26 August 2011

Kellie,
I hope you aren't mad at me for not writing more, but I can't really explain how little time we have here. They are trying to teach us the importance of time management, and their method of doing it is by giving us very little time to accomplish a lot of tasks. I'm getting used to it, but the first couple of days were pretty rough. The atmosphere here is completely different from basic training. It is much more professional here. The training cadre don't swear or yell at us at all. They simply tell us what they expect and get out of our way. The standards are really high though, but so far we seem to be managing. Yesterday we did an obstacle course that was a lot of fun. But I was pretty tired when it was over. Today we had a 4 mile run in the morning which wasn't that bad at all. However, after we ate we had to do the combat water survival test. It is where you have to jump into the pool in full uniform with boots and swim the length of the pool, then you have to jump off the high dive blind folded, and then you have to jump back in and ditch all your gear on the bottom of the pool. Oh and by the way you do all that with a weapon in one hand so you pretty much are swimming with double your body weight (maybe that's an exaggeration) with one arm. The thing about our company is we are notorious for running so instead of getting a bus to the obstacle course and pool, we ran. It isn't much fun running 1 mile or so in boots, but now more than ever I'm really glad I got these new Nike boots. Thank you so much for being so cool about all the money I had to spend. I know how much it stresses you out. It will all be worth it in the long run. That's what I've been telling myself every day. I'm just focusing on the mission at hand and putting one foot in front of the other. I'm sure you're doing the same thing there. I've been praying for you every chance I get that you'll be happy and enjoy teaching as much as you can. I've also noticed a big change in my attitude and the way I feel about being here and i'm sure that's because of your prayers for me. Thank you so much for supporting me and loving me. I really don't deserve you but I'm glad I got you! My roommate is Amerson. He was at Ft. Leonard Wood in my company. I introduced him to you but you probably don't remember. It's kind of nice to be with someone I already know. The best part is being in a two bedroom room instead of a 30 man bay. How is Brooklyn adjusting to being at Paula's? I'm sure she is doing just fine. I miss her a ton. I still can't believe how much she had grown, and it kills me to think how big she'll be in 12 weeks. I keep reminding myself that you will be here in 6 weeks for branching. 6 weeks are going to fly by and we will be together again before we know it. Well baby, I better wrap this up so I can shower. There have been a couple of times when I literally didn't have time to shower. Gross, I know. I love you and Brooklyn so much! I'll be thinking about you and praying for you.
Love,
Mr
PS I just heard I might get to call you Sunday so this may have just wasted my time writing this. Oh well, it makes me feel good knowing you will get something from me.