The Rest of the Story Part III: Successful Ending

For those who have read parts I and II of my "Rest of the Story" series, I welcome you to what I expect will be the final installment. First of all, a hearty congratulations to everyone who found out yesterday that they made "Chief". I have been passed over two years now, so we'll see how next year goes. It's hard to be too disappointed when God has given me so much, as you will see in this post.

We begin where I left off in my last post. I spent four weeks in the holds division. I mentored Sailors where I could, helped whomever I could help, and worked hard on my weight.

This past Monday, however, was significant. If I were to be able to execute my orders, meaning still get to Great Lakes and teach Navy Sailors, I would need to get into my Journeyman Instructor Training (JIT) classes this week. I was more than a little nervous Saturday and Sunday. I felt that God would carry me through if he were done with me at holds. If he needed me there a little longer, then I wouldn't pass, wouldn't get to go to JIT, and wouldn't get to go to Great Lakes. I had no idea what the Navy would do with me, but I expected I was going to JIT anyway, so I wasn't too worried.

Spiritually, I felt God had done everything with me he needed to do in the holds division. Most of the young Sailors I had worked with were moving on to other things, so I felt that I too would be moving on. That didn't mean Monday morning, with an official weight and body fat check, wasn't more than a little harrowing. But they passed me! God had provided yet again, and I was and am so grateful!

In all, I have lost 4 inches on my waist and a total of 18 pounds. But that was just my part. God really carried the day by providing a way for me to help a bunch of junior sailors. Now that I'm in my instructor school, I am preparing myself to help even more sailors as they prepare for the fleet. So, here I come Great Lakes! Let's see what God will do now!