One Foot in Front of the Other

Already been here a month...no way.

Maybe these six months won't be the longest of my life, especially if I keep having weekends like this. Benefit #1 of working for the government? Federal holidays.

Hugh graduated from the Naval Academy on Friday (Congratulations, Sir) so a small chunk of New Mexico invaded the DC area...and it was glorious.

Slick doesn't belong in DC, obviously.

Love my Klay!

I spent Saturday exploring DC with Sadie and showing all the east-coasters at Hill Country how to two-step with the Kirkes and Greenwoods. So much awesome.

New Mexico, meet DC Metro.

In the real world, we've finally started getting it done. We earned our tan belts in Marine Corps Martial Arts this week, which just means I now think *slightly* more about where and how I'll throw punches before I actually do. On Friday, we had our introductory three-mile hike (can't think of any better way to start off the weekend) as a platoon. Nothing crazy, just easing us into the coming weeks, further polarizing the OCS and TBS experiences.

We've now had two tests, I've completed my initial interview with our Staff Platoon Commander (SPC), and we're all in possession of an M16 and an M9. I think it's safe to say we're out of the introductory phase of TBS. If you haven't figured out what's going on by now, it's going to be a long five more months.

Yep, we went there.

Now, it's Memorial Day and I've finally begun to understand what the greatest display of love means. I'm here, as a Marine, because far too many had to display the last measure of devotion for the men and women on their right and left. I'm here, allowed to live in freedom and joy because one man, fully divine, was willing to lay down His life so I might be saved. How can I not possibly honor that?

As I read through Nehemiah tonight, I was reminded of the time I had to study and worship at home. I spent hours reading and studying, listening to music and podcasts. Now, I squeeze in a devotion here, pray when it's quiet there, thank God for bananas at the chow hall. It's so easy for me to miss that or think I'm doing something wrong for not having as much free time. However, Nehemiah 8:10 reminded me: "Then he said to them, 'Go on your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'" Note that God's people were sent, and they weren't told to have joy in their strength or their good deeds. I've been sent, and it is because of God's goodness that I can have joy and I can love what I'm doing. My internal work is now being put to external practice.

As far as the platoon goes, they're pretty stellar and thus far, we're not tearing at each others' throats. The upcoming week(s) at the range are going to test all of us, but that's why we're here...we actually signed up for this. My prayer is that we won't forget the end goal, that we'll build rather than break, that we'll walk in encouragement rather than selfishness. I'll see y'all on the other side of Range Week.         

Phase 1: Motivation Still Active

Finally, I'm here.  Finally, I've made it to the jumping-off point from which I will do and accomplish more than I expected.  For those of you who don't know, I checked into The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia on 29 April (Delta Company, 5th Plt). The first week has been a whole lot of in-processing/medical/admin work, but we're getting into the swing of things.  

Last week, we all completed our swim qualification (Beginner and Intermediate), to include a 250 meter swim (in cammies and boots), treading/floating in water for ten minutes (we used our blouses and trousers as flotation devices), a 50m walk/swim with kevlar (helmet), flak jacket, assault pack, and rifle (all the gear was fixed together), and a gear-dump in deep water. Y'all know I'm very much a land-dweller, but the swim qual was awesome. It tested me in an area in which I am unaccustomed, so I love that. Next time, I'll loosen the double knot in my boots before I try to take them off under water...

Initial PFT was yesterday (scored a 295...one dad-gum pull-up short) so it's good to have that under our belts. We're finishing up administrative work for the rest of the week, so y'all can count on more enthralling stories about how I tactically maneuvered my way through the Naval hospital in order to complete all dental screens (Objective A) and attain five pairs of portholes (Objective B).

God has so cleverly prepared me for and placed me in this situation. Of course, if I was a perfect officer, I wouldn't need TBS, so I'm hungry for learning and growth. We have phenomenal staff and enlisted advisers who are invested in us and our contribution to the Marine Corps as effective, competent servant leaders.

These six months have already been guarded and blessed. Not just for me, but for the entire company. I am encouraged and motivated by my peers and know we are going to accomplish and learn not only from the staff and instructors, but from each other. It's finally time to do work, y'all, and I couldn't ask for a greater opportunity. Here's to six months of miserable days, long nights, and whole heck of a lot work. This is what we asked for. This is what will separate the good from the best: the boot Lieutenants from the Marine Officers. Let's get it.

"Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, do not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Do not withold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it."
 --Proverbs 3:23-27

Here's my address in case you're interested:

2ndLt Jennie L Pearson
Delta Co, 5 Plt
The Basic School
24164 Belleau Ave
Quantico, VA 22134

(No pictures yet, but be expecting some as the POI progresses)