Progress and Hurdles

On October 15th Ryan (my brother-in-law) and I went to the recruiter's office in Mount Pleasant. I had already made up my mind that I wanted to join and was there to make sure I was eligible. We set up a meeting for the following Monday to start the paperwork. Joining as an officer involves much more and takes a lot longer than regular enlistment. I began requesting letters of recommendation, writing an essay on why I want to be an officer, gathering information on the past seven years of my life, and contacting people to let them know of my decision.

On November 18th I was on my way to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and get a physical, but on the way there my recruiter called. I was on a van with other people that were going so I couldn't turn around and come home. My recruiter had learned that I needed a medical waiver because I had had vision correction surgery (PRK/ASA - similar to LASIK) and therefore couldn't test or take the physical. So I spent the day in Shreveport, LA hanging out with the shuttle driver, then my recruiter once he arrived. It was a day that seemed wasted but was truly a blessing in disguise.

First I must explain this. The finale' of all our efforts is to get me before a board of three officers. They will approve me to go to OCS (Officer Candidate School). My "packet" must be turned in about three days prior to meeting them. The packet must include an age waiver. In order to apply for an age waiver we essentially need to turn in the entire packet, including letters of recommendation, my essay, my resume', and a bunch of miscellaneous forms.

We were trying to get everything together in time to apply for and receive an age waiver and turn the packet in by Monday December 1st. This goal put a lot of pressure on me, as at the time I still didn't understand exactly what all had to be completed when. We didn't have any leeway time wise and I was being asked to produce things in very short order.

The delay caused by not being able to process at MEPS that day meant I would not meet the Dec. 1st deadline. The next board will not be held until January. This took SO much pressure off; I cannot express how relieved I was. On top of that, I was told that I will probably have to ship out around mid January. I was hoping to leave around mid February, so that was weighing on me too.

As of today we are still waiting for approval of the medical waiver. I don't know the chances of being disapproved, but it is a concern. We should definitely find out this week. I fully expect to be approved but am preparing for the worst just in case. I remind myself that the Lord knows what's best, even when it makes no sense to me I will trust in his hand on my life. I've seen his sovereign wisdom evidenced over and over again; I am at peace knowing that it's all going to come to a good end and looking back it will all make sense, even if it's presently clear as mud.

Catching up

Many changes have happened in my life recently. I am now living with my sister, her husband, and my niece and nephew (Susan, Ryan, Alexis, & Taylor). This is such a great time of year to stay with family; I'm truly enjoying it!

If you don't already know, I moved from Seattle to Northeast Texas in October of 2005. Susan, Ryan, and Taylor had moved here a few years earlier and I eventually followed. Our dad is moving too and should arrive before Christmas! Our mom may move sometime after that as well, which would be my entire immediate family, and all of my family in Washington.

Back to catching up --
A couple months ago I had two epiphanies: 1) I'm not making any headway on my debt, primarily comprised of student loans. 2) Aside from financial obligations, there is nothing holding me back from doing anything or going anywhere I want. I do not have a husband, a boyfriend, children, or a house. So I started looking into debt forgiveness programs. There are certain organizations that will pay off a portion of your student loans in exchange for your time. Some of these would take you to other countries; I guess it would be called humanitarian work. I thought "what a great opportunity!” I wouldn't get rich or really be making any financial progress, but what an experience! At this point I'm thinking about how to still pay my monthly bills (debts) while going on this adventure. As I'm talking to my family, Ryan suggests that I join the Army. They have amazing incentives and I could make a career of it. Hmmm..... now this is an interesting and challenging concept!

Several years ago I told God that I would walk through any door He opened before me, and I would try to stop knocking on closed doors. This looked like a wide open door to me! We began to look into it.

If you have a Bachelor's degree, which I do, you can join as an officer. The age limit is 29, or 34 with a waiver; I am 34. The weight limit for my height is 144 lbs; I was 144 at the time. Everything seemed to be telling me "go for it!", and I'm thinking that it's now or never, and if I don't try then I'll never know and will always wonder. Also, the US Army will pay off 100% of my student loans upon graduation from Officer Candidate School (OCS), which is over $50,000.

If it were only for financial reasons, that wouldn’t justify this radical life change. I’m 34 and free as a bird to do everything and anything. My only true purpose and direction is to do the will of my Father. While on one hand the last three years have built my faith tremendously, I have also felt without direction some of the time. I would like to believe that all that I’ve experienced has been preparing me for something bigger than I can grasp and that I am right in the center of the Lord’s will. I realize the Army will test me in more ways than I can imagine, but to date I’ve made it to the other side of every trial I’ve ever faced. If this door remains open I will walk through it with confidence.

Welcome to my blog!

Wow, my very own blog, imagine that! The reason I've started this is to keep everyone updated on what's going on with me joining the Army. Then, if and when I get in, it will be nice to post updates on my new life. Why the name Snowflayk in the address? It's an alias I used to use and still have an affinity for. I love snow and how each flake is perfectly beautiful and unique!

I hope you enjoy following me on this journey. Your comments and support are welcome and very much appreciated. May God bless and keep you... :)