Military WIVES?

Korea is not as difficult a tour as it seems. When I first found out my husband was going to Korea, I was devistated. Our twins were 2 1/2 and we just found out I was pregnant with our son. A year sounded like a lifetime to me since we hadn't been separated for more than 3 months at a time prior to that.

But it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I wasn't near family, but I was surrounded by really supportive friends. I had great neighbors, joined a support group for spouses with husbands in Korea, and kept busy with my kids, playgroups and volunteer work.

In Korea, my husband had a computer and phone in his room. It is nothing like a deployment where contact is limited. He called me like 3 times a day. I called him whenever I wanted. We had unlimited email and IM contact. We sent carepackages, videos, letters and pictures back and forth. He remained very much a part of our every day lives.

I kept busy at home and time went by much faster than I thought. By the time he was ready to come home I was wondering where the heck the time went.

It's part of being a military spouse... You learn to cope - some people join things or get more involved in community events; some spend a lot of time complaining and not doing anything at all; some run home to Mom & Dad.

I recommend the first choice - get involved in your community/church/schools, do things that you enjoy that you might not do if your husband was home (going out to dinner w/ girlfriends, spa days, join a yoga class, etc.)... You will be a lot happier if you live your life for YOU, instead of just 'waiting'.

Also, write him e-mails, send 'care packages' w/ love notes, buy phone cards so that he can call home when he gets a chance & just overall be positive... Your year goes by pretty quickly (hard to believe - but true).

One week, day, hour, minute at a time. Use the time to pick up a hobby you've always wanted or do something you've been putting off. Get involved in charity work/volunteer. Take care of yourself. And, believe it or not, a year passes pretty quickly.

My husband was in Korea 2005 but he came home twice within the year. We e-mailed and he called home alot. You will make it. Are you newly married???? Not that it makes a difference but the time for me went by fast. I was in school full time plus I worked. SO keep busy

Good luck.

I just kept busy everyday working out etc just stay focused think positive and time will fly belive me.Just let go a little bit

Why can't you join him there? The bases have the facilities for family.

Vet-USAF

My wife got a dog while I was overseas... spiteful little bastard but she loves him, lol!