The entire time Ryan has been gone, Jamie and I have been encouraging all of you to send him letters of inspiration, encourage him and pray for him....who would have thought that we would be so inspired, and encouraged by HIM and that he would be PRAYING!
We got the greatest letters from him this week...made our whole week...maybe even more!
He gave details of Swim week, which I will post later, and was so thankful and appreciative in his letter to Jamie! In his letter to me he had to tell me how good he looked in the Marine Uniform for his pictures! Ha!
He says he is more motivated than ever, his morale has never been higher and he believes more than ever that God put him there for a reason!
His letters sound mature, thoughtful and HAPPY! Did I mention that he said he is not even biting his nails now?
Recruit Ryan is a happy "camper" - and we couldn't be more excited and proud of him!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Ryan's Latest Letter
Friends and Family,
Ryan is doing well. The last week and the coming week have some significant milestones for the platoon, 3261. This past Saturday, they had their Initial Drill. For those of you that don't know what that is, it is basically their marching formations and techniques. Unfortunately, Ryan's platoon finished last so their DI's (drill instructors) were NOT pleased. According to Ryan, the squad leaders (which he is one of 4) and the Guide, got "slayed" for 45 minutes. He says they all threw up...no joke. He says other than that things are going really well for him. He has gained 9 pounds (which you all know that he needs) and is able to do 20 pull ups. I guess the days of me kicking his butt are over!!!
This week was swim week. Ryan is a strong swimmer, so I am sure that he did well in qualifying. Next week, they pack up and head for Camp Pendleton for Phase II, or field training. Phase II last 3 weeks and then they are in the homestretch with Phase III. Anyway, just wanted to give everyone a small update. Keep writing to him, he loves it.
Jamie
Ryan is doing well. The last week and the coming week have some significant milestones for the platoon, 3261. This past Saturday, they had their Initial Drill. For those of you that don't know what that is, it is basically their marching formations and techniques. Unfortunately, Ryan's platoon finished last so their DI's (drill instructors) were NOT pleased. According to Ryan, the squad leaders (which he is one of 4) and the Guide, got "slayed" for 45 minutes. He says they all threw up...no joke. He says other than that things are going really well for him. He has gained 9 pounds (which you all know that he needs) and is able to do 20 pull ups. I guess the days of me kicking his butt are over!!!
This week was swim week. Ryan is a strong swimmer, so I am sure that he did well in qualifying. Next week, they pack up and head for Camp Pendleton for Phase II, or field training. Phase II last 3 weeks and then they are in the homestretch with Phase III. Anyway, just wanted to give everyone a small update. Keep writing to him, he loves it.
Jamie
Monday, October 6, 2008
Pen Pals
It sounds like a few of Ryan's friends have been sending him lots of letters which is AWESOME! Thank you all so much for taking the time to let him know you are thinking about him!
The one thing he "complains" about is being so shut off from the rest of the world and not being able to talk to anyone so the letters are SO important to him!
We all know what a socialite he is, so if you haven't written yet, please do! If you need envelopes and stamps, give me your address and I will send you some! :)
The one thing he "complains" about is being so shut off from the rest of the world and not being able to talk to anyone so the letters are SO important to him!
We all know what a socialite he is, so if you haven't written yet, please do! If you need envelopes and stamps, give me your address and I will send you some! :)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
GOD, Country & Mom
The most surprising part of this entire experience that Ryan's favorite part of bootcamp is CHURCH!
They were "issued" Bibles and are always being given verses to encourage and motivate them throughout the week and then they go to Sunday service.
I was so excited! Another mom from our Platoon said "it is crazy to think that we sent them to bootcamp to join a Bible Study!" Apparently several of them are praying together at night before they go to bed and it sounds like the actual service is loud and intense...Ryan says everyone is involved and another kid wrote to his mom that "there were 1500 recruits worshipping loudly!"
How great is that?
They were "issued" Bibles and are always being given verses to encourage and motivate them throughout the week and then they go to Sunday service.
I was so excited! Another mom from our Platoon said "it is crazy to think that we sent them to bootcamp to join a Bible Study!" Apparently several of them are praying together at night before they go to bed and it sounds like the actual service is loud and intense...Ryan says everyone is involved and another kid wrote to his mom that "there were 1500 recruits worshipping loudly!"
How great is that?
Here are two verses he says "actually mean something to him":
Psalm 51:1-4 & 10, 12
IPeter5:6-7
Marine Language 101
"Tell Jake there is a while different language in the Marines!"
Walls = Bulkheads
Cups = Water Bowls
Floors = Docks
Window/Mirrors/Glasses = Portholes
Pens = Ink Sticks
Pencils = Lead Sticks
Breakfast = Morning Chow
Lunch = Afternoon Chow
Dinner = Evening Chow
I think there is an entire list of more "vocabulary words" on the MarineParents.com site...click on the link I have posted under "Check out These Sites"
Walls = Bulkheads
Cups = Water Bowls
Floors = Docks
Window/Mirrors/Glasses = Portholes
Pens = Ink Sticks
Pencils = Lead Sticks
Breakfast = Morning Chow
Lunch = Afternoon Chow
Dinner = Evening Chow
I think there is an entire list of more "vocabulary words" on the MarineParents.com site...click on the link I have posted under "Check out These Sites"
Phase I Daily Schedule
Here is Ryan's description of his day in one of his first letters:
"We wake up at 4:30am, eat morning chow, then morning PT (Physical Training) we then have morning drill (marching), afternoon chow, afternoon PT, afternoon class, evening chow and evening drill, finally we have hygiene and go to bed!"
He said that his Physical Trainer is actually really cool and very motivational...he loves the physical training and thinks he actually gained a little weight. They have him on "double rats", double rations to meat on those bones!
"We wake up at 4:30am, eat morning chow, then morning PT (Physical Training) we then have morning drill (marching), afternoon chow, afternoon PT, afternoon class, evening chow and evening drill, finally we have hygiene and go to bed!"
He said that his Physical Trainer is actually really cool and very motivational...he loves the physical training and thinks he actually gained a little weight. They have him on "double rats", double rations to meat on those bones!
Famous Yellow Footprints at San Diego MCRD
Jamie asked Ryan in one of his letters, "How did you feel when you first stepped on those Yellow Footprints? Ryan's Answer...."BRING IT ON!" OOH-RAH!We've Got Mail!
The letters our finally coming from our Recruit!
They are upbeat and positive and seem to be changing in tone...a little less cocky, and a little more insightful!
I will post some more on the specific topics of his letter later!
They are upbeat and positive and seem to be changing in tone...a little less cocky, and a little more insightful!
I will post some more on the specific topics of his letter later!
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