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.