MEPS

Jordan has officially become a solder in the United States Army. Yesterday I took him up to his recruiters office in Grand Rapids. We waited there for a little bit. There were two other "recruits" leaving with him. They had to take a bus over to Lansing so Lorelei and I drove behind. Jordan had to attend a brief meeting that evening but otherwise he was free for a while. So we got to have lunch at PF Chang. Couldn't let Jordan leave without something good in his system!! Lorelei had fun. Jordan got tea and asked for a extra little cup. Lorelei just had water but they had a daddy- daughter tea party! She thought it was pretty fun! 

After lunch we headed over to Barnes and Noble. Jordan wanted something to read on the flight and Lorelei got a Dora book! It was a nice evening together. Jordan had to be back for lights out but we had some good family time. He had fun playing with Lorelei and her new Mr. Potato Head. I think it was hard for him to know she wouldn't understand what was happening today. 
So Jordan left on the bus over to MEPS at 5am this morning. Wake up was at 4:30am so he had just enough time for a quick shower and breakfast. According to him and his roommate, it wasn't the best "last hot meal"! Lorelei and I joined them this morning about 9am. Jordan had some briefings but then they called us in to see him take his oath. There were about a dozen or so people all taking it at the same time. They just went down the line and inserted their name. Some people had families there too. We all stood and watched and then after got to take pictures. Lorelei was excited when we walked in (it was the first time she saw Jordan since the night before). So when we walked in she yelled “Daddy” even though the room was SILENT and they were all in formation. She just didn't quite understand why we had to be quiet but she was good after that! 






After the ceremony was over we got to go sit down for a little while....and wait....and wait...and wait some more. This was my first real “military' experience and I can tell you already. Hurry up and wait is NOT a lie. Jordan had been there since 5 am and had been mostly waiting. Once we go there we waited around til 12pm when we finally decided to say our goodbyes. No one knew how soon he would be leaving or even when he flight was. They just told us we had to wait until the travel briefing. So a little after noon we said goodbye and headed off.
I got a call a little while later and Jordan let me know that he got his flight and was leaving for the airport. He is flying United out of Lansing as I am typing this. He should get in soon to Chicago where he has about an hour layover. Then he leaves for Columbia, SC. He thinks he should get in around 8:30pm or so. Then the “fun” starts. Doesn't sound like he will be getting much, if any, sleep tonight so he is trying to rest on the flights if possible. He has a book written by a guy who has been through basic and said that the minute you get there they yell at you to get off the bus NOW and from then on....you're in the ARMY!
Hopefully I will get a call tonight. Probably the last one for a long time! They are supposed to check in with someone at home so that the offices are bombarded with calls from desperate family members who don't know whether or not they arrived safely. They said there is a slight chance they may get phone privileges on some weekends but only if the entire platoon does what they need to do. Otherwise it is just good old fashion letters!
Thanks again to everyone for your support. Jordan is really excited and I know this is going to be a great experience for him. Not sure he will like every moment of it but I know he is going to grow and gain new skills. He wanted me to say “bye” to everyone for him and thanks for all the warm wishes. He can't wait to see everyone again!