Letters

Kellen left for OCS in Quantico, VA on Jan 9. I received 2 letters the following Thursday and Friday, but nothing this week. In an effort to keep folks up to date I've started this blog. I thought I'd start by typing up the bulk of his last letters. That way you're as much up to date as I am. I believe they were written on that first weekend he was there, before the madness had really started. Capt Bernstein (who works at the Raleigh recruiting office) called last Friday and said he'd scored 283 out of 300 on the PFT (physical fitness test), so they were impressed with him. I'll keep you posted as he keeps me posted. In the meantime...

Letter 1:"Well guess what, I have some "free time". (Not really) If this ends quickly that's why. I love you and miss you.Things for now are building up to a head. We already had one guy go AWOL. The food is good- too good. Our PT Sergent is British and acts kind. I feel very fortunate to be with the guys I am with. There are numerous priors an those who are trying again. I won't lie, it's a lot more intense than I thought it was going to be.When we stand in formation before breakfast and dinner I pray and thank God for this opportunity. Please pray that I don't get hurt or beaten down.On a lighter note we all got our gear today and had to mark it. So there re like 250 guys with loads of crap in a tiny college style room all trying to make name tag stencils with scissors that broke if you looked at them wrong. But to my surprise everything went fairly smooth. We all had to write a 300 word autobiography. So for me that was pretty easy to do, just work from birth to present. Shoot I could write a book (hope yours is coming along)Anyway I think"

Letter 2:"Things are going well- kind of. I didn't make weight and my measurements were poor. Mainly because they measured me in a poor manner. I however prayed about it and feel confident that whatever happens is for the best. I will probably have to talk with Colonel about this issue. By the time you get this it will most likely be resolved. But pray anyway. Thank Him for directionThere is actually another MK here. He is from part of Africa. I am hoping that I can make a very solid Christian impression on my company and platoon. The above MK said he is so/so committed, so pray for him and maybe we can make a real difference.I would also like for you to call/write Capt Bernstein and tell her what an OUTSTANDING JOB she and all the members of the office have done. My packet is by far the most complete and has made my life a little easier. Please restate the above numerous times in a colorful manner.Things are getting tense. It is about 1 day to pick up. This is where they dump everything and really start yelling at you. Pray that I don't spaz. The MEPS check is today and we are waiting around to do that. I have SOOOOO much stuff to mark. It's a real pain!! Everything has to be regulation.So far on average we've gotten about 4-5 hours of sleep at most. Unless you have fire watch. Then it's even less. I had fire watch last night. I cleaned the head for about 30 mins and then walked around in my gear while everyone else was sleeping.Tomorrow is the PFT. So that's my time to show that I deserve to be here! Pray and give thanks for success!The food here is GREAT!! Everything is loaded (??) with calories, protein,,, and all healthy stuff. So if I do stay (God willing) I will be lean and mean.I don't know how many times I will be able to write. So if you don't hear anything by Friday, I've made it thru that issue.Other items to remember is pray that I'm focused due to sleep deprivation, don't get hurt, write essays efficiently and remember how to talk right and remember the rank structure.If ever my letters are cut short it is because things are going on and I didn't have time. I figure at this point quantity is better than quality.I miss you and think of you often. I can't wait to see you and hang out and stuff. But this is easier for me I'm sure because I always need to be doing something. I love you soo much!! xxxooo"