Home

I had the opurtunity to go home for the first time in 2 months this past weekend, and I must say, that it was so great. I could name so many reasons why. I have missed people a lot here at school, and i got to see them this past weekend. I will also be skipping home this weekend as well for several reasons, and personally,I can't wait. I hated to leave this past Sunday and drive back here. I must say I tried to put on a happy face, but it was rather depressing. Oh well, that is what happens when you go to college. The point is that this whole thing of home got me thinking. I don't think I coulkd ever call Norwich home, not thatI dont enjoy my stay here, but it is not home. I spend more of the year here than I do in Maine, and yet I still can not call it home. I think that everyone must have some place they can truly call home, and as far as my life, I will always need somewhere to call home.Home generally meaning a place that means a lot to you, where your friends and loved ones are located. Some place where you can leave for a long time, and always know it will be there to return to. I realize that Searsport, ME will not always be my home, but I hope I will never experience a period where I feel that I have no one place to call home. SOmeday I hope that I will have my own home, with my own family, if the Lord permits it. I see that as a glorious day, because it gives a sort of security. Once I reach that point I will never worry about having a place to call home here on earth. Anyway the point being that having a home is such a good thing. It doesn't have to be great and wonderful, but filled with the people you love the most. My sympathies go out to anyone who feels they do not have a place to call home. As for me I have learned not to take such small things for granted.

Armor Platoon

Busy With the Horses

As some of you know I have been busy spending my free time working at the barn we use for CAV. It is technically my job in the corp, but I love it none the less. I have been able to work with the horses quite a bit, and am glad to jump at what ever extra oppurtunities I have to go to the barn. Recently in a weeks time, I was up there 4 times. I did my regular lesseon, I had the oopurtunity to take someone elses place and go for a second lesson, I wen twith some of my rook buddies and learned to lunge horses on Saturday, and I also went and help to do some dirty wrok completely redoing stalls. This entails taking out the mats on the floor, evening out the dirt ground, and finally putting in new shavings. Believe me it is not a pretty business, but I don't mind it, because it comes with the territory of horses. I don't think I have ever met a horse that I did not like, and I don't think I ever will. They are uniques creatures, and it is fun to see how each one has its own little personalities. The way their ears perk up when you talk to them or how they get mad at you when you put on a girth strap or you pick their hooves. I don't think I could ever get tired of being around them. I am sure some day i will grow weary of the incesant work thjat they require, but never of them. I guess maybe it is because I am such an animal lover. Maybe I should have become a vetrinarian, but they don't offer it here, and besides I don't know if I could bring myself to put one down. You may wonder how I can ever become a soldier, because of the fact that I may have to kill people. My answer is simple. Humans lack the simple innocence that animals have, even the most hideaous and dangerous ones. Also just like if an animal tried to kill me, if a man tried to kill me I would kill him first.

Me taking the Oath

Army Oath

As some of you have known I have been preparing to take my oath to contract with the United States Army. I was and nervous and rightfully so days before. It was nothing extravagant or special by any means, but it was a proud moment for me, and when the time came to raise my right hand I wasn't nervous anymore. I knew this was God's plan for me, that eventhough I have often failed to ask for his guidance he has given it to me anyway. I have no regrets that I am now officially a memeber of the Army. I took the oath right there in the front entrance of Jackman hall, and the settign could not have been more appropriate. Beside me stood an American flag and behind me stood the room which holds the medal of honr given to a Norwich grad, and honors all from this school who have recieved it. I could feel the chills go down my spine as I repeated the I would defend the Constitution. I don't want to make it sound like I am extra special. I haven't even done anything yet. It will be years before I ctually get to serve, but it was the bedinning of it all.