2008 Family Update

“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn...”

This year, as a “weary world” searches for something in which to rejoice, we are blessed to know the Savior ... and find in Him our all in all! The prayer of the McVey family is that you, our family and friends, will seek His face and experience His JOY in 2009.

And now, the 2008 update …

• Greg is home!!! On February 15, Greg returned from Afghanistan. It was still dark when we gathered outside for an early morning “Welcome Home” ceremony and we couldn’t have been more excited! The kids and I were all dressed up with our “I love Daddy” signs waving in the air. (Of course, we were covered in coats, gloves and scarves … and our signs could not be seen through the dark, but we didn’t care!) It was truly a wonderful moment when Greg made his way across the field and into our arms. We remain grateful to the Lord for His protection while Greg was ministering to soldiers in a dangerous war zone. And we are especially blessed God used him to make a difference in many lives.

• We live in Germany now! In June, Greg was offered a position in Stuttgart, Germany that would give him 3 years of stability (no deployment), and he quickly said “YES!” We had exactly 6 weeks to pick up our lives and move internationally. So we hustled! Today, we are settled on Robinson Barracks, a housing area, where Greg serves as the community chaplain. We are enjoying Europe so far … and especially the incredible ministry God has given us.

• The kids are doing great! Ashley (7) and Lexi (6) are enjoying their new school and friends. They are taking a German class and are involved in Girl Scout troops on post. Both of our girls are compassionate and kind to others, always looking out for those in need. What a blessing! Shane (2 ½) is the light of all of our lives. He always has a huge smile on his face and kisses for his family. What a perfect little caboose for our family!

• I was extremely happy to hand over the “daddy duties” to Greg when he got home. Now, just being mom is enough for me! I am honored to be a part of a great group of ladies here who meet weekly for Bible Study. In January, I will begin teaching a marriage-focused Bible study and I’m really looking forward to it. Now that we are settled, I’m also looking forward to “hitting the road” and seeing some of Europe in the New Year.

• Greg stays extremely busy with his new job. It is quite different than what he did at Fort Stewart, with the focus much more on ministry to families as a whole, not just a group of soldiers in a unit. As soon as housing renovations are complete (hopefully this Spring), 300 families will be moving to Robinson Barracks, so we are thankful for this time of relative peace and quiet to prepare and get things started before the “deluge.” At the same time, the needs are great! Many of the families moving here have been through multiple deployments and are searching for guidance on how to put their families back together. There is plenty to keep us busy.

There is no way to adequately thank you for praying for us while Greg was in Afghanistan! Your care and concern for our family was overwhelming and such an encouragement. We thank the Lord for you ... and ask you to keep us in your prayers as we tackle life in Stuttgart, Germany. Please keep in touch when you can! Visit this blog for updates or email us at gcmcvey@tks-net.com!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, too.

2 years ago today ...

It was November 15, 2006 when Greg left us for a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan (which later turned to 15). Two years ago today. And there is so much I could say! My mind has literally been moving a mile a minute all day long. Thinking about the experiences we had while Greg was gone. Recounting the stories he told me of his time in a war zone. And especially, thanking the Lord those difficult days are behind us.

What I am going to say in this blog however, is simply this, our soldiers are true heroes! It is easy for us to forget a war is going on. There is so much taking place in America right now -- with the hurting economy, the recent elections, etc -- that the sacrifices being made by men and women of the Armed Forces go unnoticed. I have to tell you, I think about them all the time. I cry when I read of a successful roadside or suicide bombing. My heart breaks to think of the families I know who have lost a child, husband and father in Iraq or Afghanistan. Because I have been there -- I cannot forget. It is literally impossible for me to put it in the back of my mind.

When I look at my husband, I see a great man of God. An amazing father. The greatest husband. I also see a soldier, and a hero. He was in harms way many a time. He gave up all the comforts of home for more than a year to minister to soldiers "on the field." He traveled week in and week out by helicopter and convoy to get to the small fire bases to hang out with and minister to the soldiers who were living with no electricity or running water. He could have chosen to stay where it was safe, warm and dry. But he didn't. He was a true "boots on the ground" chaplain, and lives were changed for eternity as a result. I am certain the Lord blessed him with an extra hedge of protection because of his faithfulness.

So today, on this significant 2 year mark, and just a few days after Veteran's Day, I honor all of the men and women of our military ... especially the one who lives in my house!

Refreshed

What a week! There is nothing like stepping out of your comfort zone. Getting alone with the Lord. Laughing with your friends. Talking while drinking coffee. Missing your husband. Getting completely excited and thrilled at the thought of being with your kids again.

And that is what happened to me last week at the PWOC Worship and Study conference. Yes, we had great speakers. Awesome Praise and Worship. Nice accomodations. Good food. But for me, it was all about getting renewed and refreshed. I needed to be reminded of how much God loves me. I needed to complete a thought in my brain without being interrupted by a child. And God was faithful.

And you know what? Greg did an awesome job here at home! The kids were dressed and fed (yes, there was great quantities of sugar involved, but that's okay!) The girls' homework was done every evening. He even kept up with the laundry and attempted to put Lexi's hair into a ponytail every day. One funny story ... on Saturday, Ashley got herself dressed for the day in an outfit that DID NOT match. Lots of pinks happening at the same time, and an equal number of opposing patterns. I simply pointed at it and said, "Ash, this is not working for me honey." To which she replied, "Well, I wore it one day last week ... and nobody said a word about it!" I closed my mouth, and let her go. Time with daddy is awesome. No doubt about it.

For those of you who prayed for our week, thank you. The prayers paid off. I'm "reloaded" and ready to go!

BURRRRRR

It is COLD in Stuttgart today! Two days ago, it was GORGEOUS outside. Sun shining, birds singing, gentle breeze blowing. But it didn't last. While the kids and I played at the playground after school, the clouds rolled in and it got DARK. Then, the rain started to fall. We had to run home (Shane LOVED getting wet!) It rained all night Tuesday and all day yesterday. Today, it is foggy. And cold. Now, I am not complaining. Well, maybe a little. It is only in the 30's and everyone tells me this is nothing compared to what is to come. For me, it is cold enough! A lot of life in Germany takes place outside, so they have the motto, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing." I'm in trouble! I like it warm and sunny. Preferably with an ocean nearby. So, right now, before my small witness, Shane and his noisy toy, I am making this declaration, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Okay, I feel better. Now, time to bundle up and head out into the wretched elements for a walk through the vinyards. Or, a nice cup of coffee sounds good too ...

Today

Today my friend's husband leaves for a 6 month deployment to Afghanistan. He is Special Forces, so chances are, their ability to communicate will be very limited. She shared with me on Monday, as we sat together for prayer, that it is not the fact he will be in harm's way that breaks her heart. She settled that issue long ago with the Lord, understanding her husband's life is in God's hands. When it is his time to go, he will go, regardless of whether he is in a war zone, or sitting on the couch watching Sunday afternoon football. Instead, for her, the pain comes just thinking about the absence of his friendship. The late night conversations ... the laughing together ... the ability to feel close and connected, even when sitting in silence ... the sharing of the parenting.

It was hard for me to keep from busting into tears while talking with her! In fact, I have shed quite a few on behalf of their family. I know what they are going through! Living without Greg's daily input in my life and the life of our family was so hard. Like my friend, I asked the Lord early on in Greg's deployment to take away any fear I might have of losing him. He answered that prayer. I was able to sleep at night. The loneliness, however, was a daily struggle. I remember a time I was able to go shopping at the mall by myself. Normally, I would have relished that time of peace and quiet ... to try on a pair of pants without having to keep 3 children in line! But that particular day, the silence was defeaning. All I could think about was that I was shopping and enjoying a cup of coffee from Starbucks while my husband was in a life-threatening war zone. My shopping day was cut short.

Thankfuly, God was faithful. When I felt alone, He brought comfort. Through His Word (For I know the plans I have for you ... to give you a future and a HOPE ...). Through the kindness of an amazing church family. Through the encouragement of a DYNAMIC "inner circle" of friends and family who kept me afloat. Through my precious, and often hilarious, children. And through Greg's constant support and love from 9,000 miles away. (I got flowers and cards, phone calls and emails!!!)

Was it a difficult 15 months? YES. Do I want to do it again? NO. However, I learned amazing things about my God, and I am grateful for that. And, in spite of the distance, Greg and I were able to grow our marriage and learn new things about each other that made us -- as individuals, and as a couple -- stronger. It is a year I would not take back.

So, today, I am praying for peace, strength and courage for my new friends, the Steiningers. Would you say a prayer for them, too? Thanks!

Oktoberfest!!!

I did it!

Today, I made a HUGE decision. Okay, it was HUGE for me. I decided to go to the PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) fall "Worship and Study" retreat. No big deal, right? Well, YES. It is a big ol' deal for me!!!! I will be gone from Monday to Friday ... which is the longest amount of time I have EVER been away from my kids. Now, Greg and I have gone a way for long weekends together. I even traveled to Florida by myself for my friend Nicole's wedding several years ago. But never 4 nights away. It is not about Greg being here with the kids alone. He is an awesome dad. He is calm under pressure and knows how to take care of things around the house. He will wash the dishes and clean up after himself and the children (with their help, of course). That is just who he is. So, no worries there.

I guess is it just a "mommy" thing! I am going to miss them all like crazy, and I know it. Here is why I decided to go anyway: 1. I think it will be good for me and the kids to miss each other ... we'll appreciate being together ALL the time more when I return! 2. I think it will be good for Greg to see what it is like to be the daddy and the mommy for awhile. I did it for 15 months. So, it will just give us something else in common. I gained a newfound appreciation for HIS role in the home while he was gone ... and I'm sure he will do the same while I am gone. 3. I think I could use some time to focus on me ... and mostly my relationship with the Lord. Life has moved so fast the last couple of years! It will be nice to sit back, relax, think, pray, etc. I have this feeling God has some GREAT things to say to me ... and I can't wait to have the time to really LISTEN.

So, that's the decision I made today. I'm thankful for the opportunity! Blessed to have a husband who said, "Yes, you need this, GO!" and looking forward to a few days away! I'll let ya'll know how it goes. (It is not until the first week of November)

Shane

Okay. There is so much to talk about. I could tell you about how our household goods FINALLY arrived (yippee!!!). Or I could talk about the awesome new Bible Study I am a part of (thank the Lord for Christian "girlfriends"). Or, I could tell you how Greg and I got stuck in traffic coming home from IKEA yesterday and had to call the school to HANG ON to our girls until we got there (we felt so lame). But I'm not. Instead, I have to tell you all about my sweet little Shane.

This week, I was preparing to go to my Tuesday morning Bible Study, which my 2 1/2 year old son calls "school." Ran through the regular routine. Got myself ready. Got Shane dressed. Prepared his diaper bag and snack. As we were walking out the door, Shane had a thought and ran back towards the Master bathroom. He stood by Greg's cabinet, and said, "Daddy." I knew what he wanted. Hair gel. I fixed him up, we checked out his "spikes" in the mirror, and left for class.

Now, this is not really an extraordinary story. Except for us. Shane wanted to look like Greg does when he leaves for church. Hair gel and all. One year ago, Shane really didn't know his dad. In fact, until February of this year, Greg was a guy in a picture or on the computer screen. He knew we always made a big deal about Greg, but I don't think he really understood why. Now, he knows. And he couldn't be more in love with his daddy!

The day we picked Greg up on post after the homecoming ceremony, Shane wouldn't look his daddy in the eye. As we drove home, Greg could feel Shane staring at him from the back seat, but when he would turn around, Shane would quickly look away. We stopped at The Waffle House (yes, sadly, that was our "homecoming meal"), and Shane was blowing the straw paper. Greg blew it back at him, and the ice was broken. Someone to play with! As the days and weeks passed, Shane grew more and more comfortable with Daddy. Now, he can't wait for Greg to get home. Greg says, "Shane, are we buddies?" And Shane always shakes his head yes and with a big smile says, "Bubbies!"

I remember a lot of moms were kind of sad to "lose" their children to daddy when he got home from Afghanistan or Iraq. Believe me, I couldn't be happier that Shane adores Greg so much! (And Ashley and Lexi, well, they were ALWAYS "Daddy's girls!) God certainly had a plan when He designed a family. We are so blessed!

It's here!

On Wednesday of this week, our minivan arrived in Stuttgart after a month and 1/2 on a ship from the states. What a wonderful day! Now, you might be thinking, why in the world would getting a minivan make your day? Well, I too once believed the minivan was the ultimate "mom mobile" ... I wanted no part of it. But let me tell you, after more than a month of living without it, I couldn't wait for that car to get here!!! From here on out Shane's feet will not be close enough to Ashley and Lexi to tempt him to kick ... Ashley will not have to sit crooked in her booster so all three seats will fit in the back ... I will be able to haul all three kids, groceries, a stroller, 2 backpacks and whatever else I need without any problem ... I will not have to juggle a 30 pound 2 1/2 year old and a cart full of groceries to get my car keys out and the truck open -- in the pouring rain, I might add (yes, this did happen) and will instead be able to open all doors and the back with the push of a button ... and finally, we are ONE STEP CLOSER to feeling "normal" in Germany! I guess I am a "minivan mom" after all! Now, if we could just get our furniture, dishes, pots and pans, clothes ...

A Perfect Song!

"There's the witch!"

It can be frustrating to live in place where we are barely understood. However, sometimes it works out to our benefit!!! Today, we took Ashley, Lexi and Shane to a castle. The girls literally couldn't wait to get there. In their minds, it would be like something out of one of their fairy tale books, complete with talking mice and beautiful princesses. And in the end, except for the mice, mommy and daddy delivered!

We walked through beautiful gardens, as you can see in the pictures, one was decorated completely in pumpkins. Pretty cool! The kids even got to roll around in some hay bales. The best part of the day, however, was when we entered the massive courtyard of the castle. There, we saw at least 5 bridal parties ... princesses in their flowing wedding gowns -- JUST FOR ASHLEY AND LEXI! And there, smack dab in the center of the courtyard was a lady dressed for the Venetian Fair (a masquarade thing) down the road. She was all in black, down to her pointy-toed black shoes. Her hair was wild with some hot pink streaks ... and she was wearing a black mask (again, for the fair). Lexi took one look at her, pointed and SHOUTED, "Mommy, THERE'S the WITCH!!!" Greg and I just laughed. Thank goodness the poor lady in black couldn't speak English.

A day at the Castle

We live in Germany!

Over the past couple of years (since we became "army people"), several of my friends have asked me to blog about our experiences ... and life in general. So, here goes! I never really thought I'd have much of interest to say -- but we live in Germany now!!! There is just no end to the "newness" we are experiencing on a daily basis. And, I might add, no end to the craziness, either.

Hopefully, our "Great Adventure" blog will help keep our family and friends updated on our life here at Robinson Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany ... plus, give me an opportunity to go back several months, and share with you all a little of how we got through 15 months of separation while Greg served the Lord and our country in Afghanistan. It has taken me this long to feel like I can write about our time apart with some level of understanding of God's purpose and plan through the entire ordeal. Time and perspective make a world of difference!

Enjoy, friends! And come back when you can. I will do my best to stay on top of this ... and hope you will keep in touch, too.