Letters from CGAcademy

To all Jonna's friends...her family will be posting bits of her letters for her until she is allowed internet privileges again. If you wish to contact her, you'll will need to do so by snail mail at the last posted addy. If you need it again....please contact us here.

Here is the latest news from Jonna.....

So you must realize this is a progressive letter…:) I write when I get an opportunity, which is occasionally during class as well as a few minutes here and there during the day. Things are falling into a schedule around here which is fabulous. Tomorrow, I have been assigned academic Section leader, meaning it will be my responsibility to know what classes we have, where they’re being held, & what we must bring. In addition, I’ll have to make sure I can march my Academic Section to classes on time. It will be interesting to say the least.
Looking forward to our 16 day cruise…22 days and counting. Pretty excited about being out on the big blue as well as seeing new country. We’ll be on a cutter Eagle through the Panama Canal. They fly us down there, we board, then return to the base here in Ct. Huge learning experience. Woohoo!!
So, I’ve been blessed with a pretty good group of OCS commrades. We get along pretty well & have good, stress-relieving laughs together. I honestly don’t know how the instructing officers keep a straight face sometimes. Their act alone is extremely amusing at times. I am now called "snowflake" by a few due to a funny happening. Have to tell you about it later though. The bell sounded for dinner formation. Gotta run. Love you all…..Lots.
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So, things have been crazy around here. My room has been trashed 7 days out of the last 8. Each day we’re responsible to put it back. That’s definitely a challenge for me as you can well imagine (Jonna always likes her clothes in perfect geometrical alignment).
Last week we were up every morning by at latest 5am. Normally, I was awake before that & stealthily dressing in bed. Not supposed to leave your bed until the morning call is given. The first week, we spent each morning doing various forms of "physical motivation" while being yelled at. Not horrible, just not my idea of a nice way to wake up. In addition, we were made to square our meals-lifting our forks straight up and then straight in, without looking at the fork. That was all part of indoctrination week, which is officially over now! (Jonna told us earlier that she lost weight that first week too). We still get up early and head to the gym for workout, but I prefer that.
Also during the last week, we learned gun handling, marching, sword handling, etc. for a drill competition we had last Friday. There will continue to be competitions each Friday. I rather enjoy that.
Now we’re in week 2 & starting to get some privileges back. In addition, we are getting a lot more responsibilities that are very overwhelming at times. J I am learning a lot but I still feel lost often, as do plenty others; even those OCS students who’ve been in the CG as long as 10 years. Today, I am in the colors detail, where we’ll be taking the school & national flags down at sunset. Rather a big deal here. The staff has established the leadership so that certain students are given an opportunity to lead. We’ll rotate leadership every 2 weeks. For now, I just have color duty & a night watch (1 ½ hours). I’m fine with that as I’m trying to figure all this out.
Answer to Dad’s prayer, I haven’t been yelled at that much nor gotten singled out & in trouble very often. I did get in trouble for talking at a meal….oops! I’ve done plenty of sit-ups, push-ups, etc. though for various other reasons. One encouraging note in the midst of all my overwhelming is that my Platoon Officer pulled me aside to correct me about talking but then continued on to tell me that he actually felt like I was a civilian he could take and make an officer out of. I took it as a challenge & compliment. I’d say I’ve been blessed with the best Platoon Officer & a group that works together fairly well. PTL!!!
Well, by now things are starting to fall into a schedule. They keep to an overly tight schedule with no room for mistakes. This means we often are in trouble, especially trying to make sure 93 OC’s are all there or their location is known and legitimate. Imagine!!! As I mentioned, they typically change leadership positions every 2 weeks, but, for certain positions they can change daily. That makes for continuous confusion. We change rooms & roommates bi-weekly as well. Speaking of roommates, my first 2 were a huge help and blessing. Both were prior enlistees and could help me with uniform details & encouragement. We three hit it off well & though we’ve since had to change rooms, we’re still friends. I’m very thankful as they often helped me put things in perspective.
Have spent the last week or so trying to get hold of my ASTB test scores (for flight school entry) which the Navy Recruiting Office failed to give me a hard copy of. The only paperwork I lacked…Grrr! Anyway, much effort, prayer, & trusting in the Lord & it was finally obtained today. PTL!!! There are about 20-30 others applying so the odds are high but, God’s will be done. The Lord has DEFINITELY graced me for this. Many things are challenging, frustrating, and different but God has been with me in a manifest way. There is more than a ton of unpleasant language but I’m continually asking God’s help to keep my mouth clean. He is faithful.
Praying for you often, especially when having to stand at attention behind my chair at meals. It gives me a few extra moments to pray for others & thank God. J Miss you all, miss those good homemade cookies & foods. We have plenty of good salad & decent food, but no desserts. I do get pb & honey occasionally for dessert. Keep strong.
Much love,
Jonna

P.S. Jonna called today and said she wouldn't be able to enjoy the cookies we mailed her. The group collectively have to earn dessert, coffee, phone, and other privileges. Yikes!!!