Training in California

I have just returned from playing in the Mojave Desert. Our Brigade went to Fort Irwin, CA for training to prepare us for our down range missions. It was good training. I am starting to really connect to some of my soldiers. It is an honor to be with them when they deal with difficult issues. God is great in allowing me to be His tool of ministry.

I think the worst thing was the time away from family. Laura and Victoria did well while I was gone. We all agreed it is hard to imagine 12 months away from family. The really sobering think about the time away is that some of my soldiers are on their 3rd & 4th deployments. Our soldiers deserve great respect and appreciation for what they sacrifice for all Americans. 

Here are some pictures I took. Hope this post finds you all doing well. Please pray for my soldiers as we get closer to leaving family again. 

Beauty of the Desert

Sleeping Tent                          My Cot

My Favorite Picture from CA

Settling In

Hello all! Yes, it has been a long time since I have posted. It has not been because I do not have anything to write about, if anything, it would be that I have too much to write about and not enough time to write about it all. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that slowly we are settling in to our new home. The boxes that need to be unpacked are dwindling, thankfully. There is still some work to do, but it is a lot more manageable than it was when we started.

Things are going well here for me. Before I finished getting checked in to Fort Hood I was called upon to do ministry. I had a soldier that was killed in a house fire. It was and is very tragic. Fortunately, I was able to do some of what God has called me to do in the Army. So from the beginning, I have been off and running.

Laura has been working hard around the house. Daily we spend hours going through boxes and putting things away. Laura has done a beautiful job of making a house a home. Even with all this unpacking she has still been cooking!! It is so good to have her meals again instead of having to eat out every meal. I am so blessed!

Victoria is so ready to start school. Yes, she is ready. Normally we start at the middle of August but since we have had so much going on we will be starting on September 28. One of the reasons Victoria is excited is she and another Chaplain's daughter will be taking some classes together.

Well, it is getting late and I have a long day tomorrow. I will leave you with some things you can pray about if the Holy Spirit prompts you.

• For our family as we transition into a new rhythm of life. (Especially Victoria)
• The soldiers God has given me. (I have about 400 now, but will have more than 600 when we deploy.)
• For me, that God would glorify himself through my service.
• That God would lead us to the church where we are to be a part.

May God bless you and keep you!

More Hurry Up and Less Wait!

Well, I am graduating a day early. We were told this morning that our graduation was moved up because of the uncertainty of Hurricane Hannah. Therefore, it is one of the few times in the Army that I will experience more hurry up and less wait.

All is going well otherwise. After graduation tomorrow we will start our journey west. We will have to spend some time loading all our stuff before we shove off. In a matter of a few days, after 35 1/2 years, I will live in a different time zone. I am excited. I can stay up and watch the late news and still get in bed before 11! I know, it is weird to be excited about this. What can I say?

Well, I am off, I have to get ready for our Banquet and for the long/short day tomorrow. 

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!