Friday, August 14, 2009

News (from the one left behind)

Hi Everyone!

This is Dela's husband, David, writing. I don't have much in the way of news yet, but thought I'd share with you what I do have.

As you know, Dela left Monday night for the hotel. She didn't sleep much and had to get up at 0400 Tuesday for processing. She didn't make tape, so they had her do a step test and pushups. She sailed through those and they passed her. (There were several others who had to do the same thing. Among them were a couple of 18-year-old girls who did not pass.)

She and the other recruits spent all day Monday at the Atlanta airport waiting for the bus to take them to Fort Jackson (hereafter referred to as FJ). For whatever reason, they pet her in charge of all the other FJ recruits. She had to keep their paperwork and keep track of them all.

Around 2000 (8:00pm) they finally got underway. After four hours of driving, they arrived at FJ. Evidently they were kept busy all night and not allowed to sleep. At some point yesterday morning, the recruits were asked, "Who here has four children?" Only Dela raised her hand. "Good. You're in charge!" So again she was put in charge of the recruits, though I'm not exactly sure what that means. She was able to sleep for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon. The last time I spoke with her was just before 2100 hours last night. It was almost lights out and we only had a couple of minutes to talk. She was very tired but her spirits were high!

We've been able to talk a little here and there because they let the recruits keep their cell phones during induction/processing. No doubt that will end very soon, if it hasn't already. I haven't heard from her today.

When I have more news, I'll post it here for everyone to see. And as soon as I have her official mailing address, I'll post that as well.

Thanks to everyone for your constant love and support for Dela. Your encouragement has meant more to her than she can express. You're all truly a blessing!

David

P.S. The new picture above is one that was taken at the reccruiter's office a couple of weeks ago. Her hair is MUCH shorter now...


10 comments:

  1. Dela knew she'd end up being "mama" to the girls. Just didn't know it would happen that fast! This is good though. Gives her the opportunity to show leadership, which will serve her well in the military. I'm so proud of her!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just tell her to be careful if they misbehave. My son got an Article 15 at boot camp because he was put in charge and they would not listen.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hope she enjoys it!

    By the way, where is your son going to Boot Camp? I live on Parris Island, and I hear the recruits every day. Very inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the "who has four kids/you're in charge." Sounds like she's finding her place already...never a doubt in my mind. David, thanks so much for keeping us updated on our girl. My best to you both.

    ReplyDelete
  5. David, thank you so much for the update. I keep her in my prayers every night. I am so proud to have her as a friend. Please let her know how much what she is doing means to all of us, and that I know she will be just fine.

    The four kids thing, wow, never heard that one before. lol Glad I only have three. Being in charge is actually a good thing for her, if all goes well sometimes you gain rank faster because of it (so I have heard from other Army & Air Force). What they are looking for is what kind of a leader she will be, how well she can handle the pressure of it all. Basically what kind of soldier she is. :) I sure having had four children she will have no problem “leading” them. :)

    "GO DELA"
    Christina

    ReplyDelete
  6. David - thank you for the update. Looking forward to hearing more about her journey. Let her know prayers and blessing are coming her way, I am guessing she may be too tired to ask the Lord for much right now! Proud of her! -Angelique

    ReplyDelete
  7. BTW this is Christina, (ReedGoArmy08) I have made changes to my info so it shows up differant..

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just checking in and have been thinking about you. I don't know how this works but I got a funny story for you. S'bug got into it with the school photographer over her hair at registration and this witch tried to send her to the principal's office! Maybe girl child needs a trip to Georgia! Take care, my friend. Suz

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've been away for a few weeks as my Dad passed away ... Great Military Funeral!

    Anyway...so glad that you are posting and keeping us updated on this adventure. I'm sure that her experience with four of her own will help out with those recruits under her...will keep all of you in our prayers.

    Laura, A Military Mom

    ReplyDelete