My Military Man.

 For all those times when I was vague,

when I mentioned playing the waiting game and my frustration,

this post is the answer to so many questions. 

Daniel is in the Air National Guard.

In January, he will have served 10 years.

He joined when he lived in Wyoming, and served on orders

in the engine shop working on C-130's.

When he moved to Idaho four years ago, he joined the Idaho Air National Guard.

When he moved here, he began working part-time as an A-10 mechanic

and he worked full-time as a personal trainer at a local gym

(among many other jobs).

It is the same gym he is a manager at today.

In April, he heard about a full-time position in the Guard as a Recruiter.

When the position opened in July, he applied.

He submitted his application July 19th, went through multiple interviews, 

and prayed and prayed and prayed.

From July 19 through September 9, we played the waiting game.

On September 9, Daniel surprised me at church in his uniform

(he couldn't make it that day due to mandatory drill weekend duties),

wrapped his arms around me,

and whispered into my ear,

"I got the job!"

Out of 25 applicants, he got it.

Daniel. My Daniel.

To say that I "cried tears of happiness" 

would be an understatement.

But—there was one more catch.

This job comes with 6-weeks of training down in San Antonio, Texas.

Now we had to wait to find out when he would be leaving.

The waiting game again.

We wanted to begin planning our wedding, 

but couldn't until we knew his tech school dates.

He could be gone anytime from October to January.

Yesterday, he got the call.

School starts October 1.

Daniel is leaving.

Next week.

For six weeks.

*slumps down in chair*

I could take this moment to get discouraged.

To say how much I'm going to miss him.

To be sad that he is leaving.

I am going to miss him. Dearly.

But I'm not sad.

This is a huge opportunity.

This is going to make such a difference for our future.

A pay raise, a stable career, an incredible organization.

A job he is passionate about.

Instead, I'll take this moment to say how proud of him I am.

How I think he is a warrior.

How I am honored to be his fiancè, and soon his wife.

This is what we prayed for.

This is what we needed.

This is our start.

This is our start to brilliant careers for each of us.

This is our start when we can begin wedding planning.

This is our start to an amazing life ahead.

Daniel, I love you.