Hawai'i Life

Look whose back! I praise God that Gabe and his unit arrived home safely mid-June.

Just off the bus!

Since Gabe's return, our life kicked back into full gear. Gabe took a week off work and we spent the time setting up the house, at the beach, and just adjusting to each other. We have adjusted really well and I feel we are closer than ever.  One of us will see something and make a comment in our head.  Right away, the other will make the same comment.  It has happened too many times to count, and it makes me smile each time because it is proof that distance didn't change us or break us apart.

Gabe took me to Waikiki for a day.  Lots of shopping and touristy things, but there is no parking, and was so hot! We spent the day wondering around and ended the day at a nice restaurant where we ate on the beach.

Waikiki

We also had the honor of spending 4th of July at Pearl Harbor Base (not memorial). Fireworks are not allowed on base, and Pearl Harbor had a widely advertised event for military families.  Security was high. No cameras, No backpacks.  Even purses were limited to a clutch size. Oour water bottles weren't even allowed....until they ran out of water for purchase. We had lawn chairs (thanks mom), and just enjoyed watching people buzz around us. There were a few kid attractions, lots of food, and a 3 Doors Down concert that made us flashback to high school.  The fireworks were shot off of a docked navy vessel.  It was a short fireworks show, but there was something special about being at such a historic, patriotic place surrounded by people who are so similar to us in lifestyle.

Pearl Harbor Base: Navy Vessel is in the background to the left

My first fried twinkie. Gabe refused to even try a bite.

"Illegal" water bottles (Psyco is Gabe's unit nickname....Psyco Fox Co)

 We also spent this past month and a half to get our homestudy endorsed. We were blessed to find an agency that is using bits and pieces of our last homestudy while updating new information.  We didn't have to have references, but we had to do state and federal clearances again.  We also had to update our financial status and medical documents and other things like that.  It doesn't seem like alot, but everything takes time.  We had our home visit a few weeks ago and I think it should be written and approved quickly.

Most recently, I got a job! After 8 interviews, a temp agency found me a job as an HR assistant.  A small company is looking to develop a HR department and needs someone to help start that department. Right now, the VP is also in control of the HR department, but it has become too much for her and she needs to delegate some duties. Today was only my 3rd day of work, and I love it! I work 6 hours a day and the job feels like a career. I'm hoping this temp-to-hire turns into a permanent job.

 Overall, life is good.  We have great neighbors, have a great location both on base and on island, and we are settling in. All the pieces are settling in.