Starting to fly...

So, I have started flying again!! YEAH!! I went through a 3-day class on the systems in the aircraft that I am no flying, then I went through a week of ground training in mock-up cockpits and now I'm in the airplane flying. After tomorrow, I should be headed to simulators for about a weeks worth of training, before I head back to the airplane to do some more flying. It is nice to be back in the air, though all the studying and new stuff being thrown at me all the time is rather overwhelming or scary at times. So far so good though. I have been blessed with a good first instuctor who has been very helpful and patient with me. I'm sure I'm a bit ahead of the knowledge curve in some areas because of my prior flight training, but there are other areas that are entirely new to me and he's been good to explain when my studying doesn't do the subject justice. He's a fellow Coastie, which is a plus as well because he can give me in bits of in-sight into flying for the Coast Guard. Nice.. Thank the Lord!!

Besides flying and studying which take up a majority of my time, I also got to sing in our CAPT's recent retirment ceremony. I sang the National Anthem in the Naval Aviation Museum on base in Pensacola. That was quite an experience. The first time we were doing a run through practice, I sang and the entire museum went silent. It was an interesting feeling having everything go silent while you sing. I'm sure the choice of song had quite a lot to do with it. Anyway, that event went well and I was honored to help out.

The next few weeks hold lots of studying, trying to keep up on rest, and learning new things as well as revisiting old things and refreshing. Greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to work toward the ultimate goal of my wings, one day at a time.

Oh, so I went skydiving. Most of you have probaby heard about that, but I'm including some pics. What an adventure. I loved it and would do it again definitely... I highly recommend it. My instructor decided that since I was familiar with being in the air and flying and had had formal training on parachute works, that we would flip out of the plane backwards. So, that's what we did... we actually climbed out onto a little platform, then flipped (summersaulted) through the air about 3 times before flattening out and free-falling. WOW!!!! I loved it!!!

Phase 2 of Flight School

It has been way too long since I have last updated this blog. Though I will try to continue to update it, there is no promise that the next update will be a while in coming as well. I just finished a 6 week ground course of classes as well as water and land survival training. I successfully passed every test the first try, for which I was very thankful.

There were many who failed tests and had to retake them, and still a few others who failed multiple tests and were removed from flight school completely. Thanking God that I was able to get through that phase successfully. Thank you all for all the prayers and encouragement. During that 6 weeks, I went through water survival training that included swimming in full flight gear, which is pretty heavy. Full flight gear includes, steel-toed boots, a flight suit (which looks like coveralls), gloves, a safety vest (we weren't allowed to use the flotation devices in them, and they are fairly heavy), & helmet. It was an adventure and definitely stretched me a bit in the area of swimming as I've never had formal swimming lessons and not a ton of time in the water growing up due to living location. Anyway...the final test for that part of the water survival training was a mile swim in flight suits (not all the rest of the gear, just the suit). I managed to complete that in just under the required time at 78min 32sec.. Haha...yes, a long time to swim non-stop. PTL I passed the first time. The rest of training included a dunker, in which we were strapped into the frame of a helicopter in full flight gear, put under water, and rolled over before we were allowed to release our harnesses/seatbelts, and crawl out through one of 3 windows. That was an adventure. We also were drug across the ground in parachute harnesses that we had to remove ourselves from while being dragged. We learned parachute falls into the water and onto a hard surface and how to safely fall to avoid serious injury. And finally, on our last day of training, we jumped from a boat into the bay and were then hoisted out of the water by a helicopter, placed back into the water, and picked up by a following boat. Plenty of fun, lots of work, and I'm glad to be done with all that. PTL!!!

Now, I'm moving on to flight training at a Navy base closer to where I am living (15 minutes instead of the 40-50min to the other school location). Yeah!! I begin Monday (June 15) with more ground school classes. I will be learning the systems of the aircraft I will be flying (T-34C), the rules for Naval flying in this area, emergency procedures (which are paragraphs long and must be known verbatim), and much more. I will move from ground school to simulator training in which they will teach us how to fly the plane before they ever put us in a plane. From that I will move back into my new and improved office with a view, the T-34C...and

will be flying again!!!! Yippeeee! So ready to be back in the air. I believe that taking the time off from flying for a while was actually quite beneficial, so that I am now anticipating flying and excited about it, instead of it just being old hat. Previously I had been training and was getting burnt out on training.. Praying and hoping for grace to get through this more rigorous training that I am beginning. Having had some previously flight training, I know how challenging just training everyday can become. There are times that flying became not so exciting because all I ever did was train. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I begin this training that I will remain motivated and remember the pleasure of flying rather than become discouraged and bored of constant training. One of the things I love about being in the Coast Guard, and military in general is the constant opportunity to learn and be challenged and

stretched. So, this is just another chance to learn, be challenged, and stretch my view/horizon/knowledge...etc...

Besides flight school and having my brain and mind all wrapped around that these days, I'm also enjoying livingin Florida. I love living near the beaches, which I frequent as able. They are lovely beaches here and great for relaxing, catching some rays, and occasionally if you are good at self-discipline, studying...there are a few who are successful at that. Smile.. Not sure I am yet, though I have tried only minimally. My latest adventure outside of flight school has been the purchase of a motorcycle.

I am now the proud owner of a 2006 Kawasaki 650R. I love riding. I am blessed with plenty of friends in the area who ride motorcycles and have been very great at taking me out to ride, giving me tips, and helping me gain comfort and confidence to ride safely. In keeping with military regulation, I took the motorcycle safety course, which was very helpful. Now, riding to and from work/class is a lot of fun!! I also love riding to the beach. I get a kick out of the strange looks and funny comments I get from people who are surprised to see me (a girl) riding my bike. Most recent was some older gentleman who had parked next to me to work out at the base gym. When I came out and was getting geared up to ride home, this gentleman came out to leave as well.. He finally had to stop and tell me that he had seen my bike earlier when he'd parked and had not pictured me riding it. He was slightly surprised and I was very amused. Good times!! The best part is the jacket that came with my bike...it is definitely a point of amusement for everyone...guess I gotta have a little feminine touch, though I didn't pick it out or anything..guess it picked me!!

Sadly, the most recent news is the wrecking of my beloved truck. On my way into my last day of the classes I just recently completed, I exited the highway, came to a stop at a red light, looked into my rearview mirror only to find a large white truck bearing down on me at a fast pace. I had a volvo in front of me, a cement wall on my right, and the white truck was trying to veer left, so with no where I go to avoid collision I balled up for impact. Thankfully, I recieved no injury, nor did any others involved in the accident (I also hit the volvo in front of me due to the force and speed of impact). My truck on the other hand was fairly banged up. The truckbed crashed into the cab leaving a slight dent in the back of the cab, the tailgate is crammed shut, both back and front bumpers will have to be replaced, and amazingly the taillights on the side that was hit still work! Hmmm. Due to the angle on the front bumper I drove it to the Toyota dealer and was advised not to drive it further for fear of puncturing the front tire. So, now I drive a rental car, courtesy of insurance and am waiting for the repairs to be completed on my truck. PTL that no one was hurt and the truck is repairable, and the insurance of the other driver has been easy to work with, kind and covering it all.!! So, that's my life in a nutshell right now. Plenty of adventure, little downtime, and lots of fun and work.

I do love hearing from you all.. Please do write when you get a spare moment. Please do not let me become "out of sight, out of mind". God bless you all..

Week 1 in API

So, I have finished the first week of classes in Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination... Now start the series of tests. I will have 6 tests over the next 3 weeks plus classes, swimming, swimming tests, and then some. Should be interesting! I'm enjoying it all right. My schedule currently consists of getting up between 4:45-5:30 to be to class by 7:00 or 7:30 depending on the day of the week. Then classes until 11 or 12, an hour for lunch, and more classes until 2 or 3pm. Head home and start studying. Test days you typically have to arrive at 6:30am, take the test, then head to swimming and physical fitness stuff before cleaning up for classes again. Anyway...should be an interesting day tomorrow since it's my first test. I've been blessed to have some great guys to study with. Never having been a good one for study groups for very obvious reasons if you know me at all, I've been doing amazingly well with a small study group and I don't know what I would have done without them. It has been phenominal! PTL!!!

Well, next new and exciting adventure in my life currently is the purchase of my first motorcycle. Yes, I know most people think that is totally crazy, but it's exciting and definitely better on gas mileage. Per requirement of the military and necessity in general, I took a motorcycle safety course which is much like a driver's ed class. It was VERY beneficial. I have buddies who are great about taking me out with them, watching out for me, and being patient with my not so quick speed for the time being. I enjoyed a ride to the beach on Saturday evening, putting nearly 80 miles on my bike in one ride. Yeah!!!

Speaking of the beach....in my somewhat busy life right now, I managed to find time to go to the beach. It is great living near the sea down here and getting to use that wonderful creation of God. Enjoyed a day with a friend at the beach, just chillin, burnin, and amazingly swimming (didn't expect the water to be warm enough yet)... The navy base where I have classes is on the beach, but I really don't ever get to the beach when I am there due to is vicinity to military activities, my uniform, etc.... It is beautiful though, all that white sand. PTL for such beauty!

Well friends, this is all for now. I'll try to keep this updated. I know that I have slacked off quite a bit lately, but it is nice to know that I have people praying and thinking about me. God bless you all.. Keep in touch.

Mobile, Missouri, & More...

Well, guess it is about time to update you all on my interesting and sometimes very challenging life in the CG. Smile.. For the last month or so I have been working in Mobile, AL, gone home to Missouri for a visit, and am back in Milton, FL gearing up to finally begin classes. First things first though....

I spent 3 weeks in Mobile, AL working at one of the CG airstations. Though not terribly exciting, it was beneficial in occupying some of my waiting time giving me a reason to get up everyday and go to bed at night. I worked mostly with a Captain who has taken on a large endeavor to standardize Coast Guard aviation medicine related issues. I worked with him gathering data and inputting it into a readable format. Good times. I also helped others in various offices, thereby meeting plenty of people, taking a couple flights in both fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Good times... I didn't much like commuting back and forth which I did about twice a week, there and back. It's nice to be back home in my own place.

Immediately after fulfilling my obligations in Mobile, AL I took a week to go home and visit my family. Please don't feel bad at me if I didn't tell you in advance or you didn't get to see me while I was home. It was a short trip intended to spend mostly with family before things get busier around here for me. Still love and appreciate you all. I enjoyed good times with my family, getting to be home to see a new baby goat (grin, yes my parents have some cute goats), hold the baby chicks, and wish the cat would have her kittens before I left (that didn't happen). It was great to have some spiritual fellowship as well. PTL!!! Sometimes I really miss that and feel it is somewhat lacking here.

Now, I am back in Florida and happy to finally be home. Hmmmmm....this has started to become home more and more. I love having a house to call home for a time. I am currently gearing up to start classes in another 15 days!! Just two weeks really!! Very exciting. I have been studying some, getting paperwork and such in order, and catching up with friends here. Good times. I'd really appreciate your prayers as the start date gets closer and closer. Though VERY excited, I'm also more than a little nervous because of so many unknowns. When I get nervous I have a harder time eating, which I've noticed lately...so not really needing to lose too much weight and wanting to stay healthy, I could do without the nervous. Smile...

Hmmmm.. since the conference in Atlanta where I met a gal named Bri, she and I have been hanging out. Please keep her in your prayers as she does not know the Lord. I feel that the Lord may have put her in my life to at least share Christ with her. So far I have not felt free to do that, though sometimes I feel as though she has a slight interest. So, please pray for me to know the Lord's timing, for her to have an open heart, wisdom in how and what to say, and mostly that I can simply be the example of Christ's love to her. Thanks...

WoW!!! I'm trying to think what else is new. Funny stories come to mind such as nearly leaving home without wearing a complete & proper uniform...Ahhh. So thankful for the Lord's reminder there, otherwise I'd have been completely embarrassed and possibly in trouble. Ooops. Then later that same day I walked out of an office, put my hat on only to discover that I'd put it on backwards with the insignia facing the back of my head...silly gal...where was my head that day? Grin!! I just laugh at myself and carry on. As we would say in India, "ese hota hai." ("it happens").

Thank you all for keeping up with what I'm doing in life. It is always nice to hear that people actually read this to see what in the world is going on in my life and "Where's Jonna". Kind of like, "where's Waldo". Grin.... Please keep me updated on what you all are up to. I love to hear from home, friends, and family... God bless you all.

Catchin up...

My dream helicopter, for now until I find something cooler!!

Okay, so I'm a little behind on the blog updates. Sorry guys. Been slightly occupied or bored out of my mind. Grin Sometimes hard to sit and write something when the creative, interesting juices aren't flowing. Hopefully I can put some of what I've been up to in words now for you all to enjoy. I've been doing plenty, though some of it has been SOOO boring. Smile...
Where's Jonna????

I'll start with the Women in Aviation Int'l (WAI) conference I went to the end of Feb in Atlanta, GA. Right after I got back from my sweet trip to Washington D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration, someone I met up there sent me some information on the WAI conference in Atlanta. I passed it on to my command to see if there was a possibility of going. They already had the info and made it available to others who might be interested in going. Anyway, by the end of Feb I found myself driving to Atlanta for a long weekend with some other flight students. What an adventure. I got a little put out by the "girls can do anything guys can" mentality, but overall the experience wasn't bad.
Hangin with some of the gals from flight school!

I met some cool coasties and other people while there. One of those people was a flight student from the Air Force. We had a blast together, which made the trip worth it. We enjoyed having a Coasties hangout night hosted by a local family, parents of one fo the coasties. Good times meeting and visiting with lots of other female pilots in the CG. Hmmmm, let's see. I got back from Atlanta on a Sunday and early Monday morning (5:30am) I was up again and headed to Mobile, AL. I have been spending most of each week in Mobile for the last 3 weeks working at one of the CG's airstations. Not the most exciting thing to do in the world, but it's had its blessings as well. One of those blessings would be simply having a little something to do and a reason to get up each morning bright and early. I've been traveling back and forth quite a bit lately, with Tuesday night Bible study here in Milton, FL where I live and then coming back every weekend to spend some time at home and with friends. While being in Mobile, I've had an opportunity to get up in the air a couple of times with a few pilots I would consider friends of mine. Anyway, so I went flying in the helicopter that I someday hope to be flying. It was quite a good time, flying to a small airport in Louisianna, grabbing some lunch while we were out, and flyin home. Good times. I was out in one of the jets when we were called to check out a fishing boat. It was very interesting to listen to all the radio communications that were going on for the next hour or so after that call came in. To say the least, the original purpose of the flight quickly changed. Cool! Hmmm...so now I'm home for a weekend, enjoying my own home. I have really enjoyed having a place to call my own here. I know that I have a roommate, but thankfully we get along marvelously. Something for which I praise the Lord! Back in Milton, FL I've found a church where I enjoy attending regularly. It has been nice to have a few friends who go to the same church, so I'm not totally alone in church.

Next on the schedule is a trip home to MO to see my family before I actually get started with flight training. No, I still haven't officially started. I don't begin until April 24th. I'm looking forward to seeing family and friends back home for a week or so, then heading back to gear up for a great start to my future career in CG aviation.
Greatly appreciate all your prayers and emails. I have found that, like many warned me, life in the military isn't like a life I was accustomed to. I still know this is where God wants me, but He never said it would be easy. Though not bad, it's a challenge. I love a challenge, but sometimes get a little focused on the challenge instead of my God who can see past the challenge. PTL that I'm here where I'm supposed to be, doing what the Lord prepared for me to do. Please continue to keep in touch. God bless you all...

Oh, oops...forgot to throw in the exciting part about visiting the Georgia Aquarium...Had a blast walking through the aquarium through tunnels of glass displaying tons of awesome fish. God is really creative... So, here goes...enjoy the pics!

My USAF buddy and I hanging out in the Aquarium!

Women in Aviation Int'l Conference

Well the next stop on my agenda is a conference in Atlanta, GA. Yes, I signed myself up for this as well. I was a member of Women in Aviation Int'l for a while, but never had the opportunity to go to the conference. This time around, I'm going and with a group of military aviators in various stages of training or instructing here at the flight school. I'm pretty excited about this opportunity and adventure. I do what I can to keep this time of waiting filled and so far so good. Smile...

Leaving next Wednesday, we'll be driving to Atlanta (about a 5hr drive) to stay through Sunday. I would greatly appreciate your prayers on this adventure. It's nice to take advantage of these new opportunities, but also a challenge as well. Going with a group of gals most of whom do not know our Lord is a chance to let Christ shine through me, but it's also a place where I could be faced with temptations. I suppose any place is a place for that.. I'm going with the Lord though and that makes all the difference. PTL!!! I'll try to update you all upon my return...though I have a feeling I might actually be busy for the next couple of weeks following the conference. Smile...

Yes, I'm headed to Mobile, AL the Monday after returning from GA to work at a Coast Guard airstation for a month or so. From what I've been told, I'll be working with the training department there assisting in whatever way is needed. I'm looking forward to having something to do for a while. I guess I never was much of one to sit around for too long and enjoy it.. Smile.. I'd rather be working and being productive with my days allowing me to enjoy the off-days more. PTL!!! While I'm in Mobile, I'm planning on getting on some flights...hopefully as many as possible. A friend of mine who is stationed over there flies the Falcon Jets for the CG and has already told me he'd take me up... I've met over helo pilots and plan to try to get up with them as well... We'll see... Would appreciate your prayers that I will be effective there in Mobile and a blessing... Also, that the Lord will give me good connections there. I have already been blessed to meet the Commanding officer of the Mobile airstation who is a believer. He and his wife are quite wonderful people. PTL!!!

Bless you all for all your prayer and support. It is always a nice reminder to know that I have friends and family praying for me and supporting me in my journey with the Lord.. I'm learning much in this adventure of military life. I was reminded this morning to the hope that we have in Christ that others do not have the privilege to enjoy. When trouble hits the fan and life is a challenge, we can remember Christ's promises for everyday life as well as His overarching promise of salvation and His soon return. We have HOPE!! PTL!!! Have a blessed weekend..

Military Mardi Gras Ball & Beach walks...

Veronica & I are in flight school together!

Yes, I've been helping out with military balls these days, well only one actually.. A friend I made while working at the Presidential Inauguration in DC was in charge of coordinating a Mardi Gras Military Ball in Mobile, AL. Interested in being a part of what was going on and being in attendance that this event, I offered to help in any way I was able. Andy & myself....his wife is in the group pic of gals...

My friend, known as Andy for the remainder of this blog, was quick to snatch up my offer and I soon found myself helping out with door prize events, and other last minute details for the ball. I loved being involved, serving others, running around in the middle of all that was going on... It was totally my style. I was able to enjoy the ball, but I was also busy and not just sitting around trying to make conversation with whoever..

A Commander & I worked on door prize stuff together most of the day!!

While at this ball, I met many important individuals, which was a plus. One of the most exciting introductions I was given was to a Christian couple in the Coast Guard. After conversation with them for a short time, we were soon talking about where we went to church and some good churches in the area. Since they had previously been stationed in Pensacola, they were familiar with some of the churches in the area that I'm living in. They asked me if I'd heard of a church, and I was pleased to discover it as one that I had recently visited and liked the most. Church hunting has been a job for me it would seem. It has been a challenge going weekend to weekend without being plugged into any one church. I have been in and out of town, and I have visited three or four different churches since I moved here. I believe I have finally found one that I'd like to attend regularly.. It was nice to have a sense of confirmation through my conversation with the couple at the ball. PTL!!!

Worked on Ball stuff with this LCDR all the day of the Ball!!
Anyway, moving on... I'm still waiting for flight school stuff to get rolling for me. I'm on a waiting list, so in the mean time I'm having to fill my days. This time has been good for getting settled, learning the area, and getting small details here and there accomplished. I've enjoyed decorating my own home for once in my life, being able to finally print some of my photography collection and use it in my home. PTL!!! Waiting has also been a huge challenge. I've had much time to think, too much time if you ask me...which leads to anxiety, depression, and loneliness, etc if I'm not careful. I've struggled with these and other things since being here, but the Lord continues to care for me and pull me through. Depression has been my most recent rival and I'm continuing to pray through that one. My next adventure includes spending a month working in Mobile, AL at the Aviation Training Center for the CG. It is the CG's "Mecca" for aviation. I will most likely be involved in helping with writing aviation manuals for a new aircraft that the CG is slowly moving into the fleet of aircraft. Since I've been able to make some friends there in Mobile, I also plan on getting up on some flights whenever possible. Looking forward to getting back up into the air.. It's about time for that.. I'm looking forward to going to Mobile for a few weeks, because it will give me something of a schedule and a reason to get up each morning.. I need something productive to fill my days with besides sitting around thinking about flight school and wondering.. Grin... I have a big enough imagination without giving it too much reign to run wild...
This week a friend of mine flew in from Miami in his CG Falcon jet to let me see it and have lunch. That was a brght spot on my week. I enjoyed a tour of a CG jet, meeting the crew, and getting to hang out with an ole friend of mine over lunch. Good times.. A few other coasties were able to come out and meet us for lunch and see the aircraft as well. It's been a lot of fun meeting pilots and CG aviators and asking them lots of questions. I've appreciated those aviators who are ahead of me in the game, have been flying for a few years or more with the CG who are more than willing to share their experience and offer whatever wisdom or advice they've gained over the years. It's been fun!

A little R&R on the beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon!! Very relaxing and a great day to read a book and soak up the sun and beauty of God's creation!! I only imagined being in FL on beaches and now I live here.. WoW!!

Well...I believe that about updates you all.. I appreciate the continued prayers and your interest in what the Lord is doing in my life. I would especially appreciate prayer concerning being a believer in the CG. Not an easy thing. I've talked with others about this topic, one who used to have a relationship with the Lord who no longer walks the walk because it didn't fit into her new life.. She is a coastie who seemingly has let go of her relationship with the Lord to fit into the CG world...maybe that isn't what led her away from the Lord at all, but it hits me everytime I've talked to her about it.. I am not willing to give up relationship with God to pursue this career... I've reminded the Lord that He put me here and I need His strength in this.. Your prayers on this matter would be amazing!! Thanks guys..

A week at a smallboat station

Watch out...we're armed and dangerous!!
Here for your protection!!

So, last I updated this I was returning from an amazing time in Washington DC... This past week I spent my days at a Coast Guard smallboat station riding along with the crew on their daily patrols and various other jobs upon the sea. It was quite a week. I enjoyed riding along in a fast, zippy little 25 foot boat while the crew re-vamped their patrol routes and such in the navigator equipment on board. I also was given the opportunity to ride along in a 41foot boat on another crew's daily patrol. During this patrol the crew showed me how to pivot the boat off the dock and let me take her out and follow the track. Ever had lightly battered, fried pickle slices?? Yummy!!
Finally on Friday I was unable to carry on and requested to leave work early to go home and sleep the rest of the day. Arriving home around 8:30am, I was in bed by 9 and slept till noon, then another three hours in the afternoon.. Guess I picked something up while I was in D.C. and had never quite gotten my feet back under me to fight it off. Feeling much better after a lot of good sleep.

Looking forward to finding yet another church to visit tomorrow and worshipping with a body of believers. It has been a challenge not having a regular body of believers to fellowship with whether in a church or outside of the church. I believe the Lord has answered our prayers though. Recently a friend called and told me about an Officers Christian Fellowship that meets on Tuesday nights. I've been excited about it ever since I found out about it. Anyway, I am planning to go this next Tuesday night. Please keep me in your prayers as I could really use some good Christian fellowship. Thanks..

Hard @ work!! This is the view from where I was working...

Well, this should get you up to date for now. God bless you all.. Keep in touch!!

Presidential Inauguration Adventure...

My house from the outside at night

Hello Friends and Family,

I have been busy and enjoying quite an adventure of late. I reported into my duty station in Pensacola, FL and moved into a nice home with my roommate. Not two weeks after I moved in and began to get settled was I on an airplane headed for Washington D.C. Let me tell you a bit more of the story.

I actually volunteered for this adventure and have not regretted it. Upon learning of the possibility of going DC I quickly informed the appropriate individuals of my interest. I figured that it wouldn't work out because of the lateness of my station recieving the notice needing volunteers. But within days I learned that I was part of a 6 person party that was being sent to D.C. and that's how the whole ordeal began. We flew to DC on the 13th and checked into our hotel there, then reported to the work sight the next morning. I soon found myself gainfully employed as an assistant to the liaison of the whole operation. The liaison is responsible for maintaining contact with our CG liaisons working with the other military and government services that were involved in the operation. It was fun. I went to some interesting places around town to make sure everything was ready for our liaisons to arrive and begin working. I was also part of an escorting/hosting party for VIPs and dignitaries who visited our camp site. I met an Admiral, a General, and a Major General throughout the course of my trip.

My friend Keidi and I
Unlike some crazy pictures that I put on facebook as a bit of a joke, I was not present at the inauguration. I watched it on TV like the rest of you all. Unlike you all, we were standing around waiting and watching to see if something would go wrong, because that would be when we would have gone into action. The whole operation was set up in the event of a breech in security. With groups out patrolling the waters both on and off shore, we were prepared. It was cool being a part of an operation that was working with many other security services. WoW!!! I learned a lot about how the CG works in this capacity. I had studied it some in OCS, but now was able to see what I'd previously only read about in action. I loved being a part of it. In addition to learning a lot about this particular operation, I was also able to make lots of good connections and friends. I visited with many over the course of the two works who gave me many different ideas of what I can do with my CG career..where I can take it..what I can learn..and how and who to talk to. I'm rather excited about these many possibilities. I also met some cool aviators and enjoyed hanging out with them a bit.
Evenings were pretty busy, even after a 10-12 hour work day. I often returned from work to our nice hotel to use the gym facilities that were available to guests. Then head out to dinner with various people that I was working with. This was always a fun time trying new restaurants in the area and getting to know people outside of a work environment. The CG society is quite an interesting one.
After the inauguration we spent a few days cleaning things up and then had a couple free days while waiting for our flight home. This was a nice time that we were able to head into downtown Washington D.C. and see the sights. We walked through various Smithsonian museums, the botanical gardens beside the Capitol building, around the Mall area, as well as downtown. I enjoyed the Air and Space Museum the most I guess.
Finally, time to return back to P'cola and rest up. I was very ready to return home and get some rest. I will start working at a small boat station in Pensacola for this next week while I am still waiting for my training to begin. I won't actually begin classes until the end of April due to a long waiting list. I'm on the list though and my wait isn't as long as others' have been. PTL!!!

I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue to look for a local church to attend regularly and for Christian community here. It has been very much a challenge living, working, and hanging with non-believers constantly. I love them, but need spiritual fellowship as well. Thank you all for your prayer support and interest in what the Lord is doing in my life. This time is challenging, but the Lord is good to see me through. I'm thankful for His strength through each new challenge. Love to hear from you all.. Keep in touch.

Pensacola, FL

My house at night!

Finally in Pensacola, FL, moved into a 3-bedroom house with a roommate, and now waiting to start flight training. I don't officially begin the second phase of flight training until the end of April. Yeah seems like a long time, but it's a waiting list and that's just how things go. I was bumped past the first phase of the flight training because I already have flight time & pilot's certifications. Anyway... So in the meantime, I'll be doing various things to keep me occupied. Right now, I am sitting in an airport on my way to Washington D.C. to stand duty at the Presidential Inauguration. I'm not sure what all that will entail at this moment, only that I'll be working for the next 11 days in D.C. Looking forward to this experience and having an opportunity to see a new place, get some work experience and exposure, and travel. Smile.. Kind of exciting!!

My Front Room minus the pics we have put up since this pic!

So, getting to P'cola was a nice drive. I made it as far as Memphis and stayed with some friends of friends who opened their home to me to break up the trip. It wasn't a long trip, but 14 hours in a truck would have been a long day...especially right after New Years Eve the night before. Arrived in Pensacola to find the living arrangements that I had made not to be what I had expected. Surprise surprise.. I shouldn't have been surprised since this is not unusual. I ended up staying in a hotel for the first night and then made arrangements to stay with some friends who already had a house here until I could make other living arrangements. Within a few days I was moving into my own home with a girl I graduated OCS with in December. The Lord provided once again and it's better than I even expected. Smile... PTL!!!
Furniture hunting with friends!

My first day checking into the flight school was good. I have been meeting other Coasties (as we call ourselves) and settling into the area. Familiarizing myself with Pensacola and the surrounding areas. Craigslist has become my good friend as I've found many things through that which are quite useful in the house. PTL!!!

I guess that catches you all up a bit. Keep in touch

Pensacola, FL

Just a quick update.. I arrived safely in Pensacola, FL yesterday January 2nd. My truck was fabulous, carrying all of my personal belongings. Smile... Yes, my parents are excellent packers and with them I was able to fit everything into my truck and not rent a u-haul. PTL!!!

So, now I'm in Florida without a place to live yet, but praying and trusting the Lord to provide even that. I had made arrangements to stay on base, but arrived to find the situation other than what I was led to understand. Either poor communication or simply I didn't understand. Oh well.. that's life I suppose. It has been very unsettling because I'm an organized, planned individual, but the Lord is encouraging and strengthening me even as I sit and update you all.

The drive to Pen. was nice. No problems along the way thankfully. I stayed with a family, some friends of friends, just outside of Memphis, TN. to get me part way the first day. They were a lovely family and we had a great time visiting for the evening before I got up the next day bright and early to be on my way down the road... Smile.. Somehow I managed to sleep through my alarm set for 5:30am, so though not quite as early as planned, at least my body woke me up automatically a lil later.. PTL!!! Drove through some beautiful countryside, cotton fields, woods, the "sticks" really.. It was quite lovely, expect for when I wasn't sure where the next gas station would be and I was beginning to get low.. Smile.. but even that worked out and I found a little expensive gas station. Grin.. The weather here is nice, though a little muggy actually. Not sure what it will be like today since I had heard it was supposed to rain. We'll see.

Well, I had a wonderful Christmas and New Years at home. It was great to get to spend time with friends and family. My family was awesome in helping me get ready to go again and figure out what I might need for my future on my own. Hope that you all had equally lovely holidays this year. Happy New Year!!..

Thanks for staying in touch.. Greatly appreciate all the prayers and friendship. Praying I'll find a place to live soon and that things will smooth out here a bit and I can settle in for a while. Keep me in your prayers continually please.. God bless you all..