Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Back to School--And I'm Not Talking About The Kids
We found out this week, much to B's dismay, that in order to get the retirement package that we thought we were already getting, B is going to have to go back to school for his Master's degree. This hit us pretty hard--I haven't seen B so stressed in a long time--even when you take into consideration that he has had 5 surgeries in the past year. I feel bad for him because pursuing a Master's degree was probably on his list of "Things I Never Want To Do." The reason why he has to do this is a very long and complicated story, so I'll not bore you with it. I'll just give you the tiny condensed version of it. First, B is a full time reservist so it doesn't work exactly like it would with the Active Duty. Let's just say that he needs to make the rank of Lt Col in order to get the retirement that we thought he would be able to get as a Major. This is the difference between getting his retirement checks as soon as he gets out of the service in five or so years, or getting out of the service in 5 or so years and having to wait until he's 60 to draw the checks. It's a very big deal. So, he is finishing up an AF class that needs to be done by the end of the year, and he will most likely start his Master's in January. Fun--he said to expect him to be pretty much non-existent for the next two years. It is going to be tough--but we will adjust--and every thing will be fine. Jeremiah 29:11--that's what I keep quoting to B.--that and "Who, by worrying can add one inch to his stature" and "Consider the lilies of the field..." I'm probably pretty annoying with all the quotations! He'd better get used to it, because that's all I know to say right now. Bless his heart. He's had a tough week.
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Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Labels: Family
14 Comments:
WOW...your life will certainly take a hit in the *adjustment* catagory...but just like Jeremiah 29:11 (one of my all time favorite verses) says...God is fully aware of this new plan in your life.........and he WILL give you the G-R-A-C-E...to walk through this..to the other side.
I'll be praying for you and your family!!!
Remember...*if God leads you too it, he will lead you through it*!!!
Kim~
Well, if anyone can understand your frustration, it's me! The frustrating thing for us is that even though my husband was promoted to Lt. Col., he won't pin it on in time to retire at that pay grade. They skipped the promotion boards for nurses twice on him (once for major and once for lt. col.) so that he just met his in-the-zone lt col board this year (after almost 18 years in!). We aren't interested in staying in past 20 years just to get the extra money, but it sure stinks. And they wonder why they have a hard time getting and keeping nurses???
Oh no! What a blow for all of you. That is obviously a huge difference for you all as far as retirement goes. I just pray that some unexpected blessings will come from this challenge!
I can't claim to know the "why's" for your family--I can't figure mine out!! BUT...I know when I stand and look back at the path we've been placed on that I see God's amazing hand all over it. Five years from now you might have an answer for now's "why?" But for now I'll pray for your family to have strength and joy for this season.
Blessings,
Julie
Oh Jenna!
That's terrible. I'm like B - that is also on the list of "Things I Never Want To Do" for me!
But you're being a good helpmeet and encouraging him!
Wow, life sure has a way of throwing curve balls huh? I'm praying for you guys too.
sorry to hear he wasn't made aware of those conditions before! how frustrating to find something like that out!
Oh goodness. That's a wild shock to learn about so "late in the game." You think they would make the requirements better known so that people weren't totally caught off guard. You're all in my prayers!
Not a fun situation. We've been there. Jeff went through an excellerated masters program that lasted a year, he worked full time, and we were pregnant with our youngest. It was TOUGH! In the end, he finished and we survived. He got his masters in elementary education, taught for one year in a public school, and said that was it! So, in essence, we went through all of that for him to realize that he didn't want to teach! LOL!
Y'all will do just fine!
Wow! That must have come as a surprise...it will be okay. Keep quoting your scriptures! =).
He'll be so proud to have the Masters when he is finished! Cool pics of him at the air show, by the way!
Wow...what a *fun* surprise, and I say that ever so sarcastically. I'm sorry for you guys, but I know you'll make it.
Hey, I made your teriyaki chicken for dinner last night and my family love it. Especially my husband. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Jenna, I had no idea! It dawned on me to ask you last night about B being in school, but it never came out of my mouth. New concept for me, huh?! Or maybe I was too busy talking about me...another character flaw of mine. ;) I'm sorry that he's having to go back under these conditions! Will this push back retirement for him? So you'll stay longer here???
Oh, and annoying or not, quoting scripture should be what we do all the time. In my opinion ;) I think the girls get annoyed with me at jv practice doing that too!
I know this must be a shock to your entire family. It could be worse. That's what I always try to think when I get sick or in tough situations. God is only going to give you what you can handle. We don't always see it that way but it's true. The time it takes to finish will be a mere memory in a few years. You are being so strong for him and I know he loves and appriciates you so much for that. With God all things are POSSIBLE!!!
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