This picture isn't actually from yesterday as my camera batteries died (boo!) but this is one of the fighters that flies out of Lakenheath (actually this is a life picture of the plane flying a sortie in Iraq a couple of years ago). The fighters were only going about 30% of their speed but they were soooo sweet (they aren't allowed to go full speed - breaking the sound barrier - over bases as all of the windows would shatter :)
Philip was at work at 6 am this morning and got the group safely on their way to the next port of call. (though he said it was a bit crazy to be in the middle of the RAF Mildenhall wing commander and two generals each talking at him all at once while getting everyone oragnized this morning). The other day I walked in his office to drop off something for him and saw a White House certificate of appreciation for him for the work he did with the Secret Service while Bush made his final Europe tour a few months ago.
I'm a proud wife. Somedays he feels like his job seems really boring and frustrating and it's hard working in a culture where the pilots get all of the glory and the people who actually enable them to do their job aren't very appreciated (often they think "oh, you must have just not made it as a pilot" when in fact that is NOT everyone's ambition in the first place, as was the case with Philip). We've made some really good friends with some INCREDIBLE individuals within the support fields (for instances, the guys jumping OUT of the planes and calling in the air strikes) in the last year and it has really been a testament that a person's worth is in their character regardless of what they do and has really been humbling watching the servant hearts of those around us. Yet, for a guy it's hard because you are judged and awareded respect by peers based largely in part on what you do. . . it's really a challenge to resting in an individual's identity in Christ rather than seeking man's praise and approval.
Over the course of the last year, I've really admired the attitude Philip has taken on board during this assignment. He got put into Logistics because they really needed officers in that career field not because it was what he wanted to do. He's hoping to change during our next assignment but know that that may not be what the Lord has in store and has accepted that. He is truly being faithful with the work the Lord is giving his hands to do in this season of his career. I can learn a lot from that.
2 comments:
"it has really been a testament that a person's worth is in their character regardless of what they do and has really been humbling watching the servant hearts of those around us."
I like that part of your recent blog. It is very true. And our worth is based on who we are in Christ. I also live in the world of "serving" others, without a title, and with a different pay scale, but I believe God has called me to do that, so I shall serve joyfully.
Wow, that sounds like quite the excitement at base. I would love to see an air show sometime. Congratulations to Philip on his good work! We are proud of both of you. Love, Mom
Way to go Phillip! Yes, everyone in the military works so hard to make everything come together. Talk about team effort. It's interesting to hear you talk from a non-pilot standpoint. I hear some of these same comments, yet about planes and such. Like, the plane Trav flies isn't up to par in comparison to the fighters. Not true. Everyone just has these viewpoints that really aren't true at all... I agree that EVERYONE's job is so important. Way to be a military wife! So hard to do...
Post a Comment