The Big News.

Well folks!

The date has moved up!

We don't know for sure when, but Matthew will be coming home early! Sometime in late November/early December.

I am so thrilled- we are no more than 8 weeks out, and potentially just over a month. INSANE!

So I have started doing all those things I said I was going to do before he gets home like touch up my painting mistakes, hang our diplomas in the office, etc. It is great to be on the final count down!

And so on that note, if you are one of the kind souls sending Matthew letters or packages, please hold off now! The mail is going to be crazy and they are going to go through a lot of changes from now on as they pack up and hand off the duties to their replacements, so he most likely won't get anything you send now... I don't think that really applies to anyone but family, but just in case! Now you know.

One strange thing I didn't expect to feel was a bit of guilt because WE get an early homecoming, and so many other people don't. At the same time I know we have to take what comes with open arms and thank God in the midst of whatever he has for us- and know that we would have been praising had we gotten taken right to January 15 too. What I am thrilled about for this unit is that the majority of the soldiers Matthew is serving with have been over there for 12 months now, and by the time they get home they'll be in month 14.... THOSE families need a break and I'm so happy they're about to get it. The collective mood around here is markedly lighter.

Anyway, for all of you who are still waiting on your families to be back together, our prayers for you will not cease. We are thankful for this timing change, and hope you'll good news along the same lines.

SO... that is the little cloud I've been floating on. I burst in to tears at least once a day from joy. This is such a huge blessing and wonderful surprise. The timing could not be more perfect- my time in between semesters will pretty much really closely coincide with his block leave-- so much better than I could have planned it or hoped for!

Another crazy thing is that 3 brigade combat teams will be coming back to Fort Campbell in/around the month of November... that is about 20,000 troops coming home. AMAZING! This whole city is going to be so different, and especially the post! WOW.

Anyway, that is our news. Praise God for us, we can't do it enough!