How do I capture three-and-a-half years in one post?  Camp Lejeune-8th ESB-Afghanistan-home-pregnant-CLB26-MEU-USS PONCE-Pakistan-Africa-Samuel-Kuwait-Libya-home-transfer-Norfolk-USS SAN ANTONIO-and all that is in between, it sounds like a Billy Joel song.

I am now renewing my commitment to blog about the adventure God has called me to embark upon.  Over the next couple of months I hope to catch everyone up on the variety of places I have been to and extraordinary people I have served with. - Grace and Peace, Jay!

A Long Overdue Update

February 2009

I greet you all in the awesome name of Jesus Christ, our hope and our salvation.

I just wanted to bring you up-to-date on what is going on in our lives. First of all Hannah is growing everyday. It is hard to believe she is already three months old. Sarah and I enjoy making her laugh and giggle; she has a great smile (she gets it from her mommy) and brings us lots of joy. Two weeks ago we traveled to Hollywood, MD to dedicate her to the Lord in our home church. Her mommy told her she had to behave during the ceremony, of which she complied with the exception of a burp into the pastor’s microphone during his prayer. Sarah has made friends with wives in the neighborhood and other Chaplain’s wives. She spends her week taking care of Hannah, going to Bible Study, and Coffees. The first part keeps her very busy.

Many of you have asked when I am to deploy. Originally it was this March to Iraq, but that has been changed. We have not received official word yet, but I will probably be deploying to Afghanistan later this spring. We covet your prayers. The battalion I am assigned to is mainly engineers (construction workers, heavy equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, ect…). They are a great bunch of Marines and Sailors to minister amongst and I am honored to be their Chaplain. While here at Lejeune (properly pronounced Lejeern) I spend my days counseling and hanging out with the Marines and Sailors, and teaching classes. When we deploy I will hold Bible studies and regular worship services as well as what I do here.

It is my plan to send out a monthly newsletter to our friends and family. If you wish to receive it, please let me know via email.

We love and miss you all!

Jay, Sarah, and Hannah

My Best Friend

Sarah flew out to visit me over the fourth of July. She was a sight for sore eyes. The mystery of love never fails to amaze me! We spent the weekend exploring Newport, RI and just enjoying each other's company. It was also the first time I was able to feel the baby move!

1. The hardest part of being called to serve is the cost my family has to, and will have to pay. Without Sarah's support I could not, nor would I even attempt to do this. It is really beautiful to see how God has been strengthening both of us. Truly, it is "in Him that we live and move and have our being."

Pull Chocks and Kick Rocks

"Pull Chocks and Kick Rocks" was the motto for Uniform Company and a week ago Friday I did just that as I graduated from Officer Development School (Officer Boot Camp).

It is a little sad that I will no longer have to be awoken with a bullhorn or dust my window sill 5 times a day. Whatever will I do with my time?

All in all it was a fun experience. God showed me the just how funny life really is and just how important it is to take care of one another.--jdw

Mama Mama Can't You See

"Mama, Mama, can't you see what the Navy's done to me..." Two weeks down and ten to go, three more for this first phase of my training. Rhode Island is beautiful. I am enjoying early mornings (3:30 am) with a little physical training strarting at 5:00 am. The food here rivals any federal institution. My Chief (Drill Instructor) is a very motivating gentleman, quick to encourage me and remind me how smart I really am as an officer. Please continue to keep Sarah and me in prayer. She has the tougher part as our soon to be child is constantly reminder her of his/her presence. Deus Est Semper Fi! --jdw

Transition

Wow our time of departure from Kansas City is here. Next week I will be heading out for Rhode Island and the following week Sarah will be going to Maryland. We have been in Kansas City for 4 years. I am grateful for all God has brought us through and I am excited about what awaits us. Keep us in your prayers.

9 Weeks and Lookn' Good!

Today we had our second sonagram! Baby is doing great, while Mama is battling morning/evening sickness. I am just excited. In fact when the sickness started I was jumping up and down--though not for long.--jdw