[CRS]

Dh has been asked by a General to join his team in Saudi Arabia. They are going to be working with the King of Saudi Arabia! The mission is for 2 years, but hopefully he'll only be gone one year. We told the girls tonight and they seem to be taking it ok. I've got tons of mixed emotions about it all. Dh almost went to Wisconsin last year, only to be pulled out by this same General at the last minute. There are some strings to pull for dh to go because of his new position, but everyone seems to be in favor of it, including his new boss. And, since the General wants it....

I know this is an amazing opportunity for dh, but the thought of him being gone for a year is kind of scary to me. And it could be worse...no one will be shooting at him. I know being military, I should be used to it, expecting it, but I've been spoiled. We aren't telling any family members until it gets closer because of what happened last year. But we can't wait too long, since he is expected to leave in early March. We're going to try to sneak our family trip to Florida in before he goes, too.

Thanks for letting me ramble. I just needed to tell someone, especially people who have been there and understand. Oh, I'm not sure how this will effect the convention in October. I don't know if anyone will be able to watch the girls. It's a long way off, but I've already started to worry about that! Ok, I'm done rambling!

[sprinklz]

I'll be thinking about your family, Carla! I'm glad he'll be in a relatively safe place and doing an exciting job. Hopefully, you'll find someone who can watch the girls so you can come to the convention too .

[Julie - scrapaholic]

It does sound exciting, and I am sure it will be for him. At least he will be in a safe place. Will he get leave time to visit within the year? Now we can fly the girls here to Jersey and my new DH and DD can babysit.

[ChristyVW]

Wow Carla! I can understand your mixed emotions! Prayers for you guys and I hope convention still works out for you!

[April Showers]

That is a long time, and your feelings are totally understandable. I really hope you can work something out for the convention!

[regulargal]

That does sound like a wonderful opportunity for him. But I can understand your mixed emotions about it. A year is a long time for him to be gone - especially with kids missing him! Whatever happens I hope it's for the best. I'll be thinking of you and your family.

[Prahe]

Sounds like a fantastic opportunity. The great thing about the world today is that we have the internet and sevices like SKPE that will help you keep in touch on a slightly more personal level (although not a as good as a hug). Will be sending happy thoughts to you and your family Carla as you prepare for this event.

[SodScrap]

Carla-your family is in my prayers during this uncertain time...what an amazing opportunity, but at the same time scary too!!

Keep us posted. We are here for you!

[scrappylibrarian]

Wow! What a great opportunity for your husband but I am sure a challenge for your whole family. We will be thinking of you as this gets closer!

[CRS]

Thank you so much! I'm sure my stepmother or my mother will take time off to watch the girls for the convention. I just hate asking them to do that. But I appreciate the offer to send them to NJ, Julie!! I really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. I'm trying to look at this as a time to grow and become more independent. And I'm already turning to scrapbooking for therapy....I spent this evening working on a full size layout for the first time in a long time!

[pennynoel]

Adding you to my prayers that it all works out okay. A year is a long time, but with today's technology you can video chat and email and I think that helps a lot. In the past, you had to rely on very expensive long-distance calls that were cherished but much less frequent. Good luck to your family!

[Smiles]

You might want to keep a journal of your emotions both now during the train-up and later during the actual deployment.
That can help a lot in maintaining sanity.
And don't hesitate to call One Source if you need to!

[Jo Corne]

oh Carla, I have to say that I think you are amazing, as are all army wives, to be doing what you do and watch your men go off to battle, scares me to bits. even watching 'army wives' on tele gives me the chills.

God bless you and your dh, we are here for you whenever you need a shoulder to lean on.

hope it all goes smoothly for you

[TallCool69]

That must be quite overwhelming for all of you!
But also a wonderful opportunity for your husband, career-wise...

I do not have any friends in the military who have been to Saudi Arabia, but several working for a multitude of Swedish companies on different projects down there. Ericsson, Skanska, ABB, Alfa Laval and so on.

Fortunately, Saudi Arabia is pretty calm compared to some of the other countries in this region, and everybody I've spoken to who is working there only have positive remarks.
Except the wives! I think you should be thankful if you don't have to go with him for the whole period...
There's nothing wrong with a vacation to Saudi Arabia, but I think I would go mad living there more permanently as a western woman!
Too many rules, too confined...

[Sarah in VA]

Carla, I know what conflicting emotions you are feeling just now. A year is a long time, yes it's a great opportunity, but there are many other considerations. It's sometimes surprising what we can do when called upon to do it.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

[CRS]

I've already told dh we won't be coming to visit. I've read a little bit about the culture and I don't think I could handle it. Dh does know a female who has been asked to go as well, and she's not too concerned about it.

We explained to the girls that we have web cams on both laptops and we can see Daddy on the computer and he will be able to see us. Brooke doesn't understand and Lauren is suddenly becoming very independent. She's the one I need to worry about.

Thank you all for your posts. They help more than you will ever know!

[Shelbi]

Carla,
I will be thinking of you and your family during this time.
Everyone has already said everything and I can't think of anything new.
A year seems so long, but who knows want will come from this.

I hope all goes well.

[ManiakMama]

Carla, I'll be thinking of you guys for sure. Whatever the Lord has planned for him will all work out. Lots of thoughts and prayers for you guys.

[MaryJo]

I totally understand Carla and I think its normal for you to have all these mixed feelings! But, what an awesome opportunity for him too! I'll be praying for all of you and keeping you in my thoughts!!!!

[JoannB]

Oh, Carla - I feel for you! I know you're grateful that he isn't going to be in the middle of conflict & shooting -- but have your DH gone for a year has to be an agonizing thought. It's hard to not be lonely & miss them -- and being a single mom isn't fun. *hugs* Lean on us -- hopefully we can all be the support group that ou need to help YOU through it. *hugs*

[PBarnes]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Carla. If it is meant for him to go, I pray for strength for you in his absence and safety for him.

[patsyt]

Sounds like an amazing opportunity for your husband, career wise, even though it will be a challenge for all of you! I'll keep you and your family in my prayers this year. I'll bet you'll be doing a lot more full layouts! Hope everything works out for the convention!

[Sara Arell]

My dh was in Saudia Arabia too - we talked on the phone every day - now you can email and stay in touch. What a coo for your dh! Hang in there - the time will seem slow, but suddenly, he will be back home with you. My dh was there for Desert Storm - long time ago, but still fresh in my memory of being alone with the kids. Fortunately I had a great job as a graphic designer on base so I stayed very busy. God Bless You and your dh.

[SandiC.]

These deployments are so hard on families, but it sounds an amazing opportunity. You know all of us will be here to give you moral support, but sometimes its the day to day, getting through life sort of stuff that you need too. The military is sort of like our SG family and tend to take care of each other in these times. hope you do well through this all. I found that when my XDH was on a short tour somewhere (Thailand, Greece) I became very self-sufficient and gained a lot of confidence in my ability to do really hard things and to take care of myself and my family.

[dawnsmemories]

Oh Carla, I am sorry that you are having to go through this but it sounds like you are be logistical about it and honestly, that is what always got me through. Lean on us, your family and your military family. For you and the girls, you need to be open to all of the above. Thankfully I know from experience, a year does go by fast, it is just not fun.

How old are your girls? My kids were 5 and 7 last time and we made a book. If they are around the same age, I can give you more details. It was very beneficial to my oldest who walks in Daddy's shadow all the time constantly!

I will be thinking of you all... thank you for sharing with us.
Dawn

[cyndisa]

I'll be praying for you and your girls, Carla, and for your DH, too! I can't say anything that hasn't already been said , but you all will certainly be in my prayers. Big HUGS!

[JenW]

Wow! A year! I'll be thinking of you, best of luck to all. It is comforting to know he will be in a safe place. Good luck and hope you guys can enjoy an exciting family trip before he goes.

[musicmom]

Carla,

I will be thinking of you, DH and your DDs during your husbands absent. I will also be praying for all of you, too. The time is long, but the phone, internet and all will help the time to past.

This opportunity does sound exciting for your DH!

Hugs,

[CRS]

Thank you everyone! I'm feeling better about things now. We've loaded Skype on both laptops and we've done some research on where he will probably be staying. And we have a start date. We haven't told the family yet. We're waiting for the orders first. We don't live on a miltary installation, so I'm not sure how much support I'll have from the military. The General is picking people to go with him, and his family lives in Mass. But I saw how my family came together for us when I was in the hospital, so I know they are there for me. And I've learned how to ask for help, too. I know my SG family will be here for me, too! And for that, I am very grateful!

We're still trying to get arrangements made for a family trip. Dh has his leave all set, so know we can look at airfare and car rentals, etc. I'm sure it will all fall into place.

[Sherry Lynn]

Carla I am just reading this now --- I sure hope you'll get your vacation in before your husband heads to Saudi! You all will be in my thoughts and prayers AND please know that we are here for you!