11098.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477554210678890386" /></a> Bekah was the 5th to go and the first 2 apparently jumped straight out and off the stand and once hitting the bottom, popped up and said, "I hit my butt" - meaning on the bottom of the pool. So, the lifeguard trainer told the kids to begin jumping off to the side in "deeper" water (about 4 to 4 1/2 feet). I guess someone else complained that their ankles hurt and then it was time for Bekah to go. She did what she was asked to do, and hit the bottom of the pool. When she popped out of the water, she said, in a seemingly calm voice, "I just broke my leg." They didn't believe her until she said it again. So they all jumped in to save her. Yep. Leg was broken! Funny - the remaining kids were told to continue jumping off the stand, including Rachel, who also stated that her ankles hurt when she jumped off! So why o why did the jumping continue?<br /><br /><br />Anyway, I was called and thankfully I was only a few miles away. Arriving on the scene, it was quite evident that the leg was either broken or dislocated and so I called for EMS to take her to Henry Medical Center. X-rays confirmed the worst fears that it was broken and the doctor added - you will need surgery for a plate and screws.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE40MZYqh9HHqnf3yzh7ZmMQKyLYaSUgPBggi5MBc_H8sFiRT0n5YK3-hZpLmfHqIwYg30EUn1RGI_z5f__03zP0cBE7VzUL0tAy93iPeC4dVmBDUpbsiaSW_tUhHGBKgQFH6GoWH4p_l/s1600/SDC11103.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE40MZYqh9HHqnf3yzh7ZmMQKyLYaSUgPBggi5MBc_H8sFiRT0n5YK3-hZpLmfHqIwYg30EUn1RGI_z5f__03zP0cBE7VzUL0tAy93iPeC4dVmBDUpbsiaSW_tUhHGBKgQFH6GoWH4p_l/s320/SDC11103.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477554807741026386" /></a><br /><br />So, a week later, Bekah had surgery and is now recovering in a lime green cast. No job of lifeguarding. No job of working Chick Fil A. No fun in this summer that was planned way differently than what we have in front of us.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjQRS-QF3i_rUZXPMN1R-SV1po_a5ATSAQhUBf0M4dV-6e4FQ4ScDzoqGsaRdj8_OvUwxGLd3ghb29PlNVEsewLFh97sdSlkAnzQWYoHXEVOO8-vLZwnneFIYLSKg9fgNQhLMVrTK9pkE/s1600/SDC11197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjQRS-QF3i_rUZXPMN1R-SV1po_a5ATSAQhUBf0M4dV-6e4FQ4ScDzoqGsaRdj8_OvUwxGLd3ghb29PlNVEsewLFh97sdSlkAnzQWYoHXEVOO8-vLZwnneFIYLSKg9fgNQhLMVrTK9pkE/s320/SDC11197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477589924636653330" /></a><br /><br />Thus, I ask the Lord - what is the deal? Why this? Why now? I got nothing. But then some things did hit me. I don't believe the break occurred for this purpose, but I believe the Lord will use this as an opportunity to teach. Bekah is not the most humble person and hates to ever ask anyone to help her. She would rather kill herself trying to do it on her own than humbly admit she can't do something and ask for someone to assist her. This has been her opportunity. <br /><br />Also, Bekah has her ideas about what she was going to do this summer and when and how. That has all been thwarted by this unforeseen circumstance and she has an opportunity to learn how to handle life when it throws you a major curve ball. You can choose to complain all day and all night (which she did there for a bit) or you can live peacefully with the event/situation and ask what you can learn about yourself through the process. She hasn't quite made it to the latter yet. We are still working on the not complaining part!<br /><br />God can use interruptions in our lives to teach us many things. But, if we are too stubborn to sit still and wait to hear what He has to say or teach, we miss out on some life lessons that could really help us in the future. If we truly believe that God is in everything, knows everything that happens, and wants what is best for us, then how can we not step back when life throws us a curve and ponder what He has in store for us? I want to be the first to say, "OK God, clearly I wasn't listening before and now you need my attention - Here it is! Tell me!" I am praying that for Bekah!<br /><br />Rachel has gone on to begin lifeguarding and is doing a fabulous job. She has already in just a few short days, been thrown some curves of her own (people climbing over fences to get in to the pool she was guarding), and she has handled them with grace and dignity. I am proud of what she is becoming!<br /><br />Sarah and Zach are doing well despite the craziness in the house. The continue working on their school after having said goodbye to dear friends, Shelby and Janlyn. Zach will say goodbye to Ethan and David this summer. This is truly the May 2010 we hadn't planned for!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-80821693886519089712010-04-20T17:44:00.000-07:002010-04-20T18:08:00.168-07:00TO GERMANY AND BACK 2010Amazing to think that I have been home from Germany for over 2 weeks now. What an experience. <br /><br />Back in December 2009, with Greg overseas, I thought - wouldn't it be fun to go and visit with Greg in Germany rather than him coming home. I knew that if he came home, he would be immersed in working on chores around the house, going into work to shoot the breeze, and then family trying to get him to come and visit. So, I thought, let's meet in Germany instead. The kids and I would take a hop on a military aircraft and meet him across the pond.<br /><br />Well, we started to plan in January and had most of the things taken care of by the middle of February. What a blessing to go over there and see Europe with the kids and Greg. Wow! <br /><br />Friends had taken a military hop before we did and so they gave us some hints. Fearing that we would not get out on the first plane, we decided to start our attempts at travel on Sunday, March 14, with hopes of being there by Friday, March 19. So, we drove Rebekah back to college in Charleston, SC and went right to the Air Force base. Amazingly, the airman asks, "Are you ready to go right now?" Of course I said, "Yes!" and we were booked on the next flight to leave in approximately 45 minutes! Mind you, we have no definite place to stay once we arrive in Germany but I didn't care - just get me there! <br /><br />We arrived after about 13 hours inside a C17 aircraft filled with material for the war effort. What an experience that was! I walked over to the Ramstein Inn to ask if there was room, and viola, a room for 2 nights was available. Needing 3, I figured we would do whatever necessary to get the 3rd night later - I just wanted to find a bed and melt in it. We then went over to the long term parking lot to find a car that our friends were going to lone us while in Germany - found it. However, the car was as dead as a doornail. Looking helpless and a mess from the 13 hour flight (and no sleep) a nice soldier started to help me jump it. It was very difficult to jump as it had been quite dead for some time...I, believing I would be helping with the effort, decided to get out of the car so as to not leave the door open. You see the door being open was leaving the lights on. Lo and behold, the door closes and guess what? The keys are in the car, along with my purse, and it is now LOCKED! Three to 4 more soldiers now arrive to help the helpless, woman and her 3 kids. Doing everything they can, they work to no avail. Finally, someone calls the German equivalent of AAA. They arrive and save the day! I have no idea who is footing the bill for that one as they kept asking me if I have American Auto Association. I do -so, I showed him the card, and he just graciously nodded. Hopefully my friend won't get too large a bill - they did take her license number.<br /><br />We proceed to our room and enjoy the beautiful 4 bedroom accommodations. Once we were on normal time, we began to explore the area. However, we soon found out that we were not allowed to drive my friend's car because of a long, long, long story...suffice it to say, it was nightmarish - but I made friends with some of the men in the Custom's office. They knew me by name the next time we came in! :)<br /><br />We waited out the next few days having survived another day in a different room on the 3rd night. The 4th night we were picked up by a friend who lives in Heidelberg. She brought us over to her house, took us out to dinner, and even lent us her car! Greg arrived the next day from his flight into Frankfurt, Germany. He took the train down the Heidelberg and we enjoyed the reunion. Julie, our Heidelberg friend, graciously took us around and helped us in so many ways. What a blessing she is!<br /><br />That afternoon we scampered down to Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the Bavarian countryside = WHAT A TREAT! Gorgeous views of the Alps. We truly enjoyed our stay at Edelweiss in both the cabins and the lodge. It was an amazing place to be in a beautiful location.<br /><br />We toured Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg - of course, Germany. Just the best trip ever! Sound of Music tour, Dachau concentration camp, Munich, Neuschwanstein castle, and bobsled run. So many things to remember. A great trip was had by all. I would love to go back and live there!<br /><br />What did I learn from all of this? God answers prayer. We asked to be waiting in Germany for Greg instead of waiting on this side of the pond - Yes. We asked to have a great trip with little hassle - Yes. We asked to have a holiday together (Easter) - Yes. We asked that we would be able to return without difficulty (first flight out) - Yes. Just so many yeses by our God. He was there through all of it. I am in awe of his mercy and grace to us. We are SO undeserving and I am the most undeserving. He showed Himself and I got to see His Handiwork. Thank you GOD.Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-38841244715801143612010-01-14T17:20:00.000-08:002010-01-14T17:34:06.192-08:00"SUCK IT UP, CUPCAKE!"2010 is here! It seems like only yesterday we were saying good-bye to Greg and now it will be 3 months on Saturday that he has been in country (Kuwait). The thought of all of the milestones Greg is going to miss is looming over my head these past few days. I guess it all came about when we thought we were going to be together at Easter in Germany. Then Greg told me that he is actually leaving from Germany one day before Easter! I would be sitting in Germany on Easter in a hotel room with the kids, and nowhere to go. I got frustrated and angry! I was thinking - why would the only holiday out of the year that Greg would actually be with us, we screwed up the dates and it won't happen!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8KuyKwhfjlwqec1lfZPFac5n5vpVf5Knk6B0ChgG41lPUbYz0evgFpXOmtvgJmh07l8Q-5dYUWKtknijliYOld_tDNgxKWFxz3AMwE9o0Ra-EfOZ5cbaF5Tm3yaLdM-5uK6rNRdbZ2L8/s1600-h/SANY1564.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8KuyKwhfjlwqec1lfZPFac5n5vpVf5Knk6B0ChgG41lPUbYz0evgFpXOmtvgJmh07l8Q-5dYUWKtknijliYOld_tDNgxKWFxz3AMwE9o0Ra-EfOZ5cbaF5Tm3yaLdM-5uK6rNRdbZ2L8/s320/SANY1564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426773777974635394" /></a><br /><br />This got me to go into a pity party over the many other milestones. In about a month, Rebekah, our first born, will be turning 18. Greg will miss this milestone. Not that there is anything special planned for that day (although I did think of a few things)...but Greg wouldn't be here to participate in it. But I decided not to go further. The thought of all the milestones was too hard for me to bear, and I realized that I am whining.<br /><br />A good friend of mine told me that one time a military spouse was complaining to her husband and he flat out said, "Suck it up, cupcake!" So, I am sucking it up and going to stop my pity party and maybe even eat a cupcake! LOL<br /><br />As we begin our new study in PWOC called Esther by Beth Moore, I came to realize that even in this - God is there. Although we cannot see him, or even hear his name, He is there in all of this. So, I am grateful for this time in the desert to really see what God would like to do with me - a lowly wretch of a woman with a heart for the Lord.<br /><br />May the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob be the focus of my 2010. May I see the positive in what the Lord is doing, even when I don't understand. May I rest in Him even when I don't feel His presence! Come on 2010, Bring it on!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-39727143699285961952009-12-24T20:54:00.000-08:002009-12-24T21:13:54.118-08:00TWO MONTHS DOWN - LESS THAN TEN TO GO!In 5 minutes it will be Christmas in Atlanta, GA. I am more than blessed in many ways and then in others, I have to wonder what I did wrong to deserve. I am partly kidding, but in some ways, not so much.<br /><br />Having endured over 2 months of Greg being gone, I thought the separation would be easier than it is. I guess I didn't realize how much I do lean on him for strength. I guess that old adage, "you don't realize what you had til it's gone" is quite appropriate. I took him for granted in that area, I suppose.<br /><br />Him being gone has been roughest on Zach. I think he is doing well given the circumstances, but he is definitely struggling at times. He has done a great job in taking care of things around the house (garbage, recycling, etc.) and is one to help out when asked. he will even ask voluntarily to assist with this or that. But, his daddy was the one that put him to bed and slept with him (he wasn't supposed to, but Greg can sleep anywhere, anytime). So, he misses that special contact. That is something I can't provide right now with schooling. <br /><br />Sarah and Zach both enjoyed birthdays this month. Sarah celebrated 11 years on the 10th and enjoyed her new DS game. Zach on the other hand, enjoyed turning 7 and we were at Disney during his birthday. Thankfully he had gotten the stomach bug 24 hours before that and was feeling quite himself on his birthday. We went putt putt golfing in FL with gma and gpa. Upon returning to Atlanta, he was able to open his car track in which Dale Earnhardt Jr. is racing Jeff Gordon. this was huge since Zach loves Gordon and his friend David loves Earnhardt. Perfect gift!!<br /><br />Rachel is trying to keep her head above water in school. 10th grade is sucking the life out of her. But, this too shall pass. She enjoys playing with her hair, trying new styles, doing nails, designing new outfits, etc. She is really very funny and very, very sweet. She is a lot of fun to be around and I am praying that she will stay at home and go to college instead of going away. I will miss her too much.<br /><br />Bekah was picked up from school and then whisked off to Orlando for the week. The first semester of college was okay to her but she was chewed up a bit with a little spitting out to go with it. She survived and frankly, that is a good thing. I am believing that her 2nd semester, if she makes some changes, will be a far better semester for her. Bekah is more than capable but sometimes she fails at the easy stuff. If she can get that down, she will go far!<br /><br />Greg is maintaining himself in Kuwait. He reported that being in Kuwait is like Groundhog day every single day. It is the same day in and day out. sometimes you can't even remember which day it is, as they all seem the same (except Sunday when you have 4 hours off in the morning). This has to be hard on everyone there. I think about those dads who have little babies at home, or pregnant wives. Then the moms who had to leave their kids behind. How rough that must be. Being away during a holiday has to be the hardest part. But, it will get better. October 2010 will come quickly. We will be together before long.<br /><br />My schooling is coming along...I have this class coming up in January (week long intensive) that I have to do. Once that is finished, I have 2 courses and then my dissertation. It is happening! Halleluiah. I am so looking forward to this being over and finished. I wish I would have finished it 17 years ago, but that is OK...it is getting done now!<br /><br />Well, I just pray that this Christmas is a blessing to my kids and my husband and we see God's hand even when we don't SEE it!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-60758824487898026892009-11-13T19:00:00.000-08:002009-11-13T19:11:28.640-08:00One month down and 11 to go!Just realized that Monday, November 16, will mark the one month date of Greg being in country. He has managed to get a bit settled there but is not quite used to the schedule. They guys (and girls) work pretty much seven days a week from about 8 - 7pm. They do get about 4 hours off on Sunday for chapel. Greg hasn't quite gotten into the swing of things such that he is easing up in the evening so he can get to his room and wind down. In the states, you have the weekend to do that...in the desert, you don't. So, giving it all 11 hours a day, 7 days a week can get pretty old quickly if you aren't careful to pace yourself. Hpefully Greg will learn some new words - pacing, wind down, go home! This would be great for him to learn so that when he returns he has some semblance of pacing, winding down, and coming home! :)<br /><br />The KIDS<br /><br />The kids have been doing quite well given this situation. However, Zach gets sad every few days and wants to see his daddy. He told me yesterday, "Mom, I never want you to go away for a year like daddy." He was very sweet and tender. He has been especially touchie feelie. He is constantly in my lap, holding my hand and running his fingers through my hair. He really needs that physical touch and he is just precious! He comes in bed each morning just to be with me.<br /><br />Sarah seems to be doing fine. She gets very excited when she gets to skype with her dad. She will spend so much time just telling him what is going on, what she has made, what she did in school, what she is wearing, etc. Very girlie stuff. She does love her daddy but seems pretty resilient and confident he will be home before we know it.<br /><br />Rachel is doing well. She does seem to have a need to talk to him or skype with him. She will say hello and talk to him, don't get me wrong, but she doesn't have that overwhelming need to share anything with him. She is just trying to make it through 10th grade right now!<br /><br />Bekah is away at college and having more experiences (good and bad) than I care to elaborate. Suffice it to say, she has a lot more learning going on than just book learnin'! GOD is good and we see that through all that she has experienced! Looking forward to this semester being over and done with, I guarantee.<br /><br />Other than that, I am making it. Each day seems to get easier. That makes it nice. Getting into a groove of picking up the slack makes the house run a bit smoother. Just wanting the next 11 months to fly by!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-52191076446615115522009-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:002009-09-18T12:38:11.131-07:00Kuwait Awaits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBechl-0DdNebuLVUaKFCQ5YIBRCuVYI225NSUogB_DQDVdD1zcxD-YMPSgtEUeyY9EJCtmNOzabYJ0H0MMpdSSzjLK8nUBvdAsXqeul0IjziDghMyhkmBQ9PKRk00ohxfmVq2cyIQGSgc/s1600-h/SDC10039.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBechl-0DdNebuLVUaKFCQ5YIBRCuVYI225NSUogB_DQDVdD1zcxD-YMPSgtEUeyY9EJCtmNOzabYJ0H0MMpdSSzjLK8nUBvdAsXqeul0IjziDghMyhkmBQ9PKRk00ohxfmVq2cyIQGSgc/s320/SDC10039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382893598249253794" /></a><br /><br />Greg and I had the chance to participate in another Triathlon on Sept 6, 2009. I swam 1K, Greg rode 18K, and our friend, Sim Ripley, ran 8K. We earned 3rd place in the Mixed Teams group (there were 10 groups). We were very excited and proud of ourselves. We had no idea that we had placed and so we left before the ceremony...DUMB!<br /><br />Greg finally gets the opportunity to go overseas to serve his country. You don't know how many times he has lamented over the fact that he has been passed over for the chance to go overseas. In some cases, we didn't want him to go and in others, there was no opportunity. But, within 12 hours of our most recent lament (complaint) to each other, Greg's boss pulled him in to say, "You are going to Kuwait!" We weren't certain if we should be happy or sad. We have since decided that we are glad that he gets to go and thrilled it is Kuwait and not Iraq or Afghanistan. (Although the first thing out of Greg was..."well, is it really serving if I am not serving in the hotspots?" - PUH LEEZE...)<br /><br />So, 2 weeks from tomorrow, we will be saying good-bye to Greg for one year. He will most likely get a chance to come home for a short break at about the 6th month mark (Guessing March - Spring Break Party Time!) I am certain that will be a great two week break from school!<br /><br />Unfortunately, after considering the great things he will get to experience in Kuwait (you know, all the hot, sandy land!) we started to realize what he is going to miss while being away. Thanksgiving, Sarah and Zach's birthdays in December, the previously scheduled Disney trip in December, Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, Bekah's 18th birthday, my birthday (46th if you wanted to know), Easter, Greg's birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Summer vacation, Bekah's return from school, and our 20th Anniversary. Oh yea, Rachel's 16th birthday! <br /><br />Those are many things we won't get to share with Greg. We are not complaining, but rather we are just making note. These things will be holidays we will want to remember the most so we can relive them for him when he returns. God is able to do more than we could ever want or imagine. I am grateful that he is going at a time when Skype is a possibility and it is free. Could you imagine saying good-bye to your spouse and only get a smattering of letters occasionally? That had to have been rough. I mean REALLY rough. We have it pretty easy these days. Our men are often not sitting in tents and in trenches. The war of today is very different and more civilized for the soldier (not necessarily easier!)<br /><br />We are grateful and count our blessings each day. We fully expect him to return unscathed but we also know the dangers of war - anywhere - and have to rely on the Lord to get us through those "what ifs." So, pray with us as he prepares. We especially ask for prayers for Sarah and Zach who are the youngest. Missing their daddy may be especially difficult. Also for Bekah as she is away as he departs. Rachel will be learning to drive without her dad around for the whole time (yes, he is rejoicing that he won't have to do that training!) Pray for my patience as I prepare to be a single parent for a year. May the Lord keep me in His arms and may I continue to seek His guidance!<br /><br />(As i was writing this Greg was home for the day playing with Zach. They were screaming as they wrestled, I was trying to talk on the phone to Bekah while Sarah was screeching as she was pulled into the wrestling! Needless to say, I need lots of prayers on the patience part - lost my cool in about 3 seconds! Yikes. He isn't even gone yet!!!)Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-18718777208461265222009-06-18T15:14:00.001-07:002009-06-18T15:27:49.767-07:00June is almost over!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWARKMXSQuSNYkjUcmxBDuIEYBwEa70YWZ7-utw_G0LNaoO5E8NPwu9vcmNm7o4vKBfx0_XduW49ZLjtXVnu96cKCMs113-uSBgmeTxQv_6d-e2BrGa-wnZuYIagQL4D2eVoTj0UpxcEbB/s1600-h/101_9684.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWARKMXSQuSNYkjUcmxBDuIEYBwEa70YWZ7-utw_G0LNaoO5E8NPwu9vcmNm7o4vKBfx0_XduW49ZLjtXVnu96cKCMs113-uSBgmeTxQv_6d-e2BrGa-wnZuYIagQL4D2eVoTj0UpxcEbB/s320/101_9684.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348797650351314386" /></a><br />We have already had a wonderful start to summer. This picture is Zach playing soccer. Both Rachel and Sarah played on their respective teams and all had a wonderful time of getting into shape and learning a great skill. We are almost through June and we have more in store.<br /><br />Well this weekend is the big weekend. Not only will my father come to visit us for a few weeks, Bekah and I will be completing our very first ever Triathlon! We are more than excited with a lot of nervousness mixed in! We have been working out for weeks now. Running, swimming and biking have been the main focus of our days. We have also learned some great words like "Brick work." No, we aren't building anything - that is what you call it when you do two parts of your triathlon back to back. Most people do biking-running brick work as that seems to be the most difficult part of the triathlon and I completely agree. Getting out of the saddle and attempting to use my legs for anything besides holding myself up is a feat in itself. Now, try to go and run within 2 minutes (average time of transition). It is quite humorous.<br /><br />Anyway, we are completely ready for what is in store for us. That does not mean we think we are going to kick butt by attempting to even be in the top 15 of our age group. Rather, we just want to make certain that we cross the finish line. Being 45, I am now in the low end of the 45-50 age group. I looked at times last year, and I am not even close in my run but my swim and bike aren't too bad. Bekah on the other hand, God love her. She isn't even close and fears being the last in the 15-19 year old group. We are hoping that in the heat of it all, we won't care. Our thoughts are just to finish and so I hope she can do it. She has a competitive side though!<br /><br />I think this summer is going to be an OK time for our family. There is little pressure to do anything special. I do have a course I am going to go to at Liberty University. It is one of the final 5 I need to finish before I begin my dissertation. I am psyched and ready to get this doctorate finished. It will be just in time for Greg to retire and then for him to finish his dissertation and doctorate. We are really thinking that we will go ahead and retire to Tampa, FL since he is ABD (all but dissertation) at University of South Florida. That will be a great time for us as we both made sacrifices and had to quit our PhD programs before we were finished. I am grateful that we will be able to do this.<br /><br />Well, I have pictures of the pollywog turned frog. We watched in amazement as that tadpole morphed into its current state. We did let it go back to the wild (which means it probably became snake food) but we enjoyed the mystery of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutLQvyswVm7eZqRlXPcC8_PdCiZqBl23YA4zWtoFw1Ld4TNN13T5UfMecNbwnYg302iPi7PMOjYObhFeZS3x5mh8dQXkQSN9SE6bDjQDDT79AZmrIcR4fk0THRn1XIH1kIpv5SmEXS00D/s1600-h/101_9692.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutLQvyswVm7eZqRlXPcC8_PdCiZqBl23YA4zWtoFw1Ld4TNN13T5UfMecNbwnYg302iPi7PMOjYObhFeZS3x5mh8dQXkQSN9SE6bDjQDDT79AZmrIcR4fk0THRn1XIH1kIpv5SmEXS00D/s320/101_9692.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348797015192971250" /></a> This picture is the release!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXlT5xfosYMkTbFnCxrkxFT0iqAl2YjeTDVoNXIRoEWWSw3pH4ogtk2OE3tjx49UvexenJSDjKKf4aQ1DB8gTxmRw9JpgUHTnCjGNF_pPkTt4V29mgOqskCzM3kvBn1RPehEYPbUssCHA/s1600-h/101_9693.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXlT5xfosYMkTbFnCxrkxFT0iqAl2YjeTDVoNXIRoEWWSw3pH4ogtk2OE3tjx49UvexenJSDjKKf4aQ1DB8gTxmRw9JpgUHTnCjGNF_pPkTt4V29mgOqskCzM3kvBn1RPehEYPbUssCHA/s320/101_9693.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348797306423308402" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy your summer. Make life worth living for you and for those around you!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-65802802626238654892009-05-04T09:43:00.000-07:002009-05-04T10:07:34.627-07:00Were we really settled in Atlanta in my last post - More like wishful thinking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fdoGB6Og_XgBOOT4FWr_2-mBO5ftPMnT0fdlfI8rKxFNzKSxZJ6WuDhneQfF36jzrq-gyHtooQ3g_IKdmy76zvJgVm-6MzKKoLq9hWoDLFG7ogVOzn0dQ6DXIq6MqpQ1CiTttfitBZ4a/s1600-h/101_9570.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fdoGB6Og_XgBOOT4FWr_2-mBO5ftPMnT0fdlfI8rKxFNzKSxZJ6WuDhneQfF36jzrq-gyHtooQ3g_IKdmy76zvJgVm-6MzKKoLq9hWoDLFG7ogVOzn0dQ6DXIq6MqpQ1CiTttfitBZ4a/s320/101_9570.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332014315583987570" /></a><br /><br />I am shocked and amazed that it has been over 4 months of living in Atlanta. It seems some days we have lived here for a week, and then at other times, when the tiny walls are closing in, I feel that we have lived here for years. The joys and sorrows appear to be more pronounced here in this tiny place. The walls, being hospital white, only add to the unfriendliness of the place we call home. But, on the brighter side, the recreation is fantastic. The bowling alley down the way is an on-post perk, the tennis courts with lights, and the free fully-loaded work out gyms can't be beat. One cannot escape the beauty of nature right here in the belly of downtown Atlanta. We have gorgeous miniature forests to explore along with rolling hills and an 18 hole golf course.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXEM62N_X1_IRHBypqcoFAQwHxTTcdQVYLtxegyNp_xBcGApRvY39q5vhzBSdf59NmCO7W1IPotH2eZ1kwaasPpJxazbYycIjCIyPoK3qXSCIsdfUEwuLDmUQrkWQa-TePG-0RbHDnmNl/s1600-h/101_9663.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXEM62N_X1_IRHBypqcoFAQwHxTTcdQVYLtxegyNp_xBcGApRvY39q5vhzBSdf59NmCO7W1IPotH2eZ1kwaasPpJxazbYycIjCIyPoK3qXSCIsdfUEwuLDmUQrkWQa-TePG-0RbHDnmNl/s320/101_9663.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332014117205966642" /></a><br />The other day the children and Greg went to find a tadpole. Sarah, in her science curriculum, is to watch metamorphosis in action. So, being the good homeschooling dad, Greg took them to the creek by the shooting range (yep, have one of those too). Lo and behold, they were met by a cottonmouth snake that struck at Greg's stick. Whew. Arms and legs were supposedly flying in all directions to high tail it out of that part of the creek. Anyway, down a bit they found, not just a little tadpole, but a gigantic pollywog. This thing has to be 6 inches long. It is going to be one huge toad/frog. Later, they found a crawfish that was getting ready to molt. The kids really enjoyed observing nature. They also caught a caterpillar. After its capture they placed him in a box, and thankfully, it spun its cocoon the next day. Science abounds at the Hutchinson abode. Can't get any better in homeschooling than that! (At least for the science portion anyway!)<br /><br />The house is growing on us - or we are growing on it - probably more the latter than the former, but we are surviving our quarters. Greg is getting home a little earlier each night. Even though it might only be minutes earlier than the day before, we are rejoicing. Zach seems to be the most excited of the children of Greg's return each day, but that has to warm Greg's heart. Hearing the son yell, "Daddy's home" while bounding up the steps must instill joy unspeakable. That is the reason for living these days! Joy, joy, joy - unspeakable joy!<br /><br />So, we live another week, another month in the bowels of Atlanta but have gratefully found the beauty within the ashes. One should only choose blessings to ponder. Thinking upon things that are depressing, wastes brain power!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-3903672283093315622009-01-14T19:18:00.000-08:002009-01-14T19:35:29.102-08:00Settled in AtlantaWe are so thankful to be so settled in our new home in Atlanta. It has had its bumps in the road but it is clearly much more organized and functional - done ? NO, but it is definitely workable.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwG1VwPw1dGjXxoNAvpj3m29vXZyFKNj6cCZNUYcUnAP6QzmaJ_dwYH1kZQR4OsmNlPu_wFn6xzAlkBCp9-3ygl1JTu_xSySk9JI7xSlPkVTWBG3jPKCN7STaC4CQS_bM5-VUociI_amkv/s1600-h/101_9553.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwG1VwPw1dGjXxoNAvpj3m29vXZyFKNj6cCZNUYcUnAP6QzmaJ_dwYH1kZQR4OsmNlPu_wFn6xzAlkBCp9-3ygl1JTu_xSySk9JI7xSlPkVTWBG3jPKCN7STaC4CQS_bM5-VUociI_amkv/s320/101_9553.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291358900003369554" /></a><br /><br />God has really been doing a work in all of us. Each of the children have been learning so much more about their Savior. Bekah is learning so much about her own selfishness and her difficulty letting go. She is expressing herself with more clarity and has a handle on the "depression" part of the move. The other day we had a break through about her focus on self. She realized that she had made a mistake, which she hates to make, and instead of confessing to the mistake, she guarded against the feeling and tried to make light of it or minimalize it. In so doing, she did not receive the "support" of those around her. Instead, she got a lecture as she acted so nonchalant about the error. We were able to help her see that her response, in essence, didn't allow a place for people to support her in the mistake. It brought out anger and frustration to which she then responded with great defense. we were so happy to see this and we are going to pray about this need to defend against her own feelings she has toward mistakes. This is HUGE if you only knew!<br /><br />Rachel has learned that God can assist her but sometimes that requires her to step out and ask for help. That is not easy for her as she feels "stupid" asking for assistance. Of course, the outcome of not asking kind of creates the same thing! So, she has been learning to ask.<br /><br />Sarah has learned that she can finish that which she starts if she stays on course. This is a huge revelation for her. She is so intelligent but always overreacts to that which she perceives to be too difficult and by the way, everything is perceived as too difficult. We have been able to go over her accomplishments these last few weeks and she has been able to verbalize that she is capable of more than she ever thought.<br /><br />Zach is blowing us all away with his mathematical skills and his reading/writing. As a left hander, it is evident that his teacher this last fall, was unable to teach him proper writing technique. I have been able to change some habits that could have become solidified without intervention!<br /><br />I am learning that life isn't going to end over minor things. Making well thought out meals, getting to bed on time, and preparing for teaching etc are all things that I have to work on but if we sway a bit from these things, life doesn't end. I don't need to beat myself up. Things will work out and the kids are learning!<br /><br />I am also learning to trust in the Lord more. As we learned that Greg is up for promotion that requires his paperwork but March. That means a decision by summer. This is good and bad news for us. If he gets promoted, we have to move. If he doesn't, he will feel horrible and we have to stay. Not certain which of those is good and which of those is bad! I am letting the Lord decide that one.<br /><br />My dear friend reminded me of some great sciptures in Romans 8: 26-27 (26) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do no know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (27) And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance to GOD'S WILL. So there I have it. I don't have to ask the Lord to do this or that, but instead, I submit to His will and trust that He knows what he is going to do in our lives. I am at peace because the Word of God is living and true. Halleluiah!<br /><br />So, already I can "see" with God's eyes that he had a purpose for this move. I am thankful for all that I am seeing that I will be able to do to meet needs of those people I have just met and those I have become reaquainted with. God is so good and I have to keep remembering that!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-75122038063535607762008-12-20T16:07:00.000-08:002008-12-20T17:10:19.860-08:00In the new houseWell, we have finally arrived in Atlanta. Some of us came on Dec 11th to receive the goods and then some of us had to go back to Greenville, SC to finish up the remaining items/tasks that had to be done for the renters. Painting, cleaning, and repairing the house was fairly easy just tedious. I stayed in Greenville to finish work on Mon/Tues and then Rachel was in the production of Scrooge (orchestra) and so she had to finish the final productions that weekend also. <br /><br />So, the remaining family went back to Atlanta on Sunday night leaving me to do the remaining work. It was okay but very busy on top of work.<br /><br />We said good-bye to our church family the week before and that was a less than warm good-bye. But, it isn't that big of a deal as the church has known we were leaving for like 16 months. So when it actually happened it was a "oh, you aren't gone yet?" kind of reaction. So, no blame no foul. Just sad. Sad for the kids, sad for the girls and sad for Zach too. Have received some lovely emails/notes that my family is missed. Those were sweet and will be remembered.<br /><br />We now embark on another journey. Bekah is not happy to have left Greenville and her friends. She connected to that place and the people. She will surely miss those who have loved her and stroked her genius! Yes, she does love center of attention. I think that the internet has been a lifesaver for her. I remember moving away and going to college and never seeing a soul from school. Nowadays, you can reconnect with everyone and even blog! Not that anyone will ever read this!<br /><br />Rachel is so ready to be somewhere stable and I believe she would love to find a close friend. But, she continues to say that a friend doesn't matter. I know it does. She was able to meet someone right before we left (Leah Jansen) and then hit it off tremendously. So, I know a friend would be great for her. Maybe this post will have someone.<br /><br />Sarah has already found a few girls that she has attached to and have attached to her. She misses her friends very much but realizes she can wallow in self-pity or make the best of this situation we are dealt. She has chosen the latter. I am proud of her.<br /><br />Zach is happy go lucky with lots of little boys to play with in the neighborhood. They all seem to congregate at my house! Go figure. The one that my daughter says is "intimidating" is the place where they all want to be! Yes, I am strict but I am fun too!<br /><br />I am not sure how I feel about this move. The stress is going to do me in I think. OK not really, but it is a bit overwhelming at times. I am not certain I can keep up the family at this rate. We did take a walk as a family tonight and that was good. It was refreshing to be out together for a change.<br /><br />We found out today that Greg had not been taking his meds in a few days and now it all makes sense. He has been a bear and we now all know why! He confessed at dinner and everyone was relieved to know it was for that reason! Thank God there is a magic pill!<br /><br />Until we find a church, we are going to go and visit Eagle's landing First Baptist again. We did enjoy the church when we were apart of it years ago, but we would like something smaller. Until we are able to find something else, we need to go somewhere. We will have a chance to reconnect to some old friends and that will be good. May our Christmas be one that focuses on Christ and not on us. He is way more important than the piddly stuff we deal with daily!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-17618308915388147442008-12-05T15:52:00.000-08:002008-12-05T16:13:23.974-08:00Moving Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLX8pNCjDwMmgtxSeSDNT_0cX_X-SUtuZp3WuVEEboSCdlBUyRzsyPC8t5OGy5nBs3yqQdwJMyxY-XsPmhcBYOILRv4gRvB6vDAJUqTPHshGQ6Vgfq5f3e3f2DvU53nc_6YsZzSXHlk-6/s1600-h/101_9334.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLX8pNCjDwMmgtxSeSDNT_0cX_X-SUtuZp3WuVEEboSCdlBUyRzsyPC8t5OGy5nBs3yqQdwJMyxY-XsPmhcBYOILRv4gRvB6vDAJUqTPHshGQ6Vgfq5f3e3f2DvU53nc_6YsZzSXHlk-6/s320/101_9334.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276463340965769586" /></a><br /><br />Before I talk about moving day - I wanted to mention that Sarah decided to be baptized and her daddy had the pleasure of doing it. So cool!<br /><br />Moving day is slowly approaching. Of course, that is a joke. It is coming way too fast. I don't have the time to do all the things I need to do. I really don't even have time to do this blog, but I figured it is a bit of stress relief to me.<br /><br />We are looking forward to this move as it has been anticipated for over 14 months now. Yes, all the way back to last September when Greg was given the information that we would have to be on the move again. Thankfully, this was the impetus for Greg to move to IG and we are happily moving to a great position that will prepare us for retirement. Yes, that is right. AT the ripe old age of 47 or 48, Greg will be officially retired from the military. Thus, we are getting ready for that transition. This will also be about the time that Bekah will graduate from college, Rachel will go off to college, Sarah will start high school and Zach, well, he will be in about the 4th grade. Oh yea, I am hoping to graduate then too! I am preparing for the ole' Dr. Hutchinson title. Needless to say, that time will be hectic. Of course, I am not getting anxious for something that might happen in the future. We all know that today has enough worries of its own. But, it is fun to speculate where we will be in just a few short years. <br /><br />Back to the topic. The move is coming along. I have been able to get the house ready by cleaning out toy bins, taking things to goodwill, and reorganizing shelves. It has been very difficult but it will be good. Greg remains in Atlanta but will come home tomorrow to begin working on his own things that he needs to organize for the move. <br /><br />In the midst of all of that we have a few things going on this weekend. Sarah has a birthday party for herself on Sat from 10-12, at 1 Rachel has to be at Scrooge (she is in the orchestra), and then we are watching the play at 2. Sarah has to be to the church at 5 for her performance at the Christmas production at church which we will go to see. Bekah will be working during the day but has to come home to study for finals on Monday. We have to pick up Rachel from the second performance Sat night at 9:30pm. On Sunday, we have church and then at 4 a birthday party for Zach at Chuckie Cheese. Yes, I am insane. no question about it.<br /><br />I do stop and pause though and wonder what the Lord is doing in all of this. Each of us has our own struggles with this move. Bekah is angry about leaving all of her friends, Rachel is frustrated she is leaving all of her jobs, Sarah is torn about leaving school and Zach is going to miss his Awana friends. Personally, I have detached myself from people over the last few years. Bekah calls me "Robot Mom" as it appears to her that I am not affected by this move. I have had to convince her that I am affected but I can't fall apart as I have to move on. What has God done in my life since moving here? The things that the Lord has done is absolutely amazing. I have seen him develop me intellectually in my work, prepared me for working on my doctorate, and challenged me spiritually to know what I know that I know. I have had to defend my faith more in these last few years than I ever have before. I have been encouraged by friends in so many ways. The internet venue has been successful at stimulating so many conversations about Truth. Unfortunately, I have also seen it used to spit out hate statements and flames that in person, would not have been spewed. But God is using it.<br /><br />I have been challenged to confront my whining. I have complained and questioned. None of these are necessarily sinful, but at times, they have been problematic. How many times have I looked at God's gifts and said, "You know, it really wasn't what I wanted but okay." How has that statement affected me when one of my children have said the very same thing to me after being given a gift I had so carefully chosen. The discontent that I would see in their face just broke my heart. How does the Lord feel when I do that?<br /><br />Anyway, we leave this place but still have a cord attached. The house having not sold keeps us related to this area. An area that we might even call home someday in a few years when we are retiring! Until then, "home is where the Army sends us!"Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-81781074756298383792008-11-20T17:53:00.000-08:002008-11-20T18:06:24.622-08:00FOUR YEARS AGO TODAYWe sat in a small China hotel room waiting for the door to be knocked upon! He is HERE cried the kids. Sure enough, we opened the door and there was the cutest little boy I had ever seen. He immediately cried and then turned and went to get comfort from his nanny. This little boy was none other than our wonderful Zacharias who was birthed in China for us. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu40whJoBpGwiBJDPJR8AQUuDxUkVt_wPkx4Oab42XMcdys7HYmCPOAZtRiMnjuN5HWfDYSNSSTkHrC4J1PldvqYAivaq8wSsGphGsrR3c-y-9br-7pO-uaAEIdScMpmDDAWZzTIjSTr0/s1600-h/Gotcha+Day+travel+day+6+032.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRu40whJoBpGwiBJDPJR8AQUuDxUkVt_wPkx4Oab42XMcdys7HYmCPOAZtRiMnjuN5HWfDYSNSSTkHrC4J1PldvqYAivaq8wSsGphGsrR3c-y-9br-7pO-uaAEIdScMpmDDAWZzTIjSTr0/s200/Gotcha+Day+travel+day+6+032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925978464057986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigk9_ZQqz004v-R7JlndqpYs7CKEpVlUWwhnMB-eFcbO6CxorGrLpdkUazZHI8KDZanCBLTn_1_gEiYcjrAh1-kcEYX_CeXCPaZP4DAfy3EKnylaAtH8IB3CEWFOCmshbMefrzIzTup_9/s1600-h/Gotcha+Day+travel+day+6+050.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigk9_ZQqz004v-R7JlndqpYs7CKEpVlUWwhnMB-eFcbO6CxorGrLpdkUazZHI8KDZanCBLTn_1_gEiYcjrAh1-kcEYX_CeXCPaZP4DAfy3EKnylaAtH8IB3CEWFOCmshbMefrzIzTup_9/s320/Gotcha+Day+travel+day+6+050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270925600307535762" /></a><br />We have so enjoyed our little boy and he has been such a blessing to this family. I remember someone saying that when you adopt you will find out that you will get more out of it than the child will and I completely agree. We went into this thinking we were "rescuing" a child (which we were) but not realizing how much he was bringing to us. No one should go into adoption with the idea of what you will get out of it, but boy do you get something out of it. At least that is our experience but we do know that is not everyones' experience. I believe God showed us that we are very weak people since God says he will not give us more than we can bear. He clearly thinks we can't bear much as Zach is the greatest little boy that ever lived! OK, that was a momma's exaggeration but he really is awesome. He has a heart the size of a car and joy that overflows. <br /><br />Today is our Gotcha day. The day that we met him for the very first time is called "Gotcha" and it was a special day today. We looked through all the old pictures and talked about everything we experienced that day. He asked lots and lots of questions and it was really sweet. He got to pick the meal today and also pray for dinner to which he thanked God for such a great family. How blessed we are...Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-21691802925982060932008-11-08T05:10:00.000-08:002008-11-08T05:19:59.849-08:00WE ARE MOVING<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1AsvroF9fy48aPTOYohfwENV_vIZ118m9I9WlgUrxh24wrTWpweQ1TOfsj7iLSwI-XtFIUhsfTdVuZ3-3ayKv_AKv3nIsYNNs3gE5oC4wQIlGx6TSluJdIbZsYDYNEwUUlyE7edtzCbs/s1600-h/101_9282.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1AsvroF9fy48aPTOYohfwENV_vIZ118m9I9WlgUrxh24wrTWpweQ1TOfsj7iLSwI-XtFIUhsfTdVuZ3-3ayKv_AKv3nIsYNNs3gE5oC4wQIlGx6TSluJdIbZsYDYNEwUUlyE7edtzCbs/s320/101_9282.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266275812542693346" /></a><br />Hello friends!<br />We are finally moving. I am so excited. We take off to Atlanta on Dec 11th ish! Of course, that will be short lived since we will be receiving our goods on the 12th and then coming back to finish cleaning, etc. I also have to work through the 16th of Dec.<br /><br />The family is the family that I posted about last time. he is a BMW worker and he has a wife and 2 kids. They are sweet and I am looking forward to being their landlord! Pray that nothing goes wrong with the house! I want to it be easy and problem free for them but also for us.<br /><br />This also means that I will be giving the privilege of schooling my children at home. We can't take this privilege lightly. You never know what a Marxist in office might do to take away that freedom. We need to be able to educate our children at home without government influence. Let's pray and fight to keep that freedom!<br /><br />Well, there are so many things to do to prepare. United Van lines came over yesterday to survey our goods. Sure enough, they brought some wonderful materials to help the children prepare for the move. She brought a little stuffed animal, a truck that will look like the one that takes our goods, and two books about moving. I was so grateful. This is the first time any moving company thought about my family in this way. Given that military move a lot, I think this should be a given that moving books, toys be provided to families. What an awesome idea.<br /><br />Being a door to door move, things seem like they will go smoothly. I am so looking forward to being settled on the military installation. I believe it is going to be a wonderful experience for the children but mostly for me! Easy traffic to the grocery store! Greg will get to come home for lunch and we will have this great backyard to play in! It is amazing! I will post a pic!<br /><br />I love my family, my life, my God, my country and my friends! Instead of God Bless America, we all need to start saying, "America, Bless God!" Amen?Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-63129992463945600282008-10-25T16:08:00.000-07:002008-10-25T16:16:02.167-07:00Just the same O same OWell, here we are and little has changed. However, there is some exciting news to share. The market seems to have picked up a bit, and that is good. However, we have only seen the prices come down. That isn't good given our circumstances. But that is OK. We are prepared either way.<br /><br />Well, yesterday (Fri) we showed the property to some people interested in renting it. We are considering that as we can then make a little more headway on the mortgage front. The guy works for BMW as an engineer. He helped to design the hybrid from BMW! He is here now to oversee the production with a leave date of May 2010. Now that was absolutely what we were looking for - someone to rent it until that summer when we could put it back on the market. So, is that our answer? We don't know because....<br /><br />That same day, we received a call that someone wanted to show it for "sale"! That always makes my heart go pitter patter. So, we showed it today to the interested purchasers. Don't know how it went really. They were somewhat quiet. Then, the renter people came back to see it again. They stayed for a bit and that was nice to meet the wife and children. They would be fabulous renters! Really. I just have such a great feeling about them.<br /><br />Then, we have the men standing outside of the house for sale next door. I asked them if they were interested in seeing the neighbor's home and they told me that they would like to see it but the realtor was late. So, I invited him to see my home. He told me that he was going to try to see my home as well but later in the day. Since it was just shown, it was perfect timing. So, he came in and seemed to like it. So, one showing today turned into a 2nd showing and then another showing. That was great!<br /><br />The renters want the house but they are being very kind and letting me wait to see what happens with the showings we had today. They would like an answer by Wed. I am thrilled. I feel so relieved to know that they want our home to rent, and relieved to see the market pick up. I would want to sell it now, but maybe we do need to wait!<br /><br />Decisions decisions decisions! God is in all of it.Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-13751754389455712572008-10-14T13:43:00.000-07:002008-10-14T13:47:01.733-07:00AMAZING GRACEI am all about the rapture right now. How cool would that be for us to be raptured on November 5th! ha ha I am just praising the Lord for this day and not worrying about tomorrow. I am thankful to see the gas prices come down, the Dow Jones go up yesterday, and the sun staying in the sky. I can only count on the Lord to be consistent!<br /><br />Halleluiah! Praise the Lord. Get in your prayer closet and praise Him for everything. I am going to love on my kids even more, praise God harder, pray consistently and resist the evil one. I am going to bless others and honor my husband. I love the Lord and am unashamedly a Believer in Jesus. WOO HOO! Come Lord Jesus COME!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-79642831217845797242008-10-03T10:35:00.000-07:002008-10-03T10:39:53.384-07:00TO Rent or NOT to Rent????Well, the Radio Station guy came over during the weekend and I haven't heard from him. I got the sense that it was out of their price range, but also there were other factors. The Christian radio station where he just joined, completed their Sharathon in which they raise their budget. They earned about 570,000 but are short over 230,000. So I am not certain that his job is real stable at this time. SO I am praying for him!<br /><br />But, Today is the day in which our house listing has been on the market for 6 months. Therefore, we had to decide to list again or to do it on our own. OR RENT???? So, we have decided to list again and open up to the idea of renting. Praying we get some movement over the weekend! My God is able.<br /><br />Greg moved in to the new house on post in Atlanta on Wed. He is so much happier there. But, he is concerned about the size (it is quite small in comparison to where we live now). But, we are able to handle it for only a short time (2 years or less). Bekah goes off to college in 10 months (AHHHHH!@!!!!!!) and so we should be fine! We are just looking foward to being able to be together, be on the military post and homeschooling again! Halleluiah!Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-82811276878030812372008-09-27T19:13:00.001-07:002008-09-27T19:22:50.095-07:00A possible silver liningSo here it is - last Wed and I get the urge (whatever you want to call it - leading from the Holy Spirit) to call the Christian Radio station and ask for prayer for the house to sell. I call, but no one answers. I call again and again but I don't get through. So, I forget it. The next morning, I am "urged" to call again. I get on the phone and make the call. This time, no one answers. I decide to call back and the phone rings and rings but is finally answered. I tell the person on the other line my request to have my house prayed over for the sale. Get this....<br /><br />He further asks about the house which I thought odd. He then asks its location and some other information like, "would you be willing to lease it?" Shocked I told him I would prefer to sell but would consider renting. Sure enough he is in the market for a house and he currently resides at his in-laws home right down the street (about a mile!) <br /><br />Fast Forward to Saturday. I hadn't heard anything from him since but didn't get concerned. I am at peace about the house (well, most of the time) and decide that I will just wait. Greg on the other hand, has been praying like a maniac for this opportunity and sure enough, at about 1:00p we get the call from the radio station guy - he is in the neighborhood and would love to see it. He comes with his family and checks out the house. Still praying for the sale, but they are praying about it.<br /><br />If nothing else, we had a wonderful 45 minutes of sharing with this lovely family. They too homeschool their children and we had the joy of sharing experiences. They were so sweet. We were truly blessed to meet them today and I pray we might remain friends regardless. God is truly in control and we completely KNOW He understands where we are and is using this for our own growth but now I believe for the growth of others. I have been able to share my story of trust with a lady at work who is completely amazed at my peace. I openly share how the Holy Spirit has worked in the situation and she is really interested in what I have in Him! So, I am grateful to share with her my faith.<br /><br />The Lord knows and I am completely trusting despite my own personal, selfish confusion! God is so good and i cannot complain. He has always proven faithful.Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3484535274789188034.post-32824720453325383132008-09-18T16:09:00.000-07:002008-09-18T16:18:52.294-07:00Weeks just keep ticking on by....It is now September 18th.... It is shocking to me that the kids will have been in school now for 4 weeks. Actually a little more than 4 weeks. I am so determined to get them home soon but I just cannot do so until we have either a renter or the house sold. It kills me to think they will spend a school year in public school. Although the school is great and I am pleased with the work output of Sarah, I am discontent as I am the one to be teaching her.<br /><br />I know things will be normal again someday. I know it isn't as long as I FEEL it is going to take, but the day to day waiting can be painstaking. The Lord has been very kind and I have been stretched in my faith beyond my expectation. I do trust Him and I do trust that He knows what He is doing through all of this. I am certain I will look back on all of this and see the Hand of God. I just wish I could see His hand right now - moving and working. Until then, I just wait. What else can I do?<br /><br />The kids are doing very well in school. I am very pleased that they have adjusted to this craziness with such finesse. They are truly amazing children. They are both far more resilient than I ever imagined.<br /><br />Work has been great. I truly love what I do. I am so thankful for this job and the opportunity to help families. (I would rather be helping my own, but I am grateful for my training)! I have so enjoyed my new school and going back to my old school to work with the staff there was very comforting. It is a "known" and that makes my transition back to work, easier. I am in the process of getting my credentials in line for a position in GA. I am hoping to do some work there for the school district on a contract basis. That would be very flexible but allow me to make some extra spending money in the process! That is always nice.<br /><br />Greg continues to make the trek back and forth from Atlanta home each week. He shared with me that he gets very excited on Thurs nights as he knows he gets to pack and be ready to leave the house for the weekend on Friday morning. That makes him happy and I am excited for him. I know it is hard on him to be away but I know the Lord is going to use that time to work on Greg. I don't want any learning opportunities to be missed. So, if it takes weeks, months, (God forbid) years to teach us - then let's get started. Until we learn, we remain!<br /><br />God is truly our Savior. He knows so much more than we can imagine and we have to just sit in awe of His grace and mercy.Lorene Hutchinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05226019647332591762noreply@blogger.com0