Travelogues

I'm not sure that I have that title spelled correctly?

I had a friend that went to Costa Rica a number of years ago. He had not previously been much of a writer that I knew of, however, he did a wonderful job putting together a travelogue of his trip.

I am hoping that I can do a similar job with this blog.

My day yesterday was somewhat uneventful as far as the actual travel goes. The most difficult part was actually walking away from my family.

Today I and my sister and her husband and three kids will head to northern MN to visit with my folks for a little bit. Right now it is not snowing, and hopefully it will stay that way for a while.

Minneapolis is a beautiful city in the winter. Especially at night. As I was driving to the hotel I found that I really appreciated all of the different lights on the buildings and skyscrapers.

The drive north will have a different type of scenery as we head into trees and cruise past some of the 10,000 lakes that are here.

I will try to keep you all posted on my progress from here.

Have a happy new year,
Corey

Heading Out

So I am getting all of the final arrangements made and then I leave tomorrow.

It is almost unbelievable that this day has finally come. In many, many ways I am not looking forward to leaving, but as my wise wife points out, "tomorrow just means that our reunion will get here sooner."

It is also almost unbelievable because God has been bringing us to this point for so long. I have looked back at some old journals and found that we began looking into the idea of military chaplaincy back in 2000-ish. So in some ways this has been a very long road. In other ways it has come quickly.

Today we did a "send-off" at church and had a bit of a going-away open house at the home of some dear friends. It was wonderful seeing everyone and being encouraged by them.

As much as this day seems "almost unbelievable", it is exciting to be serving God and knowing that He is calling us to this ministry.

As I have mentioned, I am going to try to update this page daily. I will also try to make sure it is somewhat interesting. Stay posted.

A White Christmas

It has been a while for our family. In fact, it has maybe never happened for us at all.

Depending on your definition of a "white Christmas", we have possibly never had one. Now, if you define a white Christmas as one in which snow is on the ground, we have had plenty of those. In fact, we have had them with snow and ice on the ground, and they have turned into white New Years, white January, white February, and even some white March. Idaho Falls, ID and Grand Rapids, MN can be like that.

However, if your definition of a white Christmas is a Christmas day in which snow is actually falling, this may be the first for our complete family. So I thought I might try to share a little bit of it with you, but mailing snowballs is kind of difficult, so here is a little video clip.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve

We had a pretty good Christmas Eve.

I went to the gym, we had some presents arrive that we had sent, we each opened one present, and we went to a Christmas Eve service at Eagle Christian Church.

The gym went pretty well. I tested myself and did OK with the pushups and situps. I was a little off on my time with the run, but that may have been because I was watching ESPN.

I ordered Chris some flowers for Christmas and they were delivered today. They did a really nice job with the arrangement of roses and then put in some Christmas kinds of decorations.

The Christmas Eve service was very nice although we were a little late getting there due to a fairly heavy snowfall. We have been getting snow off and on for the last several days and so we will have a white Christmas this year.

The presents that we opened were from family. The boys opened two small boxes from their great-grandparents and they were both lighted monoculars. Very cool. They were looking across the house with them. Chris and I opened presents from our family in MN. They were pure maple syrup and homemade raspberry jam. Needless to say, we are very much looking forward to breakfast.

We hope that you all have a Merry Christmas and remember what we are really celebrating in the gift of Christ.
Corey

A Week Out

So as of today I am a week away from departure.

Of course there is still plenty to do. As I mentioned in my last post, the packing is coming along. There are still some things that I am gathering up. For example, just to be safe as far as what documents the Army is going to want, I am getting copies of my medical and dental records which is in addition to what they already gathered for the MEPS physical.

We also had a pretty good snow this morning. It started melting and then of course started freezing as the sun went down. Caleb slipped on some ice and scratched himself up a little bit, but he is OK.

Tomorrow we are going to go to Boondocks, a local amusement place with video games and laser tag. It should be a blast. Then we are headed to a friend's house to watch the BSU game, or at least part of it.

Have a great night.

The Packing Begins

So I have now started packing in earnest.

If you look back at the November 27th post you will see the exhaustive version of the packing list. It is so exhaustive that there are items duplicated on it. Just to be safe. :-)

I am of course not taking all of that stuff, but it at least made me consider each item. I also had to decide which things to take and which things to purchase along the way. I have been told that we will not have a great deal of free time in the first 3 weeks or so, so planning appropriately has been a bit of a challenge.

It is similar to packing for the China trip I took last year. We had to pack with the understanding that we were not going to be able to "pop" down to the local Wal-Mart and pick stuff up. As it turns out, they do have some Wal-Marts over there, but we really did not have the free time to go shopping for that kind of stuff. It was much more fun to go into "normal" Chinese grocery stores and try to figure out what you were buying.

Thus far I am putting three bags together and then will be picking up quite a bit of additional goods in MN while visiting family. It should work out to where I will be able to spend New Years with my folks, sister, brother-in-law, and nephews and neice. It is only my neice's second New Year's (but she'll probably sleep through it again).

In any case, I will try to keep this site somewhat updated, and I am going to start shooting for a near daily update rate.

So have a great Christmas,
Corey

First snow of the Season

OK. It is not really the first snow of the year. We actually had some in October, but it did not last long.

This is the first snow of any amount here in Boise that has lasted for any length. At least it was enough that they sent out the snowplows.

Tonight we went to an event with the Marines. They were hosting a toy drive for "toys for tots." If you brought a new toy down to the local baseball stadium you got in free for a fireworks display that was synchronized to some Christmas music. It was pretty cool, and very cold. The hot chocolate and multiple layers of clothes helped a little bit.

In any case, it was a nice event. Something we have not really done before. We hope everyone's planning is coming together well for Christmas. Be safe.

Merry Christmas

Step by Step

Happy December!

Plans are still moving forward. I have figured out that the best travel plan for me seems to be that I fly a portion and then drive the rest of the way.

So I have purchased airfare, and have reserved my hotel rooms.

The family and I were able to go and get our ID cards made up yesterday. That was kind of exciting. My youngest son made the comment as we were leaving the National Guard base, "I feel official now." I think we all feel like we are getting much closer and that it is becoming more of a reality.

I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving.

Merry Christmas!

Chaplain School Packing List

I am posting this for a couple of reasons.

The first is that when I first starting trying to prepare for my attendance at the Army chaplain school (CHBOLC), I had no idea what I needed to bring or not. My search online only turned up a partial list from someone else. So I figured I would post what I have put together so that others can use it for their own preparation. They of course will not need all of the same stuff, but I have tried to be very exhaustive in my coverage.

The second is that I have had people ask me, mostly out of general curiosity, what kinds of things do I need to take. Sooooooo, here is the list of everything that I am, or am possibly, going to take to school with me. Keep in mind, I have been told that I should expect to be so busy the first month that I will not be able to go shopping at all.

Thanks,
Corey

CHBOLC Packing List:
• Notebook computer
• Software CDs
• Printer
• power converter
• USB flash drive
• mouse
• External Hard Drive?
• Ethernet Cable
• Speakers (for my laptop)?
• Power strip
• Extension cord?
• 30 Copies of orders
• Copy of rental agreement
• Marriage certificate?
• Birth certificates?
• Flashlight (mini mag light)
• Bathroom Scale
• Long Johns
• Cloth tape measure
• 1-3 Months of Protein powder
• Fiber/Protein bars
• Carb/Fiber supplements
• Oatmeal
• Coffee
• Sweetner
• Notebook to keep in ACU pocket
• 3 Ring Binder
• Guitar/Bass/Ukelele?
• Songs for guitar
• Mp3 Player
• 550 Chord
• Food
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• change for machines?
• Bible on CD
• Stamps?
• Envelopes?
• GPS
• car charger
• addresses
• permanent marker
• Maps
• 2 Pillows
• 9 pairs underwear
• 9 pairs socks
• Sleeping shorts
• Tennis/Running shoes
• Jeans
• Coat
• T-shirts
• Sunglasses
• Cheap plastic plates, cups, bowls and utensils to use
• A few Tupperware-style plastic storage containers
• Plastic bags
• Duck Tape
• Electrical tape
• Leatherman
• Additional Oral-B toothbrush?
• Toothpaste
• Foot scrubber
• Good razors
• Alarm clock
• Cell phone
• Cell phone charger
• Smaller camera w/ video?
• Camera batteries and charger
• Chain Bible
• Pastor Bible
• Soldier Bible
• Notepads
• Notebooks
• Pens
• Pencils
• Printer paper
• Ink Cartridges
• Deodorant
• Sunblock
• Mouthwash
• Gum
• Mints
• Hair clippers
• Shaving Cream
• Bathroom Bag
• Shampoo
• Bar soap
• Bug spray
• Flip flops
• Towels?
• Laundry bag
• Shaker
• CDs?
• Road atlas?
• Jumper Cables
• Lint roller
• First Aid Kit
• Passport?
• Shot record?
• Convertible cargo pants/shorts?
• Passport neck holder
• Packagable protein/snacks
• Journal
• Drivers license
• Hat
• Nice shoes
• Nice pants
• Nice shirt
• Nice socks
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Watch
• Large& medium baggies
• bathroom bag
• Dramamine
• ear plugs
• Aspirin
• Nailclippers
• Nail-file
• Vitamins
• decongestant
• Advil
• Airborne?
• Rubbing alcohol
• cologne
• mouthwash
• soap
• shampoo
• q-tips
• Antacid
• Pepto-Pesmo--1 tablet per meal.
• hand sanitizer—small tubes
• handi-wipes
• 2-3 rolls of Toiletpaper
• Imodium
• Carmex
• Sleeping pills
• Eye drops
• fingernail clippers
• Dayquil
• Nyquil
• Book(s)?
• Highlighter
• Insect repellant
• Light jacket
• FOR WINTER:
• Heavy coat
• long johns
• warm shoes
• gloves (warm & work)
• Beanies/Hats
• Emergency road kit
• Bottled water
• ice scraper

1st Lieutenant

Well, we finally received much of our initial paperwork. We have what I believe to be official orders for my TDY to the chaplain school in January and then on to Ft. Campbell, KY in April. I will indeed be serving with the 101st Airborne and am trying to figure out exactly which group I will be serving.

Additionally, I received my oath of office paperwork. So yesterday morning I was officially sworn in as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army. Nothing too fancy, just a quiet ceremony with my hand on a copy of God's Word with my family by my side. A proud moment that has been a long time coming. God has been very faithful and His timing is of course perfect and we are humbly thankful.

I will continue to try to keep this site updated as pieces fall into place. As of today I will be leaving for school (probably by driving) in about 7 weeks. Wow! That is coming up fast.

Blessings.

Chaplain Update--Sept 29

Well, we had to wait a few extra days, however we finally heard late yesterday that I have been accepted into the active duty Army. We are very excited about this new ministry and adventure to which God has called us.

The next step is to wait (again) for the Army to send me some paperwork for my commissioning. I then take this to an Army officer and have him or her swear me in. I then mail this back in, wait some more, and then they will send me my official orders which will tell me which school I am to attend (hopefully January) and what my duty station will be.

This whole second part could take several weeks, maybe even a few months. Of course, if you have the same calendar that I do then you know that this does not leave a lot of time for planning. We have basically been told to plan as best we can for school in January.

So, if you could please keep the timing of it all in your prayers. It would be great if God lit a fire under the Army and I received my paperwork more quickly than usual.

Thank you for all your support,
Corey

New Chaplain Update--Sept 20

This is just a quick note to keep folks up-to-date.

I was recently informed that my packet is complete and ready for the Army board to review on the 23-24th.

Our prayer at this point then is that this board will select me for active duty, and that I will be going to school in January, and the transition will be smooth. We are also trusting that God will have us assigned to the base that He knows is the best one for us right now.

I should now by the 26th if I was selected for active duty or not, but it will be a while after that before I know if I am going to school in January and where I will be stationed.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support.

Chaplain Update--Sept 13

Good Saturday all,

I met with a senior chaplain yesterday for my interview and it seemed to go very well. He was very friendly, and shared a great deal of information with me concerning the chaplaincy.

He will hopefully be faxing in a positive report of me to the board on Monday. After that it is pretty much up to God and the Army what happens next. The board meets on the 23rd.

Please be in prayer that I will be selected by this board for active duty. If I am selected by this board then I will be able to go to school in January. If I am passed over, but selected in November or December for active duty then I would have to wait until June 09 to go to school. Needless to say, January would be much better.

Thank you for your prayers,
Corey

Chaplain Update--Sept 4

Good Thursday all,

The endorsement interview went great, and it was a wonderful experience. This part of the process is now complete and I am waiting to hear from the chaplain office in order to schedule the interview with a senior chaplain of the Army. This will probably be at Ft. Lewis, WA.

One bit of new information though is that these Sept boards are, for the most part, my last shot to be able to make it to the January school.

So the prayer now is for God's continued guidance, and leading. That He would bring everything together for the senior chaplain interview to come together quickly, and go very well, with a high recommendation. And then that I would be presented to the September boards, be accepted, and be able to go to school in January.

June is of course doable, but it puts our family on hold, as far as moving into this new ministry, for almost a year.

Thank you again for your support. I will try to keep this blog posted.

Thanks

Rich Mullins and Difficult Times

The title of this blog is a modification of two albums by Rich Mullins, "The World as Best as I Can Remember it. Vol 1 & 2." Rich Mullins has been one of my favorite musicians from when I first became a Christian.

Over the years there have been times where it has been difficult to trust God.

The death of Rich Mullins was one of those times for me.

I really enjoyed Rich Mullins' music. He just seemed to have a great deal of joy in praising and worshiping God. So, needless to say, as a still young Christian, I was really surprised when he was killed in a car accident. I had some long talks with God about that one.

I think that has to be one of the greatest challenges in growing as a Christian. There are times in our lives when we struggle with trusting God. However, moving through those times makes our faith stronger and causes us to trust in God more and more, even in the smaller issues of life.

Macs and Olympic Soccer

I'm noticing two similarities in Mac computers and Olympic soccer.

In my opinion, they are both cool, but they both are not playing out as expected.

Allow me to expand. There is a Mac Mini that I have access to, and use from time to time. In fact, I am typing on it right this moment as I wait for some PCs to do some Microsoft updates (but that is another blog post). Although the Mac is cool, and people come in and ask, "where is your computer?" and we point to a brick on the corner of the desk, the computer has some limitations.

For us to be able to do what we would very easily do on a PC, we have had to get volumes of additional software to make it work. Even then, the compatibility issue is still very prevalent. In other words, the coolness factor just doesn't cover enough of the limitations.

In Olympic soccer, the US mens team had an impressive victory all ready to go. The coolness factor was flying high! Then, in literally the final minutes of the match, the Netherlands (all credit going to them for their work ethic) put in a late goal to tie the match.

Although a tie is very useable for the Americans, the coolness factor just doesn't cover the limitation of how well they may now have to play in order to continue.

It might be a little bit of a stretch, but with Macs and Olympic soccer, looking good and being cool will only get you so far. You have got to produce the results.

The Olympics

So the opening ceremony was yesterday morning here. Of course in China that was yesterday evening.

Having been to China I can tell you that the time difference is very entertaining. It is basically 14 hours. China is that far ahead from Mountain time in the US.

So far, our athletes are showing themselves well. Our ladies have struggled a little in soccer, but the men gained a win in their first match. The second one will be the greater challenge as they go up against the Netherlands.

Swimming is going well too, but I do not want to ruin it for some who may have not seen it yet.

Go USA!