starting to freak out

Daniel has been gone for 3 weeks today. I think I've been doing really well and actually been pretty patient waiting to hear from him. The last time I heard from him was on the bus between the airport and the base on Jan. 5. Since then, I've received the form postcard and the form letter from his commander, but nothing directly from Daniel.

I have made connections with the mother and the wife of two soldiers in Daniel's platoon. They have both received phone calls and letters, so I don't think it is a matter of the guys not earning the privilege.

The tip of the iceberg on my worry train was last night. I saw a facebook post from the mother of one of the soldiers in Daniel's platoon. She got a letter from her son that he has injured his knee and and is currently in physical therapy. I am shocked that she wasn't somehow made aware of this until she got her son's letter four days after the fact. I would certainly think the Army would've let him call under those circumstances?

I'm starting to freak out that Daniel is hurt or for some other reason isn't participating with the rest of his platoon? I've sent him postage stamps and a calling card. My mind is probably just getting the best of me, and I need to stop worrying ... please pray for peace and comfort for me, and that Daniel writes or calls his mother soon!

missing him

I posted on Facebook this week about how much I was missing Daniel. Shortly thereafter, a good friend sent me this message that made my day:

In John 16, where Jesus was trying to explain to the disciples about how he would be gone from them and He would return, they were confused. He explained to them that they would be very sad for what the world would do to Him (Jesus). Then he continued. May His Word touch your sadness and replace it with peace. Denise

[from The Message] John 16:

21-23 "When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have rigght now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.

23-24 "This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and He'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!"

I still haven't heard from Daniel directly, but I have made contact (via Facebook) with two other people who have loved ones in Daniel's platoon. This does make me feel closer to him, and I am getting some information via letters they've received from their loved ones.

I shared Daniel's address with several people today at a family get together as well as at church. I hope that ya'll will write to him soon. Regardless of whether or not Daniel is able to write back, I know that he appreciates it. Please know that although Daniel can't have any care packages yet, he can receive: cough drops, mole skin (cut in the useable sizes since they can't have scissors), long distance phone cards, and postage stamps.

I also encourage you to share scripture with Daniel. You can do so either in your letters, by posting comments to this blog, or by emailing me directly at lyndalhart@gmail.com.

According to information I've been able to find, this coming week may be the worst week of bootcamp yet. One of the things they'll have to do this week is go into a gas chamber with and without a gas mask! Daniel can use all of the prayers and support that we can send to him. The following week (if they pass all of the requirements this week), they will move into "white phase" which is slightly calmer with a few more freedoms.

Daniel is an incredible young man who has never given up and always follows what he believes is God's perfect will for his life. I don't expect that to change! I am grateful for your prayers, and I know he is too.

You can do it son!!!

understanding the mission

I know that God's plans are not always for us to understand. I struggled with Daniel's statement that God called him to join the Army, and in particular the Corps of Engineers. I struggled because I know Daniel's heart and his love for people, especially those who are hurting. I didn't understand, but I trusted that Daniel is in tune with our Lord and knew what it is he is supposed to do.

Then 8 days ago, the hurricane hit Haiti. My heart broke for the people who lost their loved ones and their homes. I remembered how the Texas Baptist Men come to the rescue of those who suffer loss such as these. But then something even more miraculous happened. I learned that the Army Corps of Engineers was going in to help. Yes, I had previously heard about the Army Corps of Engineers helping others in times of disaster, but lately everything Army-related has been about the war in Afghanistan. It didn't even occur to me at first that they would be going into Haiti to help the people recover from their terrible loss.

All of a sudden, Daniel's "calling" became clear. Of course, since he is still at boot camp, he won't be going to Haiti (or anywhere else) until at least May. But doing rescue and clean up work is right up Daniel's alley. He truly has a heart for people, and I know that God will use him wherever he is sent.

Thank you God for using the tragedy in Haiti to reveal to me just a part your master plan!

Thank you Daniel for following God's will, even when we (or I) may not understand it. I struggle with seeing you as a young man (as opposed to just a boy), but your amazing strength and obedience to God truly reveals that you are indeed a man of God! I pray constantly that God will continue to keep you safe and comfort you as you follow his will.

a "gift" for Daniel

Daniel's 19th birthday will be February 6. Because he is in bootcamp, we can't send him any type of tangible gift. But what we can send him is love and notes of encouragement. My goal for Daniel's 19th birthday is to try to find 19 people who will send him a birthday card. It can be any type of card EXCEPT cards that make noise or have confetti in them. It can even be homemade. If you would be willing to participate in this birthday gift for Daniel, please send me an email at lyndalhart@gmail.com and I will send you his address.

I just got his address!

I just got Daniel's mailing address. I am sooooo happy that I can finally start writing to him! If you would like to write to him directly, please send me an email at lyndalhart@gmail.com. I have been advised not to post his address on a public forum or website for his own protection. Unfortunately, there are crazies out there who would like to threaten harm to our soldiers.


Alternatively, you can post on this blog. Just click on "comment" underneath any of my posts and send a message to him (or me). I plan to print all messages that are directed to him and will include them with my letters.

I just looked up Daniel's unit on the base website. This picture is the symbol for his particular training company. They are called "the Crusaders." It reminds me of pictures I've seen in Sunday school growing up of the Armor of God. He even has a cross on his chest. Coincidence? I don't thinks so ...

Meeting other parents in the same boat

Today, I found another parent of a 21b (combat engineer) future soldier who arrived at Fort Leonard Wood on the same day that Daniel did (Jan. 4). We connected through the Fort Leonard Wood page on facebook. We are thinking that our boys may be in the same unit. I am so glad to have another "connection" to Daniel.

I am still hoping that I get a real letter or phone call from Daniel soon. I am so anxious to hear from him. I know that he is safe and incredibly busy in intense training, so I feel a bit selfish about needing/wanting him to communicate with me. I trust that God will keep him safe and that Daniel is doing everything that he needs to do to be a well trained soldier.

I noticed when writing to the other mother that I "met" through facebook that I kept referring to our sons as "boys." I am still having some difficulty seeing him as a young man! But I know that is exactly what he is. He is a man of GOD! And he will soon be a solider in the US Army. (I've been told that he isn't officially a "soldier" until after his 9th week of training, which is the end of the boot camp portion of his training and the beginning of his combat engineer training, although he'll be training with the same drill sergeants for the entire time he's there.)

I am so proud of the decisions that Daniel has made and the decisions that he continues to make. I love him soooo much! He has been called by God, and he is doing what he has been called to do. What else could I ask?

I got "the Postcard"

I am so excited that I received "the Postcard." This is the form note from the Army that lets me know that Daniel has arrived safely. He isn't able to add any personal comment or information, and I don't have his address yet. Nevertheless, I am still excited to have some (any) communication from him.

The front of the postcard is addressed in his handwriting to "Mom and Dad" (not our names). This made me smile! Yes, I cried a bit too ...

The remainder of the postcard is a pre-typed military form (other than his signature at the bottom). This is what the postcard says:

"I have arrived safely at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I am undergoing my initial processing at 43d AG Bn (RCPT) prior to beingg assigned to a unit for training. I will only be here 4 or 5 days, and then I will ship to a training company. Do not write to me at the address on this card or to the 43d AG Bn (RCPT). I will send you my mailing address within the next week when I am assigned to a training comapny. Also, I will inform you as to the date that I am graduating. Fore more information on my stay at Fort Leonard Wood, go to www.wood.army.mil/grad.

If I should be needed at home because of serious illness or death of a member of our immediate family, contact the Red Cross Chapter nearest home, explain the emergency and give them my name, rank, social security number, and military address. They will contact the Red Cross Field Director here and the Director will inform my Commanding Officer and me. This is the only way I can get an emergency leave."

Also, I noticed that the postcard is postmarked January 8. I am pleased that it arrived quickly. I am also surprised that the base was open that day since it was soooo cold that day.

In any event, I am very happy to know that he is safe and will be shipping to his unit soon (if not already). I'll let ya'll know when I have his mailing address or receive any future letters or calls.