July 1st

After a long 71/2 hour flight (but awesome flight) we landed at Gatwick Airport in London.  It was a busy place, but the man waiting for us was there to take us to RAF Alconbury.  It seemed like a long ride to the base.  It was a complete trip to drive on the WRONG side of the road (to me) and the driver was on the WRONG side as well.  It was a bit scary at 1st, but it didn't take too long to adjust.  I was just glad I was not driving.  We got to the base and were unloaded, our few suitcases and us, dropped off at the gate.  We walked close by to the guest quarters area and were taken by van to the lodging where people stay on base as they wait for a home inside or outside of the base.  For us, because we are not currently in the military, our housing would have to be found outside the base.  We ended up sleeping because of fatigue.  Then that evening Nathan went to get our rental car for a few days while looking for a place to live.

June 30

Nathan and I have been seeking the Lord after the death of our precious daughter Emily Kiersten in April 2007.  In our search for that inner peace and joy, we dealt with a lot of grief, sadness and a feeling of complete emptiness.  Two years ago we decided to put in for overseas jobs.  A sense of adventure came over us and deciding that maybe we could step out of our comfort zone into this vast and huge world to see if God could use us.  We knew that the very likelihood of this kind of thing happening would be slim to none... after all, Nathan already had a job with the Fire Dept. and signed up for the Drop completely retiring in just 5 years!  We were set- or so we thought.  The call came in early June of 2011.  Nathan had his name on overseas work at different countries.  The one that was to change our lives was the call from RAF Alconbury where he could work if he decided to take this job.  We put a lot of prayer into this decision and decided to chase it.  There was MUCH to do in such a little amount of time.  We had to get many emails out, get our visa's, and get our home in order.  This tour is a three year offer.  Many phone calls, paper work, copies of many things, let alone all you own needs packed.  This was a huge decision with the Fire Dept. as well... Nathan retired early and left much on the table that could have been a nest egg to some, but to us, life has never been about the money- The Lord promises to supply the needs.  We find trust in Him.  Our pastor and family moved into our home which was a huge blessing.  Nathan and I did it- within about 3 weeks after accepting this position with the Department of Defense... we got our plane tickets and shared the news with family and friends.  It was shocking to many, but our children encouraged us the most, and that made it feel so right, and so wonderful.  Right now we don't have any grandchildren, so we decided to go-   We packed 2 small boxes with precious items in them and shipped them over as well as my hammered dulcimer.  Goodbyes are always hard, but Julie and Matt her boyfriend drove us to Orlando and we parted for the unknown.  We're flighty like that.  :)