As many of you know, yesterday's tornadoes were deadly and devastating here in the southern states. They left a wake of destruction (especially through Tuscaloosa, Alabama) that needs to be addressed immediately. I think that all of us need to take action, at least in some way. I am currently working on heading up some disaster relief efforts with the hope that many, if not all, of you will join in alongside me - even those of you who live 1,000 miles away.
For those of you here in Mississippi - Please be advised: I spoke with our local chapter of the American Red Cross this morning, and they are strongly requesting that no-one venture into the affected areas yet. Many attempts to help are just creating more chaos and endangering people who are putting themselves in harm's way with the best of intentions.
After speaking with the Red Cross, I think that there are three important ways we can help. One is fundraising - first, take a moment to visit redcross.org to see how donations will be used and give as you feel called.
Secondly, the Red Cross is compiling a list of names and phone numbers of people interested in volunteering in person with the disaster relief. As I mentioned earlier, they are NOT sending anyone into the tornado-afflicted areas just yet. However, they are making these lists so that they can mobilize disaster relief teams as soon as it is safe to do so. I submitted my information, and if you would like to do so too, call 662-842-6101. Also, please send me an email (hpaoliloftus@gmail.com) to let me know that you are interested in volunteering so that we can go in groups and organize car-pools when the time comes. Please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, to volunteer, etc.
The third thing that we can and should all be doing is praying. Do not underestimate the power of the One who we pray to.
And for those of you back home - in addition to praying, consider whether you are able to give financially. You can give directly through redcross.org. Remember that all donations are tax deductible.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The Magnolia State
After a wonderful month at home in Pennsylvania for me and a stressful month in Colorado for IFS for Joel, we are finally back in Mississippi.
You'll have to excuse me for not blogging so faithfully lately, but we have started to get rather busy! All you've missed are a few tornado warnings and me having all four wisdom teeth pulled (and no, you can't see a picture of me with "balloon face" as Joel's little sister called it!).
Let me update you on Joel first, since he has a very exciting day today! Today is Joel's first day of pilot training here in Columbus! (It's officially called "UPT" for "Undergraduate Pilot Training," but I don't think there is "graduate pilot training" so it seems like a silly name to me.)
Anyway, let me give you a quick overview of UPT so that you can stay up to date on what Joel is doing. First up is Phase I - Academics. Joel will be doing lots of studying and test taking and have very little of a social life during Phase I. Phase II, which will start in June, is the "T-6" phase - he will fly a generic training airplane that everyone flies in pilot training. He will do lots of flying and studying and airplane stuff, and have very little free time. Then, Joel will have a "track select" which is a little ceremony where everyone in his UPT class (Class 12-09) will find out what aircraft they will be flying in Phase III. T-1's and T-38's are available at Columbus, but there are a few different options at other bases. T-1's prepare you to fly "heavies" (cargo planes) and T-38's send you the fighter/bomber route. Joel is hoping to get T-1's so he can eventually fly C-17's, C-130's, or C-5's. Phase three will officially end on 18 May 2012, with the class of 12-09's graduation. (A few weeks prior to this is "Assignment Night," which is where Joel finds out what airplane he gets to fly and what base we'll be going to next.)
The next 13 months of UPT are going to be challenging and, at times, over-whelming for Joel, so please keep him in your prayers. We're both a little concerned about the stress it will put on Joel and the strain it will inevitably put on our marriage. So please don't forget about us down here in Mississippi - we covet your prayers!
One last thing - A quick update about me. I am going to be taking classes online through Libery University starting on May 16. I will be working towards an Associate's Degree in Christian Counseling. Most of my credits from West Chester will transfer, so I'll only need seven classes through liberty. I plan to graduate in May 2012, and we'll just have to wait and see what the Lord calls me to do from there. I'm not thrilled that I'm venturing away from my dream of being a teacher, but God has firmly shut that door, at least for now.
As far as the job hunt goes, I have a few promising leads right now that I'm pretty excited about. In the meantime, God has provided a part-time job for me through a temp agency at an office where I truly enjoy working. I work for there sporadically and miss having a consistent schedule, but the owner and office manager are wonderful Christian people with Southern accents to boot!
You'll have to excuse me for not blogging so faithfully lately, but we have started to get rather busy! All you've missed are a few tornado warnings and me having all four wisdom teeth pulled (and no, you can't see a picture of me with "balloon face" as Joel's little sister called it!).
Let me update you on Joel first, since he has a very exciting day today! Today is Joel's first day of pilot training here in Columbus! (It's officially called "UPT" for "Undergraduate Pilot Training," but I don't think there is "graduate pilot training" so it seems like a silly name to me.)
Anyway, let me give you a quick overview of UPT so that you can stay up to date on what Joel is doing. First up is Phase I - Academics. Joel will be doing lots of studying and test taking and have very little of a social life during Phase I. Phase II, which will start in June, is the "T-6" phase - he will fly a generic training airplane that everyone flies in pilot training. He will do lots of flying and studying and airplane stuff, and have very little free time. Then, Joel will have a "track select" which is a little ceremony where everyone in his UPT class (Class 12-09) will find out what aircraft they will be flying in Phase III. T-1's and T-38's are available at Columbus, but there are a few different options at other bases. T-1's prepare you to fly "heavies" (cargo planes) and T-38's send you the fighter/bomber route. Joel is hoping to get T-1's so he can eventually fly C-17's, C-130's, or C-5's. Phase three will officially end on 18 May 2012, with the class of 12-09's graduation. (A few weeks prior to this is "Assignment Night," which is where Joel finds out what airplane he gets to fly and what base we'll be going to next.)
The next 13 months of UPT are going to be challenging and, at times, over-whelming for Joel, so please keep him in your prayers. We're both a little concerned about the stress it will put on Joel and the strain it will inevitably put on our marriage. So please don't forget about us down here in Mississippi - we covet your prayers!
One last thing - A quick update about me. I am going to be taking classes online through Libery University starting on May 16. I will be working towards an Associate's Degree in Christian Counseling. Most of my credits from West Chester will transfer, so I'll only need seven classes through liberty. I plan to graduate in May 2012, and we'll just have to wait and see what the Lord calls me to do from there. I'm not thrilled that I'm venturing away from my dream of being a teacher, but God has firmly shut that door, at least for now.
As far as the job hunt goes, I have a few promising leads right now that I'm pretty excited about. In the meantime, God has provided a part-time job for me through a temp agency at an office where I truly enjoy working. I work for there sporadically and miss having a consistent schedule, but the owner and office manager are wonderful Christian people with Southern accents to boot!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Brotherly Love
"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." - I Timothy 4:12
Like most siblings, my older brother and I fought constantly as kids. I think my mom would have gladly given either one of us to any passerby just to have some peace from our bickering... There was the time I chomped into Tim's back because we were playing Hansel and Gretel and he was the wicked witch but wouldn't go in the oven. And of course every long car-ride came with wails of, "He's on my siiiiide!"
Fortunately, by the time I was in high school, I counted Tim as one of my best friends. He never got too cool to hang out with me. He was never afraid to speak up and tell his friends to include me. My lack of coordination and athleticism wasn't a good enough reason to exclude me from any game or sport. Tim has always set a stellar example for me in good sportsmanship, too.
My most meaningful memories with my brother don't start until he graduated high school, though. Despite some pressure from our parents, Tim chose not to go to college. Instead, he jumped right in and started working hard at an incredible job. He also started volunteering with our church's junior high youth group and the 6-12th grade boys' ministry, where he continues to serve to this day. It was during this time that the example he was setting for me in his life and his faith became invaluable to me.
When I graduated high school two years after Tim and started attending college, I was afraid Tim and I would grow apart. But Tim wouldn't stand for that; he continued to invest in my life even once it meant going out of his way and putting in a lot more effort. My brother is an "actions speak louder than words" kind of guy. During my freshman year, I started pursuing a relationship that was not honoring to the Lord. Tim could have fallen into the typical "older brother" role and told the guy to stay away from his sister... or else! Instead, Tim drove up to my dorm after work, picked me up at my door, took me out to a nice dinner (which he paid for), and then went to Campus Crusade with me and met all my friends. It was like Tim was saying, "I'm only ok with this guy if he treats you like this." It was so much more meaningful than if Tim had sat me down and said he didn't approve of the guy I liked. (Tim actually took me out to a scrumptious dinner at Red Lobster just last week, to remind me how much he loves me.)
In his 4+ year relationship with his girlfriend, Tim has set a commendable example for me in purity. He treats his girlfriend with respect, love, and loyalty. I don't know that I could have married Joel if Tim didn't like him from day one. It's not that I seek my brother's approval; I desire his respect because I value his opinion so much. God has given him insight and wisdom beyond his years. (Pause for just a second and acknowledge what a testament Tim is to my mom and dad's Godly, loving parenting and to the power of Christ in someone's life.)
Many people call him friend, two call him son, but only I get to call him brother, and I couldn't be more honored. I love you, Timmy!
Like most siblings, my older brother and I fought constantly as kids. I think my mom would have gladly given either one of us to any passerby just to have some peace from our bickering... There was the time I chomped into Tim's back because we were playing Hansel and Gretel and he was the wicked witch but wouldn't go in the oven. And of course every long car-ride came with wails of, "He's on my siiiiide!"
Fortunately, by the time I was in high school, I counted Tim as one of my best friends. He never got too cool to hang out with me. He was never afraid to speak up and tell his friends to include me. My lack of coordination and athleticism wasn't a good enough reason to exclude me from any game or sport. Tim has always set a stellar example for me in good sportsmanship, too.
My most meaningful memories with my brother don't start until he graduated high school, though. Despite some pressure from our parents, Tim chose not to go to college. Instead, he jumped right in and started working hard at an incredible job. He also started volunteering with our church's junior high youth group and the 6-12th grade boys' ministry, where he continues to serve to this day. It was during this time that the example he was setting for me in his life and his faith became invaluable to me.
When I graduated high school two years after Tim and started attending college, I was afraid Tim and I would grow apart. But Tim wouldn't stand for that; he continued to invest in my life even once it meant going out of his way and putting in a lot more effort. My brother is an "actions speak louder than words" kind of guy. During my freshman year, I started pursuing a relationship that was not honoring to the Lord. Tim could have fallen into the typical "older brother" role and told the guy to stay away from his sister... or else! Instead, Tim drove up to my dorm after work, picked me up at my door, took me out to a nice dinner (which he paid for), and then went to Campus Crusade with me and met all my friends. It was like Tim was saying, "I'm only ok with this guy if he treats you like this." It was so much more meaningful than if Tim had sat me down and said he didn't approve of the guy I liked. (Tim actually took me out to a scrumptious dinner at Red Lobster just last week, to remind me how much he loves me.)
In his 4+ year relationship with his girlfriend, Tim has set a commendable example for me in purity. He treats his girlfriend with respect, love, and loyalty. I don't know that I could have married Joel if Tim didn't like him from day one. It's not that I seek my brother's approval; I desire his respect because I value his opinion so much. God has given him insight and wisdom beyond his years. (Pause for just a second and acknowledge what a testament Tim is to my mom and dad's Godly, loving parenting and to the power of Christ in someone's life.)
Many people call him friend, two call him son, but only I get to call him brother, and I couldn't be more honored. I love you, Timmy!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Becoming Bilingual
How do you say, "I love you?"
If your spouse bought you a dozen roses or a beautiful pair of earrings for no reason, would it remind you how loved you are?
If your other half suprised you by sweeping and mopping the floors while you were out one afternoon, would you feel cherised?
What if your husband wrote you a poem, telling you exactly what he appreciates about you?
What if he skipped football night with the boys to just be with you and watch your favorite show?
If your spouse gave you a back rub, kissed you, and took a moment to just hold you amidst the craziness of daily life, would you know you're his beloved?
Whether or not they've taken the time to read his books or not, many people are familiar with Dr. Gary Chapman's theory about the "Five Love Languages:" 1. Gifts, 2. Acts of Service, 3. Words of affirmation, 4. Quality time, and 5. Physical touch.
What says "I love you," to you? Your love language is how you receive love most meaningfully, and it's also how you are most likely to communicate love to someone else.
I "speak" quality time and touch while Joel speaks words of affirmation and touch. One of the hardest things about being married, especially to a military man, has been learning to receive and express love in different ways.
While Joel has been away at IFS, I've thrown a pity party or two because we can't have quality time or physical touch. He's two time zones away, and we're lucky to get to talk for twenty minutes a night. Joel has done his best to make me feel loved long-distance, but somehow it's just not the same. He sent me my favorite flowers.
He wrote me sweet notes. He's done everything he can, and it's totally unfair for me to ask anything more of him. So instead of complaining, I'm trying to become bilingual. Becoming bilingual means more than accepting Joel's actions and words as genuine acts of love and devotion, though. It means being intentional about reaching out to Joel through his love languages.
Especially when we first got married, I felt a little uncomfortable giving Joel specific compliments and telling him I'm proud of him. But that's what he needs. When I tell Joel the things I love and appreciate about him or thank him for how hard he works, he hears more than just the words I'm saying. To him, it says "I love you." It's difficult to be unselfish in how I express love to Joel. My tendency would be to do the things that would say "I love you" to me (i.e. quality time), but if something is getting lost in translation, and Joel is missing part of my message, I need to lay aside my pride, put in a little extra effort, and speak the language that he understands the best.
So, just a thought for my married and engaged followers: Do you speak to your significant other in his/her love language, or yours?
If your spouse bought you a dozen roses or a beautiful pair of earrings for no reason, would it remind you how loved you are?
If your other half suprised you by sweeping and mopping the floors while you were out one afternoon, would you feel cherised?
What if your husband wrote you a poem, telling you exactly what he appreciates about you?
What if he skipped football night with the boys to just be with you and watch your favorite show?
If your spouse gave you a back rub, kissed you, and took a moment to just hold you amidst the craziness of daily life, would you know you're his beloved?
Whether or not they've taken the time to read his books or not, many people are familiar with Dr. Gary Chapman's theory about the "Five Love Languages:" 1. Gifts, 2. Acts of Service, 3. Words of affirmation, 4. Quality time, and 5. Physical touch.
What says "I love you," to you? Your love language is how you receive love most meaningfully, and it's also how you are most likely to communicate love to someone else.
I "speak" quality time and touch while Joel speaks words of affirmation and touch. One of the hardest things about being married, especially to a military man, has been learning to receive and express love in different ways.
While Joel has been away at IFS, I've thrown a pity party or two because we can't have quality time or physical touch. He's two time zones away, and we're lucky to get to talk for twenty minutes a night. Joel has done his best to make me feel loved long-distance, but somehow it's just not the same. He sent me my favorite flowers.
He wrote me sweet notes. He's done everything he can, and it's totally unfair for me to ask anything more of him. So instead of complaining, I'm trying to become bilingual. Becoming bilingual means more than accepting Joel's actions and words as genuine acts of love and devotion, though. It means being intentional about reaching out to Joel through his love languages.
Especially when we first got married, I felt a little uncomfortable giving Joel specific compliments and telling him I'm proud of him. But that's what he needs. When I tell Joel the things I love and appreciate about him or thank him for how hard he works, he hears more than just the words I'm saying. To him, it says "I love you." It's difficult to be unselfish in how I express love to Joel. My tendency would be to do the things that would say "I love you" to me (i.e. quality time), but if something is getting lost in translation, and Joel is missing part of my message, I need to lay aside my pride, put in a little extra effort, and speak the language that he understands the best.
So, just a thought for my married and engaged followers: Do you speak to your significant other in his/her love language, or yours?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Weirdly-Shaped State
Ok, so I have to admit, I'm not sure what the Marlyand state slogan or nickname is! Regardless though, I had an awesome time visiting my family-in-law in Maryland last weekend. The drive from Kentucky was a little rough, and my car decided to scare me by overheating and having the check engine light come on while I was making the almost 12 hour drive. A mechanic thoroughly checked her out this week, though, and it turns out there is absolutely nothing wrong with her. (Yes, my car is a "her," named Penelope after the character in The Odyssey.) Anyway, my car and I made it safely to Maryland last Friday.
Let me just say, I love my siblings-in-law. I always feel so welcomed, wanted, and truly cherished when I visit them. My sisters-in-law especially are amazing, and I could not be more blessed and honored to have them in my life.
Anyway, in true Loftus fashion, it is never too cold for a snoball, so on Saturday we bundled up and headed to the snoball stand!
Yes, that's snow you see on the left in the parking lot!
That's enough about me. So, let me give you a quick update on Joel. He experienced a little altitude sickness the first week at IFS but seems to be adjusted now. He has been doing really well on all his tests, and even started flying this week. He was pleased with how his first flight went, which is a good thing. He woke up a little sick this morning though, so please keep praying for him!
Let me just say, I love my siblings-in-law. I always feel so welcomed, wanted, and truly cherished when I visit them. My sisters-in-law especially are amazing, and I could not be more blessed and honored to have them in my life.
Anyway, in true Loftus fashion, it is never too cold for a snoball, so on Saturday we bundled up and headed to the snoball stand!
That's enough about me. So, let me give you a quick update on Joel. He experienced a little altitude sickness the first week at IFS but seems to be adjusted now. He has been doing really well on all his tests, and even started flying this week. He was pleased with how his first flight went, which is a good thing. He woke up a little sick this morning though, so please keep praying for him!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Bluegrass State
After taking an accidental detour in Alabama and hitting some traffic in Nashville, I made it to my grandparents' home in Kentucky. I only spent two days there, but I made sure I got in lots of quality time with them and with my sweet baby cousin.
He would smile for me, but as soon as I would take the picture and he'd see the flash, he would make that face. He's still pretty cute though!
We also took him to visit my 103 year old great-grandmother, who adores him.
I'm safe and sound at my parents' in Pennsylvania now, but I'll tell you about the second leg of my road trip a little later.
As for Joel, he is in Colorado and already hard at work at IFS. His days start with breakfast at 5 AM and go non-stop until 6 PM. He's been doing a lot of studying, and seems to be doing well so far. Joel has been experiencing a little bit of altitude sickness, so we are hoping that it goes away before he begins flying... we think it would make motion sickness much more likely. His first flight is Monday morning, so keep him in your prayers!
He would smile for me, but as soon as I would take the picture and he'd see the flash, he would make that face. He's still pretty cute though!
We also took him to visit my 103 year old great-grandmother, who adores him.
I'm safe and sound at my parents' in Pennsylvania now, but I'll tell you about the second leg of my road trip a little later.
As for Joel, he is in Colorado and already hard at work at IFS. His days start with breakfast at 5 AM and go non-stop until 6 PM. He's been doing a lot of studying, and seems to be doing well so far. Joel has been experiencing a little bit of altitude sickness, so we are hoping that it goes away before he begins flying... we think it would make motion sickness much more likely. His first flight is Monday morning, so keep him in your prayers!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Road Trips
There are some pretty big changes coming up in the Loftus house this week, namely, that it's going to be empty!
Tomorrow morning, Joel and his friends Mark and Gianluigi will be driving to Colorado where all three of them will have to complete Initial Flight Screening. They are planning on taking two days to make the 20-hour drive, and then they will in-process on Monday, February 28. Please keep them in your prayers.
For those of you not well-versed in Air Force lingo, IFS is a mandatory program prior to the start of pilot training. It usually takes four weeks to complete, meaning Joel is anticipating being there from March 1 - April 1. IFS is intended to "weed out" those who will not be able to cut it as pilots before the Air Force has invested a lot of time and money in them. In other words, it's intense, and it's a big deal. Also, IFS is an "unaccompanied" TDY, meaning that spouses are not allowed to tag along, or even visit for a weekend.
Calvin and I will be taking a road trip of our own while Joel is away. Originally, I had been planning on flying home for a week while Joel is in Colorado. Then, my school situation changed and the opportunity to go to PA for the whole month presented itself. Joel and I deliberated and prayed about this option for quite a while. Ultimately, we concluded that this opportunity is a really special blessing. God is allowing me to spend time with my family to ease the loneliness of being away from Joel.
Anyway, Calvin and I will be departing Tuesday, March 1 to drive North to my grandparent's home in Kentucky - about a 7 hour drive. I'll spend a few days there visiting my extended family, including my 103 year old great-grandmother! Next, I'll head East for approximately 11 hours to visit the little Lofti in Maryland. Finally, I'll head an hour North to Pennsylvania to see my incredible parents and brother. Also on the agenda are a visit to West Chester and a possible trip to Carlo's Bakery. (AKA Cake Boss!) So, there's your update. Hopefully, I'll be seeing many of you soon!
Tomorrow morning, Joel and his friends Mark and Gianluigi will be driving to Colorado where all three of them will have to complete Initial Flight Screening. They are planning on taking two days to make the 20-hour drive, and then they will in-process on Monday, February 28. Please keep them in your prayers.
For those of you not well-versed in Air Force lingo, IFS is a mandatory program prior to the start of pilot training. It usually takes four weeks to complete, meaning Joel is anticipating being there from March 1 - April 1. IFS is intended to "weed out" those who will not be able to cut it as pilots before the Air Force has invested a lot of time and money in them. In other words, it's intense, and it's a big deal. Also, IFS is an "unaccompanied" TDY, meaning that spouses are not allowed to tag along, or even visit for a weekend.
Calvin and I will be taking a road trip of our own while Joel is away. Originally, I had been planning on flying home for a week while Joel is in Colorado. Then, my school situation changed and the opportunity to go to PA for the whole month presented itself. Joel and I deliberated and prayed about this option for quite a while. Ultimately, we concluded that this opportunity is a really special blessing. God is allowing me to spend time with my family to ease the loneliness of being away from Joel.
Anyway, Calvin and I will be departing Tuesday, March 1 to drive North to my grandparent's home in Kentucky - about a 7 hour drive. I'll spend a few days there visiting my extended family, including my 103 year old great-grandmother! Next, I'll head East for approximately 11 hours to visit the little Lofti in Maryland. Finally, I'll head an hour North to Pennsylvania to see my incredible parents and brother. Also on the agenda are a visit to West Chester and a possible trip to Carlo's Bakery. (AKA Cake Boss!) So, there's your update. Hopefully, I'll be seeing many of you soon!
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