Leaving Monday

So, I found out the CRAZIEST news on Tuesday, 2009 08 11; that I'm leaving for Navy Basic Training (RTC), on Monday, 2009 08 17. I know, I said I wanted to leave earlier than a year, but WOW, next week. So, I've been training like crazy! Jogging, sit-ups (trying), push-ups and memorizing.

"There's no 'I can't' in the Navy, there's only 'I will'." That is my new mantra. I'm really nervous, but still excited at the same time. It's a huge step for me; for anyone. I have all these worries and fears, but the Lord is with me, He guides my days and guides my steps. AND, I'm not going to Basic alone! My good friend Sarah is going with me! What a God-given miracle that we both have different jobs in the Navy and both of our "A" school's (job training) have openings and now we will leave for Basic on the same day. I know! It's so amazing. God is GOOD!

Anyway, unfortunately, I'm not a GM, but I do have the original job I asked for the day I swore in. It's called an AME; "Aviation Structural Mechanic - Safety Equipment". I'm not a mechanic! I fabricate, meaning, MINOR repairs. And I will be making sure (with a team) that all birds and helos are safe for the pilots; (air-crafts and helicopters for non-military folk).

Good-bye to all,
Jess

Power To Choose

First, I want to say. I actually really, truly despise writing blogs. I used to love it back when I was a sophomore in high school, but now, it's just...yeah. I just can never keep it up. Life just keeps happening and I get lazy with this thing. Now you know why I haven't been able to keep up.

Anyway, I'm actually here to give an update. I'm officially enlisted in the Navy! I had my physical on 2009 July 22 and, although I was very nervous, I was accepted. That was the longest day of my life, but definitely some of the best two days I have ever experienced. I felt like that was where I was meant to be. I know that sounds ridiculously girl-y and sentimental, but it actually felt like home. Not necessarily inside of "MEPS", but it was more about knowing that I was doing the right thing. I can't really explain it, but being there made me think back to my great grandfather when he was in the Navy and also my grandfather who was in the Air Force. But, not just them, but all the old souls who have gone before me and who they came to be from it. I just felt like I was a part of something bigger. It's crazy to think this is actual government business. I'm actually here to protect and serve--my country (my president and my fellow Americans) and those I'll be working alongside (people I have yet to meet!). It's truly exhilarating.

Well, now, I'm just waiting to go to Boot Camp. Right now, I'm not leaving till July 2010 (I know, I wasn't really expecting this either, I want to leave sooner!). But, my recruiter is doing the best that he can in finding an earlier opening for my "A" school. I will be a "GM", or Gunner's Mate. I'll tell more about what that means later. But, you can take a guess. (Hint: I will be working in the weapon's department.) Anyway, I'm in the Delayed Entry Program right now preparing for Boot Camp with my recruiter and fellow recruits. This Thursday (2009 08 06) was the first meeting, I almost died from the run. I'm sure the guys hated waiting for me, but they were nice enough not to disclose that information to my face. (Ha-ha) Oh, and one of them is shipping out this Monday for Basic, congratulations to him!

So far, I've been memorizing everything I need before I leave for Basic. And, YES, it's intense, but if I can memorize Scripture by chapters, then, I can surely memorize this packet before I am shipped out! I want to know everything. I want it to just come naturally. I want to graduate at the top of my class (at "A" school)!

Okay, I'm going to stop typing because my dad is watching "Waterboy" on LOUD and it's hard to concentrate! I forgot how funny this movie is. ("I like Vicki and she likes me back! ...And she showed me her boobies...and I like them too!" Ha-ha, so funny...).

Well, good night!
I promise I'll try to type more tomorrow!
Love, Jess

P.S. - I've also started writing a book! Well, actually I'm
developing my characters right now, but it's exciting!

US Navy

Wow. I am SO excited you have NO idea. I'm almost enlisted in the NAVY! On July 22nd, I will officially be enlisted! I have been doing a lot of research these past few weeks. My mother is actually the one who brought it up. I wanted to build a career in the medical field and honestly, this is the best way to go (for me). This is where God wants me. I know this deep in my heart. I've been on a long journey this last year of where to receive my medical training. And this is where God has led me.

Everywhere else, it would cost over $20,000 dollars just to receive a degree of some sort. And, in the Navy, not only will I receive free training, but I will receive money for school and be paid on top of that. But, this isn't the only reason I'm joining. Trust me. It's about serving. Serving my God and my country. And what better way to serve than applying for Navy Corpsman? Providing medical and dental care to those in need; my fellow Americans who are fighting for you and me. And, it's still part of my missionary journeys. Because, honestly, wherever I am, that's where the mission field is. The mission field is here in my home, in community, at my school, in my state, in my country, etc. It's wherever I am called to be. God will place me where He wants through the Navy. I am excited, but yes, OH so nervous to see where God leads
me over the next few years.

Oh, and don't worry. I do understand that I need to look out for myself as well. I am aware that I need to BE aware wherever I go. Not everyone is on my side. And I don't blame anyone if they don't think I'm on theirs.

And, I've also done extensive research on Boot Camp. Of course, I'm nervous as heck, but with the DEP (Delayed Entry Program), I'm hoping that my nerves fuel the fire of strength within me to persevere and endure the rigorous training I will undergo. There are a few things I'm definitely NOT looking forward to, but it won't last that long. And, I won't ever in my life have to experience it ever again! The other stuff, I'm good with because PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! That's all I need; PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and more PRACTICE.

Well, that won't be for another 3 months after I enlist, so, I have time. But, I was happy when I took my ASVAB yesterday and passed! I received a pretty good score and qualified for almost every "enlisted" job the Navy has to offer; there were only a handful that I didn't. AND, I was even more excited when I saw that I qualified for Navy Corpsman. But, I won't know whether or not I will take it until July 22nd. There are a few administrative jobs that I've also been looking into that are less dangerous. Not saying that every Corpsman lives a dangerous life, but there are duties one can be called to do that are definitely dangerous. Granted, you receive proper training prior to being sent out, but still. I'm definitely praying my little heart out. And, of course, I'm seeing my recruiter tomorrow. He's an awesome guy, but I definitely have more questions for him. But, I'm definitely leaning torwards Corpsman because that is what I really want. I just hope it's open.

Well, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, don't forget to leave them for me! Yes, Sarah and Kristi, CALL ME...!!!

Thanks for reading,

Jessica

Be Real

God has a special mark on me. Everyone has one, but not everyone lives as if they believe it and a lot of people don't ever want to. But, I believe it and I want to be better than I ever was before. So, this blog is all about being REAL. With myself and with God and with others. But, please be careful with my heart, at the moment, it's made of glass! This is my journey back to "heaven's air" from my way to "Avernus".

Lately, it's been hard to understand who I am and where I am going in life. At the same time, I do know who I am and who God has made me to be, but if I'm truly honest with myself, it became really confusing a month before I turned twenty-one; even more confusing when I started to drift away from the Word of God. Yeah, it may be locked inside of my head and in my heart, but it only made it easier to put on a mask for all of my friends, family, and (GASP!) friends at church. The Word and words are there, but basically, I've been speaking without listening to or acting on what I truly believe. I knew that what I was doing was wrong and I really didn't want to keep disobeying God, but I did want to keep having fun.

No, I haven't been doing terrible things. But, the intent behind the actions are what I'm ashamed of. Just the thought alone of "wanting" is scary. But, it's just the "want" to be a part of something. I mean, come on! I'm twenty-one. I like kicking back with friends and going to bars. Not all the time though, just once a week, if that. Well, it was a downward spiral from there. And I hate that I gave the devil a foothold because he really yanked the rug out from beneath me. But, just like the quote at the bottom of my blog says, "Easy is the descent (to hell)...", it was pretty easy to follow him on my own. I was reminded of this while reading "Dark Angel" by L.J. Smith. But, I'm just thankful to God that I still have enough conviction to turn back around to "heaven's air" while I'm ahead!

But that's God for you, He doesn't relent until He has it all...
All my devotion and all my love from my heart, soul, mind and strength. I'm trying to surrender right now. I'm working on it slowly; one step at a time. First, going to bars. I really need a new state of mind before I ever step into another bar again! Because that's how it all started.

Well, that's it for today. I'm tired. Good night.

"It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me."

- Jess