Week II - Fort Bliss

" I But I call to God, and the LORD saves me"

-Psalm 55.16 (NIV)

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Currently Listening:	James Abbington. 49 Hidden Treasures from the African American Heritage Hymnal. 2006 N.E.R.D. Seeing Sounds. 2008
Currently Reading:	Wadell, Paul. Happiness and the Christian Moral Life: An Introduction to Christian Ethics. 2008 Kierkegaard, Soren. Works of Love. 1847

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This past week started off pretty bad. I caught the flu. I was owt like a five-year old in church without Transformers. I was hurt. Praise be to God, I feel much better. I'm about 98.6%. Yeah, I know its a random figure. Ya manz thought it was over. When I was getting my blood draw at the Beaumont Army Medical Center, wheeeeew! Man listen, vision was blurry. I was light headed, body heat rose really high, and I straight passed out. All I said was "Oh God, Jesus help me!" The Leiutenant who was drawing my blood was really calm. I'm like how you gonna be calm while I'm passing out before your eyes? I guess he knew what he was doing. I'm straight now!

Counseling was VERY interesting this week. This is indeed a special work. The issues that the soldiers are facing are very unique to this environment.

I'm working in a TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command) environment. In the TRADOC environment, everyone is trained in their MOS (Military Occupational Speciality) or their job. I'm counseling many soldiers fresh out of BCT (Basic Combat Training or "Boot Camp"). They come straight from 12 weeks of BCT to spend anywhere from 7 to 28 weeks in AIT (Advanced Individual Training) depending on their MOS. The issues have been so varied. I had one soldier call me a used car salesman! (Implying that I'm trying to sell him the Army life.) Yeah, aight. I didn't tell you to sign up for this! In the words of my every Drill Sergeant in the US Army, "I didn't lie to you. Blame your Recruiter, not me!"

This week, I'm being moved to FORSCOM (US ARMY Forces Command). FORSCOM is where most soldiers are post training, ready for deployment.

I'm trying to catch up with my homework while maintaining my workload here. I'm caught up in one class, but FAR behind in two. I have to get that together. I also have to begin preparing my sermon for the 13th. I'm preaching at the Gospel service.

I'm starting to get used to the heat and thin air here. I think I will be able to run more effectively when I get back to Boston. I'm losing weight which is a great thing. I lost about 10lbs. I think it was a combination of me eating right, exercising and yeah, having the flu!

I saw a couple movies on my days off. I saw both Indiana Jones and Wanted both starring Shia Lebeouf. He's not that great of an actor, but I'm all about someone with a job. Heck, I got three!

One of my high school best friends came to visit me as he was driving from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX to live with the third member of our high school trifecta. It was great seeing him. It was hard because it was when the flu first kicked in. We watched the CELTICS WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Our conversation was very different. It was his first time seeing me in an Army setting. It was a great time.

Liz is visiting for the weekend of the 4th. We are having dinner at the Installation Chaplain's house. It should be great. I'm also trying to figure out how we can watch UFC 86! Yeah, we watch MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)! "Rampage" Jackson vs. Forrest Griffin! Should be off the chain!

Please keep me in prayer as I keep you. Enjoy the pics. God Bless!

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Room 207 at the Biggs Army Air Field. There is NOTHING HERE! I miss the hotel on Main Post.

Well, here is the El Paso Intelligence Center. I guess that's something.

Me at work, between counseling appointments

Me after a long day of work.

Week I - Fort Bliss

""Now may the Lord's strength be displayed, just as you have declared"

-Numbers 14.17 (NIV)

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Currently Listening:	James Abbington. 49 Hidden Treasures from the African American Heritage Hymnal. 2006 N.E.R.D. Seeing Sounds. 2008
Currently Reading:	Wadell, Paul. Happiness and the Christian Moral Life: An Introduction to Christian Ethics. 2008 Kierkegaard, Soren. Works of Love. 1847

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Even though this verse was said by Moses to God as he was negotiating the lives of a people who were repeatedly sinful, this verse best describes my first week.

The Celtics are 4-2, on the brink of winning their first NBA title since 1986. Its truly a blessing for those involved and Boston fans everywhere. It stirs up moments of my childhood when I wore a 1984 Celtics cut-off sweatshirt with the entire team in caricature form. I remember Kevin McHale, Chief and Bird. My mom and I bonded around the Celtics. Those days are the days of the past. Today, my mom could not name anyone on the team past Pierce and Garnett. I can not relive that moment in time, but I will always have the memory.

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El Paso is HOT! I think this is where God banished Satan after the beat down he took from Michael the Archangel. Hell can't possibly be this hot. I'm starting to look like Wesley Snipes. I guess it may be a good thing since light skin brothers ain't been in since El Debarge. Boris Kodjoe tried, but wasn't all that successful. I digress...

It was a hassle getting here. I was stuck in Dallas/Fort Worth for an hour longer than I anticipated. I was happy that it wasn't as bad as it was when I went to Fort Jackson. That sucked. I met some soldiers and that shared their war stories of Iraq. As they cursed and used language that was unflattering about Iraqi insurgents, they would apologize..."Sorry Chaplain." The beautiful thing isn't that they apologized, it was the fact that they distinguished Iraqi insurgents from innocent Iraqi citizens who are stuck in between the war.

I made it to the post and almost flipped out when I was told that I may have to go to the Y due to space issues. I was upset not because I'm too good for the Y or anything, its because I made my reservation. The Sergeant on duty at the Welcome Center was hands down, THE MAN! He made sure I was taken care of and dropped some knowledge on me. He was very efficient, even though "Martin" was playing in the background. It was the episode when Martin and Gina are hustling to prepare for the wedding. "Damn GEEEEENAAAAHHHH!"

The rest of the week was mostly in processing, aka, "making sure I get paid!" It worked out thus far. There were some supervised counseling sessions. Of course, due to confidentiality, I can not reveal what was discussed.


This past Sunday, I went to the Gospel Service aka, Black Baptist church. It was great. The Chaplain is one of the few white guys I have met that can really preach in the African American tradition short of being Black. At the end of the service, the Installation Chaplain (aka, every chaplain at the post's boss) asked me to preach there the Sunday before I leave. God is Good!
My battle buddy and I then had lunch at the Installation Chaplain's house. His wife can make a mean meatloaf!

Below are some pictures with captions. I gotta run and get some work done for school...I gotta remind myself that I am still in seminary. God Bless.

A view of the mountain outside of the post. Its Juarez, Mexico.

Barret and I.B.A. (Interceptor Body Amour). On this post, Chaplain Candidates wear the "Christian Chaplain Cross."

El Paso Diablos baseball game. It was fun. The Diablos played against Shreveport Sports. They were leading until the 7th inning when it all fell apart. The Sports took it 19-11. Its was still fun!

Me rocking my new Diablos hat and of course, my Red Sox shirt. Gotta represent!

Nick, my battle buddy!

RED SOX NATION in El Paso. There were more people without Red Sox shirts.

This was a dance number by some little girls from El Paso. It is so adorable, as you hear me say in the video. The little one who appears to be no more that 18 months looks so confused!

Close to ADT

"...I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,
And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens."

-Ezra 9.5b-6

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Currently Listening:	Lupe Fiasco. The Cool. 2007 The Roots. "Marathon Man". 2007
Currently Reading:	Lovin, Robin. Christian Ethics: An Essential Guide. 2000 Whitehead, James D. & Whitehead, Evelyn E. Method in Ministry: Theological Reflection and Christian Ministry. 1995

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I have a couple weeks until I leave for Active Duty Training (ADT) this summer at Fort Bliss, TX. There is so much to do in so little time. Take a look:

SCHOOL

I just finished one semester! I am officially a "Middler" in seminary! However, I just started a semester. Its going to be hectic. I just got my grades from this past semester and I did not perform like I wanted to. My GPA took a hit. Not bad enough to jeopardize my scholarship, but not acceptable for me. I did not manage my time wisely while at training. This summer will be my "Do-Over" since I will be doing the same thing again.

CHURCH

Its going okay. I'm in prayer over the issue to dual aligment/ordination. Keep me in prayer.

WORK

I'm here now pounding away at the workload. Its a lot since I'll be gone for a long time. I have to set up my co-workers with the tools to succeed while I'm at training. Tonights going to be a LONG one.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

The Frat is great. Our Regional Meeting went well. I connected with some of my fraternity brothers who are also in the Army. It's great. I have to email some because they will be at Ft. Bliss this summer as well.

Serving as the Chapter Chaplain has been an intense job. God has blessed me. I also have been asked by my Regional Polaris (Director) to consider becoming the Director of Miltary Affairs for the Region. I'm praying on it.

The Army

My unit is awesome. My commander is the best.

_____________________

Going back to the base on Active Duty is going to be an adjustment. I only been back for a couple months but the re-adjustment to military life is going to be a challenge. Keep me in prayer. God Bless!

The Return...

"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."

-Galatians 5.22-23 (MSG)

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Currently Listening:	Various Artists. 100 Masterpieces:Vol 1 (1685 - 1730) Various Artists. 100 Masterpieces:Vol 2 (1731 - 1775) Corinne Bailey Rae. [Self titled]. 2007 Glenn Lewis. World Outside My Window. 2002
Currently Reading:	Hesse, H. Siddhartha. 1920 Clift, Jean and Wallace. The Archetype of Pilgrimage: Outer Action With Inner Meaning. 2004

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I'm HOME! I've been home for about two weeks. Things have been going okay. Trying to get back into the swing of things. Its interesting how some things have changed since I have been gone.

SCHOOL

School is going okay. My professors were upset at me because of my lack of participation in online discussions. It was my fault. I greatly under-estimated how much time I would be training at Fort Jax. I should not have trusted the schedule! I'm back into the swing of things though. Playing catch up and listening to CH (MAJ) Austin who strongly suggested that I map out my curriculum plan in conjunction with my Chaplain career goals. Its harder than I thought.

CHURCH

Its going well. I received a warm welcome from many members of the congregation. The youth seemed very happy to see me. I am very blessed because I have been asked to preach on Good Friday! Ya manz got HOLIDAYS! "I'm on the 'come up' like AZ! Moving on up like George and Wheezy!"

WORK

Getting back into the correctional institution flow. One of my co-workers is leaving to go back to school. Some are intrigued about my service and confused on why I would join the Army during war time. Inmates I have counseled over the years are leaving, either completing their sentence or being granted parole. I hope they don't come back. The hardest thing was finding out that a young man I counseled was shot and killed a couple of weeks before I left for Ft. Jax. No one told me.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

The Frat is fine. There were setbacks that occurred while I was at Ft. Jax. They still have to be addressed. We are having a New England Conference at the end of March and our Spring Regional (Atlantic Coast Region: Maine through New Jersey) Meeting at the end of April. Its a lot! I am planning the prayer breakfast and my brothers have asked me to preach as well. Its truely a blessing.

The Army

I'm back home in my unit. My Commander had me present a briefing on CHBOLC: CIMT and Phase I to the unit. The unit was very supportive and enjoyed it. I was happy that it went smoother that the last time, before I left. We have a decision briefing coming up and I feel prepared because of CHBOLC.

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My family and friends are doing well. They missed me and I missed them. I do miss Ft. Jackson. I will be return very soon to wrap up CHBOLC. I still correspond with some of my fellow Chaplains and Chaplain Candidates. I know I will see them again. May God Bless you and keep you.

Through the Wire

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

-Jeremiah 29.11 (NLT)

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Currently Listening:	Kanye West. College Dropout. 2004 James Abbington. 49 Hidden Treasures from the African American Heritage Hymnals. 2006 Mary J. Blige. Growing Pains. 2007
Currently Reading:	Army Field Manuals Holy Bible

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My mouth hurts. I am tired. I'm in a helpless state of mind. This is what God wanted. He wanted me to look at life from a helpless state. I kind of feel like Luther and Kanye West. Luther in the sense of battling with God with the knowledge that something greater will result when the pain is gone. Kanye West because I look like him with my face all swole and I really want to work. I miss work. I don't want to lace a track, but I do want to read and complete these assignments. When I start working on them, I get a headache and end up stopping and passing out.

Its funny with Pastors, Preachers and ministers. God speaks through us to get to the masses, but how does God speak to the minister? Usually through tough love. As much pain, frustration and anger I may feel, I am truly blessed. My peers have come through a lot. 2LT Baker has checked up on me everyday after Special Pop PT and went shopping for me. 2LT Bellamy called me up to see if I needed anything during a class break and he is the one that picked me up from the hospital. I get emails from my classmates wishing me well and praying for me. The housekeeping staff have been very nice to me when they come by. Overall, God is showing me the world from a helpless perspective. Its a blessing.

Hum...

"My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of yor eye."

-Proverbs 7.1-2 (NIV)

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Currently Listening:	L. Andre Patterson and the S.H.O.P. Choir. The Lord Is Blessing Me
Currently Reading:	Army Field Manuals Holy Bible

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God and I have been interacting a lot lately. I received more bad news this week. It was very hard for me to receive and I was very angry at God. I yelled at God, and told him how I felt; just like Job did. God, in turn, told me, just like Job, what my problem was. HE definitely gave me a reality check, and like Job, I had to shut my mouth and listen. Its interesting because I just went through wisdom tooth extraction; ALL FOUR! So, God definitely made me shut my mouth and listen whether I liked it or not. I have some things I have to do as soon as I get home. I am very nervous and hesitant however I trust in the Lord to guide my steps.

I received a package from The Meadowbrook School. The 6th graders from my brother Justin McLean's CIV class. It was truly a blessing to receive this package. I want to give a SHOUT OUT to the boys and girls who wrote to me. Your letters touched me and as soon as I am able to speak pain-free (in about 3 days or so), I will read them out loud to my fellow Chaplains.

I do want to answer some of the questions you guys and girls asked:

1. Did you really have to jump from the top of the "Skyscrapper?"

No. I had to climb up to the top with 3 Chaplains and climb back down. The space between the levels increased as you climbed higher and higher. The "Skyscrapper" was really wobbly so I was a little scared. I prayed that it didn't tip over especially when the 4 of us were climbing down at the same time 4 more were climbing up.

2. Is Boot Camp fun?

Yes and no. I like having to run, do push-ups and sit-ups however, I do it Monday through Saturday. I do it at 0500 ( 5AM) and at 1700 (5PM). In between time, we have a LOT of classroom instruction. Sometimes, my instructors are not interesting like Mr. McLean. I get back to my room around 1830 (6:30), do some homework, and get to bed early, 2130 (9:30PM), so I can do it again the next day. I am really tired but I love what I do.

3. Does me ministering to the soldiers remind them of home?

Yes and no. Some soldiers come here never stepping foot into a church, synagogue or temple in their lives so I maybe the first minister they have ever spoken to. That's a blessing. Other soldiers come from families that always went to church so when they see me, there isn't a difference except that I have on an Army uniform instead of a robe.

Thank you once again Meadowbrook School - Mr. McLean's 6th grade CIV class for your letters and the pictures. When I get back to Boston, I would love to speak to you about my experience.

When God doesn't fill you in on the plan...

"...Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

-Job 1.21 (KJV)

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Currently Listening:	NONE
Currently Reading:	Army Field Manuals Holy Bible

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The CIMT (Chaplain Initial Military Training) phase is over. I am now entering Phase I, which consists of PowerPoints, book reports and like surrounding how to be an Officer in the United States Army.

In the mist of all of this, I have begun reflecting on things that are happening in the lives of my peers as well as my own.

1 Chaplain has received notice that he will be voted out and removed from his church upon his return home.

1 Chaplain who has served in Iraq, may not be able to have his wife (married for about 5 years) immigrated here due to "issues" with I.N.S. He has not lived with her for the past 3 years!

1 Chaplain is fighting the possibility of being discharged because of health issues.

1 Chaplain is looking over their shoulder for false allegations of soliciting enlisted personnel.

1 Chaplain is facing divorce upon return to his home.

All theses things are happening and prior to last night, I was in prayer for these individuals. I felt for them. However, last night, I got a phone call from a family member informing me that they are moving. This family member happens to be a best friend of mine. In many respects, this family member is one of the chief cornerstones in my life.

Like my fellow Chaplains who have openly expressed the issues in their lives, I began to ask God "Why? Why didn't you let me know what was going to go down? Why was I left in the dark about this situation? Why was I to find this out now, while I am so far away?"

The above verse came to mind. It has put me at ease a bit. Its going to take some time to come to grips with the situation at hand and adjust my life accordingly. The Lord does give and take away. Although I do not understand why, the Lord will provide me with the strength to pray for not only myself, but my peers as well. I wish you all the best. May God bless you and keep you.

-JMH