"....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