Beauty Around Me

This is what I see every day. 

LT

Today, I was promoted to Lieutenant. As the deputy chaplain was about to administer the oath to me, the master guns (master gunnery sergeant) called the room to attention. The oath was administered and I prided myself for not getting emotional when I repeated “with no mental reservation” and “so help me God”. I seem to get emotional every time I say those two lines. My sponsor pinned on my railroad tracks and the ceremony ended. I could not have asked for two better, more amazing chiefs who worked in tandem to make heads or tails of my records to make this happen so quickly. In their honor, I will be making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Fund because that seems to me to be the most meaningful way I can show them how deeply I am thankful for all they have done for me. 

COL

As per the check-in process, you meet with your commanding officer. I got to meet with the Colonel and have lunch with her. During lunch, she shared a philosophy that something inside me responded very strongly to. She said that she asks her NCOs (non-commissioned officers, such as corporals and sergeants) “what have you done to earn your rank today?” She’s right and so every day, I find something that moves me forward towards being the best base chaplain I can be. Today, it was running from the chapel back to the BOQ (Bachelor Officer’s Quarters), which is about 3.5 miles. 

Driving on the Right side of the road

I bought a car. It’s a Mercedes Benz. Don’t get excited, it’s sort of like a CRV. With a big dent on the left side. It’s called ‘The Tomato’ because the last owner’s son named it such and I like it, so the name sticks.

Buying the car was the easy part. It’s the driving that makes me uncomfortable and I have been driving since I was 15. Here in Okinawa, we drive on the left side of the road and we drive from the right side of the car. My biggest worry is when I am making a right hand turn. I have to remember to not drive into oncoming traffic. I have been driving for about a week now and I am a less worried driver and simply more conscious.

You thought I bought the car on the left side of the picture above, didn't you.
Keep scrolling.

And that's the tomato - dent along the left side of the car and all. 

iPhone, your phone

In the 12 hours that I have been on the island, I have acquired two phones.

I have a work phone (dumb phone) and an iphone.

My work phone is in Japanese and French. That weird giggle you just made, I made it as well. 

Let's see if I can keep you laughing. 

In this country, it is cheaper to own an iphone than an android.  I miss my android. Badly.

So, not only do I NOT understand my work phone, but I am slowly learning how to use an iphone.  

Welcome Wagon

After traveling for about 24 hours, I landed expecting to see only Yoni and Leora. Instead, I was greeted by the Warrens, the Blacks and the Rutledges. Six happy, smiling faces who greeted me with hugs, smiles and laughter. I can’t wait to do this for another chaplain. 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

I find it humorous that on the way to Okinawa, one of the movie options was the Karate Kid. 

Chutes and Ladders

Stop me if you've heard this one before. 

So I report to Norfolk to start the process to get to Okinawa when I am told that I am not in the system. According to their records, I am still a reservist. 

An entire day later, I end up at the NOSC in Norfolk, talking to PS1 who saved the day with a 5 minute phone call to my NOSC in Orlando. 

Now, I am going back to the offices I have already been to and things are moving - until I am told that I have been separated from the NAVY - not reserve, not active duty. WHAT?????

For each step I took in this process, I felt like I was taking 15 steps back. 

This time, however, I got everything taken care of and am on my way to Okinawa. 

It was by a herculean effort by RP2 Hernandez, who was assigned to me, was amazing!! She got me to every appointment, sat with me through the chaos and laughed with me when the situation was so silly and explained to everyone what it was I was supposed to be doing, since I could not explain it myself. 

And to reward me for keeping up a good attitude, I got my ticket to Oki the next day. 

Sayonara, US of A!