First of all thanks so much for all the mail I've been receiving! The packages and cards have been wonderful. Some have been funny, some uplifting but all have been very encouraging! I'm honored to have so many people praying for me and my family as we walk through the journey of becoming a Chaplain. I'm making a display of the cards I receive on my wall to remember you all in prayer. Keep them coming!
A big Happy Birthday to Ryan Carson!
We met this morning at 6 a.m. and marched to the schoolhouse for 4 hours of training on NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) weapons. We spent a great deal of this time learning about our "gas mask" and how to put it on properly in a short amount of time. (We have to be able to grab our masks and put them on in 9 seconds or less.) Each of us was tested to make sure we could do this. Tomorrow is the big day in the gas chamber!!!! I've been told to eat a small breakfast and shave before bed tonight as the stomach and skin will be pretty irritated by the CS gas we go through. I'm actually looking forward to the test and hope to get some good pictures of the sinus cleansing experience for your laughter. :)
After lunch we were blessed to have Convocation with the Chief of Chaplains as guest speaker. (CH General David Hicks) A very sweet and humble man who has served in uniform for 49 years!!! Amazing!!! This was one of his last two speeches before his retirement next week. His humility and love for Christ was evident. His wife came along and our schoolhouse was ready. We were drilled all day on the national anthem, Chaplain Corp song, and Army song and sang for the General and his staff when he came. It was neat to hear the room echo with so many booming voices. (I came forward yesterday with a small group to help teach the rest of the group to sing the songs...That was fun, especially since I was learning some of them as well!)
The General came to Christ because a chaplain took the time to love him when he was a hurting and lost enlisted soldier. The General asked us to keep the chaplaincy program alive by living our faith in a vibrant way while working hard to make sure all soldiers have the opportunity to express their own religious beliefs. (One of the most common questions I get is: "Dave, aren't you afraid you'll have to water down your faith to be an Army Chaplain? Aren't you afraid you can't pray in Jesus' name? The answer is clear...We never compromise our faith but we must be sensitive to the fact that we can't force anyone to believe like we do...living like Jesus we pray for wisdom as we approach each soldier for counsel, help and support. I pray my ministry will help a young soldier like David Hicks someday come to a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ!)
I've had a few more questions sent to me:
"Why do some of the soldiers appear to have their pants rolled up in the pictures?
At times we are ordered to "Unblouse" our uniform pants because of the intense heat. The extra air really helps cool us down...
"How are you getting so many pictures of yourself?"
It's easy to make friends down here...I simply hand off my camera or download other people's digital pictures in the evenings...
Here are a few pictures of our adventure yesterday:
Here's Paul the Catholic Priest I think looks like my dad. He is such a nice and funny Chaplain!
Aghhhh! This was scarier than it looked as you went high, high into the air. The wood was wet and your boots slipped all over the planks.
Working together to get everyone over the wall. (There I am on the right. I was able to use my longer arms to help pull the smaller guys over. I felt good!)
10 Feet Tall!!!
"Hold On Dave!" I made it no problem...but my arms hurt today. :)
5 comments:
Mmmmmm, I don't think so. Your Dad is a LOT more handsome! You on the other had look really good. I'm so glad you're able to do all those tough things. God has definitely touched you, huh? I know you'll make a great Chaplain. Love you lots son. Mom
Dave - good luck tomorrow - nothing I can say will prepare you for the choking sensation ahead but I am so proud of your journey thus far and have upmost faith that you will survive the dreaded Gas Chamber experience. I remember laughing hysterically at the group ahead of us (fortunately I did not throw up) Yasmin
Son, you are my hero.... Gas mask no problem... I remember the trip to Casper with Mike Austin. Ha!Love, Dad
That's a great story about the General and the chaplain. So many young soldiers, scared and away from their family and friends really need you! Not only to help them through it, but to set them up on a journey to love the Lord. I'm glad you're sharing your journey. I have much more respect and gratitude for our chaplains and what they do. Can't wait to see the gas chamber pictures... It's great that you can see Christina & your kids on a webcam. I imagine you miss them terribly. We have old reel film of my brother when he was a baby. My mom made the movies when my dad was in the Marine Corps in Korea, so he wouldn't totally miss out. Technology has come a long way! :o)
Hey brother!
A great adventure huh? I don't, however, think you should be excited to the gas chambers...gross. :) The kids and I are doing great. Herbie makes me laugh more and more everyday, and Allie never stops making me smile! Yesterday, Al was kind of upset, so Herbie went over to her and said..."What's wrong? What's Wrong? It's okay." and then I laid them down for a nap, and Al was fussing, and I overheard Herbie say..."It's okay Allie...Herbie's Here." It melted my heart it was so cute!
Well, I love you, and I am praying for you! I miss you!
Check out my picture at www.misscolorado.org if you get a chance!
XOXOXO
Joia
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