Hi guys!
It’s been awhile since I’ve given you an update on what we’ve been up to, so I wanted to take some time today to write a post on everything that has been going on in our lives recently.
[WORK]
Willie is super busy at work, but seems to be enjoying it so far. Although, he can’t tell me much of what goes on behind the scenes (due to security clearance stuff), he says he learns something new almost every day, which is exciting! Another perk which he has also mentioned is a new found sense of ‘instant gratification’. Unlike other commands, where his work often went unnoticed or had little impact… Here, he’s able to see first hand how his work directly affects and influences the outcome or end result, which as a spouse is always encouraging and positive to hear. Sure, there are days that are tough and are just plain exhausting like every other job, but for now the good days far outweigh the bad.
As for me, I recently got a job in the activities department at a senior living facility here on the island. I had orientation on Wednesday, September 7th and I started training on the floor the very next day (they sure don’t waste any time around here). Training is about a month long process, so I’m almost at the midway point. All of the staff and people I’ve trained with tell me how quickly I’m catching on and how good of a job I am doing, which I always find surprising to hear because a lot of times I doubt myself (the perfectionist inside me I guess).
As for my schedule, it has been absolutely BONKERS working almost every day, even on weekends (case in point: starting today I’m working 10 days STRAIGHT with no day off). I’m hoping it mellows out and normalizes once the training period is over. I’m not going to lie and say every day is wonderful and perfect. Somedays are hard, stressful and mentally and physically exhausting. Learning how to set up and run each activity, remembering the residents names, the staffs names, making my rounds and keeping up with patient charting can at times be overwhelming. But the relationships I’ve formed in the short time that I’ve been here and the smiles I get to put on people’s faces every day makes it all worthwhile.
My first shift on the floor BY MYSELF is this Saturday. Typical me, I am anxious and a little nervous, but I have faith in God and confidence in my abilities and that’s half the battle right there. So if you would be so kind, please say a little prayer for me as I wrap up my training and begin working shifts on my own. Thanks y’all!
[BIRTHDAYS]
Birthdays! Birthdays! Birthdays! The last five months of the year are jammed packed with SO many birthdays. Think I’m kidding? Ben (Aug 4), Dad (Aug 23), Willie (Aug 24), Mom (Sept 9), mother in-law (TODAY), best friend Kelly (Oct 9), little sister Lauren (Oct 27), Lola “grandma” (Nov 13), older sister Elizabeth (Dec 13), Lolo “grandpa” (Dec 14), best friend Miah (Dec 30). Whew, and… these are probably not even all of them (sorry, if I missed you)!
Happy Birthday Jorine! We miss and love you very much!
[WEDDING BELLS]
As most of you know, my older sister Elizabeth is getting married next year (April 29, 2017). Thankfully, I was able to come home for a week this past May and help her pick out her wedding dress. YALL… (I wish I could show you now because it’s SO DREAMY) but I guess y’all will have to wait until April [insert evil laugh – muwahahaha]. All I can say is… Trey, get ready to have your socks knocked off… You are one lucky son of a gun! Willie and I are so excited not only to witness and celebrate one of the most beautiful couples uniting, but also to see and catch up with everyone that we have missed SO much! Including meeting our newest nephew who was born just a few months ago {I’m not going to lie… I may cry from a bursting, happy heart}.
We are planning on staying for about 3 weeks, splitting our time between Greenville, Boone and possibly Alabama (not 100% sure yet though) we still have a few things to figure out. If it were up to me, we would stay home for 2-3 months, but with both of us working, 3 weeks is about as good as it gets… That being said, we will definitely try and make the most of our time and get our moneys worth out of this trip.
[HAWAII]
Life here on the island has been good to us so far. Hawaii does not have four seasons. Not three, not two, only one, SUMMER, which is kind of a bummer, seeing as Fall has always been my absolute favorite season. Thankfully, it has become a little cooler (and by ‘cooler’ I mean I don’t have to run our A/C on the regular).
As for adventuring, we’ve explored many places, but still have A LOT left that we want to see and experience [more hikes, a luau, island hopping, hula lessons, surfing, camping]. As for the geckos, centipedes and cockroaches (indoors and outdoors)… I don’t know if I will EVER get used to them. I still jump and scream at the sight of them and cringe at the thought of them, but I guess it’s the price you pay for a slice of paradise.
The beaches, mountains, waterfalls, lush rainforests and daily rainbows here are truly breathtaking and is something you just have to see with your own eyes (the pictures just don’t do them justice). As for visitors, our FIRST ones (Bobby and Sarah) will be coming at the end of January which we are so freaking EXCITED about!
As for food, I FINALLY found my new go-to breakfast, lunch, dinner joint. Nalu Health Bar & Cafe is a God sent [acai bowls, smoothies, fresh pressed juices, sandwiches, wraps, salads] healthy without compromising on the tastiness = my kinda place! I’m OBSESSED!
Last but certainly not least… OUR CHURCH! You’ve probably already heard me raving about how awesome our church is, but I literally can’t say enough good things… Anchor Church has been the biggest blessing thus far. Every time I’m there, the stresses and worries of day to day life seem to disappear. It has become a very peaceful, renewing, restoring place for me and has impacted my life in BIG ways! You know those places you walk into and you can literally FEEL God (like he’s standing there right beside you)… Well, this is one of those places. So, so special.
[LONG TERM GOALS]
Recently, Willie and I have had a lot of talks about our future: where we’re at and where we want to go. Although, we have fallen completely in love with Hawaii and the ‘aloha’ way of life, our hearts continue to lead us back to NC (home). That being said, if it is the LORD’S WILL, we hope to exit the military once Willie’s contract is up in the next few years. We understand that this could possibly be the biggest, life changing decision we’ve ever made, but in all seriousness our end goal has ALWAYS been to move back and set down roots somewhere in the mountains of NC.
Obviously, this is still far fetched and will take a lot of preparation, persistence, prayer and guidance from God. But as we think more seriously about starting a family of our own, we both want a more ‘permanent’ kind of lifestyle not only for us but our families versus the constant moves, missed holidays and ever changing military way of life. I am in no way discrediting or shaming any family in the military (in fact we both have many family members who have been or are still in the military and have created an amazing life for themselves).
The military has been SO good to us and has provided needed growth and countless opportunities that we probably wouldn’t have had otherwise. Whether it’s the sheer pride of serving, the benefits, the paid tuition, traveling the world, job security, career opportunities or retirement package… Whatever your reasoning, it all boils down to you and your family’s wants, needs, preferences and circumstances. We are fully aware that two years is still a long ways away and a lot can happen during that time, so for now we will continue to work towards our goals, take each day as it comes and put our complete trust in God’s plan over our lives, our family and our future.
No matter where we end up, I know God will be faithful and will continue to provide just like he always has.
God Bless!
XOXO
ashleysolson 