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.