Yes, I know the 31 Days series is over, but I still have one more Chaplain’s wife that I want to introduce.
Meet Christine!
(Christine is another Army Chaplain’s wife who was one of the first people I met after we moved here to Fort Hood. Her husband just finished the program that my guy is in the middle of right now! She is one energetic ball of encouragement wrapped in a great sense of humor. And, we both have a love of the central California coast, Monterey specifically. What’s not to love about her?!)
What branch of the service are you in, and how long have you been in?
Army, for 10 years
Can you tell us a little about your family?
We have two girls, Emily and Samantha, 17 and 14.
If you get free time as a family, what do you enjoy doing?
Laughing! We also like to watch movies and attend sporting events or concerts.
What is the best place you’ve lived (or visited) and why?
Every place has its positives and negatives. I’ve met some great people at every duty station and seen some amazing things all over this country—and world! I did enjoy Fort Drum, New York, since this California girl had never experienced real seasons!
What do you enjoy the most about being a Chaplain’s wife?
It’s an easy conversation starter. It’s easy to talk to someone about God because they expect it! 🙂 I like the idea of serving God and Country at the same time, and I like the experiences we’ve had by living in all sorts of different places.
What do you like the least about being a Chaplain’s wife?
Even though I’ve enjoyed the experiences we’ve had in different places, the process of moving to all those places is not something I like! I don’t appreciate the stereotypes I’ve run into either.
What is that ONE thing you wish you could tell civilians about life in the military, or about being a military spouse?
We’re NOT heroes. We love our husbands and country and do what we need to do to make this life work, but we’re just like everyone else. We do, however, make huge sacrifices—moving away from family and friends, kids changing schools, being separated from our husbands. My suggestion, when talking to military spouses, is to just say, “Thank you!” without being sappy.
What are some of your personal hobbies and interests?
I like to sew and fix things. I’m handy with power tools! I love PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) and teaching. I also love spending time with my girls and their friends.
Thank you, Christine, for sharing your life and thoughts with us today.
