Final Libo??

Kellen had a hard week being platoon leader. Giving the march cadence proved a most difficult task, getting the timing of the steps right, as well as giving orders. He was quite horse from yelling all week. The evaluators say that because he stumbles over his words it seems like he lacks confidence; which isn't really the case, he always stumbles over his words. They also say he needs to be more forceful/mean when giving orders, so there's never a doubt about who's in charge. He also didn't use the "chain of command" efficiently, opting to do things himself, when he should have ordered someone else to do it. On the positive side, they say he has the best integrity/morals of the group. He's the least selfish and has a lot of heart (which is probably why he's not mean!). Also, on PT and academics he's done quite well.

It looked like Kellen was going in to be dropped today (Monday). He had a meeting scheduled to talk with the folks who make that decision this morning. I haven't heard anything, so I don't know what's up. It could be that they've decided to drop him, but want to wait til the end of the pay period (this Friday) for convenience's sake... or they may have just given him a stern talking to and told him to buck up and act like a Marine and didn't drop him at all. Another possibility is that since his knee infection (cellulitis) was acting up they could be holding him to treat that before sending him home. All I know is he hasn't called so he isn't officially coming home yet. Hopefully, I'll get a note or a call by week's end and can update you.

Know that Kellen and I have been in fervent prayer throughout the process, but especially in the past couple of weeks, wondering if him being an officer was truly what God had for us. It seems like if he's dropped this will be a clear-cut answer. Since a few weeks into OCS God seemed to put into Kellen's heart the idea of his becoming a chaplain. That's a whole new, long process, so keep us in prayers concerning wisdom in that area, and also for Kellen's knee to heal up completely and quickly.

I asked Kellen if he was disappointed not to complete the whole session of OCS, and he said, "Not really." He's tired and I guess we both feel that perhaps the time he's had there has served it's greater purpose, which hasn't necessarily been to make him into an officer, but into a man who can sympathize a bit with men in the military and be able to minister to them more effectively. Whatever the reason(s), God's plan is perfect and we don't doubt that Kellen was meant to be at OCS. No matter the outcome, whether he's home this weekend, or if they hold onto him and offer him a commission, we trust in God's wisdom and know that He'll make our path clear, so that as long as we seek to do His will, He will guide us to it.

Thanks again for your encouraging letters to Kellen- they've really helped keep him going over the past weeks. It isn't for sure over yet, so don't hold off on sending one if you're inclined. I'll let you know as soon as I know anything new.