Eight Days

Wow, where has the time gone? There are only eight more training days before I graduate. I cannot believe the time has gone so quickly, but I am ready to graduate. 

Last week our class was in the field from Tuesday to Friday. The training was a lot of fun and practical. The training was a culmination of all the education we have gotten this far. I am truly being stretched to be the best Chaplain for our Soldiers and their families. 

I would like to thank you all for your prayers for me and my family! Your prayers really do make a difference. For those of you who do not know God answered our prayers about providing a pastor for Menokin. Menokin called their new pastor and he started on August 3. Praise God! God not only hears our prayers but answers them. 

Well, it is time for bed.

Haircut Please

I have been asked about my hair so I thought I would include some pictures for your amusement. The haircut actually has an interesting story. I borrowed Mark’s (the guy cutting my hair) clippers. Because I was cutting off so much hair I broke his clippers. One thing for sure, I was a great comedic relief from the very beginning. I cannot imagine how things would have turned out if Mark and Loren had not helped me. Thanks to my Chaplain friends I now have an Army haircut. I do not have a picture, but I did shave all my hair off a few weeks ago. It has grown back out; I can now say that I have shaved my head. I get to thank Loren for that one. Thanks Loren!

I'm Still Here

Well, I have not lived up to my expectation of posting once a week. Wow, it has been very busy here. I spend most of my time doing homework and self directed studies. I normally get up at 0400, get home from class at 1700, eat dinner, do homework, and get in bed by 2130. Pretty much the same routine daily. On the weekends I do homework all day.

Today is the exception, Laura, Victoria and I went to Charleston for a few hours. We had a really good time being together. Laura did drive and I worked on homework there and back. I am trying to make the most of all the time I have. Laura has been wonderful and so supportive. God has truly blessed me with her. 

In just a little while I will be working on homework again. God is so good. I have gotten all my assignments in on time and hope to be ahead of the curve for this coming week. I will try and get a few more posts before I start on homework.

Laura has started blogging and if you are interested in reading her blog you can click the following link: http://lauraslifereflections.blogspot.com

CH-BOLC Week 1

One thing for sure. I am in the Army now, LOL! I am trying to get used to marching to the cadence of hurry up and wait. That pretty much explains the week in a nut shell. We have spent the whole week getting processed. Below is a list of things we have gotten done this week with a little or lot of hurry up and wait.

• Blood work
  
• Dental X rays
• Dental exam
• Eye exam
• Hearing test
• Vaccinations (4 shots back to back)
• Lab work
• Buying of our uniforms, etc.
• Military ID
• Issue of our gear (sleeping equipment, helmet, wet gear, gas mask, canteens, etc.)
• PT test weigh in

Well, that is all I can think of, but I know it felt like more than that. I would like to say a special thanks to all of you who have been praying for me and my family. Your prayers have made a difference in our lives. God has us in a huge transition, but by His grace we are making it. Thanks for partnering with us as we follow His calling. We are blessed because you lift us to the Father in prayer. 

Well, I am off for now. I have laundry in the dryer that I need to check on. Plus, I need to be in bed now for my early wake up call.

I'm Here

Where is here? Fort Jackson, South Carolina (Columbia). I made the trip safely, yesterday. After unloading for an hour, I got my room all set up and situated. (It took an hour to unload with the help of two other Chaplains, Loren and Mark.) I am glad to have that done since life is going to get hectic soon. I am setting a goal to post once a week. Some guys who have been through this process have posted every day. That is a great goal, but I do not believe I am that disciplined in blogging. Anyway, you should hear from me again soon.