Wednesday May 26 Turks

 

Today Bonnie and Mike played tour guides. They ran us all over the island for all the highlights. We went from the richest areas to the poorest ones. And there is a huge difference. It is heartbreaking to see and hear about all the poor people here, and the suffering that goes on. There are people that live in the bushes. We were in the middle of nowhere coming back from a beach when we passed a mother and son on the road walking. Mike stopped and Bonnie hopped out and offered them a ride. We put the woman in the back seat with Evelyn and I and the 14 year old son in the back trunk area. The woman started crying and was so greatful for the ride. She was on her way to work and had to walk probably about 4-5 miles to find a jettney (a illegal taxi run by anyone that wants to drive around). Of course I was crying too. She said that they lived in a house, but the government had given it too them and it is too far away from work.

One of the fun places we went was to the pirate caves. It was also out in the middle of nowwhere. We climbed down the ladder into the caves. I took my shoes off and walked in the ocean to cool off. I'm telling you, it is hot, hot, hot! It feels like China.

Mother's Day 2010

We had a great visit with Kevin today, Mother's Day! We were able to meet with him from 2:30-5:00. We had to sign in and then they would call the cadet out. Big hugs! I miss that kid.

He gave us a schedule of his activities.
4:50 AM out of bed. Shave, teeth, and waiting for PT to start at 6:00.
PT starts, They run 6 miles.
7:00 Breakfast- eggs, hash browns, oatmeal, sasauge, fruit
Shower in the Tree Of Life. Meaning 6 to a shower. And anywhere from 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
Dress in BDU's. Sweatshirt, blue pants, and boots.
9:30-11:30 Leave for Jobs. Kevin is working in a warehouse for Napa Auto. He says it is boring. But they do get credit for working. No pay, but credit.

12:00 lunch

After lunch is school. He is taking 4 classes. Science, Social Studies, Math, Language Arts, work experience, PT counts as PE.

6:30 Dinner

After dinner is homework, reading, letter writing.

On weekends they get to do community service. And they have gotten to go on the repelling tower. They also went out and saw a bunch of military airplanes. Bryce Weight was there guarding the planes. Kevin says he would like a job like that.

His platoon got a new leader who is really hard core. The boys were talking and he took them out and made them do pushups, sit ups, and leg lifts in the mud. Kevin said they were totally dirty and their clothes have never been the same again.

Thanks to everyone that has been writing him. He really appreciates the letters. They are getting him through.

I am so proud of Kevin.

Heard from my other boys today too! And my daughter-in-laws have been wonderful on this Mother's Day!

Finished

 

 

 

The finished lawn!

Ryker and Grandma "ma"

 

I love Ryker. He and I love to go see the "Baa" (sheep down the road). He also loves to go to the park down the street and play on the jungle gym. I just have to say park or Baa and he is ready to go!

Putting in a lawn

 

Rich and I came down to Cedar to help Ben and Mandi put in a lawn. When we got there we saw piles of sand and dirt. But after lots of hard work from everyone we got it finished! It looks great! So glad we were here to help.

Kolob Canyon

 

 

 

 

We took a drive down to Kolob Canyon with Mandi, Ben, and Ryker, on Sunday. We had a picnic and took a mile long hike to see some awesome scenery.
On the way home we took a back road home and crossed about 5 streams. One of them was really deep and Ben went airborn going thru one crossing. Mandi and I jumped out of the truck because we were freaked out, but we left Ryker in the truck in our haste to get out. After we got going again Ryker covered his eyes with his hat. Think we freaked him out!

Alaska Military Academy

 

We were able to go and spend 3 hours with Kevin today! It was wonderful. I was so worried that he would be begging to come home, or wanting to quit, but that was NOT the case! He seemed very happy to be there and full of hope for the future.

They had them all march into the gym with everyone clapping. They were very prescise in their movement. Military style. Kevin is the spitting image of Adam! I couldn't believe how much they look alike. They stood at attention while Mr. Jones, the deputy director (I had his son in 4th grade), did introductions and opened with prayer. He gave a speech. There was another speech by a guy who looked pretty important. Then the woman who did the leading of the plattons gave a speech. Mr. Jones gave the closing prayer, and then we were able to go and meet with our Cadet.

I had been worrying for such a long time that it would be hard, but Kevin has already grown so much. He looks so good. Told us all about it.
The strip searches, the marching and pushups, the group showers, lack of food, sleeping in a tent on the ground. They don't even get any mayo or catsup or salt. They have to earn it. I had brought some chocolate chip cookies, but they were not allowed to have them. I asked Kevin if he wanted one and he said no way, I want my bed. There aren't enough beds and I don't want to lose mine.

He is looking forward to the next few weeks and told us of the things that are planned for them. This week they get to go to the jump tower. They will also go rappelling, and ride in a Black Hawk.

We had to say good bye and I got in lots of hugs. But I feel so much better now that I know he is doing so well.
I am so proud of him.