Sunday, April 13, 2008

Family Time for the Soldiers

The families were invited out for a little time with their Soldier and to see a little bit of what they do while out training in the field so, after a wonderful time of worship at chapel this morning, we went out to have lunch and spend two hours with my husband in the field. The twins got to experience what it's like to train in the Stryker......and see what it's like to use night vision goggles. They thought that was really cool! I was pretty impressed with the night vision goggles.
Here they are inside the back of the Stryker with dad...
From here, they are headed down into the driver seat...
Here's the driver's seat...
It looks like there's more room than there actually is, mainly because they are a lot smaller than the Soldiers and don't have all the extra gear like a real Soldier would. Either way, I wasn't getting down there. It was bad enough sitting in the back of the Stryker. I don't know how they do it...especially when the hatch closes. It's pretty tight quarters in there!
Knowing the twins thought that was all really fascinating, I reminded them that I didn't want them in the Army should they decide to join the military one day...only Air Force like their big brother, where they are less likely to be on the front lines. Their response was, "Well, then why did you let dad?"

I didn't "let" him...only God could do that work in my heart! I think about the moms who are grateful they've got chaplains down range with their young sons and can't help but love my husband all the more for his willingness to minister as a chaplain, knowing it could one day very well mean he's in dangerous territory. When it comes to my babies though, that's a different story! :)

6 comments:

Paulette said...

HOW COOL for the boys to get to do this with thier dad!! It made me smile.
Glad ya'll were able to be together today.
love ya

Theresa Walker said...

When Neil was young he was able to do this with his Dad (tanker). We still have the photos of that experience. How fun for you guys!

LAURIE said...

What an awesome opportunity for your sons! and as a military Mom, I am right there with you about being protective. But I also know that wherever our kids go, God is with them and I thank God for men like your husband that will step up to the plate and lead and guide and pray for our sons. What an awesome ministry and don't be surprised if one of the boys wants to follow in Dads footsteps as they see the love and difference "Dad" is making in soldiers lifes. God bless! -love, Laurie

Laura said...

Laurie,
The twins say they are joining the military (prepare yourselves granny and pops if you are reading this!) one day so I already have that thought close to my heart. DR says he's going to college first so he can be an officer like dad. More chaplains in the family would be a cool thing, too. We'll see how God works and trust Him to lead them where they need to go in life.
Laura

Laura said...

Thanks Paulette and Theresa for stopping by...it was a neat time.

Anonymous said...

I guess I'll have to admit I read it. As long as they seek the Lord's will for their lives, how can we object. I guess I'll be used to not getting hugs very often by the time they finish college!! Love, Granny