Still Here

While my internet is still no allowing me to post pictures, I am still here. This past week was full of very exciting activities. Last Saturday we repelled off of a really large tower. It was a lot of fun! We also participated in a confidence course where we were challenged to take part in different activities that challenged our potential fears of heights. These required a lot of team work and a lot of patience. They were challenging, but very fun. Probably the most memorable experience was the gas mask experience. Let's just say it was not a very enjoyable experience. While it was great to know that our masks work properly, taking them off in a room of tear gas and trying to say your name was not a good time. I was unofficially "awarded" the largest spit/snot glob coming from my nose and mouth as I left the gas room. Not quite an award that I take pride in, but hey, I sure am glad it's over.

I also just purchased a plane ticket to head home for Thanksgiving. While it's a long time away, it was important to take care of now. It will be great to see them and to spend the holiday with them.

All in all, things are going well. I really appreciate all your prayers. God has been really faithful in encouraging me and providing for my family.

Rob

A Week or A Month?

Wow, what a long first few days. I really have not had time to blog because of needing to get some sleep each night. I have also had some internet problems which have made blogging very challenging.

Today was our first day in uniform. As I write the 8:00 bugle is sounding. Only one hour till taps. I must admit, I do enjoy the bugle. While I can't say I remember hearing reveille when I was growing up, I do remember "retreat" and "to the colors." Retreat is the bugle call at five o'clock followed by a shot from a cannon and then "to the colors" is played while the flag is lowered. At the first note of "to the colors" if outside, you are to salute the flag but if inside, you are only to stand at attention. So while in a briefing today, after the cannon sounded, the NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) shouted "Attention" and we all snapped to attention right there at our tables. It was cool.

Yesterday during in-processing while I was getting blood drawn and many vaccinations, I talked to a Sergeant First Class that is about to deploy for his fourth deployment. He was also explaining to this very "green" soldier, (me) how the Army is set up so much differently today than it was in the past. We only talked for about five minutes, but I so appreciated the time to talk with him. When I was getting up to head over to the in-processing desk, he shook my hand and said how he appreciated what I do. Wow, he appreciates me? Man, I'm just a newbie who officially put his uniform on for the first time today, and he appreciates what I do? Needless to say, I appreciate what he does and has done for a career of fifteen years in the Army.

While it's only been about a week since I left home, I certainly miss my wonderful wife and little boys. We talk regularly, but it is difficult. I will try to continue to post somewhat regularly. Hopefully I'll get this Internet thing worked out soon. Then I can post some of the pictures I've taken.

Friday we have the first PFT test and Saturday we get to repel from Victory Tower. What an exciting time it is.

Thanks for reading,

Rob

I'm Here!

I have arrived at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I dropped my mom off yesterday in Maryville, TN and left this morning to make my way to Fort Jackson. I got here at about 4:00 or so and immediately met another "recruit." We headed over to the "BOQ" (hotel) and got settled. We then took a jog together and went over to have some dinner at the Post Exchange (basically a Wal-Mart on the Post). It has been a fun filled day.

Although I hit some traffic in the Pigeon Forge area, I did find a great little barbecue place. It was pretty good for fast food. I then drove on I-40 through the mountains of eastern TN and western NC. Wow were they beautiful! I tried to get some pictures, but it was kind of difficult.

The fun begins tomorrow. I am heading over with Joe, the other Chaplain Candidate I met, to the Protestant Chapel service tomorrow. It should be fun. Then on to the Commissary to fill the fridge.

I'm trying to upload pictures, but something is not working. I may have to shrink the size of my pictures. We'll see. Stay tuned for more.

Rob

Amidst the Chaos

Wow, what a day. I am packing and trying to get everything worked out that needs to be. It is hard to pack for three months of "unknown." I know I will be purchasing uniforms which will be the main set of clothing I will use once the program begins, but I am also bringing clothes for the weekend and for other things too. Not only that, but I have a change of seasons to consider. While fall in South Carolina is not harsh, it will still be cooler than it is right now. So that makes things a bit more challenging.

All in all, things are going well. We got Katie's ID today down at the local Army Reserve building so she is set to be able to access the things like the post commissary if she so desires. Although, we don't really live near a post, but at least she has her ID.

The journey begins tomorrow. After a nice Bob Evans breakfast with the whole family I am driving my mom back to Tennessee and will then head to Fort Jackson on Saturday. I am scheduled to check in on Saturday afternoon. That leaves Sunday to do some grocery shopping and have some final chill time before the excitement begins at 14:45 Sunday afternoon.

We certainly appreciate your prayers. It will be challenging in ways we don't even know yet, but we know that God is always with us and always there to comfort us.

Thanks for reading,

Rob Olson

One Week Away...

Well, I am one week from reporting to Fort Jackson. I'm certainly not too sure what the first few days will look like, but I am really pumped.

Yesterday was our last Sunday at our church. While I am not heading to active duty after Chaplain's Basic, (I have five more classes to take this winter and spring) Katie and I felt that it would be better to leave my position before I headed for training. We have been at our church for five years and during those five years God has taught us so much about himself and about serving Him. We have so many relationships through our church family who love us and whom I know will be praying for us as we begin this journey into the Army.

The kids are both doing well and while I was hoping to get a paper for ordination completed this week, it seems that the craziness of getting ready to go will put the paper on hold. We'll see.

Rob

Great First Week!

To say this first week has been great would be an understatement. Benjamin is sleeping really well and Nathaniel is doing great as a big brother. My folks have been helping us out for awhile but will be gone for a couple days. My mom will return Tuesday and my mother and father in-law will come in on Wednesday. Then next Friday, I head to South Carolina, via Tennessee to drop my mom off at home and the rest of the family heads to Wisconsin with Katie's parents for about 2-3 weeks.

It is absolutely amazing how teeny tiny this little guy is. Looking at Nathaniel, I find it hard to imagine that he was ever this small, but I know he was. Benjamin is also a great sleeper. He barely fusses and is sleeping and eating like a champ!

As far as preparing for Ch-OBLC, I am doing my best. I have been in contact with one gentleman who has just graduated, to get some ideas about what to bring that may not be on the official list. He gave some great ideas. I've also been in touch with a couple other Chaplain Candidates who have finished the first phase. I think I am prepared, but if you happen to be reading this and have already completed any of the phases of CH-OBLC, I would certainly be open to suggestions.

All in all, things are going well. Thanks so much for reading.

Rob