To Our Beloved Friends & Family,
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Hastings family – where do I begin? Twenty-twenty three has truly been a special and chaotic compilation of life events, as we have not only enjoyed our first year of marriage, but did so in three different homes, in three different states with the Marine Corps. And, while I could sit and write a novel on the lessons God has taught us through this adventure that is only just beginning, I will sum them up in three words: God is faithful. Many things changed this year and God was the grounding force we needed to survive it all.
OHIO
           We started the year celebrating our marriage with a long-awaited honeymoon to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. There we stayed at an all-inclusive resort, Dreams Onyx, soaking up the Caribbean sunshine and enjoying the amazing amenities – breakfast in bed quickly becoming our favorite. Committing to relaxing, we enjoyed many mornings at the poolside, noses in books, and afternoons walking along the beautiful blue waters hand in hand. At night, we enjoyed the seven themed restaurants, good conversation, and unlimited ice cream. It was a wonderful trip and timed perfectly, allowing us to spend much needed quality time together before the business of life ramped up again.
           Once we landed back in Columbus I was presented with an amazing opportunity to share my eating disorder recovery testimony at Harvest Hills Ministries. Not only did this event, rEDefine, provide a way for me to share my story of victory over my eating disorder in Christ, but it inspired me to write a book about overcoming an eating disorder from a biblical perspective, allowing me to share further all God has done in my life and can do in the lives of others if they are willing to submit to Him. After this it was time to pack our little apartment and visit with friends and family as much as possible. Before we knew it, Micah was leaving his job working at Ohio Health as a hospital security guard and the two of us, along with Bodi boy, took off for Fredericksburg Virginia.
VIRGINIA
           This state elicited so many feelings of fear and anticipation in the months leading up to the move but ended up being the biggest blessing. We arrived in March with our friends the Stupskis ready to tackle all of the unknowns that lie ahead as we began our military journey at Quantico. It was definitely an adjustment for all, and while challenging, brought the family closer to each other and God, as we learned together how to navigate this next chapter of our lives.
           We spent our first week exploring Washington D.C.’s history and hiking in the surrounding Appalachian Mountains, then it was time to get to work. Micah spent the next six months at The Basic School [TBS] as part of Charlie Company’s sixth platoon, who quickly became our family. He spent many long days and nights with this group learning how to be an effective infantry platoon commander. It was grueling work as he not only was required to participate in demanding classes and warfighting exercises, but also held positions of leadership for live fire ranges, field exercises in the Quantico woods, and even was named company first sergeant in his last few weeks at the school. In the end, after much discussion and prayer, Micah placed field artillery officer as his number one job preference and received a position at the field artillery school in Oklahoma. For all his hard work Micah finished fifth in his class of over three- hundred marines. And while it was hard, Micah’s smile proved he truly loves his job and the remarks I received from his peers and authorities alike proved he also excels at what he does. I could not be prouder of him.
           While Micah worked I, awaiting the processing of my Virginia license, took time to invest in my hobbies and home. Unable to sit with idle hands, I worked to reconfigure my blog site and write my book, both of which I was able to complete during our stay. Outside of the home, I engaged with the military community through the TBS spouse Bible study and Thursday morning spouse coffees. Both of which quickly stole my heart, as I met the most amazing women who inspired me in both my walk with God and journey as a military spouse. I will cherish these relationships forever, even if we are now scattered across the country. I also took it upon myself to become sixth platoon’s personal baker, making everything from decadent cupcakes, to brookies, brownies, and my families famous cut out cookie recipe. For this, I was designated platoon mom, a position I thoroughly enjoyed. My last month I was able to dip my toe into medicine, beginning part time work as a home health PA, a job I have carried with me to Oklahoma. Only now I work from home in my white coat and slippers.
           And while Micah was sadly unable to attend, I did make it to our annual family vacation. This year we took a cruise to the sunny Caribbean with new additions Jocelyn and Noah! We spent our time eating ice cream, tanning, surfing fake waves, zooming down slides, dancing at many parties, and enjoying our nighttime shows. Off the boat we swam with turtles and explored the flea markets of Saint Croix, hiked the baths at Tortola, and spent a perfect beach day at Coco Cay. We certainly made some incredible memories, and I will always be thankful for grandparents who instilled in us a desire to travel. Oh, and Micah? Don’t worry, he was able to come in the form of a polaroid and is photo’d at every island. Additionally, over the weekend he was able to fly to Indiana to witness the marriage of his good friend Sam Pearl to Ally, and based on the photos he had an amazing time.
Of course, we did take time to explore the area together. We got to experience the Washington D.C. cherry blossom festival, hiking in the beautiful Shenandoah mountains, the best local pizza at Benni Vitalis, a parade at the oldest post in the Marine Corps, 4th of July on base, shopping in the cutest boutiques, strolls along the D.C. Wharf with friends, dinner at the General’s home, a visit to Elise and LeAnn at Liberty, and coffee in the sweet town of Old Town Alexandria. And of course, it was always special when family came to visit, allowing us to share our new life with those we love. Over the course of the sixth months, we had visits from both parents and siblings, my grandparents, and my Aunt Joy. Each memorable and exciting. Virginia truly was a special place, and our life there will be a treasured memory forever.
OKLAHOMA
As TBS concluded in October, the Hastings family packed up and headed to our next assigned station in Oklahoma. It is quite a change from the dense forest and bustling streets of Virginia, as we find ourselves amidst cattle farms, buffalo, prairie dogs, and armadillo – but once again we are determined to make the most of it. Micah has quickly jumped into artillery school, spending much of his day in class or shooting off the cannons I can hear as I work from home as a telehealth PA. Outside of work, I have found myself enjoying time with PWOC, a Bible study on base, and as part of the Molly Pitcher committee. With the little free time we have left, we have enjoyed sharing meals with our friends, hiking the Wichita mountains, and exploring the fun Christmas activities of Oklahoma City. And slowly, Oklahoma is starting to feel like home.
Bodi is nearing two years old and has been such a dear companion to me through the chaos of this year. He has developed a newfound love of mountain hiking and has made many friends throughout our journey, including the new addition to our family from good old Oklahoma, little Milo.
Countless times in 2023 we have witnessed God’s mighty hand guiding and directing us into the callings He has placed upon this season of our lives. We saw Him walk before us into every new city, making connections we never fathomed with people we now are blessed to call friends. We knew Him as Father as He guided us through the beginning stages of marriage and knew Him as friend in the lonely moments when we were unsure where to turn. We have learned to trust His ways and thoughts as higher, rest in His providence and protection, and rely on His unending love. And because of Him we look back on what was a trying year with fondness, love, and hope in a God who truly writes the most beautiful stories. And we thank you for being such a cherished part of our story, supporting us and praying for us as we continue this adventure. Have a blessed Christmas season.
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With love,
  The Hastings