One down, 170 something to go!

This post won't be long, it is after 10 p.m. and I am SO tired. I wanted to take the time though to note how our first day went. It was a normal day and a good day. I am shocked and so thankful. I woke up early this morning and re-read what I wrote yesterday and cried a bit, then I saw the treadmill looking at me. It reminded me of all my plans and goals for this deployment. One of the first was to do all I could to be healthy for our 4th baby, due in about 2 months. So I walked, and the annoying things super fit people say about working out and making you feel good were once again proven true. From there the day went as normal...the girls did show up in my room with their Daddy pillows (more on that another time). Genna even took her's downstairs and had Daddy "sit" with her during some school work.
Four special things to mention that all tie together: Nikki (a friend), Danielle (my sister), homeschool Valentine's Day party, and Wednesday night service at SSCF. Nikki and Danielle called this morning to talk, to see how I was doing, and to let me know they were praying for us. I remember recently crying and asking Jesus for help, because I was so weak and couldn't do this. Today He was here, and through them His comfort and strength were given to me. Awesome. The party was another blessing of fellowship. A perfect stranger even remembered me sharing about our upcoming deployment and asked if I had people to bring us meals and help. A christian military homeschool mom as well, she knows, and cared.
Though it is insanely tough to get 3 kids out of the house in time to sit through traffic at 6:30 p.m. for church just to arrive home at 10 p.m. for a very late bed time, it is worth it. Our church is the main reason we've stayed in Hawaii for 10 years. There we are known and loved, the Word of God is taught verse by verse by one of the best teachers I've ever had, and the worship music is genuine and so sweet.
Today was normal because I knew it would be best for us to stay on our regular routine and so that is what we did. Today was good because the Body of Christ was surrounding us and reminding us that no trial can separate us from His love.
I'm praying that Steve experiences that tonight, too. Romans 8 says no depth can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. I believe Paul was inspired to write "depth" specifically for submariners.