Day Five : Still Alive

Greetings from sunny Fort Myers! Don't be deceived people! It was VERY chilly this morning and I had to break out the winter fashion boots for church this morning. It was our first Sunday without Thomas and from what Momma Downin tells me, Jade wasn't quite understanding why he wasn't there. She was still bouncy beautiful Jade nonetheless. The message was invigorating this morning! Pastor Art taught us out of the book of Genesis referring to the story of the extremely intimate bond Abraham had with the Lord . He would not withhold even his flesh and blood from the call and command of Christ. It was so powerful and the sermon could relate to so many people. I was so impressed that even in the absence of our Senior Pastor we have such strong clergymen to fill in the shoes till his return. I was blessed to know my dad was present in the service which seems like a huge step and we are praying for God to burst through and uplift him and our family.

Apart from Sunday, leading up to this weekend was Valentines day and to my surprise and sincere delight I received a beautiful bouquet from my sweetheart! The lilies in the bunch have finally bloomed and I love to gaze at them as I right my letters to him. There wasn't much communication today but that just gives me more time to pray for him ;) Still alive and kicking! I do keep receiving the most beautiful pictures from where he currently stops from here to there. Just those simple pictures make me feel connected to the journey in some small way. I appreciate them greatly. Speaking of, here is two he texted me last night! Beautiful isn't it!?

As for me, I'm keeping myself busy and productive as possible. I am registered to take my General knowledge test for education March 9th! So please lift me up into your prayers seeing as how I retain test anxiety. I'm incredibly honored and excited to be a bridesmaid in Heidi's wedding! (Thomas' sister). Momma Downin and I are planning to visit Davids Bridal next Sunday to get all the details sorted out. Being able to spend time with the Downins is uplifting. Especially in the moments where I miss Thomas the most like today. With some of the extra free time I have, I've become incredibly more active therefore resulting in a ton more energy. I've been lap swimming, rollerblading, running, biking, and weight lifting all this week. My motivation is to look good for Thomas when he gets back. After all, if he's coming back extremely fit from trekking the Wyoming mountainsides I at least want to look decent standing next to my man ;p Tomorrow I'm attending a Zumba class at my gym (Golds Gym) and after thinking things through I've decided to join weight watchers and see how far eating right and all this activity will take my body. I'm currently 132 pounds which by weight watchers standards is in a healthy zone but healthy zone doesn't mean chiseled body. My ultimate goal is 120 which is average for my height of 5'2. It's 12 pounds away! I'm registering tomorrow for my first meeting. I'm also excited to do this because I'll be getting to do this alongside Thomas' mom! Can we say accountability? YES! If anymore updates come from the Lander mountainsides I will report it timely to you all. I'll also be tracking my progress with weight watchers. In the meantime chew on these words: "Withholding nothing is true freedom" - Pastor Art

In Him, 

Kelly (Set Sail Author)