Justin is Djibouti bound

  By K Mapes | May 19, 2013 - 7:00 pm |
Leave a comment

Well this afternoon reality kicked in, Justin is deploying to Africa in 3 days. Among the many things I am thankful for, I am especially thankful that I was able to go to Las Vegas last week and spend some quality time with Justin and Juli prior to his departure.

I am a born worrier. I worry about his safety and her sanity among other things. I know in my heart that he is prepared. The Air Force spends time and money ensuring that our soldiers are fighting ready when they leave. I love him so much and I am so proud of his successes in life and choices he has made. He will have his Savior keeping watch over him, and for that I am most thankful. My prayer is that he completes his mission to the glory of God and returns home to us safely.

Last week Justin and Juli had their deployment pictures taken. This is a preview. They turned out so pretty.

Taylors

My vow is that I will not be afraid. I pray daily for God’s guidance and protection for Justin as I am sure he will be exposed to things beyond my understanding.

I am blessed by the song in my heart. It goes like this,

When peace like a river attended my way

When sorrow like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say

It is well, it is well with my soul

About the journey

Camp Lemonnier is the only U.S. military base located in Africa supporting operations geared toward building security, sovereignty, and stability in the region.

Facts about Djibouti:

  • Geography: Djibouti is a small, largely desert country bordering Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
  • Population:793,000
  • Capital:Djibouti; 502,000
  • Area:23,200 square kilometers (8,958 square miles) Djibouti is just a little smaller than the state of Massachusetts.
  • Language:French, Arabic, Somali, Afar
  • Religion:Muslim, Christian
  • Currency:Djiboutian franc
  • Life Expectancy:43
  • GDP per Capita:U.S. $1,300
  • Literacy Percent:68
  • Climate: The country experiences a very dry climate with prolonged spells of scorching heat. Djibouti also faces issues like scarcity of drinkable water and desertification.

Bing! Map of Djibouti Djibouti-map

Djibouti

I will post his mailing address and packing restrictions when they come available.

Please join me in praying for Justin and his unit.

God bless,

Kris

The big day

  By K Mapes | March 11, 2013 - 4:11 pm |
Leave a comment

The happy day arrived. In spite of the rain the wedding was beautiful. There is something special about watching two people start their life together in the presence of God and all of the many people in the audience who love them. It felt like a family reunion. It was a beautiful thing to witness two families “officially” becoming a family.

These pictures are some of my favorites:

Ashleigh and her main man, Callan

20130311-171203.jpg

20130311-171219.jpg

20130311-171228.jpg

20130311-171246.jpg

20130311-171254.jpg

20130311-171306.jpg

20130311-171330.jpg

20130311-171346.jpg20130311-171352.jpg

USA Family Weekend

  By K Mapes | September 30, 2012 - 8:38 pm |
Leave a comment

At long last…..USA Family Weekend! This is our weekend schedule:

Friday September 28

• Residence Hall Open House 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- Visit your student’s residence hall and room
• Family Night On Your Own

Saturday September 29

• Tailgating starts at 12:00 P.M.
• Football Game: USA Jaguars vs. Troy University

What we actually did is greatly different! Justin and I flew in on Friday morning. That evening we went to Red Lobster and Ashleigh educated us on how to properly eat mass amounts of crab claws. Saturday Kim arrived around 11 and brought the rain with her! We didn’t stay long at the game. We opted to have some family time together.

It was such a wonderful weekend. I am happy to have shared that time with my family.

Family-weekend3 El Chico Ashleigh-USA Family-weekend 2 Family-weekend

Happy birthday Nanny!

  By K Mapes | August 24, 2012 - 8:13 pm |
Leave a comment

Wishing a very happy birthday to my sweet Nanny, Lozelle Armstrong. She is an amazing woman who had a heavy hand in who I am today. I am forever grateful for her love and support. This picture was taken 2 years ago at her 90th birthday party. Doesn’t she look great? Happy birthday Nanny!

Lozelle Armstrong

Ashleigh’s senior year

  By K Mapes | May 16, 2012 - 10:00 pm |
Leave a comment

Geez where did the time go? I mean wasn’t it just five minutes ago she was learning how to walk? Look at that sweet face. Couldn’t you just eat her up? Now she is getting ready to graduate, quit her job and travel this summer.

Baby Ash

I am proud of her accomplishments  She has worked a full time job, played basketball and managed to keep a B average in school. Not too shabby for a girl with a learning disability. I believe a lot of what drives her stems from the learning issues. I am so proud, oh wait, I said that already.

She was injured during the Christmas tournament and was not able to finish the season. As heartbreaking as that was, it is a character builder.

These are some photos of varsity. Poor Ash had worked all day that Sunday when the picture were made. I drove her to the photo shoot while she fixed her hair and did her make up. Bless her heart she is a trooper.

Lady Panthers

 

Panthers

 

Pantherss

 

Now not only is she talented, she is also smart. This is the induction ceremony for the Art Honor Society.

Art Honors

 

And prepare yourself. She looked beautiful at prom.

Prom 2012

 

And she graduated…….

 

 

 

5 Generations of Armstrongs

  By K Mapes | May 5, 2012 - 10:00 pm |
Leave a comment

What a bittersweet day. I am so thankful our family was able to make the trip to Pontotoc to introduce Callan to his precious great-grandmother, Lozelle White Armstrong aka Nanny.

She was a little confused when we first arrived. Having been raised by her it is hard and extremely emotional to see her like this. Don’t get me wrong - we are blessed and we know it. Nanny’s Mother lived to her 88th birthday. Nanny is 92 and still kicking.  It is still hard though. She was in her 50′s when I was born. Her influence has a lot to do with how I parent and who I am today. I love her more than words could ever express.

The five generations start with Nanny, then we have my Daddy, Charlie Armstrong, my sister Kim Freeman, my niece China Hankins and last but not least, smily boy Callan.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Easter 2012

  By K Mapes | April 8, 2012 - 3:00 pm |
Leave a comment

Callan’s first Easter and the last one for Ashleigh at home. <<deep sigh>> With her going to South Alabama – go Jags – in the fall, I will savor every minute of the last days.

Callan was a good boy in church. He slept most of the time and didn’t cry a peep, that is until we got to Margarita Grill. Check out the pictures and laugh. Contrary to popular belief we do allow him to cry.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

USA Day

  By K Mapes | March 31, 2012 - 9:00 pm |
Leave a comment

Ashleigh has been accepted at Alabama and South Alabama. Decisions, decisions….today was our campus visit at South. After a long week at work (not to mention that I was in Nashville through Thursday) Ash and I drove to Mobile last night. In all of my infinite wisdom I did not set the alarm loud enough and we were almost late! That was unnecessary stress added to the morning.

We made it to the campus with time to spare. My first impression of the campus and faculty was quite favorable. They have a good education program and the cost is much less than Alabama. Now knowing Ashleigh she will probably choose South since it is a 4 hour drive. We will see.

USA

 

 

 

 

We met with faculty, toured the school of education and visited the dorm rooms. When we finally finished we headed a little further south and hit the beach! I know, bad idea on my part. I will lose her to South for sure LOL

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Introducing Callan Michael Hankins

  By K Mapes | February 21, 2012 - 5:01 pm |
Leave a comment

After what seemed like an eternity…….the big day finally arrived. Chris and China are blessed with the addition of Callan Michael Hankins. Born today, February 21,2012 at 5:01 pm weighing 6 lbs 7 oz and measuring 20 3/4 inches. Callan was greeted by a host of family. Enjoy the pictures.

Happy birthday Callan.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.