First Letter! (and 2nd and 3rd!)

We finally received our first letters from Michael today! He included his schedule (wake up at 4:30!) and what his days have been like. He has done some grounds keeping and work in the kitchen. When he is medically cleared and his orientation is finished (approx. 4 weeks) then he will be able to choose a more permanent job. Pensacola has had some severe thunderstorms and he was surprised to learn that the campus effectively "locks down" in inclement weather and they are sent back to their dorms. One of the afternoons he was in the kitchen so could remain there and finish working. He was able to participate in a non-food commissary day and purchase some casual clothing, a watch, and a radio receiver for the television. Unfortunately March is inventory month and they no longer had tennis shoes in his size. He will be able to try again for tennis shoes the beginning of April. One of his roommates (11 in all) suggested purchasing gel inserts for his boots and that seems to help.

Michael reports that his roommates are very helpful and have been instrumental in his adjustment to camp life. I am so grateful that this is the case. The dorm room has 6 bunk beds and he has a top bunk. There are high school type lockers on one wall and he was able to get a bottom one. He is happy to have a watch since he is expected to be certain places at certain times and was a little anxious about being able to do that without one. Another happy point - he says the food is not that bad so far!:)

Ever since Madison was born, Michael has made up stories for her and he has decided to write these down (they evolve with retelling and are usually used for distraction!) and add more. Madison and I look forward to his new stories and I think it is a great idea that he is doing this for her. Before he left, a man named Nathan from our church came over to the house and video taped Michael reading some of Madison's favorite books. Nathan is putting these on DVD's and will be posting them on a website that I can access for Madison from my computer. I am so thankful for these and the phone calls he will be able to make as they will help Madison through this next 15 months. We look forward to his next communication!

Heidi