We are official now!

Monday and Tuesday of this week we attended SCTC Training. (Support Cadre Training Course) It is required of all personnel who work or do anything with the soldiers on the base. Our instructor had a heavy Spanish accent (seemed kind of funny since he claimed 22 years in the US Army). After we got used to his accent it was easier to understand his words, but he still had funny sentence structure or words at times. The course was about rules, laws, offices, reporting, sexual harassment, suicide prevention, punishment, and all things to do with soldiers. Most of those in attendance were platoon leaders, so we were the odd people there. Most things didn’t apply to our job, but it was interesting to learn what the soldiers have to deal with.


After Family Home Evening, on Tuesday,  Private G___ asked for a blessing because of his big tests coming up. He asked Elder Elkins to give it. It was special and sweet. What a privilege to help these young men, and see their faith.

A new soldier had also asked for a blessing but didn’t stay around long enough on Sunday for it. Two returned missionary soldiers in his unit were asked to give him the blessing. It is also sweet to see this happen, soldiers supporting each other in the gospel.

After lunch we went to the base chapel and met the Garrison Chaplain, Colonel Garrison. (funny name for that position) We were impressed with him, and he was very gracious about our position and the LDS people. He told us about his brother who is an active LDS member. They have a good relationship with each other, and that sure helps us! It will be good to work with him.

Friday the mission cell phone was turned over to us. Elder DeLaney showed Bryan all of the forms on the computer, and Sister DeLaney explained lots of other paperwork to me so that we could completely take over now. They are really getting excited about going “home”, and we are glad to be here to continue the work.

Sunday there were eleven soldiers in attendance, including one female soldier. Private F__ taught the RS/Priesthood lesson and did a great job. He mentioned that he has 4 children and another on the way. He said that sometimes when he feels like quitting, and when he is doing push-ups or other hard things, he can almost hear his children saying, “Come on Dad, you can do it!” He told about a drill sergeant who got really mad at him because he refused to swear, even when ordered to do so. He said that the soldier was “forcing his religion” on him by not swearing. Private F__ explained that he was raised like that, and he wanted to set a good example for his own son. The drill sergeant swore that he would get him to curse by the end of Basic Training. (he didn’t) Times like that he said he would think of a Primary song to get the bad feelings out of his mind.

Fast and testimony meeting was wonderful. Elder DeLaney was conducting so he spoke of leaving soon and how much they have loved serving here. The soldiers bore their testimonies also of how much they appreciate the Military Relations Missionaries, and how much it helps them. Private A__ choked up when he said how much he appreciated all that the military missionaries do for the soldiers. Private T__ said that thinking of the beautiful wife that he is sealed to, gets him through the tough times, when he wants to quit. (He attends the LDS meetings faithfully) Private R__ told how he was greeted by the LDS missionaries at In-Processing (the day he reported here for duty). He was so grateful that they found him on that very first day.

Private T__ told about how he started attending church in Basic Training after 10 years away from the church. When he attended that first meeting he felt calm, and thought, “I’m home”. He said, "How nice it is to be able to slip away from military life on Sundays for a couple hours of peace and escape." If it weren’t for the Military Service missionaries, there would be no place for these LDS members to be together.

Since the soldiers have to miss their lunch to attend our Sunday services, we feed them afterwards. I made pumpkin bread (from our Halloween pumpkin), and 4 pans of enchiladas for lunch after church. The soldiers loved it! They all had seconds and said how good it was to have a home cooked meal.  I was glad they enjoyed my first official meal. It will be interesting to cook like I’m cooking for a family again. I’ll have to cook healthy things, so these soldiers can stay in shape for their training.

My heart is full when I see these soldiers giving talks, teaching lessons, blessing and passing the sacrament in their camouflage uniforms and combat boots. They are so reverent and grateful for the opportunity. The church is true. We are so blessed to be part of this great work. We receive so much more than we can possibly give in this service.