Finally back in SC...

Thank you for all of your constant prayers. Only through the power of prayer and God's continuous hand at work was I able to make it. All the letters I received gassed me up to push throughout the week. Brittany's writing letters, maintaining this blog, encouraged words and love is one key ingredient that pushed me through to the end. She waited for me at the finish line and persevered as much as I have throughout this. Sweetheart, I love you very much for everything you have done for me throughout this entire process.  These 14 weeks was a humbling experience teaching me not to take small things for granted. Everything from toilet paper to family. This has also taught me that we must give up freedom in order to keep it back home. It takes more than a lot to keep us free. 

 .....I am here now and forever, I am the Infantry! Follow Me!

Here we are at the very end of this journey...

This evening I became quite overwhelmed with emotions, joy, and pride as I thought of how long of a journey this has been. However, it has been one of the most rewarding journey's. From some mirrors if feels as if this time has flown by as quick as the blink of an eye, and then from other mirrors it feels like this has been the longest four months of my life. Mere words cannot fully express how proud I am of Tyler. He is one of the elite to complete this training, and we know that it was all by the strength and grace of a Great God. We leave in two short days for Georgia, and we're so excited we can hardly stand it! My prayer request now is for safe traveling mercies for all of the family who will be heading down to Georgia to see him and bring him HOME. Tyler, I love you. We ALL love you! And we're all so proud! Praise God for fixing our eyes upon the finish line...finally!! Thank you Lord! I love you all. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all of your prayers and encouragement.

We serve a God who deserves the Utmost of our praise!

Richard Tyler Hazel, I am SO proud of you! THROUGH Christ you have accomplished one of your biggest goals in life. What a blessing! How God has orchestrated this time has been incredible. We are extremely proud of the man you have become.
Mrs. Loretta texted me Friday afternoon asking if I was available to talk at that time so I called her as soon as I read the message. She was so excited to tell me that she had just talked to Tyler and that he was doing incredible! His week in the field went very well. After completing the seven day FTX, he had the privilege of walking up the "Hill of Honor" where he was presented with his cross rifles. His sergeant told him that he had done a great job. Following this, they were invited to go upstairs to receive their “Real Blood Cross Rifle.” The pin they give them is presented by the D.S. and as part of the tradition they place it on their chest really hard causing them to bleed. Tyler said he has two holes where it was pinned on him and he is very proud.
I feel as if proud just doesn't even suffice! But all day long, I have been overflowing with peace, and joy! God has my whole heart singing with praise because of the mighty work that He has done through this time. God has seen Tyler through each and every day giving him the strength to push on and complete the task. I am so proud of him. God has amazed me through and through and I will forever sing His praise.