Journal Entry Dated 5-22-11

I just read an archived live chat with a chaplain. I'm feeling discouraged. He said a few things:
1. Protestant slots are slim
2. Need the 2 years of post-seminary (though he said nothing about seminary while pastoring)
3. The Army is reducing their force number

Even though I hate to hear these things, I feel like the Lord is still in control. If he wants us there, we're going there!

I just worry about looking dumb if it doesn't work out. And then the song "I'll become even more undignified than this...some will say it's foolishness" comes to mind.

Lord, thank you for handling all this for us. Thank you for already having a plan. Help us to be obedient.

Journal Entry Dated 5-21-11

On the way home from our nephew's birthday party, we discussed this venture. He said that he has to try, if nothing else. He's afraid if he doesn't, he'll wonder for the rest of his life..."what if?" I was glad to hear him say that because it sounds so adventurous and out of character for him

We talked about how and when we'd tell our families. I don't really know what to expect from my family. They are mostly outspoken (like me) and not very tactful (like me!). Regardless of what they say or think, this is what we feel the Lord is calling us to and we have to walk in that.

Anyway, we decided to tell his family first. I think they'll be super supportive. I'm wondering about telling them over July 4th weekend. It's really the nearest time that the family would be together.

I think we need to get moving on this. He thinks he'll get his packet ready before this fall, but I think that's pushing it. But if we do get going on this, it would be nice to have everyone's support.

Just thinking about sitting down with my family in a few weeks makes me nervous. To tell someone makes me nervous.

I think we'll wait a little longer to let church people know. I'm torn on this. On one hand, it sure would be great to have them behind us. On the other hand, I don't want to tell them our plans and then he not get accepted.

Mr. H. is also thinking about his references for his endorsing agent. He needs 2 licensed individuals and 2 personal references. He thinks he'll ask my brother and our chaplain assistant friend. Who know about the others?

I've been reading Laura's blog about being a Chaplain's wife. She has some fantastic insight! I have devoured a lot of blogs, but most of them don't begin at the beginning, so they're never at the place where we're at right now.

Journal Entry Dated 5-18-11

For the past few weeks this verse has been rattling around in my head...."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Mr. H. emailed the Fort Riley chaplain yesterday. He replied and he's going to set up a time to get together with us and his wife. So excited!!!

Journal Entry Dated 5-17-11

The recruiter didn't call last night. Mr. H. said it didn't matter because if he was supposed to join, it wouldn't make a difference what the recruiter said (about the waiver looking bad). He's right.

He told me he'd really like to sit down with the Fort Riley chaplain. so I found his contact information and wrote it down for Mr. H. I told him his homework was to call or email him. I noticed he took the info with him when he left for work. Hopefully he'll call him! Maybe get a meeting set up or something.

I feld like last night Mr. H. really felt like he should do it. He finished a book and said he was too much of a wus. Also he mentioned that he hfelt like if we pursued this, he would be selected for Active Duty. He's not been that positive before. A good sign.

Last night, we went to town as a family. We bought ceiling fans for our room and the living room. Then we ate at Famous Dave's to celebrate his graduation. (He received his MDiv from Liberty--Summa Cum Laude!). Then to the library and Wal-Mart. It was nice to be together as a family.

I'm thinking of taking a break from my direct sales company. It's just not as fun as it used to be. I kind of dread leaving the family. Plus, with summer ball and homeschooling, I'm not sure I'll have time. But I have gotten someone else to take my other group, so that will make a difference.

Journal Entry dated 5-16-11

Once again, he's being difficult. Saying he's not going to do it...He's lying. He's so not like me. I tend to jump in and not think things through too well.

I just don't get what the big deal is? So what if he doesn't get accepted to Active Duty? Maybe he'll love the Reserves. And heaven forbid...he just may get selected for Active! :)
He told me the other night that he considered West Point when he was younger. ???? I swear I did not know this about him.

I feel like every day he puts if off multiplies into weeks in the future. The boards are done every so often. CH-BOLC is done twice/three times per year. Then there's MEPS. Will he pass all those tests the first time? Will he need/get waivers on time? Will his recruiter be a help or a hindrance?

So our prayer is a big one. It's our Sun Stand Still prayer. That the Lord would open doors for Active Duty.

We've been discussing whether or not to share this with our families. On one hand (mine), they could be praying for us. On another hand (his) they would know our business. I guess I'll continue to pray about that one.

I'm not really sure how far in the process we can go without telling someone.


I know he's more concerned about messing up and taking us with him. I think if we go through this process and he's rejected, he'll find a job quickly. He's a smart guy. but he doesn't believe in himself. So he'll never see my side.

I'm praying that the recruiter he's been talking to will call today with good news. Last time he's talked him him the recruiter said a waiver is a black stain...as in "you're not qualified for the Army." The endorser he spoke with said it wouldn't be a problem. You see, it seems as though Mr. H. needs a waiver for not having the post-seminary work. Nevermind he's already had about 9 years of ministry experience-- 6 years paid.

I will be updating later.

Journal Entry dated 5-12-2011

Yesterday Mr. H. received a phone call from a chaplain recruiter. He told Mr. H. that he'd try and get him a waiver for the post-seminary experience. (Mr. H. just graduated in May 2011 with his MDiv, but he's been a youth pastor/pastor for 10 years).

Let me begin from Tuesday. I contacted Ray Chitwood regarding the likelihood of Mr. H. getting in. He emailed the information to the chaplain recruiter. The recruiter called our house and then asked for Mr. H.'s cell phone number. I was a tad nervous because I was afraid Mr. H. would be upset with me for contacting the army on his behalf. I was nervous all afternoon until he got home from work. He asked me if I'd been "meddling." I said sort of and explained what I had done.


Instead of him being upset, he said the guy offered him a waiver which Mr. H. didn't even ask for. The recruiter said he'd check and call him today. I'm not sure if he will get back to us that quickly, but we'll see.


Mr. H. went to work today and called me about 9:30am. He said with all the "opportunities" right now, he's just going to walk in them until doors close. He's learning to trust!


He has 2 stipulations for the Army thing:
1. Get a waiver for the post seminary thing
2. Active Duty or nothing.


He says this is his "Sun Stand Still" prayer. Just this week, I prayed the same thing. I said to the Lord that I know He can grant us Active duty and asked Him to make it happen.


So we wait....

Journal Entries dated 2-10-11 and 5-10-11

2-10-11
I'm meeting a chaplain's wife on Saturday.


I had lots of questions written out for this lady. She probably thought I was a freak! If you're a chaplain's wife, did you have women contacting you via a blog or email to ask questions of you? What did you think about that? I can't express enough how little information there is out there on this kind of thing. You ladies who give up your time to answer our questions are SO appreciated!


5-10-11
I suppose these entries all sound the same. He decided to do it...he decided not to...on and on and on. Now we're on the "not." 


I think he wants the Army to call him and ask him to join! :)


He's read Chazown, Weird, and Sun Stand Still in the past few months. With each one, I swear at one point he mumbles something about joining the Army. Whenever he's around soldiers he wants to join!


He told me yesterday that the urge to join was gone. I pressed him, and reminded him of the books he's read. Then he sheepishly admitted that the desire was indeed still there.


Lord, where will you have us? We'll go anywhere and do anything!


I haven't heard back from the chaplain's wife I met with. She's the wife of a chaplain at Fort Riley. I bombarded her with questions and asked to hear her story. I had a great time. She said she'd contact me when her husband got back home so we could all get together. Still nothing and she expected him home in March.


All my homeschool books are bought and we're ready to roll!