It felt like I was in Afghanistan for a long time or at least it felt like a long time. The weird thing was that I spent four months in training and almost nine months deployed, but the longest part of the deployment was the four long months of training preparing for war. It seemed like every day dragged on. Culminating toward the final day we would leave and go to Afghanistan.
Stuck at Camp Atterbury – Preparing for War
Luckily, we had breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But the time we were stuck at Camp Atterbury, Indiana preparing for war. It was as if we were stuck in a place where everything went in slow motion, especially time. We trained in situations to help prepare us for our time in Afghanistan. Some of the training was useful. Lots of training felt like a waste of time. I guess overall we learned what we needed to learn. We all survived our time in Afghanistan and I think that was the ultimate goal.
Indiana Winter
And meanwhile, this California girl was stuck in one of the craziest winters in Indiana. Ok, now I know that is really just winter in Indiana, but it sure felt like something I had never experienced. I didn’t think it was possible for it to be normal. There was snow on the ground from right before Christmas to sometime in February and then when the snow melted we were ankle-deep in mud. When the snow returned near the end of training, I was so thankful for a frozen ground.
My parents and husband came to see me before I left. My parents met up with distant cousins from Indiana who took them all over Indianapolis, but I bet if you asked my dad what the best part was he might tell you it was making snow angels.
See all my 31 Days…Military Life
Time seems to play tricks on us, sometimes, doesn’t it? I know time always seemed to stop and drag on interminably, right before our furloughs!
Time does play tricks.
Stopped by from #FMFparty. I can’t even imagine how long the time seemed. I am deeply grateful for you, and the many other men and women who serve our country. Thank you! God bless you!
Long days – I can relate. Although I cannot relate to your service and I thank you for that!
I think we all have long days. It depends on the season of our life and the circumstances surrounding us.
I can’t even imagine dealing with a long deployment! (Loving the fonts on your site :))
Thanks, one day at a time. My post from Day 15 – Life talked about how I got through it when it was more than I could bear. 🙂
OH WOW. That’s intense. Thank you for your service, and I saw a pic of you with your baby. He’s so cute!
Saved this from the spam folder. Thanks for stopping by. I’m so glad I saw it. 🙂
I can only imagine how long time felt. Thank you so much for serving for me. I truly appreciate you & all our service men & women. Your sacrifice is huge. I visited from the 31 Dayers FB thread & am so glad I did. Nice to “meet” you!
Nice to meet you as well. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I think sometimes anticipation of what’s to come seems FAR longer than what we’re anticipating (even if it’s not).
Yes, I think that was where my post was going originally, but then I ran out of time and kind of got off topic. The joys of FMFriday. You never know where you will end up. 🙂
Thank you for your service, from one California Girl to another! I’m always touched by stories of brave men and women, like you who give so much to serve our nation. God speed.
P.S. Your little boy is adorable!! Enjoy him.
God speed. -Your 31 Day Friend, Sally at Garden Valley Homestead.
Thanks. I’m so happy to be back in CA. I am enjoying my time with my little guy, he is a lot of work, but so sweet.
I bet you were so busy you didn’t have time to even think in Afghanistan!
In the beginning we were really busy and then we got into a routine. I guess at training there was a lot of standing around and waiting. Good point. 🙂
Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your service! I enjoyed reading your post!
Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂