Coming Home

Today, Friday, November 14, 2014, the Carter family is heading to Norfolk, Va to prepare for Jordan's return from deployment.  There is a family homecoming reception tonight and tomorrow the ship will be in port by 12:15.
There are no words to express the excitement we are all feeling.  This has been Jordan's first assignment since entering the Navy in February.  We have been able to email but I haven't heard in voice in months.
Lavoy, Kelli, Craig and I are staying for four days so we can spend some time with Jordan. He will come home to South Carolina for Christmas.
I am so thankful he will be in the states and only a six hour drive away.  So much better than the middle of the ocean on the other side of the world.
I am proud to say my son serves our country in the United States Navy! Go NAVY!

Deployment Tails from my Sailor

Jordan and I have been able to email regularly.  He is enjoying the ship and learning his way around.  He started on day shift but recently was moved to night shift.  He actually enjoys that shift and the guys on the shift better.  I sent him a package and he received it in less than two weeks.  He was so excited.  We learned that Hot Tamales (candy) melt in extreme heat.  Thankfully the red ooze from the Hot Tamales did not get on his devotional. He recently passed a test that allows him to walk on the deck without a tag-a-long.  He is really excited about that. Jordan called last Thursday around 5:30am.  It was good to hear his voice.  He continues to enjoy his role in the Navy and knows God's hand is directing him. 
I am enjoying following his ship, USS George H W Bush (CVN 77), on the Facebook page.  I am hoping one day a picture of Jordan on the deck will show up.  Until then, I like seeing the other sailors and read the comments from other families.

Deployed Sailor

Jordan has been deployed to Bahrain with the HSC 9.  They are currently on the George H W Bush carrier.  He left on Tuesday, July 22 from Norfolk, Virginia.  It took over 20 hours with the numerous stops they made.  He actually lost Wednesday, July 23 because he arrived in Bahrain on Thursday, July 24.
The flight stopped in Crete and Portugal.  He sent a picture of Crete.












After two weeks on the carrier, they had liberty in Dubai.  He sent a few pictures.  He stayed in the Irish Village; visited the tallest building; and went to a mall.

He has been able to email and text. Last Saturday, he texted me around 7:45am and we texted for over 2 hours.  It was great.  He began emailing yesterday and we have been able to go back and forth a few times. It is so good to hear from him. 
He has an address that we can send care packages.  AN Carter, Wayland HSC-9 Unit 60156, FPO, AE 09501-1503
The packages will take 2-4 weeks to get to him.  I will try to send one a week.  Once he gets his first, it won't be long after he gets the next one.
He has an email and would enjoy news from friends and family. wayland.carter@cvw8.navy.mil

Please pray for him regarding these things:
God's will
Job training
Working nights (12 hour shifts)
Deployment until Nov.
Thank you for your prayers and for following my blog.
God Bless America! Go NAVY!

More Pensacola Pictures

These pictures came from Kelli's phone. Hence, the silliness and number of Kelli shots. 

Jordan, Kelli, Craig and Hudzig heading to the beach.

Jordan, Kelli and Craig 7/4/14

Jordan, Kelli and Craig being silly.

First night-eating at Flounders.

Jordan and Hudzig.

Kelli and Jordan-7/5/14.

Kelli and Craig 7/5/14.

Kelli and Jordan 7/4/14.

Pensacola Adventure

It has been a little over a month since I posted an update.
When last I wrote, Jordan was given orders to Pensacola.  We weren't sure when he would get home so we made plans to visit him in Pensacola over the Fourth of July weekend.  We had a great time.  The base is right on the bay.  Pensacola, the city, is not that appealing but Pensacola Beach was very nice.  The restaurants were great.  Our favorite was Flounder.  The food was delicious, the atmosphere was perfect and the service was excellent. We spent most of the time at the beach.  There is a bar and grill, Casino Bar and grill, right by the pier that was so comfortable.  They had a variety of seating, misting rods, umbrellas and friendly service.  Lavoy and I hung out there while the kids hung out with Jordan's friends.
I was amazed that there is no tide in the Gulf.  The sand was white and pretty but terrible to walk in.  It was hot and very deep making the walk difficult. Because we were there the Fourth of July, it was packed.  I posted a picture on Instagram and Facebook to highlight the insanity of the day at the beach.
Jordan enjoyed our visit and we enjoyed seeing him.  When we arranged the visit, we had no idea when he would be completed with classes and have leave. The Monday before we went to see him we found out he would be home July 11.  We continued with our plans because we had never been to Pensacola and we hadn't seen Jordan since March.
Here are a few snap shots from the trip.

Entering Pensacola. 7/3/14

Family on the Pensacola Pier. 7/3/14

Pensacola Pier. 7/3/14

Craig and Jordan on jet skis. 7/5/14

Fourth of July insanity on the beach.

Kelli and mom tanning. 7/5/14

View of Pensacola Beach from the pier. 7/3/14

View of the beach from the restaurant, Crabs. 7/4/14

USS George H. W. Bush Carrier

After Jordan completes training in Pensacola, Fl, he will report for duty on the USS George H. W. Bush Carrier stationed with the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9- The Tridents in Norfolk, Va.
He will get 10 days leave before reporting for duty.  We are excited about seeing him in a month and also about him being stationed on the east coast.  He could have easily been stationed in San Diego, Ca.  I know that is where he wanted to go but based on everything I have read about HSC-9, he will be seeing a great deal of the world and country soon enough.
I am posting the official website for the carrier and the insignia of the carrier and his squadron.
http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn77/Pages/USS%20GEORGE%20H.W.%20BUSH%20%28CVN%2077%29.aspx

So proud of Jordan! GO NAVY!

Room with a View

Jordan was kind enough to send me the corrections needed from the post yesterday.  Here is his text to me about my blog:

"I read your blog the tread was with fins but for 3 rounds of 1:30 mins after a long pt. And I'll always call you and dad I don't call either of you first or last I just call whoever I don't discriminate. I won't stop calling you mom."

He sent some pictures of his room and his good buddy, Hudzig, posing in all of them.  Here is his room in Great Lakes, IL.  It won't be his dwelling for much longer.  He has already informed me he is mailing some of his things home so he won't have too much "baggage" going to Pensacola.

Updates on Jordan

Many people have been praying for Jordan and his progress in the NAVY EOD program.  I am appreciative, as is he, for those prayers.
Jordan called Thursday to tell us he was dropped from his EOD contract.  He actually dropped because he was unable to complete a very tough aquatic test.  He had to tread water, with no fins, while holding a 25 pound block, being constantly sprayed in the face with cold water in an 8ft. pool.  Treading water has been a struggle for Jordan so we knew this would be tough.  After four attempts, Jordan made the conscious decision to DOR.  He knew he wasn't meeting the standard and hated the thought of letting his buddies down.  He understood that lives depended on him being excellent at every assessment. 
Once he DOR'd he chose to call me, mom.  I must say that I didn't respond in the way he was hoping or that I should have.  NEVER in my wildest dreams did I expect him to DOR.  I wasn't expecting that call so my reaction was shock.  I was disappointed, but not in Jordan, FOR him because he had worked so hard to get to this point.  I asked the wrong questions and made matters worse. 
I am afraid that I will no longer be his first call and I am truly sorry for that. 
Jordan sent me a text not an hour after we spoke that day.  Here is what he wrote:
"I'm still processing everything but I'm ok. I'm happy.  First and foremost God has a plan for me and I'll glorify him no matter what, in good and bad. Secondly, I am in the United States Navy.  I've always wanted to support this great country and be in the military. It's what I've been best at so far in my life."
I must say that those words from my 22 year old son, humbled me and made me more proud of him than any position, recognition or award could make me of him.
Like all young adults, Jordan has made some poor choices in his life. He is learning from them and better than learning, he is changing to be better. 
When I was pregnant with Jordan and for his entire life, my prayer has been that he would love the Lord and glorify God in his actions.  His words to me in that text message revealed to me that God is working in Jordan and Jordan is allowing God to work in him.
As for Jordan's NAVY career, he will go Undesignated Airman to Pensacola, Florida for four weeks of training, sent to a post to serve where he will prove himself.  In September, he will be able to stripe up and have more options at his disposal.  Until then, he serves in the US NAVY with "Honor, Courage and Commitment."
If any of the facts I have written are incorrect, I am more than certain Jordan, Craig and Lavoy will let me know.  If and when that happens, I will post a correction blog.
GO NAVY!

Graduation Weekend

Jordan graduated on March 28.  Yes, I know that is over a month ago.  The weekend was great! The towns surrounding Great Lakes Naval Training Station are so accommodating to the families.  Each week there is a graduating class so the hotels and businesses have it down to a science.
Jordan looked so good when his division marched in.  His division won a significant award having scored the highest on their final inspection.  It's like Hall of Fame.  They got their picture made and it will hang in a prominent location for future divisions to strive towards.
The weather that weekend was COLD! Despite the cold, we had a great time touring Chicago, eating out and spending time with Jordan.
I am so glad that we took several days to travel and visit.
Enjoy the pictures.

Personnel Flag Carrier

First night out with Jordan, eating Chicago style pizza.

Chicago skyline from the Navy Pier.

My three blessings!

Being crazy with the selfies.

The "BEAN" in Chicago.

Saying goodbye!

We Have Arrived

We are 5 minutes away from Great Lakes and the Navy Recruit Center.  We have been told to be at the gates by 6:15AM because the car check could take an hour and the line tends to be quite long.
I knew we needed to get there early but had no idea it would be that early.  Oh well, it is what family should do.
Jordan called us while we were traveling.  He has completed everything so Friday's Parade in Review is the culminating event.  Can't wait to see him.  He sounds so good and excited about his future in the Navy.
Several bragging points:
1. He ranked 7th during the final physical fitness test.  He told me how many but I can't remember.  I do know it was a lot.
2. He participate in an event last Saturday and did 150 push ups in 3 minutes and 98 sit ups in 3 minutes.
3. He ran 1 1/2 miles in 9:50.  His best time since he began all of his preparing for basic.
4. He received a promotion and finishes basic as an E3.
After tomorrow, I will have more to report and pictures.  We are all getting very excited.
We thank God for our travel mercies and am praying for continued protection while we are here and on our return trip.

First Picture of our Sailor

I was checking out the Navy Recruit Facebook page to make sure we have everything and get the streaming video set for my mom and Lavoy's mom to watch live.
I found a picture of Jordan's Div.
He is on the floor, far right.  It is so good to see his face.  We are headed that way tomorrow.  Look for pictures to be posted late Friday.
So the picture didn't copy and paste right.  I shared it on my Facebook page. Check out my sailor.
I was using my iPad earlier.  I went to the desktop and was finally able to add the picture.

Missing my Sailor Recruit

It has been some time since I posted something.  We haven't talked with Jordan since that last call but have received a few letters.  I miss hearing his voice and wish he would earn a phone call.  I know he is being worked really hard, based in his letters.
Today marks one week until we get the rental car, pack it and go to bed early so we can make our way to Great Lakes, IL.  I am so excited.
In the letters from Jordan, he sounds so good.  He feels good about his training and is working hard at doing well.
He has asked us to pray for two of his friends.  They watch him read his Bible every day and are curious.  They ask him questions and he tries to give them scripture based answers.
God knows who they are. I am not comfortable sharing their names on a public site.  Please pray for these two guys.  I know one claims to be an atheist.
I am so proud of the spiritual man Jordan has become.
On March 28, I will have pictures of Jordan's graduation.

Heard his voice!

After missing Jordan's phone call on Sunday, I wasn't expecting to hear from him until the following Sunday.  Wednesday evening the phone rang and it was identified as a pay phone.  Lavoy and I both knew it was Jordan.  He was fortunate enough to have another free evening to make a phone call.
It was great hearing his voice and listening to the exciting and challenging experiences he is having.
He continues to ask for mail.  He enjoys reading the day to day of every one's lives. 
Keep praying for him.  He continues to believe he is in God's will. 

Missed Phone Calls!!!

Jordan called 8 times on Sunday afternoon and we missed all of them! What?!? Yes, we were at the Tractor Supply store with all five dogs getting their yearly shots.  Poor Jordan called the house 6 times and left increasingly pitiful messages and he called Lavoy's cell and left 2 messages.  He also called Kelli's cell but didn't leave a message.
His phone card stopped working so he borrowed someones.  At some point he no longer had free time to call. 
Lavoy and I have decided to stay home every Sunday afternoon until Jordan graduates so we won't miss another call. 
I went out early today to buy some phone cards and put them in the mail this morning.  If anyone would like to do something for Jordan, pool your resources and send him a few phone cards.
My experience this morning was that they are hard to find.  I could only find two AT&T prepaid cards that were not for a mobile phone.
Continue to pray for him-especially these next days since he was unable to talk with anyone from the family.  He will face even more temptations and disappointments. He needs God's strength, mercy, grace and courage to move ahead.

Four Letters from our Sailor

When I arrived home on Friday, February 21, there were four letters from Jordan.  I was beside myself with excitement.
I read all of them before I got out of the car. He is doing great.  The tone in his letters is upbeat, motivated and happy.
The entire family sat around the kitchen table eating pizza and reading his letters.  Kelli and I proceeded to write him and put it in the mailbox.
He is his divisions PFC-Personnel Flag Carrier.  This means when he graduates we will be able to spot him right away-front left with the flag.
The one thing he asked for was mail.  Please write him if you are following this blog.  Encourage him and pray for him.
His number one concern is treading water.  He has not been able to master that but believes he will because he is in God's will.
You are reading the blog of one very proud mama! Go Navy!

No News

It has been 17 days since Jordan has gone to basic.  The last correspondence I had was the official letter. 
I decided to reread the letter to glean it for more details.  I visited the Facebook page and Navy Mom page.  I did find out that he is very busy in his particular division and I probably would not hear from him his entire stay. 
I know no news is good news but I would love to hear from him.  I am not worried or sad-I just miss him and hearing his voice and the excitement he has for what he is doing.
Lavoy and I are writing him just about every day and both grandmothers have sent him several pieces of mail.  I know he is being encouraged by our letters and that is what is important.
Please pray for Jordan and all of the Sailor Recruits as they face challenges and experiences they have not had to face in their past.

First Communication

Friday, February 7 we received a box with Jordan's civilian belongings.  There was no note so that was a bit sad.  Monday, February 10 we received a letter from Jordan.  I was so excited.  Once I opened the letter, I saw that it was a "form" letter every Sailor Recruit sends his family.  Jordan had simply filled in the blanks.
Things I found out:
He graduates March 28, 2014.
He can only have four guests.
There is a Facebook page I can follow.
SR stands for Sailor Recruit.
His address:
SR Carter, Wayland J
Ship 04 Div 810
3600 Ohio Street
Great Lakes, IL 60088-7103

Only send letters if you plan on writing to him.  He cannot have care packages sent to him.

I am anxiously awaiting a REAL letter from Jordan. The hardest thing about this is not knowing and being able to check on him.  I want to hear how he is doing, what is his take on everything and is his cold better (I know that sounds silly but I am his mom).

Lavoy and I have already written him a letter.  His informational letter indicated it would take up to ten days for him to get the letter, even if we overnight it.

On a bright note, I ordered the family NAVY attire.  It arrived on Monday.  We are all proudly sporting NAVY wear to show our support.

Saying Goodbye

Jordan and Dad (Lavoy)

Our family began saying goodbye to Jordan on

Friday, January 31 and didn't end until Monday, February 3 at 11:30.

Friday aunt, uncles and cousins came to celebrate and say goodbye.

Craig and Megan

Aunt Lori, Grandma and Uncle Tom

Granny and Jordan

Jordan, Kelli and Craig

Dad, Jordan and Mom

Carter Family

Navy Cake with EOD symbol and a Scuba Diving Figure

Cousins-Daniel, Kristen and Katelyn with Jordan

Saturday friends came to celebrate and say goodbye.

Three Amigos-Steven, Jordan and Robert

Sunday we took Jordan to lunch and dropped him off at his recruiter's office.

Monday we went to Fort Jackson MEP Center to see Jordan sworn in and say our final goodbyes.

Jordan swearing in

Proud parents and Jordan

Jordan called after he arrived in Chicago from the USO office.  The conversation was light and he was able to talk for a few minutes.
Once he arrived at the base, he called and shared a very scripted message, "I have arrived at my destination.  You will receive a package from me a about two weeks.  I will be writing a letter with the address to write me back. Goodbye."



Both Lavoy and I shared that we had basic training dreams last night.  We are quite excited for Jordan and know he is in God's will.