We arrived at Surf City on Topsail Island Tuesday afternoon the 28th... the only time it was NOT raining. Then the tropical storm moved in. But standing on the deck that night watching the lightning stretch across the horizon lighting up the clouds and ocean was breathtaking.
Early evening 9/28
Oh how I wish Justin would have arrived on Tuesday and enjoyed even a few moments on the beach before the winds and storm set in.
Kat filming from the upper deck...
Late morning 9/29
In the gymnasium at LeJeune because of the inclement weather...waiting...waiting... We arrived at 11 am.
We estimated about 500 people there waiting.Finally about 1:15 it was announced Charlie Company was marching in!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hallelujah...We had waited 7 months, what was a couple more hours...right? .....right????????
Emotional Dad!!
Kat huggin' on her "Hogie".
Dude! You been liftin'!! Scary!
Thank you God ...for bringing our tired, wet Marine home.....
If you're wondering about Mom's hugging, she didn't hang back and wait. She ran through the crowd when she spotted her Marine in the middle of the gym and grabbed on to that Big guy and cried. Honorable Marine said "Don't cry mom...."
Justin with his two new roommates from his Deployed Fourth Platoon.
Thursday morning 9/30
We awoke to a SHAKING house, gale winds, tornado warnings, and pouring rain blowing sideways...The ocean tide was so high it literally was coming up to the house. I was NERVOUS!!!!
Rained all day long....sigh. The roads were flooded, so we just stayed in and watched movies/tv, ate, and put together a puzzle, Jonny and Kat made some funny videos.
That evening when we were returning to Jacksonville for supper, and taking Justin back in to LeJeune (because he had to be in formation at 8 the next morning)....this appeared! It was actually a full rainbow.
Justin texted very late that night to let us know they had been granted a 72 hour leave, so when we checked out the next morning, we "floated" back in to Jacksonville and picked up our favorite Marine and brought him home with us for a short but sweet weekend.
When we got home, poor Woobie just ran in circles and up and down the drive. He really didn't know what to do with himself...he was so worked up! And a photo worth posting again. A Marine re-united with his Devil dawg.... :-)
Reunions and Homecomings....treasured moments in life.....Priceless! Especially when it is a Warrior returning home from war by God's grace and protection.
Thank you Lord!
Thank you all my praying bloggy friends...You are treasures too!
Hugs to all of you.
8 comments:
Hurray and Hallelujah!! Thanks for all these
wonderful pictures! And, once again, give
Justin our thanks for his honorable service
to our country! God bless all of you!
Love & Prayers,
Sandy
OH that was so emotional and moving. Tender moments, reunions with loved ones, especially your marine! I am so happy for you.
I also marvel at the picture you took of the waves crashing up to your house. wow. That would have scared me. But God kept you all safe and snug together in the house...He knew you needed that time.
Prayed for you this morning dear one, as He continues to take you through new territory in your life. I want to thank you for always being there for me and others as you pour out your encouragement to us. You are truly a sweet fragrant offering for the Lord.
Love you!
Well, Julie dear, I've sat here and bawled through the entire post...but thank you for sharing such intimate family moments with us.
It is just so good to see pictures of Justin...returned from war, as you said, by God's grace and protection. He really looks so good.
Grateful that he was given a 72 hour leave...even if it meant going back to Jacksonville to bring home for a short weekend. I know it was good for Justin, Woobie and the rest of the family, but I know that was God giving Kurt that special father/son time before Kurt had to head out later. Never ceased to be amazed at how lovingly our Father cares for His own.
Praying for you, sweet friend.
Well, you have me crying this morning... happy tears! I love the homecoming pictures and I know how you felt to see him for the first time! I am thankful you all got to spend some quality time with him and I know Woobie was so happy to see him too!
Thank you Jesus for bringing Justin home safely! Our prayers were answered and I am thankful!
Love to you dear Julie and prayers for all the new things you have coming at you in your life!
Ok Julie...I am sitting here crying! I could just feel what your heart felt! I am so glad he is home, I have prayed for him and the others too many times. He looks good...have a great family time, tell him I said.."Well done" :D
Thank you Lord for bringing Justin back home...many a night I went to sleep with the "Justin-S-" on my mind and always in my prayers....God is good!
I am so happy that he got to go home for a well deserved rest! I would have loved to have seen you rushing up on that fella and hugging him, no better feeling in the world....
Thinking of all of you, please give him a hug from this Marine mom & tell him Thank you!!!
Hugs & love to you MMS ~ OOHRAH!!
Julie, thank you for sharing those precious moments with Us. I just can say thank you Lord, thank you!! He is amazing!!. I like your commentary "...she didn't hang back and wait. She ran through the crowd...", lol.. I just love it.
I'm still praying for you and your beautiful familia. You did understand me very well and now I know why, Iowa!!!. God will provide, Our Lord will guide you and He WILL comfort you. Thanks for your kind words. I will eventually post our crazy great adventure moving cross Country.
I just want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Hope you don't close the blog, I hope to keep in touch.
Many blessings my dear friend.
Huggs!!
Cotty.
So glad he is at home with you!! What a special moment when you saw him across the room!
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