T-12 (July 27)

T-12 (July 27)

All I could find out about today was that the Confidence Course I was on the Matrix.  I believe I posted in an earlier entry that it has 11 obstacles that get progressively harder, but is designed to give the recruits confidence once they are through it.

I have found a video about the training in week three.  All I can say is Jeremiah will never have trouble getting out of bed now!  You should watch this.  WOW!

Recruit Training - Week 3

A letter came to the house today.  It was from an Elder Bruce Carlson, General, USAF (retired).  He's now a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventies in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He wrote to let Joe and me know that Jeremiah has been attending church services down at MCRD San Diego.  The chaplain down there feels that Jeremiah brings a good spirit to the meetings.  They reassured us that they will help him grow in his faith and testimony of the church.

Jeremiah being a Marine is important to Joe and me, and to Jeremiah.  However, as parents, Joe and I definitely feel that Jeremiah's spiritual growth is just as important.  We want him to have a strong testimony of his Heavenly Father and the mission that He has in store for Jeremiah.  When I went with Jeremiah to the recruiter's office a year ago, I knew that this was a calling from God for Jeremiah.  He's fulfilling it, and that pleases Joe and me.  And while I know that this process is hard, I'm grateful that Jeremiah is remembering promises he made to Heavenly Father over the past 18 years and is honoring those covenants that he has made.

Semper Fidelis means "always faithful" or "always loyal."  Before he left, I asked Jeremiah what he was supposed to be faithful to.  In the discussion that ensued, I told him to first be faithful to God, then to his family, country and corps.  God should always come first, and I believe that Jeremiah is remembering that.

Many of the recruits are writing home that they are becoming closer to God.  I pray that Jeremiah feels the same way.  I do know, through reading his letters, that the importance of family has really struck home with him.  The fact that he quoted scripture in his latest letter shows that he's searching the scriptures for answers, and every answer he will need to survive boot camp is in there.  We're so pleased with Jeremiah.