Christian getting sworn in
Well, we did it. We are now a part of the US Army! Christian received the Health Professions Scholarship which will pay for all four years of dental school plus books and fees as well as provide monthly living expenses - a blessing considering I will not be working. He has no commitments to the Army during school but afterward will attend a six week Basic Officer Training in Texas and then begin four years active duty working as a dentist for the base he's stationed at. We will spend our time stateside on or near a base but if he does get deployed overseas we would come with him unless he's sent to a war zone (where he would work on teeth away from enemy lines - no fighting thank goodness). Of course no one wants to be separated from their family, but you have to be ready for such a sacrifice. We could experience some of the greatest hardships we've every experienced, but also some amazing blessings as well - being debt free a huge one as well as having a job straight out of dental school. We have thought and prayed about it a lot and feel this experience will bring blessings and growth to our family.
After 4 years active duty he will serve 4 years reserve where it is extremely uncommon for dentists to be called up. Then you're done unless you decide to make the military a career (which I highly doubt we will but I can't speak for myself 12 years down the road).
So, big decision but the reality of it all is four long years away - the moving around and ups and downs that come with military life. Right now we're just focusing on school which isn't too far around the corner. We'll be moving around the first of August.
Lots of crazy changes in our life just keep coming. Life is great and our Claire becomes more special to us every day. Here are some smiley highlights from the last month of her life:
Oh, congratulations on this big decision! We definitely need to get everybody together again before you leave!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!!! Congratulations to the whole family! That is a great blessing & an honor :)
ReplyDeleteOh, & what a cute, cute baby!!! Both of the girls, Derek & I enjoyed her smiles.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing those clips of Claire. She is so active and has the most beautiful eyes! Good luck with the Army, Christian. It's kind of scary signing your life away. John just told me that he also has 4 years of reserve after it's all over, which I didn't even know until now! What did we sign up for????
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Big changes happening for you friends! Congrats Christian! Claire is just gorgeous guys! Hope you're loving every minute Steph!
ReplyDeleteHey Steph! Congrats on the big decision. I can honestly say that joining the Air Force has been the best decision for our lives (aside from getting married, having kids, etc). It has been the hardest thing we've ever done, but the things we've learned abou ourselves will be well worth it. I'm so glad you chose what was right for YOU. Its so important to get the right confirmations for our families. Good luck! You'll do great! And I'll be just down the road!!! Can't wait til you're here.
ReplyDeleteLove Katie