Wednesday, March 31, 2021

All Things Krista

We knew this was a very strong possibility. We saw it coming. We wondered if it would come before Krista moved to JBER and began her first assignment. And then it happened....tonight Luke and Michael had a nice, long talk of what it might look like to be an active duty Air Force spouse - and more....and then it was official on the 30th or 31st of March. 

Let me introduce you to KrUke....a new blog name...Krista + Luke - together...which means, we are pleased to announce Luke and Krista are engaged. They are planning an incredibly fun wedding for July 3rd - yes, of THIS year. We are praying NOW for good weather on the 3rd. 

We all enjoyed ooing and ahing over the ring...it's perfect. Krista wanted a simple band. She wanted nothing that could snag on a uniform or get in her way at work....Luke (with a bit of help from Arielle) found the perfect ring. It's a silver band...with recessed diamonds. It's simple and elegant. It's perfect. 


We "happened" to have KrUke over for dinner on Krista's last night at home and so we  celebrated the engagement together.  
Krista makes sure Grandpa understands what happened

Some are asking, "Who is Luke?"  We met Luke's family when we moved up here in 2017. They are dear friends in our life group (before quarantine ended that abruptly). In fact, we had met Luke a couple of times and he'd been to our home for a meal before Krista moved up here.  Krista moved up in 2019 and began working and serving at our local church, as well as serving in the AF Reserves.  When the quarantine hit Pastor divided the "church directory" and we took turns contacting people. Luke responded to Krista's text (the 2nd or 3rd time his name was on her list) by asking her if she'd like to go out for a cup of coffee. I must admit NO ONE responded to MY contacts that way...that was the start of their relationship. We all like Luke - even Millie. 

Krista got busy alerting the Gherkins to this happy occurrence in an already eventful week. The rest of us loaded her car with stuff. She moved onto base the next morning. 

When we were stationed up here I spent a happy winter (or two) at the skills center learning to pour, clean, and glaze ceramics. One thing I made was a pig....come to think of it the pig hat entered our life at the same time. I seem to have been fixated with pigs during the cold winter. ::snort::  ANYWAY - I made this pig and gave it to Michael. He took it to his office and many staff meetings, counseling sessions, and flight line visits began with the pig. LOL Tonight, he passed the pig on to the new Ch. G (who isn't going to be Ch. G for long as it turns out). 


Early on the 1st of April, Krista left our home, drove to JBER, took the Oath of Office and became an Active Duty Air Force Chaplain. 


She sent this photo....there's a new Ch. G in town and the pig is once again at home on a base. One side says "Pig out," and one side says, "Let your moderation be known..." 

Krista had been told she wouldn't qualify to get on the list for "accompanied housing" until 60 days before her wedding. She was to move into unaccompanied enlisted housing which she was happy to do as she couldn't stay at home. By the end of the first day she'd met the "Shirt," First Sgt of the Wing Staff. He had a nice discussion with housing. He explained she was essential and had to live within reporting range due to being duty chaplain. They said they simply didn't have accompanied housing...he kept asking, "What CAN you do for me today?" and they found her an accompanied senior enlisted home. She got the keys and moved in on April 2nd. 

If you are hanging around the medical facilities on base, look up the new med group chaplain, tell her her Mom sent you. She'll think it's funny. They always laugh at the places blog readers have found them. 

I was sad and excited to watch Krista drive away. Yes, I watched her until the car was gone. It's tradition. I'm happy to know Luke will be traveling with her, it makes it a bit easier for this Mom to watch this step. We have loved having Krista here for the past two years. It's been a blessing in many ways.