As I get ready to leave my parents again for nine months for the impending school year, I can’t help but think about all the things I’ve learned. Growing up moving around the country and being an army brat is one of the most incredible things I could have ever asked for. From my parents and my military family that surround me, they’ve taught me three core values: family, sacrifice, and faith.

During the first deployment, I learned that family is everything, and sometimes family doesn’t always mean blood. In some cases, I’m closer to my army family than I am some of my actual blood relatives. The thing is, when you endure some of the greatest trials and some of the best triumphs together, the bond between those people can never really be broken. Through my father’s deployments, my mother and I have made countless friendships with spouses and kids that we now proudly call family. I have sisters and brothers and moms and fathers through all these people. They're my family. My Army family.

Sacrifice. Sacrifice. Sacrifice. The one-word military families know all too well. The meaning of “sacrifice” didn’t mean a thing until I had to let my dad go all the way to Afghanistan to fight for not only my freedom but yours. The worry that I may never see him after that last hug always crosses my mind before he leaves. And that’s when I have to remind myself that God is looking out for him. The sacrifice doesn’t end there. I don’t get to see my other family members for up to year or more at a time. I didn’t get the big sweet-16 with every family member or the brand new car. My extended family didn’t get to see me through my teen years. We didn’t get that time. That thing called time? That’s a precious thing in our lives.

My army family never lacked faith. Our faith is what keeps us strong in these tough times. When dad’s gone, when mom’s at work, while I’m away at school, it can get really lonely. I miss my family. I miss my whole Army family. But God’s there. God is the one that has everything all planned out. He keeps my dad safe, He keeps my mom safe. If it wasn’t for God’s calling, my family wouldn’t be in an amazing position that they are—to be able to share His word with countless people. God has given my family incredible opportunities. And I could not be more thankful.

Family. Sacrifice. Faith. Those words mean more to me now than they ever have. Growing up the way I did, I missed out on a lot. But God has given my family and I this opportunity for a reason. We’ve met people that were once acquaintances, but are now family. We’ve been able to minister to hundreds of soldiers and their families. I think everyone could a learn a little from the amazing army family that I am proud to be a part of. HOOAH.