Sunday, February 10, 2013

February 10, 2013 - Deployment Opportunities

This new year is off to a good start. Although I would rather be home with my family, being deployed has offered several opportunities which I would not otherwise have had.

First, since I am stationed in the Middle East, I have had a chance to visit several places which I would not otherwise have been able to see. I was able to visit the Dead Sea as well as several ancient ruins.

When I joined the Army, I wanted to see the world. I was hoping to do so with my family, but the way things have worked out, I will have some nice pictures and I'm sure some fun stories to tell.

Second, I have been able to interact with several very important people at my location. Back at my unit, I would probably just be a face in the crowd to them. Out here, as I continue to diligently perform my duties, I have been able to interact with them one on one. If they remember me or not will be another issue altogether, but they know my name on a temporary basis, at least.

Third, this deployment has afforded me the opportunity to lose some weight. I'm not saying that the food is bad at all. I really like the food out here. Being here has allowed me to select the healthy options and to increase my Physical Training simeltaneously. In my experience, this is a winning combination if you are interested in weight loss. Seventeen pounds at last check.

Finally, as I am keeping this post brief, this deployment has afforded me the opportunity for personal growth. I am taking 15 Master's level credits this semester (the same as last semester), I am working on my language skills, studying for the board, learning about my current Army job, and as I have time, I am still working on my writing.

Deployment is not exactly what I would have picked at this point in my life, but I know that we all have to "take our turn." And besides, as it says in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." This deployment has certainly proven that in my life.

David H. Troyer
www.davidhtroyer.com
www.amazon.com/author/davidhtroyer

This post was going to be  "January 28, 2013 - Deployment Opportunities"

February 10, 2013 - Classes and Country Statistics

I currently only have 14 classes (42 credits) left until I earn my Master's Degree. I am very excited about this. My plan is to take 5 classes now, 5 over the summer, and 4 in the fall. I can hardly wait.

My son is due around April 8th or 9th. Less than two months to go. I am hoping that I will be able to go home from my deployment for that. Either by use of my R & R or by going home for good. I would love to be there to support my wife, at least during the birth, since she has always been there for me and supported my Army career and I REALLY hope that the Army will return the favor.

It is always fun for me to look at the statistics for my Facebook page, Blog, and sometimes other websites as well. Of course, the United States has the most likes for www.facebook.com/davidhtroyer and for my blog, but I love the fact that there are people in other countries who are becoming fans as well! If you think anyone you know would enjoy reading this blog, you can share the direct link with them (www.davidhtroyer.blogspot.com)

Facebook Countries
166
United States of America
4
Lithuania
1
France
1
Greece
1
Chile
1
Bolivia
1
Philippines

Blogger Countries
United States
Canada
Jordan
Sri Lanka
Philippines
 
David H. Troyer