Yup I'm Here

So I've been here for a couple of weeks now.  Korea.  There's a lot to write about and I'm not sure I can express everything tonight.  So I'll talk about what's weighing heavily on my heart right now.  I guess I'll start with a disclaimer:

The people are nice here.
Everyone has been so welcoming and I've been invited to outings and sports and things like that.  I haven't met a rude person yet.

Now onto the heavy part.  I AM SO RESTLESS.  I'm full of angst.  I have so much free time that I can hardly stand it.  So I got busy.  I filled my schedule with so many things to do.  But there's an empty feeling inside me and it's itching at me.  It's probably homesickness and kid-missing.  Yeah, that's probably it.

So what do I do about this?  I don't handle boredom well.  So I signed up for a couple of college classes and am awaiting the start date.  I'm finally really getting my hands dirty in the book I'm writing.  I'm actually feeling it and dissecting it and re-entering the world I've created.  So that should keep me busy.  Plus, I've been doing my daily bible reading and prayers.

But like a dang teething puppy, once I'm done with one thing I'm eagerly awaiting the next chew toy.  So I guess my challenge is this:  Patience.  Sigh.  Patience.

Keep me in your prayers, please.  I need some help here.

Awwww

I love my life.

I thank God for everything He's given me.

I love my goofball kids.

... even if they make Walmart trips longer than they should be.

My dog is goofy too.

But I love him just the same.

NCO Academy Grad!

I've spent the last 6 weeks in the Noncommisioned Officer Academy (NCOA). I admit that NCOA was not what I was expecting.  I thought it was going to be a cheesy, unrealistic let's-play-leader course. Instead, I've been studying ethical leadership, joint warfighting, professional development, negotiating, and many many more lessons!  I've given briefings on religious freedom and strategic initiatives. I've made friends.  I feel as if I've grown in just a month and a half. 

The days were jam packed with lessons, we were drinking from a fire hose. The nights were ridiculously late with homework. We had briefings and papers due each week. We slept 3-5 hrs a night. Weekends were blessings!!  I slept on the weekends. 

Caden had a dental issue during the week of my first test (gum swelling from slamming into another kid during rough playing). Instead of reviewing the night before the test, I was up all night helping him cope with pain. I failed that first test. That weekend, he got some antibiotics and I had my nose in my giant book for hours each day. I rocked the final test. I scored 10 pts above the average student. Thank you, God. 

Bruce was my audience during briefing practice. He'd stare at me in confusion as I gave him 3-5 minute briefings on religious freedom and strategic initiatives. If it wasn't for the wine, I'd have been laughing the whole time. 

My class graduated yesterday. It was a great day. My boss and two of my subordinates came to attend the ceremony. I was so proud! 

Now on to the next Air Force milestone: Korea. 

Whew

I've been really stressed lately. Preparing to start my leadership school AND the PCS is exhausting. Watching the troops move on without me is bittersweet. Trying to enjoy as much of my life as I can is incredibly challenging. The time is passing faster than I can keep up. And I'm just so tired.

I have been so relieved to hit the bed lately.