Life In Washington

This summer has been a time of firsts for Chelsa and I and July is no different.

We recently flew to Des Moines for a marriage interview so that Chels would have the chance to be a permanent resident. After a long flight and a short interview, it was granted. For the two days we were in Iowa we had the opportunity to see a lot of friends with a BBQ in the backyard of Ross and Amber’s new house. (Thanks again you two. you made it easy on us and we had a great time staying with you). My mom and dad took us out for dinner one night and it was great to catch up with them and pick up the last of our wedding gifts.

We flew home early on Friday and Saturday I participated in my first sprint triathlon. In less than an hour and a half I was humbled in the water, on my bike and thankful for Chelsa’s cousin Derek whom I bought the bike from, and finally running the pavement thinking of the old high school days of cross country. It was a fantastic experience and maybe with a little more training, especially in the water, I will have a better showing.

Now that I have been working here for over a month, and have received TWO paychecks, I want to let you in on what I do. Having just commissioned into the Army from the ROTC program, I am here at Ft. Lewis helping to evaluate the leadership of Cadets who will commission next May from their respective Universities and ROTC programs. I am on the best committee here, the Field Leaders Reaction Course (FLRC for short). We evaluate Cadets on their ability to lead eleven of their peers while negotiating an obstacle course. While on the committee I have held numerous positions, timekeeper, safety officer, the morning safety briefer, an evaluator, the scanner, and the JPSC in-putter. Let me tell you every one of those jobs is just as flashy as it sounds.

While I am away at FT. Lewis Chels has been working herself into the ground not only making our apartment our first home, but also developing a business model to be a photographer. She has produced a web site, started the process of marketing herself, and getting all of the last minute equipment she needs to be successful. Some nights I come home and she is more tired than me with all that she has been doing.

Last Saturday my schedule worked out so that I was able to attend New Song Church with Chelsa. New Song is the church Chels has attended since we have lived here. It has a beautiful congregation who are so energetic about the Lord, prayer, and anyone who might step through their doors. Last week alone we had numerous invitations to meet with couples throughout the church and to even go camping. Attending New Song is giving us a great opportunity to grow into our roles as husband and wife as well as renewing our faith in Jesus as the Lord of our lives.

Well that is enough out of me for now. We again want to thank all of our friends and family, it has been awesome to have your support in all that we do.