Moving Mathematics

6 trips to the dumpsters of Columbus, GA

+

560 square feet of bubble wrap

+ 

2 boxes of recycled moving paper

+ 

5 roles of packing tape

+

24 moving blankets

+

1 Budget truck

+

5 strong Army men 

+

1 car dolly 

+

844 miles on the road

=

The Beless' are back in Texas!

It's funny to think that just last Wednesday Brooks came home with the news that we would be PCSing [permanent change of station, aka: moving] in exactly one week. I admit, the realist in me expected difficult times ahead.

Packing seemed like a never-ending task, the fact that we didn't know [exactly] where we would be moving was seemingly stressful, and of course saying goodbye to the men and women we have done life with here in Columbus wasn't my favorite idea. 

But the Lord has been sweet to take care of even the smallest details regarding our move. For instance, packing provided sweet time for Brooks and I to catch up on conversation and just be goofy together. Goodbyes were more like "see you laters," and offered ample opportunity to dwell on the sweetness of the God who provided me with such friendships during the few months I spent in Columbus. And, Mr. Beless and I unofficially have a plan for housing here at Fort Hood. I promise to share more on that when things become more clear. 

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. We love you all, so.

We're moving to Texas!

Well, we've been talking about it for quite some time, but moving to Texas became more of a reality for Brooks and me this week. Over the last couple of days we began out-processing  here are Fort Benning, and we received word just yesterday that we are moving to Fort Hood next Thursday. 

There are a few different options when it comes to moving from one place to another in the Army. Brooks and I have decided to do a DITY (do it yourself) move in hopes of making a little extra $$. Basically, this means that the government will pay us to move ourselves instead of paying a moving company. We are trying to do things as thrifty as possible so we can bank! For example, I've been raiding all of the cardboard dumpsters in Columbus collecting boxes. Good thing I have a little dumpster diving experience in my tool belt thanks to the Baby Ruth program.

If you're in need of some good boxes, try Chick-Fil-A. The waffle fry boxes are where it's at, ha! 

Most excitingly, congrats to Jim, Tyler, Nate and a few of our other friends who are graduating from Ranger School this morning! In a few hours they will have their long-awaited Ranger Tab and a full belly! I hope to get a few decent pics and post them this afternoon.

Transitions

A few days back I received this text message:

This friend of mine [who happens to be a great at all things technical... check it out] once shared with me that effective bloggers post on a consistent basis, at an ideal time of day, with a sufficient amount of words [but not too many] and pictures [of decent quality]. 

Oops.

So, what does it look like to blog with this handsome guy at home? 

I have no idea. 

Quite honestly, Brooks and I have struggled to find our routine since his return home from Ranger School. The first few days we didn't even know how long it would take us to make breakfast, get ready, clean up and get ourselves out the door to make it somewhere on time. At times, this caused a bit of friction. But I assure you we are both beyond thankful for the lessons we are learning together in the transition. 

A couple of weeks before my hubby's return I read this post written by Kevin East, the former Executive Director of Ministries at Pine Cove. Kevin shares a bit about the transition he and his family are making as they come to the end of their time at Pine Cove. 

"...sometimes we find ourselves stuck somewhere in between what has been – and what could be.

That in-between time is what is known as a transition.  Transitions occur in the lives of business people, ministry leaders, moms, students, the churched and the un-churched.  For Christ-followers, these times of transition aren’t just about a job change or a change in where you live.  God does some of his most important formational work in the hearts of leaders during such times." 

What helpful words for those of us in the military who are, or are becoming, quite familiar with the process of moving from one way of life to another. 

Over the past five months Brooks and I went from: 

• being single to married.
• living in Oklahoma [me] & Georgia [Brooks], to living together [in Georgia], to living separately again [Ranger School].
• talking on the phone & Skype, to talking in person, to writing letters.
• living together again after Brooks completed Ranger School, yippie! 
• being here [in Georgia] to preparing for our upcoming move to Ft. Hood [in Texas]. 

Through all of this we have learned a few things:

• Recognize your expectations, so they don't broadside you. 
• Communicate, communicate, communicate. Lots of people told us this before we were married. It is true.
• Be patient... patient as you wait, patient with your spouse, and if you're like me, be especially patient with yourself. 
• Be flexible. You probably aren't going to get it right the first time. That doesn't mean you shouldn't strive to do so, but it is okay to make mistakes as you go along. 
• In the midst of transition, it is most important to seek the Lord and to strive for oneness with your spouse.

I am certain these lessons will continue to unfold as we are in this season of transition. Please pray for us as we prepare to part ways with friends we have made here at Ft. Benning, while looking forward to the friendships we will make at Ft. Hood. You can also be praying that we will find a house, apartment, or some kind of abode to make our home in Texas once again, but together this time!