ChristianMilitaryWives

This is a forwarded email I wanted to share... great story!

The doctor had his TV on in his office when the news of the military base shootings came on. The husband of one of his employees was stationed there. He called her into his office and as he told her what had happened, she got a text message from her husband saying, "I am okay." Her cell phone rang right after she read the message. It was an ER nurse,” I’m the one who just sent you a text, not your husband. I thought it would be comforting but I was mistaken in doing so. I am sorry to tell you this, but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery."

The soldier's wife left Southern Clinic in Dothan and drove all night to Ft.Hood. When she arrived, she found out her husband was out of surgery and would be OK. She rushed to his room and found that he already had visitors there to comfort him. He was just waking up and found his wife and the visitors by his side. The nurse took this picture.

What? No news crews and cameras?

I sent my cousin in Fayetteville, N.C. (Retired from Special Forces) that picture of Geo. W. visiting the wounded at Ft. Hood. I got this reply: What is even better is the fact George W. Bush heard about Fort Hood, got in his car without any escort, apparently they did not have time to react, and drove to Fort Hood.

He was stopped at the gate and the guard could not believe who he had just stopped. Bush only asks for directions to the hospital then drove on. The gate guard called that "The president is on Fort Hood and driving to the hospital." The base went bananas looking for Obama. When they found it was Bush they immediately offered escort and Bush simply told them he wanted to visit the wounded and the dependents of the dead. He stayed at Fort Hood for over six hours...

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. George W. Bush!

A Note From Give An Hour:

My good friend, Lorie Southerland (Gold Star Mom to SPC Michael Rodriquez) has asked me to pass this information along to those living near Fort Bragg.
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Amy Ball from "Friends of Kurdistan" would like to come speak about the changes that have been made possible by our loved ones serving in Iraq. 

 

Amy and her family will be here in North Carolina mid March, and would like to meet on Saturday the 20th. We could meet in the afternoon giving those who have to drive time to come to Fayetteville. I'm not sure where we will meet, I will need to get a head count. If you are interested please e-mail me and pass this on to anyone you think might be interested. Our loved ones did not die in vain and those serving are making a difference.

Here's a letter from Amy:

 

I have been searching for a US military family connection since my first trip to Iraq in January of 2009 as an election observer.

 

During my trip, I met with many Ministers of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Northern Iraq and I was surprised by the continued outpouring of gratitude and appreciation for the US liberation of Iraq that effectively saved them from a genocide that the rest of the world had turned a blind eye to.

 

The Minister of Culture's comments have stuck with me, he said,

 

"Our people do not have the words to express the gratitude we have for their contribution and our sorrow for the families who have lost their children in an attempt to save us.  We will not forget their contribution and I would very much like to have the opportunity to express these feelings to them personally, to welcome them into our home, to embrace & grieve with them as family and let them know that their child's sacrifice was not in vain."

 

To that end, I would like to discuss this with you and let those who lost their children know that they did not do so for nothing.  That children are able to play in the streets again, that women have rights they have never had before and that they are working on building a truly democratic system so that this never happens again.  

 

As a parent, I can not begin to imagine the heartbreak you have experienced, but on top of your loss, I did not want you to think that they have died in vain or that their sacrifice is unappreciated.  That simply could not be further from the truth.

 

I made a promise to each kurds that shared with me their gratitude for the sacrifices of your sons and daughters, that I would tell their families.  In March, if you and are group are open to this, my family and I could travel to visit your group and share this message with you.  I have discussed it with my husband, and being March break for the children we could build our holiday around the meeting.    I look forward to hearing from you.  You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Amy Ball

Ladies, we are pleased to announce that CMW has joined forces with The Girls Get Away Cruise... we are going to set sail October 14 - October 18.

We are still working the details out - they are working with us to give us the best price possible. They will offer monthly payments... without interest, which is wonderful.

What is the Girl's Get-A-Way Cruise?

The Girl's Get-A-Way Cruise is a cruise for women featuring today's top Christian speakers and artists. It's a cruise for all ladies from mothers and daughters to sisters and from good friends to church groups! There's something for everyone on the Girl's Get-A-Way Cruise. You'll enjoy morning devotions, meet and greets, two beautiful ports of call, shopping, exquisite dining and so much more!

What is included in the price of the cruise?

*all meals (there's gourmet fare in the formal dining rooms, casual indoor and outdoor grills open for meals throughout the day and 24 hour room service)
*non-carbonated beverages (i.e. tea, juices, coffee)
*all concerts, speaker sessions, etc. put on by Premier
*use of the ship's beautiful pools
*use of the ship's health and fitness center
*taxes, fees, and gratuities, are pre-paid and added to your reservation total ($225 per person)

What is not included in the price of the cruise?

*items of personal nature (phone calls, internet, laundry, etc.)
*spa & beauty salon
*soft drinks (however, cards are available for a low price which get you unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise)
*any meals, events or excursions while in Port
*airfare (although you can take advantage of discounts offered through the Orbitz link on our website)
*ground transportation
*cruise insurance (available through Premier for an additional fee)

Who may sail?

Please make sure that everyone in your cabin is eligible to sail.

*Infants who are at least 6 months old on the day of departure may sail.
*Women who will be less than 24 weeks into their pregnancy on the day of departure, and for the duration of the cruise, may sail. This policy is due to the risk of premature labor. Pregnant women must have a letter from their doctor stating how far along (in weeks) their pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise, that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel, and that the pregnancy is not high-risk.
*Adults aged twenty-one or older may sail. The Cruise Line shall refuse boarding to any guest under the age of twenty-one unless the guest is:
*traveling in the same stateroom with an individual twenty-five years or older;
*traveling in the same stateroom with their spouse (Proof of age and/or proof of marriage are required); or
*traveling with a parent or guardian in an accompanying stateroom.
Guests not conforming to these policies will be denied boarding and no refund of the cruise fare (if applicable) will be issued. Sorry, there are NO EXCEPTIONS to these policies.

Will there be a concert schedule available for the cruise?

Yes. You will receive a copy of the official "Cruise News" newspaper in the Port Terminal before we embark. This will give you a list of all the events for the trip.

Pricing:
If you book your reservations in January, prices begin at $100 down!

Prices booked on occupancy and room type:
We have cabins set aside for CMW.  The prices below include our CMW discount and are in Category M (Interior Stateroom).  You can invite all of your friends.  Civlians women welcome!

The following payments are set up per person, for the next 8 months if scheduled in January.  As you see, the more you have in a room, the less expensive. 

$100 down-payment
$77 per month - four per room
$81 per month - three per room
$84 per month -  two per room

You may choose how many people you would like in your room with you.  If you do not have anyone you can think of to share a room with, don't worry! We will work with you to try to partner you with another military wife.  Also, The Girls Get Away Cruise has a feature on their website to help you find a roommate.  You can register to find a roommate HERE.

Prices include port fees, taxes and tips. 

Interior Stateroom

Anyone who has lived in or on Fort Bragg and/or near Fayetteville, NC longer than a year has most certainly heard of A Dickens Holiday Event that happens downtown every year.  It's a wonderful tradition.  If you have not heard of it  - here's the information.

10th Anniversary of A Dickens Holiday

Produced by the Arts Council with the Downtown Alliance

A Family Tradition Continues
On Friday, Nov. 27, from 1 until 9 p.m., Historic Downtown Fayetteville will again be transformed into a unique and wonderful experience.

Ever wish for a simpler time … when the pace of life wasn't hectic and families still enjoyed spending evenings together? Roll back the clock with us for A Dickens Holiday.

Horse drawn carriages roll up and down Hay Street, carrying shoppers the old fashioned way by merchants, artisans and vendors of all sorts of delightful treats. Joyful children pose with Father Christmas for memory laden pictures. The inviting aroma of cider and gingerbread permeate the chilly air.

Perhaps you will be greeted by Tiny Tim and his family. Or maybe you will encounter Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past. Throughout the day, sounds of the season fill the air as carolers and musicians stroll among the crowd. Don’t miss the exhibition of professional chefs competing in the Dickens Holiday Classic Gingerbread Competition in the Rainbow Room.

As darkness approaches and the clock reaches 5 p.m., townspeople gather in front of the Arts Council for the candlelight procession to join behind the carriage carrying Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens to the Market House. There, the two will address the waiting crowd followed by the tree lighting. For a special “audience” with the Queen and Mr. Dickens, visit the Metropolitan Room, where both will be greeting the public at 6:45 p.m. You won’t want to leave as shortly thereafter, the Dickens Costume Contest begins.

The evening continues with a fireworks display at 8:30 p.m.

A Dickens Holiday is sponsored in part by:

The Fayetteville Observer, Fayetteville PWC, the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

 To see the Fayetteville PWC's "Community Connection" video
of A Dickens Holiday, click here.

Be sure to catch these special events:

 Hot Cider & Gingerbread help keep you warm throughout the day. Vendor stalls on every block of Hay Street. 50¢ each.

Preserve a lifetime memory with a picture of you and your loved ones with Father Christmas
and our authentic Victorian sleigh at the Arts Council Building $5 per print.

Amazing holiday entertainment at the Arts Council Building and the Metropolitan Room, Green Street at the Market House.

Create an original Victorian ornament to take home or hang on the community tree. 1-7 p.m. at Fascinate-U Children’s Museum.

Watch professional chefs build magical gingerbread houses right before your eyes. 1-5 p.m. at the Rainbow Room. $500 first prize award! Winner announced at 6:30 p.m. Vote for “People’s Choice Award” until 9 p.m.

TUBACHRISTMAS free concert hosted by Hay Street United Methodist Church. This all tuba and euphonium concert is a holiday tradition first started at New York’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink in 1974 and has been performed all over the world. Anyone who has ever
enjoyed a Tuba Chr istmas concert will never forget this unique experience! Get a sneak-peek at the Metropolitan Room stage.

Victorian Carriage Rides 1-9 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a “Dickens” downtown on our big decorated horse-drawn hitch wagon. Only $10 for adults, $5 for children. Tickets on sale at 222 Hay Street beginning at noon on the day of the event. Come early – they sell out fast!

Queen Victoria Carriage Rides 1-9 p.m. Enjoy a longer, more personal tour of historic downtown Fayetteville in this intimate setting. Tours leave from the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum, Franklin and Maxwell streets. $15 per person. Discover treasures of the Transportation Museum and marvel at the Victorian model train display while you wait for your carriage. Advance ticket purchase recommended by calling (910) 678-8899.

This Victorian Life display on 2nd floor of the Market House - exhibit of authentic artifacts and historic information from the mid to late Victorian period.

Candlelight Procession and Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Gather in front of the Arts Council Building at 5 p.m. for the candlelight procession to the Market House. Pick up a free candle at selected merchants while shopping during the afternoon, or in front of the Arts Council Building.
Join thousands of townspeople for Fayetteville’s largest candlelight procession, led by Queen Victoria herself! Enjoy a brief performance by Gilbert Theater actors atop the Market House! Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria will address the townspeople and Tiny Tim will “throw the switch” to light the Community Tree!

A Dickens Costume Contest 6:30 p.m., free admission, the Metropolitan Room. Win cash prizes in men’s, women’s, and children’s categories. Entry fee only $10. Contestants model authentic Victorian costumes from the Dickens era (1830-1860) that they have created. This fun, popular event begins with a “Piccadilly Promenade” and a fire-side chat with Charles Dickens.

I'm very excited to introduce, Mrs. Catherine Fitzgerald. For quite a few months, CMW has been praying that the Lord would send a Ministry Leader to over-see our small group leaders. As Ministry Leader over our small group leaders, Catherine has already jumped right in to begin her role as a terrific leader. Catherine is a terrific mentor, instructor and Godly women we are proud to have on our team!

Please read the following paragraph as Catherine describes herself...

About two years ago, God really laid military wives on my heart. I was in Florida at the time with my husband and God called me to start a military wives Bible study in my home. I am a "Timothy" in nature, more timid, reserved so this was a huge step of faith. Our first meeting we had 8 ladies and when I was about to leave last year, we had almost 50 (some only attended the offshoot book club that met at nights to accomodate those who worked). It was a huge time of growth and I learned a lot about leadership. After we moved, God gave me a period of renewal and waiting.

About 5 or 6 months ago, our church got a new women's ministry leader. I shared with her my heart in women's ministry, specifically military wives and she asked me to create a new ministry for these ladies. With the support of the pastoral staff, we have recently had our first military wives Bible study and had 9 ladies attend. This ministry is called Operation: Hope Front and we seek to Engage, Encourage and Equip Military Wives with God's love and promises. As part of that, we have the military wives bible study, practical help during deployments, a conference slated for May, 2010, outreach/service projects for our military, and more.

I'm excited to see the Lord use Catherine in a mighty way. CMW is here to support Catherine, just as Catherine is helping to love, support and mentor our CMW members in a wonderful way. CMW already has many small groups geared to Christian Military Wives located around the USA, and near military bases around the world.

Fun Q&A with Catherine:

How long has your husband served in the USMC? Hubby Rick has been a Marine for 12 years this year. Enlisted/reservist before he decided to become a pilot.

Favorite Color? Probably blue...like a tiffany/baby blue :) if we were to get specific...

Favorite Snack? Chips and salsa all the way, oh and cheese dip to go with it.

Favorite thing to do in your downtime? Downtime... What is that? Just kidding. I love to write and I try to work out, but sometimes that gets pushed back a bit. I am also into cooking. I like cooking "fancy" as my friends say.

Favorite Music? Right now, I love The Fray, Jack Johnson and Mat Kearney.

Favorite Bible Verse? Just one?? Hmmm...my thorn has always been worrying and my life verse/reminder to take it one day at a time has always been: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 NIV Although, Isaiah 26:3-4 has been a favorite as well lately.

Something not many know about you: I'm a law school dropout :). I thought I was being called into becoming a lawyer at the tender age of 21. When I got there, I realized it was not for me but was struggling with quitting and what others would think if I did. God used a passage in Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, to let go of my fears of what I should do or be. It said something to the affect of, "God doesn't care what you do (in terms of occupation), He cares about who you are." From that moment on, I knew that I didn't have to try to live up to others expectations for my life, only God's.

Other info you'd like to share: Hmmm, let's see. I guess I could talk about what God is teaching me in this moment. I honestly think through this past year, in which I've faced several trials, God's one question is: Do you trust me? I think we are all trying to get our lives to be comfortable, struggle free. But like James says, "Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds..." This military life has been trials of many kinds and He is teaching me to find joy in it. He has shown me over and over that even when my worst fear comes true, He is still is control and working it for my good. It is the hardest lesson we have to go through, but as we do, I am finding we can truly start to understand and know His character and His power.

Be sure to look in our GROUPS section to see if we have a group near you. If you do not see a group in your area, and you would like more information on starting a small, Christian based military support group for wives in your area... please email info@christianmilitarywives.com for more info.