Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to all. Since I have written, we have been to Abu Dhabi, UAE and back. We are enjoying some rest time for the holidays. We have tried to have a Christmas experience as well as we could, but it just isn't the same out here. At least I have facebook to keep me a little closer to Christmas at home. I appreciate the letters I have received and apologize for not responding to them individually. Just know that they are appreciated.
I got a major qualification this week, so I feel pretty good about that. Ready to stay engaged for the next qualification. The Lord continues to be good to me, even though I am not faithful to him. His mercy is great. I am really out of things to say. Keep praying for me and letting me know how you are doing.

Week 5/40

I had a good week. We finally got to go to sea and do our primary job -mine countermeasures. It was good to be underway after six months of being stuck pierside. I am continuing to learn a lot and stay busy as time keeps flying by.
I got to shoot an M240 automatic machine gun mounted on the ship. Unfortunately I didn't get to see how I did because they had already sunk our target. But I'm sure I would've hit the target every time. We also watched the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team detonate an underwater bomb and make a huge splash in the water.

Week 4/40

One more week. Now I've been here a month.We're tired of being in port and ready to get underway and do what we do. The more I learn about my job, the farther I realize I will have to improve. I have been working until ten about two out of every three nights when I get a break and take off at supper time. I'm doing well, I just hope I get enough experience under way to get my qualifications quickly enough. Nothing interesting this week just a lot fixing what is broke.

Week 3/40

Another busy week has passed. I had a productive week and a wonderful Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for, I wish I returned my thanks better. I am thankful to all my wonderful family and dear friends who, though far away from me, are near in my thoughts and prayers. Thankfully I have more work to do than I possibly have time for. Racing deadlines sure makes time go by fast!

The Word of God is a light, pointing out the truth in the darkness. I am thankful to have that witness to guide me in good ways with a good end. Faith is the only way I can be sure it is a good end. Without faith we would just do whatever we felt like and wish for a pleasant outcome. A friend told me that God didn't intend on us knowing for sure if we would end up in heaven and that it wasn't important whether we are saved or not. I can agree that our own destiny isn't the reason that we serve God, or that the most important thing isn't where we will end up. But I can't disagree more with the belief that God didn't provide us certainty in our destination. Jesus himself said that in his Father's house are many mansions and that he will return and take us to where he is (John 14:3). It was important to Jesus for us to know. John wrote in I John 5:13 that he wrote so we would know that we have eternal life. It was important to John for us to know. The apostle Peter said that we by not living according to the Word of God forget that our sins are purged, but that living by the Word we make our calling and election sure (II Peter 1:9-10), and again in II Peter 3:12-14, we look for and haste unto the coming of the day of God, that according to his promise we find new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. It was important to Peter that we be sure. I am thankful for a blessed hope that is an anchor both sure and steadfast for my soul (Heb 6:19). God bless you all.

Thanksgiving turkey in the wardroom. Delicious.

 

Week 2/40

I had a good week this week. I am finding a rhythm and learning a lot. Some highlights.

We are undergoing software upgrades for our three of our computer systems. I am the ship's implementation coordinator which means I liase between the contractors and the command.

I had my first murder board for CICWO. That helps me learn what I need to know in order to qualify watch officer in the combat information center.

Basketball

I am starting to get my feet back under me and feel like things are somewhat normal. I haven't found any kind of routine yet, but I did get to play basketball with a bunch of guys yesterday. I felt like I did in high school when I loved basketball. It was a great time. After the first game in my running shoes, I went and bought some basketball shoes.

Nothing much else to report. I am staying busy and we are getting things done. I am hoping to have my first day off since leaving San Diego (Nov 2) this Friday. It will happen if just nothing goes wrong.

Week 1/40

I have been in Bahrain for one week and this is the first chance I have had to post. I have never been busier in my life. I am under a steady stress so I am always working hard to try to keep up -that is good. We checked and inventoried the ship from bow to stern, mast to keel, and took command. Yesterday I moved into an apartment where I will be able to stay two out of three nights we are in port. It is good to get away from the ship when possible, but mission readiness is first always. We are on six day work weeks and today is the weekend for us. I am on duty for the first weekend and have been busy for almost the whole day. But I have some time to read, pray and touch base with loved ones. I can't ask for more. Yesterday and today I read Ephesians and Phillipians respectively. It made me appreciate the church and all the brothers and sisters I have back home. Thank the Lord for all his blessings.