Tabitha Robin

Well, Army Recruiter Collins came outto the house yesterday. John has been thinking about joining the armyfor some time now. The day finally come to find out everything weneed to know. For about 2 hours we talked with Collins and found outsome vital information about our futures. We found out that it wontbe until October before he can sign up because of a new law Obama hasput in affect for our Military. For a time period of I am not sureof, they can only sign up 65,000 soldiers. The time clock goes backto Zero in October. Collins seemed very excited and present aboutjoining the army full time. This is called Active Duty. In doing soJohn would get a bigger signing bonus, better health care, and betterhousing. After the recruiter Collins left, we then sat down and talk.

This is something we have not jumpedinto head first without thinking it out. We have been praying formonths on this issue. Finally we got to sit down and talk it through.All the signs pointed to yes, and we know that the Holy Spirit isleading us in the direction he feels is best for our family. So inOctober, John will be taking the ASVAP test, a Physical Test, thenoff to boot camp for 9 weeks. Once he graduates boot camp he will bestationed somewhere in the USA on base or close to base. Then Hecould be sent to Iraq for a years time. This is a little scarey forus, but we feel it is right.

I was told that I could get a job onbase as a Civilian. I would be paid well, and that I would also getfree schooling for me and the kids. We would get free health care andwe would get housing. Since I have a CDL on my license Collins saidit would be no problem finding me a job. I was pretty much guaranteeda job on any military base. So there you have it. John is going tobecome Army Strong in October, after boot camp there is no tellingwere he will be based. I will quite my job, or at least give them anotification that I will be quitting and going to live somewhere elsein the USA. God only knows were we will be stationed. I hope it isnot to far away. I don't think I would like living in Hawaii. I liketo visit someday but as far as living on a Volcano, I don't know.

There will be many people effected bythis change in my life. First of all my children's lives will bechanged but I believe for the better. Then there is my immediatefamily such as my sisters, my mother, father, nieces and nephews. Iwould only get to see my family once a year, at the least. It dependson were we are stationed. I look at this situation this way, it isbetter pay and I would be able to provide for my family better, it isa chance of a life time, my kids would get an adventure, and get totravel around the world, something they have always dreamed of aswell as me. We would be able to see the world.

I would still write and publish mybooks and I would still keep my website up. I would have plenty ofspare time to try to keep the harder issues off of my mind such asJohn going to Iraq for a year, and having to fight in a war. Only Godknows what will become of this, but I will not suffocate my longingto do something important and live my adventure or my children'sadventure. This family will become Army Strong. We are alreadyStrong, and Christian Strong, Cross of Christ Strong, so I know wecan endure anything that comes our way.

Please be praying for us.

Tabitha Robin