Live through the IVs

So this is just another fast update. I am hoping to post more this weekend. I am very thankful for a 3 day weekend.

Yesterday we trained on first aid. This is an area in which a chaplain CAN serve. We are not allowed to carry weapons or ammunition, but we can prayer, lead worship, and we can do first aid.

The second half of the day was what was most interesting. We were trained on how to give IVs, and then we had to practice on one another!

I don't know about you, but this may be the first time that I have stuck a needle in someone other than trying to get a splinter out. I really was not sure how I was going to do with it.

However, I did fine. I actually have really good veins, so my partner was able to figure it out on me without too much issue. He did accidently pull the needle out at one point, and then do it again (so I got stuck twice), and I bled out a small puddle, but obviously I lived.

For my part I was able to find a vein on him and get the whole thing done without too much drama. I am excited about learning everything that I AM able to do to serve the soldiers.

(Warning, soapbox following) I am realizing the longer that I am here, how much our soldiers do and how much they sacrifice. The need for the chaplain ministry has been made even more clear to me. In many ways I feel that as chaplains there is just not enough that we can do to help, support, and love on our soldiers. They and their families give soooooooo much for all of us. Please keep them in your prayers all the time, and look for lots of ways to thank them and support them. (this concludes the soapbox portion of the message).

Thank you for all of your support and prayers for us as students. We have a number of us who are dealing with some serious family and life issues. Please keep praying.

Corey