Arrivederci Italia!

It has been an incredible three years in Italy and we could not be more thankful for the experiences we have had and the people that have shared them with us. God has blessed us immensely with our F16 family, and through the Buzzards, we have met and been reunited with lifelong best friends. It was a such a sad goodbye, and I, Jordan, in particular, have a hard time believing I will not see these women each and everyday...until we are all stationed together again!

When thinking about some of our favorite memories from Aviano, it goes without saying that the relationships were number one, with travel close behind. Our squadron was incredible, complete with fun, fellowship, and a true sense of family. It amazes me that we were able to travel to 20 different European countries, over 80 different cities, and see some of the most important and influential historical sites in the world. We leave with a greater appreciation for Europe and the many different cultures and peoples that make up the continent, as well as a deeper loyalty and love for our home country. We are so thankful for the chance to live over seas and broaden our perspective, and hope that we only continue to grow more as Christians and individuals as Korean inhabitants. 

We loved our little town, Sacile.

So blessed to have visits from friends...

...and family.

Thankful for vacations with people we love,

incredible Buzzard bashes,

and of course, the wine!

Ciao for now, Italy. We cannot wait to come back for a vacation in the future!

16 Weeks

How far along? When this picture was taken, I was 16 weeks, 4 days (taken on March 5)

Maternity clothes? Still no. I've been praying to hold out until reaching 'Merica where the options are plentiful. So far, so good!

Best moment so far? I finally stopped puking!! Hooray!! Also getting back to the gym. My runs are not like they used to be, but I am happy to be moving again!

Food cravings: Same as before. Still no eggs, and liking the salt. I have been wanting a lot of steamed spinach lately.

Other symptoms:I am breaking out like an adolescent, but I'm not sure if that is attributed to the stress of the move, other emotional situations the past few months, or the pregnancy. I am also having a hard time sleeping more than a few hours a night. Again, not sure if that is pregnancy or just life related.

Looking forward to: Finding out the sex. Radiology is going to fit us in before we leave, even though it is earlier than they like doing that particular ultrasound. 

What else is going on in life:Still in the process of a PCS, but now at the packing stage. The first round of packers/movers came Monday (Feb 25) and we are waiting for round 2 as I write. It has been a headache of a process, but God has definitely blessed us with it being more smooth than we thought possible! Last night was our last night in the apartment, and it was definitely a bittersweet moment. Here's to many other adventures that await us...as a family of three...

Week 13

How far along? When this picture was taken, I was 13 weeks, 3 days (taken on February 8)

Maternity clothes? Not yet. I'm thankful to still be wearing all of my normal clothes. Not sure when that bump start to show...

Best moment so far? Seeing the heartbeat at week 10 was pretty amazing. Caleb and I were blown away by God's miracle...and I was still shocked that there is actually a baby growing inside of me.

Food cravings: Anything salty, as long as I can keep it down. NO EGGS. Gross.

Other symptoms: Just still dealing with nausea. I have been sick to my stomach (throwing up sometimes, but not constantly) since week 5. I thought it had gone away, but now it hits at night and periodically throughout the day when I least expect it. Other than that and being pretty tired, no other major symptoms.

Looking forward to: Being able to work out again. I can get to the gym about two times a week, but the smells are tough. With the nausea hitting at random times, it makes it difficult to have a productive workout!

What else is going on in life: We are still working on getting stuff in order for the move. All our military friends understand the pain of trying to PCS, and for some reason Aviano AB makes it especially difficult. We are praying that things won't be too stressful the next few weeks as we schedule packers/movers, check-outs, etc.

In Memory of Luc Gruenther

On January 28 during a training mission off the coast of Italy, Major Luc “Gaza” Gruenther’s F-16 fighter went down in bad weather.  His body was found several days later after a massive search by Italian and US personnel and assets. Luc leaves behind a wonderful wife, Cassy, who is expecting the birth of their first daughter, Serene, in the next couple of weeks. 

This has been a tragic and heart breaking event for our community here at Aviano. Cassy is a personal friend and incredible woman, and each one of us here has been truly touched by her and Luc. We have seen incredible support from the F16 community from every base, the Air Force and military communities in general, and family and friends located around the world. 

On Wednesday, February 6, Aviano hosted a memorial service on base to commemorate the life of Gaza. An avid outdoors man, dedicated husband and soon-to-be father, amazing pilot, and cherished friend, Gaza inspired all those that were blessed to meet him. Caleb and I are thankful to have known Gaza and will continue to pray for Cassy and baby Serene. We also praise God for such a loyal and strong community. The F16 community is small and spread across multiple continents, but it is a group of men and women dedicated to country and one another. We are truly blessed to call these people our military family.

Praise be to God, as Cassy went into labor on Thursday morning, February 7. Beautiful baby Serene entered the world early that morning, and as Cassy phrased it, "Luc's glorious light began to shine again." Both Mom and baby are doing great in this bittersweet time.

Please continue to pray for Cassy, Serene, the Gruenther family, and the men and women who knew and loved Gaza. This will continue to be difficult for all as we continue life with heavy hearts. If you are interested in donating to Serene's college fund or the Lucas Gruenther Memorial fund, please use the following site: http://www.lucasgruenther.com/node/1

"Praise You In This Storm"

By Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm