The end of summer is approaching fast. At the beginning of CH-BOLC (Army Chaplain Training Course), it seemed as though 13 weeks would never end. But now there is only three weeks left, and the last week, we will all be down in Columbia, spending the week at Fort Jackson. The movers are arriving on August 9th to pack up.
We have been in a very fortunate position. Since we live only 100 miles from Fort Jackson, where James is training, he has either been able to come home on weekends, or I have gone there. So, the basic training was not nearly as difficult as it could have been. (for me, atleast, I wasn't the one waking up at 4 am to run and do extreme physical exercise) Not only could I see him, but he was able to fix stuff that would break during the week. And a LOT of stuff has broken. The latest is the kids' shower head. I couldn't turn of the water yesterday. I envisioned a flooded house, and no way to sell the house after it was said and done. Ransom was able to disassemble the faucet and stop the flow, but I am glad J will be home this weekend to put a new piece on. I really need to learn how to do that kind of stuff.
On August 17th, James will graduate from the course. The Army gives us 10 days to move ourselves across country (all of our belongings will already be on the move) and on August 27th, he will report in to Fort Hood, Texas. We will have to live in temporary housing (hotel) for atleast a few days. We are on the waiting list for on post housing.
I am very proud of my handsome husband. This is the culmination of 7 years of pursuing a goal, and not giving up. It has been 2 1/2 years since he decided to pursue the chaplaincy. It was a very, very long process including the year long ordination that is required for our denomination.
Out of the hundred and twenty something soldiers in training this summer, only 12 of them will be Active Duty, the rest are either National Guard, Reserves or part of a Candidate program (for seminary students). Out of the 12, 7 of them know for certain they will be deployed within the next few months. James may be as well, we just don't know yet. If he is, that is what he has trained and prepared for. To be a support and a help for soldiers who are in the midst of war.
At the banquet the other night, there were quite a few soldiers who were finishing up AIT to become Chaplain Assistants. (Chaplains don't carry guns, so the Assistants are not only their constant aid, but their protection as well). It was shocking how many of these young men and women had between 6 and 8 stripes on their arms. This meant that they have been deployed for 3-4 years (6 months for each stripe). If you have ever read the book Fahrenheit 541, there is a war going on but no one really talks about it. There is a little bit of coverage in the news, but it is a distant affair which doesn't concern the average person.(until the end, that is). That is how I felt that night. That the reality of what our country is fighting is not truly understood by those of us living within our safer borders. My point is that this war is real and affects a lot of families in this nation. It is a serious undertaking that James will be involved in. I know he is perfect for the challenge. Although he is firmly planted in reformed theology, he is able to talk to and advise people of all belief systems. He came away from CH-Bolc with friends who were Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic and most surprisingly, even a Baptist or two. The different belief systems he was around all summer truly indicate the components of the U.S. Military. In this job, you had better have compassion, love and understanding for those of different beliefs. After all, Jesus did. He showed love, compassion, healing, and support for those who needed him, regardless of nationality or religious background. If someone followed Him, it was because of His love for them, not because he told them they were going to hell for not believing in Him.
Now, we are just fervently praying that our house sells. Quickly. I didn't really think it would be a problem, I thought it would just happen smoothly, but now as we are getting into crunch time, I am starting to stress. I really don't want to have to deal with owning property across country while we are starting a new lifestyle all together. We could rent, but that is risky. And a pain. Unless you know the people well, and I don't know anyone who is looking for a rental house.
I feel as though there is a lot more I could write, but I just wanted to update on the essentials. The kids will be attending the public school system in Killeen Texas, where more than half of the students will be military kids. I plan on keeping them active in sports, school, church, and transitioning everyone into this new life. I will attempt to get my jewelry up on Etsy again and possibly find a few shops to sell in. Rose wants to take horse back riding lessons, and the boys are all of a sudden into skateboarding again. Basketball camp next week, and then the big move. Bring it on.
We have been in a very fortunate position. Since we live only 100 miles from Fort Jackson, where James is training, he has either been able to come home on weekends, or I have gone there. So, the basic training was not nearly as difficult as it could have been. (for me, atleast, I wasn't the one waking up at 4 am to run and do extreme physical exercise) Not only could I see him, but he was able to fix stuff that would break during the week. And a LOT of stuff has broken. The latest is the kids' shower head. I couldn't turn of the water yesterday. I envisioned a flooded house, and no way to sell the house after it was said and done. Ransom was able to disassemble the faucet and stop the flow, but I am glad J will be home this weekend to put a new piece on. I really need to learn how to do that kind of stuff.
On August 17th, James will graduate from the course. The Army gives us 10 days to move ourselves across country (all of our belongings will already be on the move) and on August 27th, he will report in to Fort Hood, Texas. We will have to live in temporary housing (hotel) for atleast a few days. We are on the waiting list for on post housing.
I am very proud of my handsome husband. This is the culmination of 7 years of pursuing a goal, and not giving up. It has been 2 1/2 years since he decided to pursue the chaplaincy. It was a very, very long process including the year long ordination that is required for our denomination.
Out of the hundred and twenty something soldiers in training this summer, only 12 of them will be Active Duty, the rest are either National Guard, Reserves or part of a Candidate program (for seminary students). Out of the 12, 7 of them know for certain they will be deployed within the next few months. James may be as well, we just don't know yet. If he is, that is what he has trained and prepared for. To be a support and a help for soldiers who are in the midst of war.
At the banquet the other night, there were quite a few soldiers who were finishing up AIT to become Chaplain Assistants. (Chaplains don't carry guns, so the Assistants are not only their constant aid, but their protection as well). It was shocking how many of these young men and women had between 6 and 8 stripes on their arms. This meant that they have been deployed for 3-4 years (6 months for each stripe). If you have ever read the book Fahrenheit 541, there is a war going on but no one really talks about it. There is a little bit of coverage in the news, but it is a distant affair which doesn't concern the average person.(until the end, that is). That is how I felt that night. That the reality of what our country is fighting is not truly understood by those of us living within our safer borders. My point is that this war is real and affects a lot of families in this nation. It is a serious undertaking that James will be involved in. I know he is perfect for the challenge. Although he is firmly planted in reformed theology, he is able to talk to and advise people of all belief systems. He came away from CH-Bolc with friends who were Buddhist, Muslim, Catholic and most surprisingly, even a Baptist or two. The different belief systems he was around all summer truly indicate the components of the U.S. Military. In this job, you had better have compassion, love and understanding for those of different beliefs. After all, Jesus did. He showed love, compassion, healing, and support for those who needed him, regardless of nationality or religious background. If someone followed Him, it was because of His love for them, not because he told them they were going to hell for not believing in Him.
Now, we are just fervently praying that our house sells. Quickly. I didn't really think it would be a problem, I thought it would just happen smoothly, but now as we are getting into crunch time, I am starting to stress. I really don't want to have to deal with owning property across country while we are starting a new lifestyle all together. We could rent, but that is risky. And a pain. Unless you know the people well, and I don't know anyone who is looking for a rental house.
I feel as though there is a lot more I could write, but I just wanted to update on the essentials. The kids will be attending the public school system in Killeen Texas, where more than half of the students will be military kids. I plan on keeping them active in sports, school, church, and transitioning everyone into this new life. I will attempt to get my jewelry up on Etsy again and possibly find a few shops to sell in. Rose wants to take horse back riding lessons, and the boys are all of a sudden into skateboarding again. Basketball camp next week, and then the big move. Bring it on.
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