I'm now a month into the second semester of the BYU Chaplaincy masters programs. First, an update as far as things military are going. I went through MEPS (Medical Pre-screening) a few weeks ago. Not so bad. It's basically an amalgamation of every check-up you've ever gotten. They check your vision, hearing, do a written health check akin to one you've already filled out, do a physical, check your urine, and other things like that. There's no running, sit-ups, or push-ups. They check your flexibility, but there's nothing physically strenuous. Just a lot of waiting in line for one check-up, then waiting in line for the next. I've got all of my paperwork done that I need to do. I'm waiting on one letter of reference, and then I'll just be waiting for the board. From what I understand as soon as the board approves I'll be able to go to an officer and actually do the deed; pick an officer I know and have them swear me in.
In other news, this week is the 180th general conference, as well as my second LDS Chaplains conference. Every October conference they also have a conference for all LDS Chaplains. Friday before conference, we have an evening meeting with 'heavy hors d'oeuvres.' There is a speaker (about an hour), but it seems like the main purpose is to allow all the chaplains to catch up with each other, and see how all the other chaplains are doing. They give us tickets to all five session of conference, which occupies Saturday, and Sunday, then Monday and Tuesday will be a series of seminars from 8-5 in the church office building and conference center. Last year the Army Chief of Chaplains was among the speakers. This year we'll have Elder L Tom Perry and RADM Mark L. Tidd, Chief of Navy Chaplains. The whole experience is a spiritual feast, with the unfortunate risk of having so many great spiritual entrèes that you can't handle of it.
I titled my post Brothers in Christ because in one session of conference, when some of the other chaplain candidates in my cohort sat directly behind me in stead of scooting all the way to the end they were asked if they were family. Ryan Lewis jokingly said, "We're brothers in Christ, does that count?" I started thinking about the friendship and bond that has grown between us these past few months and I think his title for us is probably the best one. I happened to have my journal with me at the time, and I wrote down the following.
I was thinking about my fellow chaplains in school. We're not technically chaplains yet, but we are already brothers in Christ's gospel. It's interesting and amazing that we have already developed such a powerful bond. I can feel for each of them, and feel their love and support in return. I can think of no better term for it than brothers in Christ. How blessed am I.
I am on a long and arduous journey, but I am not alone. I have my Lord, my family, and my brothers in Christ.
