36 hours straight?!?

I found a great family guide to recruit training which explains in detail nearly everything my son is experiencing.

As a mom, I am here worrying about how he is holding up, whether he is getting enough to eat, getting enough sleep, etc....

I learned in this guide that the new recruits DO NOT SLEEP for the first 36 hours!!! Add that to the sleepless night before shipping out and Brandon has probably not slept in 3 days!

According to the Training Matrix Interactive Schedule, he is still in receiving and Orientation today. On Thursday/Friday he will begin the IST (intial strength training, for you civilians).

Brandon has prepared well for this. He was running and doing his pull-ups, swimming and other exercises for his training. The last time he was clocked, he ran the 1.5 miles in 12:20 minutes, a whole minute under the minimum! Except this time, he will be completely fatigued. Please pray for him to pass this test!!

Here's what he must do for the IST:

Initial Strength Test - Male Recruit

The Initial Strength Test (IST) is a physical test recruits are required to take upon arrival to Parris Island and consists of: pull-ups, crunches, and a 1.5 mile timed run. IST results assist in determining weather or not a recruit is at the level of fitness adequate to begin training, and also sets a fitness baseline for measuring progress. The more you can prepare in advance of your arrival to MCRD Parris Island, the better off you will be. It's important that you get into physical shape. Concentrate on running, walking, stair climbing, crunches, core training, upper body strength, and pull-ups. This will help prepare you for the Combat Conditioning program and long marches (up to 10 miles). Also, if you don't know how to swim, try to learn before you leave for recruit training. Before you graduate, you'll have to demonstrate basic water survival skills. Recruits who do not meet adequate fitness standards are reassigned to the Physical Conditioning Platoon (PCP), where they are given individual attention and exercises to develop their physical abilities.

Minimum requirements for male recruits:

2 Pull ups
44 Crunches
1.5 mile run in 13:30 min (Timed)

WHEW!

This is it...

I knew this day would come, they day when one of our children leaves the nest. We are sending our middle son to bootcamp at Parris Island. They promise to make and my son aspires to become one of "the highest quality basically trained U.S. Marine." Their stated mission is: "We make Marines who are committed to our core values in service to the country." This is a noble and worthy cause. I also pray that my son will feel the presence of the Lord with him and commit himself to following his King of kings.

The Lord was so gracious and we've had a wonderful, week-long family good-bye at the beach. It has been emotional to say they least. Sometimes all I can do is sit, think and remember. How can you talk when your heart is in your throat?

I started a notebook and asked our family and friends to write a note of encouragement or of a memory they share with Brandon. I'll start mailing those today. Hopefully, he will receive a letter each day of the 12 week training.

Here's what my son will experience according to the Marine Corp Recruit Depot website.

Week 1
Marine Corps Recruit Receiving & Orientation

Marine recruits start the receiving process when they arrive at Parris Island via bus or van between the hours of 8 pm Monday night and 2 am early Tuesday morning. Recruits will continue to arrive at those times until early morning on Thursday. Upon arrival, male and female recruits are separated, all recruits are given one last opportunity to turn-in any unauthorized material or items, and male recruits are ushered to the barber for their first Marine Corps haircut.All new Marine recruits make a phone call home and repeat the following words:

• I have arrived safely at Parris Island.


• Please do not send any food or bulky items.


• I will contact you in 3 to 5 days via postcard with my new mailing address.


• Thank you for your support.


• Goodbye for now. (that's all I get??)

The recruits are then issued uniforms and basic gear, and turn in all personal effects. Don't bring anything except your important papers (such as driver's license, social security card, and banking information). Everything you need will be issued to you. Recruits receive both medical and dental exams throughout the week. Over-the-counter medication is not allowed in recruit training. All prescription medication will be re-evaluated by a military doctor upon arrival. If the doctor determines that the prescription is necessary, the civilian medication will be taken away, and the recruit will be re-issued the medication by the military pharmacy.

Please pray for my son as you feel led. Your prayers are deeply appreciated!

Stepping Heavenward - Google Books

"One morning she seemed almost gone, and we knelt around her with bursting
hearts, to commend her parting soul to Him in whose arms we were about to place
her. But it seemed as if all He asked of us was to come to that point, for then
He gave her back to us, and she is still ours, only seven fold dearer. I was so
thankful to see dear Ernest's faith triumphing over his heart, and making him
so ready to give up even this little lamb without a word. Yes, we will give our
children to Him if he asks for them. He shall never have to snatch them from us
by force."

Stepping Heavenward - Google Books

This describes very well how I feel about my son going into the Marines.

Background: Leading up to this scene, Katy talks about how women are apt to love our husbands and children to the point that this love often times replaces our love for God in our hearts. They become idols.

I know I am guilty of that too. Now with one my sweet sons preparing to leave us for the military, I find myself asking myself, "How am I going to survive this? How am I going to let him go?" So I've prayed without ceasing that God would be my strength and my comfort and that I would be able to bring glory to Him during this life-changing event in the history of my family. And God has been faithful for He has calmed me and given me peace as I cling to Him.

This passage from Stepping Heavenward, although it is describes how the parents thought their precious daughter was about to die after an extended illness, really strikes me. Especially so because after praying and preparing for my son's impending departure in mid-July, we received news that boot camp is overcrowded and his new leave date has been extended to the end of August. We have eight more weeks with him and he now can join us for our annual family beach vacation!

If I replace the pronouns and names it very nearly describes my situation and how I desire to react in it.

One morning he almost seemed gone (My son was due to leave in a matter of days) and we knelt around him with hearts bursting, to commend his parting soul to Him into whose arms we were about to place him. But it seemed as if all He asked of us was to come to that point, for then He gave him back to us (even for eight more weeks) and he is still ours only seven fold dearer. I was so thankful to see dear Wayne's (as well as mine) faith triumphing over his heart so ready to give up even this little lamb without a word. Yes, we will give our children to Him if He asks for them. He will never have to snatch them from us by force. (This is my prayer.)

I know we are not giving our son to the military nor the government; we are giving Him to the One who made him, who loves him and who takes care of him. The One who has numbered the hairs on his head and has a future and a hope planned for our son. (This is my blessed assurance)

Praising my Savior all the day long.....

28 more days

Please PAUSE my Playlist to hear this encouraging song. Scroll down, you'll see it on the right hand side.