A new chapter in our lives...

We have some news to share with you and ask you to pray with us during this transition. The Air Force has been undergoing a Reduction In Forces and cutting many jobs. We have been on the list this year and just got word that John will not be retained. His last active duty date is January 29, 2008. As we found out that our name was on this list months ago, we prayed that God would guide us and direct our paths and we acknowledged that He was in control. Certainly, we thought that His will would be for us to stay in the Air Force. We feel that we have been kind of like missionaries moving from place to place serving Him in different capacities. We trust that God has orchestrated these events because He has more in store for us. This will be a new chapter in our lives and we have no answers right now; it is too fresh to have some kind of plan or direction. Pray with us that God will give us wisdom and discernment as job offers come in and that He would guide us to where He wants us to be.

We have many positive things to look at in leaving. John will be able to get his Master’s degree completed free of charge. He will already be enrolled in his last semester before his separation date and they will allow him to complete the semester. We can stay in base housing even after he is out. He has many marketable experiences and trainings and certificates…that we think will be helpful in finding a good job. We do get a sum of money as “compensation” for being cut; it is not a large amount, but will get us completely out of debt and leave some for a down payment on a home.

We are not used to having no limits on where we can go. The Air Force has been our life for the last 12 ½ years. We are used to limits and restrictions on everything. The door is open wide and we look forward with eager anticipation to see what God has in store for us. We have enjoyed being a part of the Air Force family and have met many of you along our journey. We are thankful for the friends we have made and count it a blessing to know each of you.

You may be wondering how our children are handling this. They are all four wanting to move to Lubbock, TX. They are excited and seem very eager to find a new home and school that they will go to for longer than two years. They don’t understand that concept yet. They have moved every two years or less since starting school. Sarah said,” you mean we won’t have to move again”. Of course we told them that any job can decide to move you, but that where ever we go, they should all be able to stay in the same school until they graduate from High School. I think that is mind boggling to them.

We know that you are all scattered across the U.S. and that some of you have already transitioned out of the military either through retirement or by choice. If you have any words of wisdom for us, please share those. We know that this will be a big adjustment and know that some of you may have some insight that you would like to share.

We have a family blog that is updated with photos and the things that we are doing. It is by invitation only. We’d be happy to send you an invitation to join. You just have to create a user name and password to be able to view the blog. Let me know if you’re interested in keeping in touch that way.

Blessings,
Audra and family