Chaplain J called from the desert this weekend. He's adjusting to climate change and time changes. After a few days of transition, his group will divide up and scatter across the area for various jobs. He will be traveling among those groups offering counsel and spiritual guidance.
We got to see him on webcam this week. His hair is much shorter, but other than that he's our same J. He even had a chance to visit the Base Exchange, which is a lot like a Walmart on base.
Most of his travels will take him to established locations with housing and standard base facilities. Occasionally he will go to a more remote area. His biggest complaint at his current location is having to to sleep in a bunk bed. Picture that!
We should have an address soon. He's already requested a few items to be mailed. I'll let you know when we have a somewhat permanent address and offer guidelines about what to send.
Thank you for your prayers. Things are going smoothly so far.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Training Exercises
It's been a fun week for Chaplain J! First, his team practiced on the shooting range. Chaplains are not allowed to carry weapons, but a little practice for fun never hurt anyone. To the amazement of many, J fired a perfect score. (I wasn't surprised. Were you?)
Next, the group learned some medical readiness skills. Each person practiced inserting IV's and emergency care. Then off to a simulator that trains you on what to do if your vehicle rolls over. It's amazing how disoriented you can get. J says you can't remember which way to pull the door handle to get out. Once you've been tossed around and land upside-down, you can become rather confused. As an onlooker, though, it's quite humorous to watch full grown men fall out of a car door. Of course the Chaplain had his turn to look foolish as well.
PS. We finally got our webcam working. We hope it's equally as easy once the team travels.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Weekly Update
Hello from the Homefront!
Our Chaplain called this week to say that training is going well. His squadron has attended many briefings (informational lectures) and received two more bags of gear.
He is staying in barracks with 20 other airmen, eating high calorie mystery meat, and getting very little sleep. Is anyone surprised? This first week has been an adjustment, but J is beginning to find ways he can minister to this group. Many are unable to attend weekend services because of the schedule rotations. He is planning to offer devos (devotions) early in the mornings for those who want to attend.
Time for Internet access has been limited. We've tried to set up webcam calls for him to talk to the kids but it's been nothing but trouble. Our home webcam was damaged in our move and his Internet opportunities have been scarce. Hopefully we will have a new webcam before he travels again. We should buy stock in Best Buy while its down.
On the Homefront , this first week has been challenging. We've battled the flu, overcrowded schedules, and hormones. (With four girls, how can you avoid it?) We have a great support network. Thank you to everyone who has been praying, emailing and calling. We are managing, but be prepared for that phone call! We've got your number!
Our Chaplain called this week to say that training is going well. His squadron has attended many briefings (informational lectures) and received two more bags of gear.
He is staying in barracks with 20 other airmen, eating high calorie mystery meat, and getting very little sleep. Is anyone surprised? This first week has been an adjustment, but J is beginning to find ways he can minister to this group. Many are unable to attend weekend services because of the schedule rotations. He is planning to offer devos (devotions) early in the mornings for those who want to attend.
Time for Internet access has been limited. We've tried to set up webcam calls for him to talk to the kids but it's been nothing but trouble. Our home webcam was damaged in our move and his Internet opportunities have been scarce. Hopefully we will have a new webcam before he travels again. We should buy stock in Best Buy while its down.
On the Homefront , this first week has been challenging. We've battled the flu, overcrowded schedules, and hormones. (With four girls, how can you avoid it?) We have a great support network. Thank you to everyone who has been praying, emailing and calling. We are managing, but be prepared for that phone call! We've got your number!
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Guide for Travellers
A step-by-step guide on how to enjoy your deployment travels.
1. Stay up late the night before packing and repacking your bags. Be sure to leave several things out each time to better enjoy the experience.
2. Make a sport out of zipping the bag. Sit on it. Push it against the wall. Shake it a few times. Ignore your wife who is laughing at you and offering "helpful" suggestions from the sidelines.
3. Set your alarm for 3:45am. DO NOT hit the snooze button.
4. Five minutes before you leave for the airport, figure out what you forgot to pack. Resolve that nothing else will fit in the bags anyway, so it doesn't matter.
5. Arrive at the airport praying that the TSA agents do not try and open your bags. (Imagine the announcement: Will the guy with the overstuffed bags please come and claim his property which is now strewn out all over the room because we can't make it fit back in the bag?)
6. Kiss your wife before you board the plane. (awww...)
7. Arrive at the next airport for a two hour layover. Find coffee. Board the next plane.
8. Arrive at the next airport for a two hour layover. Find coffee. Board yet another plane.
9. Arrive at the next airport. Find out that your luggage is still at the second airport.
10. Pray.
11. Sleep.
The adventure has begun!
1. Stay up late the night before packing and repacking your bags. Be sure to leave several things out each time to better enjoy the experience.
2. Make a sport out of zipping the bag. Sit on it. Push it against the wall. Shake it a few times. Ignore your wife who is laughing at you and offering "helpful" suggestions from the sidelines.
3. Set your alarm for 3:45am. DO NOT hit the snooze button.
4. Five minutes before you leave for the airport, figure out what you forgot to pack. Resolve that nothing else will fit in the bags anyway, so it doesn't matter.
5. Arrive at the airport praying that the TSA agents do not try and open your bags. (Imagine the announcement: Will the guy with the overstuffed bags please come and claim his property which is now strewn out all over the room because we can't make it fit back in the bag?)
6. Kiss your wife before you board the plane. (awww...)
7. Arrive at the next airport for a two hour layover. Find coffee. Board the next plane.
8. Arrive at the next airport for a two hour layover. Find coffee. Board yet another plane.
9. Arrive at the next airport. Find out that your luggage is still at the second airport.
10. Pray.
11. Sleep.
The adventure has begun!
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