Well today was my first day at ODS. I arrived last night around 10pm and soon found myself alone in my room unable to sleep because of the constant noise from outside(a storm was blowing) and because I could not stop thinking about my wife and baby. It was the first time in a long time that I felt alone.
Tomorrow is an admin day then Tues. 0400 it hits the fan.
During my time of feeling alone I thougt of my wonderful Annie alot and my beautiful Isabella. I also thought of all the great friends God has blessed me with. Josh thank you for the prayer, Mike thanks for the talk and Joe thanks for the time.
God Bless
Josh Earls
Glad you made it there safe. I thought I'd at least get a "Chris thanks for the ride."
ReplyDeleteHave you figured out what the navy says yet? I think it's hooplah!
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you and your family budd.
Anchor's away my friend...
From a Navy chaplain...
ReplyDeleteAll of us cope with separations from our families in different ways. I always have pictures of my wife and children taped up near my head in my bunk and let them be the last thing I see before I turn out the lights. Giving them into God's hands helps me sleep a bit better.
Don't ever forget how hard this is for you, 10 years from now when you are an "old salt" some young sailor will come to you and tell you how much he misses his young wife and baby and you will be able to help him far better because you KNOW what it feels like. This is part of what builds our credibility with those we serve, we suffer just as they suffer.
The last time I went to sea for six months, I had tears in my eyes when I climbed onboard. The quarterdeck watch, and a few others, saw my own vulnerability and I don't think it hurt my ministry a bit. Just the opposite.
Hang in there and minister to your fellow students (especially those in ODS who are not going into the chaplaincy) as they miss their families - you get to start being a chaplain even before the course starts!
You are in my prayers, Josh.
Justachaps