Soon time for me to leave...

I've been reflecting on some past events and situations that i was in.

One was developing a relationship with my dad and stepfamily. When i was in high school my dad got re-married. I wasn't a big fan of her and her children. Back then i didn't talk to my dad or the stepfamily. Today, its a totally different story!! I have a relationship with everyone like we've always been a family! I love them all. Its totally weird and its ALL GOD!! Over the years i've been doing some reading of the Bible and lots of praying. I needed to be able to trust my dad again and forgive him for the things that he has done, i needed the courage to tell him that as well. I've said things that i regret saying to this day, but my dad and stepmom forgive me. My stepsister and i do things together, we've NEVER done anything together in the past. My stepmom and i had a very good talk a few weeks ago about how much i've changed and how i've done it. She and her two young adults have noticed it and has something to their mom. She told me that i've done a complete 180 and she asked me if i've gone to counseling or something of that sort. i just told her i've been reading and praying. She was so surprised and now its so great to have a relationship with her. The thing is, i never gave her or her kids a chance, I didn't want anything to change and it was really hard for me to accept her into my life. If you asked me questions about life and such 7 years ago, i would probably give you one word answers and that would be about it. Now i love conversations!! Its crazy to see how much i've grown as a person. I've gone over to the house to ride 4-wheelers, cut the ends off of green beans from their garden, and just to hang out. I'm over there 3 or 4 times a week!!

My dad and i have a great relationship as well. I don't remember the last time i said "I love you" to my dad, but a few years ago i started saying that to him and he says it back to me! :) It feels so good to have a dad in my life and we're not yelling at each any more. I really need my dad and stepmom and family in my life. I mean, my stepmom, stepsister and stepbrother are family now!! As long as my dad is happy, thats all that matters!! :)

I've been packing my things away plastic tubs and getting rid of a ton of stuff. I'm also planning a surprise party for a 7th grader in my Life Group. She's having a tough time bc i'm leaving her for the army. I understand, so i talked with her mom and she loved the idea of me throwing her a party! I want the party to be something she remembers for awhile! I'm so stoked to see her face!! I love Ju so much!

I'm going to be writing a postcard type thing to my girls once i find out my ship out date. I'm hoping that i had some sort of impact on my girls the last two years as their Life Group leader in 56. I've done somethings for them, some involved pain; but they would get candy bc they won the game. They ALWAYS volunteer me for different games and i love it, i'd do anything for them!!

My recruiter has told me that i will most likely be leaving in OCTOBER. I can't wait to leave for Basic Training!! I got TDQ for 52 days bc of the surgery i had back in 2006 and for a cataract that i've had since i've been born.
Pro:
~it won't be as HOT in S.C.


CON:
~being away from family for the Holidays, 1st time ever!