5.Versluys'.us

Two weeks ago, we packed up the girls and headed south to Camp Pendleton to attend Robert Christian’s promotion to First Lieutenant. Eric was invited to join Robert’s brother Forrest in pinning Robert, and Robert was scheduled to leave for Afghanistan the next week, so we couldn’t miss this for anything.

Becoming First Lieutenant Robert E. Christian

Rob is an old high school buddy of Eric’s and it’s been fun having him out on the West Coast because we get to see him more often than if he was still in Colorado. Sadly for us, but beneficially for the American people, Robert and his platoon were deployed to Afghanistan last week.

Eric and Forrest pinning the silver bars on Robert’s uniform

Robert is a combat engineer, which means he and his guys do hard work on the ground instead of sitting at headquarters shuffling papers. It also means that we spend part of our devotions every morning praying for Uncle Rob’s safety, that of his men, and for peace for his parents and brothers back here in the States.

Eric, the girls, Robert and Forrest with his promotion warrant

We’ve had some interesting discussions at home about Afghanistan and its location, Uncle Rob’s mission there, and when he is coming home. It usually ends with “let’s ask God to protect Uncle Rob in Afghanistan”. I’m sorry this war has taken Robert overseas into the battle, but it has been a wonderful lesson for Roma in good vs. bad and she is developing a respect and appreciation for the brave people who “keep the bad guys from hurting little kids” (her idea of “bad” is anything happening to kids like her sisters). I’m especially thankful that she is experiencing this without her own Papa having to leave for 7 months.

Robert (second from left) talking to some of his platoon following his promotion

Rob’s a good leader and cares first and foremost about the safety of his guys and the successful accomplishment of their mission. His parents, Lee and Margaret, did a wonderful job and are rightly proud of Robert and his brother (also a First Lieutenant) Forrest.

Robert and Forrest showed Eric and the girls around all the heavy equipment

After the promotion ceremony, we had to pretend it was the last time Eric and I would see Robert before he left, since there was a surprise party planned for Saturday that we were planning to attend. So we pretended to say goodbye for 7 months, and acted as sorrowful as possible.

Eric and I at dinner for Robert’s going away/birthday party

The weekend surprise party was fun and we had a great time getting in one last hurrah before Rob shipped out. Robert asked me when was the last time Eric and I farmed the girls out for a night on the town, and it was for my birthday right after Quincy was born! We were long overdue…

Roma hitching a ride after a long walk down the beach

While at Pendleton we visited the military beach at San Onofre, where I got some good photos of my family enjoying the sun and sand. Arguably, Mama had the best time of everyone, just sitting and soaking up the warmth and feeling incredibly thankful for our move to California. I kept telling Eric, “see, this is what I missed for three years!” I don’t mean to slight Colorado and the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, but the ocean is my “place” and where I am in a nearly constant state of awe and thankfulness.

Quincy and her godfather Uncle Rob

Please, if you think about Robert and his men on the ground in Afghanistan, say a prayer for them and for their loved ones at home. I’ve only had the threat of Eric’s deployment over my head a couple times, and I can’t even imagine the worry and stress that these families endure for months at a time, deployment after deployment. Roma may simplify the war, but it’s true that “Uncle Rob is keeping the bad guys from coming to our country and hurting us.” Thank you, Robert! We love you and we are counting down the days until you come safely home.