I got up early this morning and looked out my window at the La Quinta Inn. Rain continued to lightly fall as the remnant of Tropical Storm Bob moved through Columbia, SC. It was beautiful.
I noticed a crowd of people going to a church nearby and decided to take an open hour and visit for worship. I was the only white man in the church of five hundred worshippers and was overwhelmed by the music, love, Spirit of God, and joy of worship I experienced. I was wearing khakis and a polo shirt but felt really under dressed as people came to church in their Sunday best. The ladies wore fancy hats and waved fans while the men were decked out in fancy suits. I was hugged by the greeter and welcomed as a Christian brother. Oh what joy! I thanked the Lord for such a wonderful start to boot camp. I hope to take Christina back for worship when she comes to visit in a few weeks.
Today was a day of paperwork and introduction to our battalions and drill sergeants. So far so good... Everyone seems friendly. Our current class is one of the biggest in the chaplaincy history. I've seen one catholic chaplain candidate, one Jewish candidate, six female candidates and 130 guys like me of all ages, shapes and colors. There are many candidates in fantastic physical shape, some in lousy shape, and a group like me who are in between...hopefully I'll be able to keep up as we start PT this week...
Our living quarters are pretty incredible! I was able to go to the store and stock my kitchen with the peanut butter and jelly I'll need to get me through the weeks ahead. I have a full kitchen, living room, and sleeping area with bathroom and closet space. Not bad huh?
Better get to bed as we have formation at 5:30 a.m. to continue the mountain of paperwork we have to complete.
Lots of love to everyone...
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