Way Too Long

To say it's been awhile is an understatement. As I compose this post I am sitting on a bus on my way to visit veterans at a nearby VA hospital. I am using my cool new iphone to do it. This just to tell you that things have been crazy busy. I want to blog more, but often when I get home, I just want to hang out with the family. Hopefully this new little device will help me write some short updates of our lives.

First of all, ministry is going really well! There are many unique challenges, but I am loving the opportunities God is giving me to minister to soldiers. As a family we have pretty well settled into a routine. The boys have made friends quickly and Katie has transitioned really well into her new roles as a stay at home mom and an Army wife. I am really blessed to have such a wonderful family.

We have gotten involved in a chapel service on post and Katie has jumped right in to ministry by helping lead worship at a weekly ladies Bible study. All this to say, thank you for your prayers. We are so blessed to have many people praying for us. With that said, please continue to pray.

Hopefully it won't take as long to update you next time. Thanks again foe all your support and encouragement. We really appreciate it!

Rob

Baptism by Fire.....Ants?

Yes, you read correctly. Actually, my first two days have not been too bad. Yesterday was my first day and I showed up for PT only to find out that there was a special brigade run scheduled. As a result, there was a formation at one of the parade fields just down the road from my house. Fortunately, I showed up in time to run with the whole brigade! It was really fun. Unfortunately, during the formation, I spent some time standing on an ant hill. Fire ants are interesting. Their sting/bite starts very "itchy," and later swells up and really kind of hurts. I may go see the doc tomorrow if it doesn't look any better. I would post a picture, but...well, it's not pretty.

We are starting to get a little more settled. Katie has already gotten involved in helping lead the worship time at PWOC. PWOC is an organization that has Bible studies on many military posts. I am excited that she has an outlet and a place to connect with other Christian women. The boys are doing well too. Our next door neighbors have a four year old who really enjoys spending time with Nat. He has some other friends as well too. Actually, Nat has transitioned really well.

Just a short update. Thanks again for your interest in our lives and your prayers. Continue praying for the family as we continue to get settled.

Blessings,

Rob

Fort Stewart

Greetings friends and prayer partners. I am sorry it has been so long. We have only recently gotten the internet hooked up, and things have been crazy busy. We left Fort Wayne on September 7 and traveled to see my parents in Maryville, TN for a week. After going to church with them on Sunday the 14, we traveled to South Carolina where we stayed with some of the Peterson extended family for the night. We had a great time with them and were thankful for a place to crash that wasn't a hotel. Now to the good stuff...

Many of you know that one of our prayer requests was for post housing. After our church planting experience a few years ago, God birthed into us a passion to live in the community in which we were doing ministry. For this community, that means living on post. Because there are so many officers of my rank, there is sometimes a shortage for post housing. During the process, we were told it could be a couple weeks to a couple months wait for a three bedroom house. Since living in a hotel with a whole family for a couple months was not really a viable option, Katie and the boys were initially going to stay with my parents in Tennessee. Although this was a viable option, we decided that Katie and the boys would at least come down for a week. The weekend before we came down, I talked with another chaplain who encouraged me to think about the possibility of a two bedroom house. Initially, it was not really an option, but with the bunk beds, we thought Ben could eventually move out of the crib and into his brother's room. So we called back to the housing office and asked if there were any two bedroom homes open. They said, "yes." As a result, we said "yes" as well. So, on September 15, the day of our arrival, we signed the paperwork for our house! No waiting! Our stuff arrived last Friday and after in-processing, I start my job next Wednesday! How awesome is our God?! He provided a home in one day, He got us our stuff in less than a week, and we have great neighbors and a small park right in our backyard! We are so blessed. All that to say, God has answered our prayers and we are home! Oh, by the way, I forgot to add, we closed on our house in Indiana yesterday! What a mighty God we serve!

Please continue to pray. I am excited about my job, but recognize some challenges. Please pray that God continues to open doors and give me wisdom as I start this new ministry with these great soldiers.

Thanks again for your prayers,

Rob

Promoted!

Greetings friends. Most of you know that I recently finished my classes through Liberty. I was also recently promoted to 1st LT, and given the opportunity to "pin" the cross on my uniform. As a Chaplain Candidate, I did not wear the cross of the Christian Chaplain, but since I was assessed and completed all the required "stuff," I was able to pin on the crosses. It was a really cool moment. The two Chaplains who helped out were CH (MAJ) Dave Bowlus and CH (MAJ) Doug Prentice. Both have had an impact in my preparation for this ministry, so it was really exciting to have them participate. I was issued my new oath of office by Major General (Ret) Dees, who was conducting some training for the C&MA Chaplains on PTSD. It was amazing training!

All in all, things are going well. The movers come tomorrow, so stuff is a little crazy. Two blessings to report: 1) Our house is sold! Well, we accepted an offer. The house will be sold when we close on the 30th of September. 2) Post housing is available. At least for now. There are three homes in which to choose. Just pray that no one takes all of them before I arrive for in-processing in just over a week. Since they are refurbishing the homes, it will take a month to get in them, but we are thankful that it is only a month as the initial estimates were 2-3 months.

Things are moving right along. Thanks for your continued encouragement and your prayers.

Rob

"Dog Face Soldier"

As of last Friday, I turned in my final assignment. It was nice to get everything off of my plate! As a result, I head to my new unit in just a few weeks. I will be the Chaplain of the 3rd Brigade Support Battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry division.

I am really looking forward to it. Since I'm heading to the 3rd ID, I will take some time throughout the coming weeks to share some historical information about the division. The 3rd ID is a very historic division serving in many conflicts with quite a few distinct honors.

But to begin this process, the soldiers of the 3rd ID are known as "Dog Face Soldiers." I'll quote from the 3rd ID site to explain how this division hooked up with Disney to create the picture you see at the top of this post:

"'I'm just a Dog Face Soldier, with a rifle on my shoulder.' So go the words of the division's theme song. Thanks to the creative genius of Walt Disney Productions, that 'Dog Face Soldier' was caricatured into a tan bulldog: 'heroic, but humble, fierce, but gentle, quick-witted and wise, with a confidence and dignity that comes from having proved himself.'

Major General Albert O. Connor, a Third Division commander, visualized verbally what he wanted for a 'Dog Face Soldier,' Walt Disney Productions complied and the caricature was created.

All it cost was one dollar. The bull-dog face soldier is the result of an exchange of letters between General Connor and Walt Disney Productions. In one of his letters to Disney, General Connor explained: 'For many years, the 3rd Infantry Division has been seeking a trademark based on the symbolism of the 'Dog Face Soldier.' The term 'dog face,' he continued, 'is an old one in our Army, dating back to the Indian Wars.'

The division received the final design of the bull-dog face soldier in August 1965. Along with the drawing came a contract granting exclusive and perpetual right and license to reproduce the drawing. The one dollar bill provided by the Marne Association was autographed by the division's Sergeants Major. Along with the autographed bill, which was framed, a letter of thanks to Walt Disney and his staff was sent for bringing to life the verbal conception of a song.

Since then, generations of Marne Soldiers have carried on the tradition of singing the division's song at morning formations and other official functions. Upon joining the 3rd Infantry Division, Soldiers are required to memorize the lyrics as part of the proud Marne heritage."


(excerpt copied from here)


Yes, I have already downloaded the song from i-tunes to begin the process of memorizing it. I may load a youtube video of the song in a couple days to give everyone the chance to hear. For those of you that have never been a part of the military, these types of songs and images are very important to the esprit de corps of a unit. They link soldiers of today with those in the past, making the stylistic differences from whatever era's "pop" music, unimportant.

So, in the coming weeks, sit back and learn more about the 3rd Infantry Division's illustrious heritage.



Rob

"....still going"

Just a quick update. I am so close to finishing my final two classes. I am taking a break right now from one of my papers. They are going well, but I can't wait until they are done. At this point I can't imagine ever going to school again, but I'm sure I will continue on with some classes in the future. The movers have called and confirmed our dates and next weekend Katie and I head out to Colorado Springs for a training event with my endorser. Yes, we are excited about getting away for the weekend. Our house is on the market and we've had four families walk through it. We are praying the Lord sells it quickly in this very challenging market. Other than that, there is not much to report. We are continuing to move along and look forward to serving soldiers and their families.

Rob

Preparing to Move

Lots of activity at the Olson home. We are continuing to get the house ready to sell and starting to prepare for the move. The movers will be at our house on September 4-5. We will then head to Tennessee to see my family where Katie and the boys will probably stay until we get housing. While it's not ideal, we figured it would be easier for them to be there than in a small hotel room. Be praying with us. The list is 2-3 months, but we are hoping for an opening more quickly. I am at the halfway point with my last two classes. They are going well and while there's still a lot to do, it is not quite as overwhelming as it was four weeks ago. All in all, things are going well. Thanks for reading and praying for us.

Rob

Orders!

That's right, we got our orders. We are headed to Fort Stewart, Ga. I will be attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. I don't know what type of battalion I will be serving quite yet, but that's ok, we are excited. We'll keep you posted.

Rob

Hmmm...Here's a Twist

Well, things may have changed. We may not be heading to Texas after all. I'll let Ray Charles tell you about our new possible home.



Blessings,

Rob

Texas

I must first apologize for my tardiness in this post. It will be somewhat brief, because I am working on homework today. I did want to post that as of last Sunday, I officially became, Reverend Olson. Ok, no need to bow thank you. Actually, I could care less about the title, but it was a great service of confirmation of God's call on our lives. I am so thankful to be a part of this organization called the Christian and Missionary Alliance! It is such a good fit for Katie and I. We also just found out yesterday that we will probably be heading to Fort Bliss, TX in the next two months! While it wasn't one of the Army posts on our "dream sheet," it is where the need is, and so we go! I don't have official orders yet, so I am not sure of my unit, but we are excited about the new adventure. I've never lived in Texas before and as we've researched El Paso, we are even getting more excited.

Right now, I am working on finishing up my final two courses. They will be done on August 15 and then we will move a few weeks after that. It is an exciting time. Things are really starting to move now, so I will try and do better at keeping in touch.

Rob

Chaplain

That's right, I was officially assessed to active duty as an Army Chaplain this past week. Although I still have this practicum and two classes to finish before I go on active duty, the word is in and it will happen. It's been a pretty amazing and crazy year of preparation but Katie and I are really excited about this opportunity to serve. Thanks to all of you who have supported us and prayed for us. We can't wait to serve soldiers. We'll keep you posted here as to where God takes us. Thanks again.

Rob

Wow, A Month

Ok, so a month is way too long to wait to post. But a lot has been happening. Since my last post, I finished my ordination process! I have also all but finished two more classes! (Only two more to go!) I have also submitted my paperwork to the Chief of Chaplains for accession to active duty as an Army Chaplain. So, we should hear by the end of the week. I guess there are really three scenarios. One, they accept me for active duty. Two, they put me on hold and "re-board" me next month. Three, they accept me for the Reserves, but not active duty. We'll see. I really don't know what to expect. Certainly your prayers would be appreciated.

Also, I am currently writing from Fort Leonard Wood, MO. I will spend the next five weeks here working with Chaplains and soldiers. It will be a great experience! Anyway, sorry it's been so long. There is a lot coming up. I'll keep you posted.

Rob

A Quick Hello

Things have been a little crazy lately. I have been finishing up my ordination requirements as well as working on my classes. Next Thursday is my interview for my ordination. I am pretty nervous...Ok, that's an understatement. I am scared out of my wits. It is a fear that is not a healthy fear though. The Lord is lovingly reminding me who I am and what I am called to do, thus taking away the fear.

After that, it's push hard to May. In May, my two classes will be over and I will be in Missouri ministering to basic trainees. I can't wait!

Rob

Army Families

I saw this video on another Chaplain's blog, (thanks Dave). I thought it was very well done so I figured I'd give everyone a chance to watch it here. What a blessing to not only have the opportunity to serve soldiers, but to serve their families as well.

Blessings,

Rob

The Body of Christ

I love the Body of Christ. I love the diversity of gifts that God has given us as well as the different ways local fellowships use their gifts. I love the creativity that leaders use to equip those within their fellowship and reach those in their community with the Gospel. While I have had friends from other denominations for a long time, since completing Chaplain's Basic this past fall, I have gained many more friends who love Jesus, but are different. Their tradition may be more liturgical or even more charismatic, but when it comes down to it, they are all about Jesus!

We live in an age that is referred to by some philosophers as postmodern. While this blog is way too short to discuss all the intricacies of this philosophical "bent," postmodernism has some characteristics that are very damaging. When I refer to the Body as being diverse, I do not mean, as some postmodern's may espouse, that there is no absolute truth. Certainly there is absolute truth! Rather, I am referring to the ability to come together under the banner that is the person and message of Jesus Christ. Yes, let us stand on the Gospel of Christ as THE absolute truth, and let's even be willing to discuss, with dignity, our differences. But ultimately, let's focus on the Main Thing. Christ is the reason we live. So what if one fellowship is led by deacons and one by elders. So what if you like hymns and I like choruses. Let's come together under the banner of Christ to worship the King!


Thanks for reading,

Rob

Spring!

Yes, it is finally here. Spring! Ok, so what if we are supposed to get accumulating snow tomorrow night. It's still spring!

Things are well on the Olson front. I have all but finished my ordination requirements. I just have two more books to finish. I am also in the midst of two new classes. One on leadership and one on world missions. They look exciting and not too overwhelming. The key is to get a big project done before the end of April so I don't have to worry about it when I get ready to go to Fort Leonard Wood for my practicum.

I was reading this week in Mark and read both the account of Jesus feeding the 5,000 as well as the 4,000. It really hit home because of how I have seen God provide for my family. We are so blessed. Certainly this year will be a "pile of stones" that we look back upon and see God's provision.


Rob

My Buddy Don

This link is to a story by a good friend of mine, Chaplain Don Williamson. I would encourage you to take a few minutes to read it. It was really encouraging.

Rob

(Thanks to Amy Maxwell for the link.)

The Joy of Fatherhood

This past week, our whole family has been sick. Not very fun, to say the least. As our colds are breaking, my three year old and I were playing "3 Musketeers today." He knows them from the Disney movie, with Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. Well, for awhile I was Captain Pete, the evil bad guy. Then at times I was Goofy. He would say things like, "Come on Goofy, let's go over here." Or when we were eating our apples, "How's your apple Goofy?" Anyway, it was a lot of fun!

All are napping right now, so I get a chance to rest. We're recovering slowly. I just wish this snow would stop and spring would get here quickly. Soon, I know, soon.

Rob

Ordination

Part of being endorsed my the C&MA is being ordained. I have not been the quickest at this process, but the time is drawing near. I have only one more doctrinal paper to complete and one little book to read. I hope to be done by the end of the week. We will see. After that I have a written exam in the middle of March and then an oral interview on April 10 by a group of pastors in my district. I could really care less about the title "Reverend." I just can't wait to get this done! It is just one more step closer to the goal! We are still hoping to hit the May boards! The key will be to get a letter from my seminary telling the Army what classes I am signed up to complete this summer. Other than that, I am really close!

While our goal is still a little way out, we have had some good "rest" time in our new fellowship. We also have a little more direction as to how God may want to use us in this interim time and we are excited. It is just enough to allow us to use our spiritual gifts and yet not feel overwhelmed. While we are looking forward to the Army Chaplaincy, it is great to see God work today. Preparation is not just about the future, it is also about the present and God is giving us opportunities to be used by Him now!

Not too long ago I asked for prayer regarding a possible placement in a local Reserve unit. Nothing has happened. I have tried to "make" it work, but have not received any calls back. I may try one more option before seeing this as a closed door. I'll keep you posted.

Blessings,

Rob

Face book or Blogger or both

I haven't spent a lot of time here lately, but more recently I have encountered face-book. Now I know I am behind the times, but I didn't realize what an amazing connector it is. So, while I haven't been here for awhile, I have returned for an update.

First of all, my son and I went to another hockey game on Sunday. It was a great time, although the weather outside was brutally cold! Sunday morning, I had the opportunity to share about the chaplaincy and preach. I taught for only a few minutes on Romans 12:1-4. It was fun. It was also really cool to share a little about the Army Chaplaincy. Most people really do not know what chaplains do, so having the opportunity to share what we sense God calling us to, is always exciting. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to preach. It is a bummer that I haven't had more opportunities, but most senior pastors really don't like to give up the pulpit on Sunday mornings. It is kind of unfortunate, because someone cannot improve on their "skill" if no one gives them a shot. Oh well. No worries. I'm sure I will eventually get plenty of opportunities to preach and teach.

In regards to my ordination, I am really close to being completely finished with my papers and books. Not quite yet, but really close. It feels really good to be so close. I am still scheduled for my oral examination on April 10, but before that I have a written exam too. Lots going on, but it is close. I will keep you posted.

I am also still on track to go to Leonard Wood. I won't go to jump school or even the Emergency Medical Ministry practicum because of some logistical issues, but that's ok. I am really pumped about the month of May. We are hoping that Katie and the boys will come down for a week or so at the end. Lots going on, to say the least.

Thanks for reading. I hope to be a little better about this in the future.

Blessings,

Rob

Change in Plans

Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

While certainly not a huge problem, it doesn't look like I'll be going to jump school this fall. More than likely I will extend the practicum at Fort Leonard Wood about a week and head to an Emergency Medical Ministry training for two weeks later in the summer. Actually, while I hope to still go to jump school, it is probably better that I go after I assess to active duty. Beyond the disappointment, I am really excited about this two week training.

Outside of those details, I am also hoping to start some ministry with a local reserve unit. As a member of the IRR, I am not attached to a unit so the ministry I do with this group of soldiers will be on a volunteer basis. Some details need to be worked out so I will keep you posted, but be praying that the Lord opens this door. At this point, these soldiers do not have a chaplain, so I would be the only one to provide religious support to them. We'll see what the Lord does.

Other than the bummer of the Packers losing, all is well on the home front. Thanks for your prayers and support.


Rob

Not much going on

There isn't much to report at this time. We are doing well as we get back into the groove of being a family. Katie's schedule is great. I have all day Monday and Friday to work on class work and ordination "stuff." It makes the days I am with the boys a lot less stressful. I have also sent in paperwork for two practicums this year. I hope to go to Fort Leonard Wood and Jump School before I go active duty this fall. It is a busy year, but I am really confident that I can get it all done. It is really exciting!

We certainly appreciate your prayers. Eventually this will become a place where we share about the ministry God is doing through us, so we can communicate with prayer partners. If you are praying for us, I ask that you pray for diligence and clarity. Diligence to work hard when I have the opportunity and clarity in communication. Regarding communication, I am hoping to establish a prayer network for our future ministry by visiting and sharing with different churches. There is so much on my heart about the Chaplaincy that I want to be able to share clearly and concisely about what we feel the Lord doing in our lives.

Thanks so much! We appreciate your reading and praying for us.

Blessings,

Rob

A Little Update

What a great Christmas season! While there have been some unique challenges to returning home, I am really feeling like I am getting back in the groove of things. Benjamin really seems to be getting to know me and I am starting to get into his pattern of daily living. One thing they taught us at Chaplain's Officers Basic is the amount of time it takes to reintegrate back to living after being gone for a significant amount of time. They said that for each day away, it takes a day to get readjusted. That means for our troops coming back from 15 month deployments, it takes them 15 months to get "back to normal." Certainly something to pray about as our soldiers come home from deployment. Fortunately for us, I was only gone three months, so while it's only been a couple weeks since I've been home, I expect to get "back to normal" a little more quickly.

Something we did this new year was head to White Sulfur Springs where Officers Christian Fellowship has a retreat center. It was a great few days away. We took out time getting there and even stopped off to see some friends that we hadn't seen in a few years on the way home. We hit a little snow, but it really didn't slow us down. While on this trip, we used my brand new Garmin Nuvi 200 GPS. I will talk more about this later, but holy cow it was great! Got us to the doorstep of White Sulfur Springs with no problems. Again, more to come at a later time.

Well, I here Benjamin starting to cry. Thanks for reading.

Blessings,

Rob