One look says it all..

So this year has not been easy. If you have been reading this blog for any period of time, you are probably familiar with the many changes that have taken place in our lives. Graduation from residency, active duty change of station for Chad (which meant a family separation), deployment to the Middle East, selling our family home of 9 years, and moving to a new state for Chad's fellowship at Duke. This year is just one of many that have we have survived by God's grace on this journey of Chad's training to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. I have often joked with Chad and asked him, "Are you sure you don't want to be a professor at a university with a 'normal' schedule?!?" or "Are you sure you want to be a surgeon?!?" If you know me, you know my heart is for my husband to use his God-given gifts and fulfill the purpose He has for Chad's life. But, my selfish side does wish some times that this road was not what it has been or that it was easier. I have recently been challenged to embrace the fact that we are not called to live a life of ease or comfort; there are sacrifices to be made in order to honor the Lord and follow His plan for our lives. For us, that means many nights without Chad, family separations for military duty, and saying goodbye to family and friends as we move to different locations for Chad's training and Navy commitments. Some days, I have asked myself if it is really worth it...While I know I will always struggle with what this calling requires of Chad and by default, our family, I was privileged recently to see the look on my sweet husband's face when he came home from work and shared his excitement about getting to "finally operate on the heart"! There is nothing like getting to see a dream fulfilled for the person you love most in the world. It makes the moves, the late nights, the last minute change of plans, etc., etc., etc. worth it all! This past year is just one small piece of the puzzle that God continues to put together for our family. I am so thankful I know He has a plan for us and our best interest at heart. I hope you enjoy the pictures of Chad with the kids...he is definitely a "hot" commodity in this house!