Day 23...Can I Join A Slower Group?

Hi Family and Friends,

I had a sudden wave of sadness for my kids tonight. I've been talking to my bride every day and the emotions of being away from each other have been difficult but the thought of seeing her in a few days has really helped. The thought of not being able to hug and kiss my kids for another three weeks really bothers me. You don't know what you've got until its gone... When Christina told me Herbie had been asking for me tonight I felt sad. :(

We met at 5 a.m. at Darby Field for our Physical Training this morning. We split into our running groups and I was assigned the road guard position in the front of the Bravo company. (This is the second fastest group of about 25 soldiers.) I just about died!!!! I thought I was in good shape when it came to running but at the end I had to have another road guard take my place in front. We set the pace too fast and the drill sergeant has us running sprints uphill. We ran about 2.5 miles this morning... God is good and I need this exercise to get this old body in shape. Thank you Jesus!

After PT we have an hour for breakfast and a shower. We then meet in front of our living area to march to the school house up the street. Marching is by far my favorite thing we do as a group. There are so many cool songs to sing as we march. (Although one of the songs we were to echo tonight talked about stabbing, killing and shooting the enemy so we non-combatant chaplains looked around and gave each other nervous looks!!! Can you hug the enemy into submission? I think sergeant Lopez forgot we were chaplains...:)

All day long we experienced "death by power point." We were instructed by a Jag officer on the rules of law for the military. It was neat to learn about court martial, rules of war, prisoners of war etc... (Ryan Carson, I could just see you up there teaching all of us about the rules of law. I talked to the Captain instructor about you and he wants your information. Better ask Anne first before I give that info. out !!!! You'd be great!!!)

Tonight all of us who failed one or more of the PT tests had to meet for additional PT training. There are about 60 of us so I don't feel alone. Let me just say that I'm really tired now... We ran for 1 minute and sprinted for 30 seconds...this went on for about 2 miles. We were hurting by the end of the hour. At the end we had to do pull-ups...(Only five each so I was thankful for that!) I was the chubby kid in Jr. High who could only do one pull-up and that was usually by cheating! :)

God is so good and I'm so happy to be learning all of this new information. I try to look away when I see families walking by (too hard!!!) but I know that God will be there for my family until this training is done.

Thanks for the cards tonight! Cousin Jessica, great to hear from you! I can't believe your kids are growing up so fast. Judy Boyer, you are an amazing lady! That's the third card you've written. Thanks! Gordon and Vonna, great to read your encouragement. I'll try to get some decent pictures tomorrow so I don't bore you with too much jabber.

Much love...

Dave