We had our first physical training assessment this morning. I was pleased with my performance.
1 minute of pushups==29
1 minute of situps==39 (I started out too slowly--could have done more)
1 mile in approx 6:47 (not sure on that, I thought someone noted the time for me--they didn't)
Only gonna get better. My goal is to pass the PT end of June assessment. If I pass that I will not have to do nightly PT (but will have to go in the morning).
I have realized something about my heart in my first week here. I'm gonna hold it for tomorrow or Sunday cause it might get wordy and I'm tired. More training in marching in the AM.
I heard some high-brass chaplains preach/talk this morning. The emphasis was loving and serving the soldiers--thats what being a chaplain is all about. I was inspired and motivated to get out there and serve them.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
CH-BOLC day 5
I've got to be at one of the athletic fields at 4:50AM tomorrow. Ouch! It's for an assessment of my training prowess. It includes a timed mile, so here is where all that running since the beginning of March comes into play. Not sure what to expect, if I ran a mile in under 8 minutes I'd be very happy. I'm actually looking forward to it.
This first month is going to be challenging, looking at the schedule, it mellows out a bit in July-August. But until then, there will be some very long and rigorous days.
I did pass the height/weight test with flying colors. According to my height/weight/age, I cannot weigh more than 180. I weighed in at 161. If I can get down to 155, than I will be at my college weight. Unbelievable!
I've got some red tape to go through to get my family on the rolls here. I will be glad when this pain in the butt stuff is behind me.
Gotta get to bed and look at a couple of things I need to memorize.....
I talked to Keri and the kids today and they seem to be doing well. Also got an email from an old seminary friend Ken Johnson--a very pleasant surprize. Maybe I'll have some time this weekend to throw out some emails......
This first month is going to be challenging, looking at the schedule, it mellows out a bit in July-August. But until then, there will be some very long and rigorous days.
I did pass the height/weight test with flying colors. According to my height/weight/age, I cannot weigh more than 180. I weighed in at 161. If I can get down to 155, than I will be at my college weight. Unbelievable!
I've got some red tape to go through to get my family on the rolls here. I will be glad when this pain in the butt stuff is behind me.
Gotta get to bed and look at a couple of things I need to memorize.....
I talked to Keri and the kids today and they seem to be doing well. Also got an email from an old seminary friend Ken Johnson--a very pleasant surprize. Maybe I'll have some time this weekend to throw out some emails......
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
CH-BOLC day 4
4 shots in the right arm today, just a little sore...we also started formation drills and movements, stuff like about face, saluting, and marching. I was completely lost at first but am beginning to get the gist of it. Having zero rhythm doesn't help matters. I kept thinking of movies like "Stripes" and "Private Benjamin, which I actually never saw but know enough about the plot to identify with the protagonists.
SIGN OF BEING A FATHER: I just unzipped one of the many pockets of my luggage and pulled out a pair of Emilys and Derricks underwear and Toris socks. I just might throw them on the floor and make this place feel more like home.
Tomorrow is our first weigh-in. Some of the guys are nervous, but I should be fine. Physical training begins Friday. I'm OK (I think)to pass the minimum requirements now, but fully expect to be a machine by the end of the three months. I'm actually looking forward to it--though I know it will be hard.
I met a guy today who will be going to Ft Hood at the same time I am. A single, Hispanic guy from Maryland. He told me he wanted to go to Ft Hood because he wanted to be deployed quickly and was told that Hood was the place to go. Of course I panicked and went off on how it would be poor leadership to send a green chaplain so quickly to the front lines. He actually bought into my logic. In the end I told him (and myself) that God is in control and we walk in faith. Seemed like a cool guy. Assemeblies of God dude.
Well, gonna call Keri than finish studying, than get to bed--late(r) report time tomorrow (8AM).
---------------------------------------see ya!
SIGN OF BEING A FATHER: I just unzipped one of the many pockets of my luggage and pulled out a pair of Emilys and Derricks underwear and Toris socks. I just might throw them on the floor and make this place feel more like home.
Tomorrow is our first weigh-in. Some of the guys are nervous, but I should be fine. Physical training begins Friday. I'm OK (I think)to pass the minimum requirements now, but fully expect to be a machine by the end of the three months. I'm actually looking forward to it--though I know it will be hard.
I met a guy today who will be going to Ft Hood at the same time I am. A single, Hispanic guy from Maryland. He told me he wanted to go to Ft Hood because he wanted to be deployed quickly and was told that Hood was the place to go. Of course I panicked and went off on how it would be poor leadership to send a green chaplain so quickly to the front lines. He actually bought into my logic. In the end I told him (and myself) that God is in control and we walk in faith. Seemed like a cool guy. Assemeblies of God dude.
Well, gonna call Keri than finish studying, than get to bed--late(r) report time tomorrow (8AM).
---------------------------------------see ya!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
CH-BOLC--day 3
spent most of the day waiting....for a military ID card and to get my teeth checked.
The teeth thing went well. One of the helpers, a middle-aged, southern lady with extra attitude told me I looked sexy with my haircut. I was looking at my military ID card and with my white, shaved head looking like platinum blond, I kinda look like Eminem.
Tomorrow we have to report in uniforms, which I am nervous about. I have so much to learn about Army custom and culture--saluting, showing respect...all that stuff is like a new language to me. I have pins and patches that need to be in the right place, my pants need to go down to the correct spot, my hat needs to be correct........
What was cool was watching all these young soldiers in basic. They were kids. The Lord has put a great love in my heart for them.
I just got off the phone with Keri and the kids. I'm still unable to talk to them without crying. I'm so blessed.
And thanks to everyone from Solid Rock who have been concerned with Keri. She told me many of you have reached out to her. Again, I'm so blessed.
Here's my address:
Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (Class:09-002)
Captain James Souza
USACHCS
10100 Lee Rd.
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-7090
The teeth thing went well. One of the helpers, a middle-aged, southern lady with extra attitude told me I looked sexy with my haircut. I was looking at my military ID card and with my white, shaved head looking like platinum blond, I kinda look like Eminem.
Tomorrow we have to report in uniforms, which I am nervous about. I have so much to learn about Army custom and culture--saluting, showing respect...all that stuff is like a new language to me. I have pins and patches that need to be in the right place, my pants need to go down to the correct spot, my hat needs to be correct........
What was cool was watching all these young soldiers in basic. They were kids. The Lord has put a great love in my heart for them.
I just got off the phone with Keri and the kids. I'm still unable to talk to them without crying. I'm so blessed.
And thanks to everyone from Solid Rock who have been concerned with Keri. She told me many of you have reached out to her. Again, I'm so blessed.
Here's my address:
Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course (Class:09-002)
Captain James Souza
USACHCS
10100 Lee Rd.
Fort Jackson, SC 29207-7090
Monday, June 1, 2009
CH-BOLC day 2
So far a lot of filling out forms. Gotta get used to the military way of writing the date 090601 is June 1, 2009. And saying "hoo-ah" all the time too.
1-2-3 ...."hoo-ah"
I did purchase a bunch of uniforms today as well as completely shave my head (yes, totally bald). I would download a pic but this pink-eye is still around so that'll have to wait. I did it myself so there is probably a few missed spots in the back that look funny, but it feels smooth back there and its kinda cool to see the light reflect off of the top of my head. If I wasn't deformed I'd say it looks pretty good.
I still feel like a pastor and not a chaplain, and definitely not a soldier. This is a new culture and it will take some time to adjust. Plus you just cant *not* be something that you've given your heart to for 12 years. One cool thing is that one of the staff seargents looks and acts like Jimmie Walker (aka "Kid dy-no-mite!").
I heard that someone was officially offered that pastorate of Solid Rock. I met Paul and his family and was very impressed. I like him. His girls are adorable.
Well, it's getting later and I've gotta get some rest. I need to worship the Lord and brush my teeth too.
I love my family and miss them a lot!!!!!!!!
1-2-3 ...."hoo-ah"
I did purchase a bunch of uniforms today as well as completely shave my head (yes, totally bald). I would download a pic but this pink-eye is still around so that'll have to wait. I did it myself so there is probably a few missed spots in the back that look funny, but it feels smooth back there and its kinda cool to see the light reflect off of the top of my head. If I wasn't deformed I'd say it looks pretty good.
I still feel like a pastor and not a chaplain, and definitely not a soldier. This is a new culture and it will take some time to adjust. Plus you just cant *not* be something that you've given your heart to for 12 years. One cool thing is that one of the staff seargents looks and acts like Jimmie Walker (aka "Kid dy-no-mite!").
I heard that someone was officially offered that pastorate of Solid Rock. I met Paul and his family and was very impressed. I like him. His girls are adorable.
Well, it's getting later and I've gotta get some rest. I need to worship the Lord and brush my teeth too.
I love my family and miss them a lot!!!!!!!!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
CH-BOLC day1
Leaving home yesterday was the hardest thing I ever did. We gathered around the table for one last meal and we all burst out into deep wailing. I'm not sure Ally completely understood what was going on, but she saw everyone else crying and decided to join in with loud and obnoxious screams. I'm not sure if they were genuine or not.
Turning the ignition and pulling out of the driveway was excruciating. As I drove away, I saw Derrick running down Buckery Rd. I couldn't stop. I couldn't turn back. I cried so hard I popped an
eyeball.
I literally did pop an eyeball. Well, kind of....I generated a severe case of the ugliest pinkeye you'd ever want to see. On the drive down, it got so swollen, it was like driving with one eye. It was so bad, I had to ask Mickey to cut me.
It didn't get better this morning, so I had to report looking like a freak: with a deep red, swollen, oozing eye. I chalked it up as God wanting to humble me and asked Him for his strength as I prepared for my first official meeting....
Which really wasn't a whole lot outside of filling out some forms. After the meeting, I went to a sergeant for instruction about the pink eye and ended up in the military hospital and getting three prescriptions. It was cool because they never asked about insurance or money.
Now I'm in my room. It's pretty much a hotel room believe it or not; complete with cable TV and internet....I feel odd and out of place. This is beyond my comfort zone and I long to be sitting on my tractor back on Buckery Rd where I was master of my domain. But God is faithful.
--I miss Keri, Emily, Derrick, Tori, Ally, & Nathanael very much.
--Please pray that we get an offer on the house.
--PT (physical training) doesn't start till next week.
grace&blessings
Turning the ignition and pulling out of the driveway was excruciating. As I drove away, I saw Derrick running down Buckery Rd. I couldn't stop. I couldn't turn back. I cried so hard I popped an
eyeball.I literally did pop an eyeball. Well, kind of....I generated a severe case of the ugliest pinkeye you'd ever want to see. On the drive down, it got so swollen, it was like driving with one eye. It was so bad, I had to ask Mickey to cut me.
It didn't get better this morning, so I had to report looking like a freak: with a deep red, swollen, oozing eye. I chalked it up as God wanting to humble me and asked Him for his strength as I prepared for my first official meeting....
Which really wasn't a whole lot outside of filling out some forms. After the meeting, I went to a sergeant for instruction about the pink eye and ended up in the military hospital and getting three prescriptions. It was cool because they never asked about insurance or money.
Now I'm in my room. It's pretty much a hotel room believe it or not; complete with cable TV and internet....I feel odd and out of place. This is beyond my comfort zone and I long to be sitting on my tractor back on Buckery Rd where I was master of my domain. But God is faithful.
--I miss Keri, Emily, Derrick, Tori, Ally, & Nathanael very much.
--Please pray that we get an offer on the house.
--PT (physical training) doesn't start till next week.
grace&blessings
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