12/31/07 Latest letter from Michael

(Kay writing here) Michael wrote today to say that he got moved to a new platoon. He was worried this might happen. The drill instructors were shifting guys around, apparently to even out numbers. He is really bummed because he very much liked the Sr. drill instructor in the other platoon, and I'm sure platoon members forge allegiances amongst themselves quickly.

Other things he mentioned:

• He loves the martial arts training they have started. It rated an "awesome" in his letter.
  
• Chow is "not very relaxing." They sit straight-backed and eat with only one hand, "the other on the knee, fingers together, feet at a 45 degree angle, heels together..."
• His security clearance process will begin while he is in boot camp.
  
• Church isn't so bad after all because it is "nostalgic" for him.

Things to pray for...

• That he will see God's hand in guiding him (even in this move to the new platoon)
• That his security clearance will go well
• That he will learn all that he needs to learn
• That he will remain healthy and injury-free (It's going to be as low as 25F tomorrow!)
  

First Letter from Recruit Johnson...Hand written!

Here's just a short excerpt from a letter we got yesterday from Mike:

• "It's exactly as everyone said, 'Do what you're told, nothing more, nothing less, and you'll be fine.' The people that get harassed are the ones that are always talking or not doing what the DI (drill instructor) just literally JUST told them to do, and people that don't sound off. Bunch of squirrelly amateurs down here!"

• "We've been doing a lot of drill and that, so far, is amazing. Already we blow the other platoons out of the water. I mean our Senior DI is so chill (when we give 110 %) that he let us get a call home. NO OTHER PLATOON was extended that courtesy."

• "I can't stress this enough. Seeing kids getting chewed out for stupid crap is totally worth being made to stand on line holding a full assault pack out in front of me, elbows locked, for minutes."

Sounds like he's having fun!...

Merry Christmas from Michael!

Finally, we got our first significant contact from Michael since his departure for boot camp 9 days ago in the way of a Christmas phone call! What a great surprise. His raspy voice was hardly recognized as Kay has to ask twice who was calling. "This is Recruit Johnson," he said. Michael says he is enjoying his time in boot camp (right!) and says he has an awesome Drill Instructor (O.K.!?). It could have been that the DI was standing right over his shoulder while the call was being made, but hey, who am I to come between a boy and his DI. Because today is Christmas, they had a chapel service and were later allowed to watch a movie. By the way, I am told by those in the know that chapel is the only time a recruit has a chance to get away from his screaming DI. I am also told that every recruit is in chapel on Sundays. Imagine that.

Although he did sound a bit fatigued, he seemed in very good spirits and said we'd get an address sent to us soon to let us all know where we can send letters and gifts. Keep him in your prayers, y'all. 1 week down, 12 more to go!

Recruit Johnson Has Arrived!

Well, we got the infamous phone call at 11:30 PM on Monday night 12/17/07. Before Michael left for boot camp at Parris Island, SC, we were forewarned of the impending phone call that every Marine recruit has to make when they arrive. No sweet or friendly tones. No "Hey guys, I love you. How's it goin'?" Not at all. As I put the phone on speaker phone mode, and before I say "Hello?", I can hear a gaggle of recruits in the background yelling the same pre-scripted speech I am about to hear from Michael at the top of their lungs:

"THIS IS RECRUIT JOHNSON. I HAVE ARRIVED SAFELY AT PARRIS ISLAND. DO NOT SEND ANY FOOD OR BULKY ITEMS. I WILL CONTACT YOU IN 3-5 DAYS WITH MY ADDRESS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. GOODBYE FOR NOW!" Click.

Kay and I both burst out laughing. It was such a surreal moment. Good thing we knew it was coming. So now we wait. 3-5 days.

Hoorah and Semper Fi!

Yesterday December 16th, 2007, was the day that will live in infamy. Michael left for boot camp to join the Marines. He will spend the next 13 weeks at Parris Island in South Carolina learning how to polish a boot, jump a jack, and push an up. He is so excited about his decision to join the Marines, and we are thrilled for him. Keep him in your prayers as the first 3 weeks are said to be the most trying. He will be broken down and then rebuilt into one of the few, the proud. A Marine.