Today ended up being a great day. Caleb just started his 4th week in Marine Corp boot camp. Although, he is 4 weeks in, we had not received our 1st letter from him. Because of our move, mail had to be forwarded until he received our new address in our first letter. Well, it was taking forever. I was disappointed every day when I went to the mailbox. I was driving home this afternoon and as I approached the house, I just prayed that we would get a letter today. I parked the car and then walked over to the mailbox. When I opened it, I noticed forwarding stickers on some mail. I pulled everything out and there was a letter and then another letter and another. 3 letters!! I just teared up when I saw them. I was so happy and so excited to hear from Caleb. I went into the house and sat at the table to begin reading them. The first letter was pretty basic. It was a typed out letter from the USMC that the recruits are given just to fill in some information. This letter had his mailing address on it for all of our future mail. He added a little bit of his own writing to that letter. He requested that I mail him some deodorant and protein bars. He said the deodorant they have there is liquid stuff. He said the first week was exhausting. In his second and third letters, he shared a little more. He said that some days are better than others. He has realized that if you just pay attention and do what you're told then you're fine. Caleb never was a breakfast eater but he said that he has gotten used to eating breakfast. He thinks he has gained weight from eating so much. He hasn't really been singled out for doing anything wrong which is a good thing. He said the biggest thing is just to listen and do everything as loud and as fast as possible. He lost his voice for a few days but he said that means he is doing something right. The food is actually decent. Hot cafeteria food and salad/pasta bar and Gatorade. They get hot showers but all 41 recruits have to be in, out and dried off in just a few minutes. Drill is his favorite thing, although marching in camos in the heat with a drill belt, two canteens, assault pack and rifle gets very heavy and exhausting. He said his back is killing him. He has met one other believer in his platoon. The 2 of them have been given the title, "lay readers". Basically, they are prayer leaders because they only get 5 minutes per night. He is getting close to a few guys. He said he didn't think it would be easy, but it's actually easy to stand out. He said he strives to be different. He talks to recruits as much as he can and prays with them. He has shared the gospel to 2 people and people are constantly asking him questions and are curious. He got a bunch of Bibles for the platoon and they're all thankful and curious. He said that gets him "fired up". He said it's a little odd because he has never really been like that but he feels like that's a big reason why he is there. He said that getting letters is great. It's sad when others get mail and you don't. He also said that the nights are lonely.
So, Caleb seems to be doing well. He continues to amaze me with the faith he has. He has been through a lot but he has stayed true to his faith and that makes me a very proud mama.
Thank you to all of the friends and family who are praying for Caleb during this time. It is obvious that prayers are going up and that Caleb is being taken care of. Please continue to pray.
In addition to receiving Caleb's letters, a new friend brought us dinner and dessert tonight. The dessert was special. She said that she started reading my blog last night. So, in honor of Chandler, she made "flower bunnies". If you don't know what they are, it is brownies with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. We don't know why Chandler called them that, but he did. It was his sense of humor. So, I am thankful for a new friend who is willing to do something so special for our family.
It's been a great afternoon/evening. I am so thankful! Now, I must go and write Caleb a letter.
