Surprise Phone Call!

Tonight I received a surprise call from Anthony! He told me that yesterday was going to be our last call, so I was extra excited when I saw his face pop up on my caller ID. While we were talking he told me about all the different things he did today. He got his uniforms, his head shaved, and did a TON of paperwork. In addition to the phone call, he managed to snap his first picture in uniform and send it to me before lights out! He looks incredibly handsome in his new uniform! I can't wait to see it in person!

I had been praying every day since he left for God to help me see the bright side of his leaving, and to help me get through the day without shedding any more tears. God truly blessed me by giving him the opportunity to send me this picture! It made everything fall into place for me, and I know that the waiting is all going to be worth while. I love my husband more than anything in the entire world, and I am so proud to be a new ARMY WIFE <3

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever"

Leaving For Basic and AIT

Today Anthony reported to his recruiting office at 11 AM. Tonight he will be staying in a Hotel at Ft. Jackson in South Carolina. Tomorrow morning he will get up and go to this medical exam and then board a bus bound for Ft. Benning Georgia. The first few days he will spend in a reception batallion and after that he will begin his training. Saying goodbye was hard to do, but we all managed to keep our spirits up so Anthony doesn't have any worries going into this. Me, Scarlett, Jessica and Mom were there to watch him off. Shortly after Anthony's bus drove away his "Papa" showed up, and had just missed him. Thankfully we were able to reach him by phone so that he could tell him goodbye. Anthony has sent me a few text messages over the course of the day to tell me that he's doing alright and is excited for tomorrow. He also met a few fello 68W's that will be going with him to AIT in Texas to become a Health Care Specialist. He said that he is getting along with the new people that he has met and is anxious to arrive in Georgia. I know that he will soon have no access to his phone and I am not looking forward to that! I like beaing able to know what's going on with him. I am anxious to receive my first letter from him and already prepared to go to his graduation! I know he is going to do wonderfully.

Psalm 9:9
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

Celebrations of a New Soldier

Yesterday we celebrated Anthony's big decision. My family: James, Krystal, Ty and Tatum all came from Georgia. Amy, Darren, Shelby, Jake and Garrett came from upstate South Carolina, And Mom, Jessica, Brian and Aubrey were already local. Anthony's family, Elizabeth, Mike, Scarlett, and Wade are also local and they were able to make it as well. The day started around 1:00 with lunch at O'Charley's in Summerville where the food was good and the conversation was great. Afterwards everyone went to freshen up and get ready for the Bro-Sis-Bowling-Tournament.

We reserved 2 lanes at the local bowling alley from 9 PM - 2 AM and we had a blast. The guys kept Anthony's glass full and the tournament went well, although I don't think anyone was really keeping score as the night progressed and the good times got better. I did however win my first game of bowling ever, although I don't know if it counts because I was playing against people who had been drinking and taking shots. I was the designated driver.

Overall the night was great and James, Darren and Dad gave Anthony great advice for the trials ahead, and the ladies all promised to take good care of me while he's gone. I am excited for his journey and am ready to take the necessary leap of faith for him to follow his dreams. I hope it pays off! He leaves in 9 days!

Wish him LUCK!