It is official....

Tyler is now receiving our letters!! I've been waiting all week to find out whether he's gotten them yet or not, and praise the Lord, because He answered my prayer for the day!! He said that he got his Mom's, Vickie's, and Arlene's, and mine. Now get this...his drill sergeant made them do 10 push-ups for each letter they received. Which was not good for him, because he received 9 all at one time! (That was my bad for sending 5 all at once, whoops) haha! So he had to do 90 push-ups just to read the letters! He wanted me to let y'all know though that it was so well worth every single one, because each letter was so encouraging from y'all! Please be praying for his platoon, because there are several lazy guy's who are extremely immature and lack discipline. He said that so many have already been trying to get out and quit. It's really sad, but what's most important is that Tyler is giving this his all and he's succeeding! He's doing very well. The physical part is, of course, still very difficult but it's doable for him, and he's making it through each task one day at a time! Also, he said that there is a Bible study on Wednesday night's. He was told to put in a request to his chaplain to attend, so be praying that this works out for him. This was one of his biggest prayers prior to leaving! Thank you all so much! Love you all! I'll be updating soon again.

Tyler is doing good!

Since Tyler's first letter, I have received a few more, and he is doing really well! He has adjusted very well and is doing really good physically. He said that there are "those guys" in his platoon that can be lazy and end up making them all look bad. But then he later said that he's hoping they will all pull together and work through those things. On Wednesday he learned about IED's (Improvised Explosive Devices) and how to look for them. And they blew up 2 claymore mines. He also has the opportunity to be certified Level 1 combative, which he is very excited about. He has gotten very speedy in eating the MRE's, and he actually likes them now! He also got his gun which you all know, REALLY made him happy! (: I just praise God that he's doing well! Living in this technologically advanced world makes being restricted to letter writing only extremely difficult. But you know, it's so personal and exciting! I wouldn't have it any other way right now. He's growing and learning and that's what's important. Continue to keep him in your prayers! And DO write. That's what's going to get him through is the encouragement from those who love him most. Love you all!

Correction on his address...

#318 Pvt.1 Richard Hazel
B Co. 2-58 INF 3 PLT
9375 Conway Drive
Fort Benning, GA 31905

Got a letter from Tyler today!!!!

I walked to the mailbox this afternoon with heavy feet but a hopeful heart and when I was fiddling through the different pieces of mail I suddenly floated to cloud 9 as I came across Tyler's very first letter to me!!! Ahhh! I am so happy. Today has been the best! He is doing well. It's most certainly physically trying and difficult to get through each day, but he's making it. He said that he misses the small things back home and never realized how much he took them for granted. One of my favorite lines out of the letter said, "It's crazy how much freedom you have to loose to provide it." Pray that God will carry him through these first three weeks, because they will be the toughest. In the morning, he'll already have one week done and he'll never have to go through it again! Praise Jesus! I am so in love with him, and I cannot wait to see what God has done with his life in the end. Tyler and I are a "work in progress" with Jesus each day! Thank you all for your prayers!! Now, for the words I having been aching to type for awhile, WRITE AWAY!!! His address,
#318 PVT Hazel
B Co. 2-58 INF
9375 Conway Drive
Fort Benning, GA 31905
                                                    

Today marks Tyler's fist full day of basic...

I have realized this day that the weekends are going to be my worst enemy in missing Tyler! I just pray that he is doing well, feeling well, and staying encouraged. Yesterday afternoon he was shipped down range where it all began. Pray that God surrounds him as he transitions once again and settles into a new place. You know, I am so thankful that we have God to call upon during times like this, because He is so faithful. Thank you Lord! "Be still and know that I am God." With love in Christ, Brittany

Well the first week is OVER!!!

Tomorrow bright and early Tyler is shipped down range to begin the "red phase" of basic (AKA The first/hardest phase that will last for 3 weeks). Pray that this evening God gives him the best sleep, so that he's physically ready to perform the tasks he faces. Also, be praying that God keeps him wrapped in His arms as he is pushed to his limit physically. I am SO excited, because this is really the beginning! It's the point where we can start counting down the weeks. Nine weeks of basic training, beginning early tomorrow morning! We can pray him through each moment! Love you all! -Brittany

Thank you...

Philippians 4:6-7
      "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Thank you Tori for this blessing!

This verse holds such true meaning in my life right now, because Tyler is solely in God's hands. Meaning it's left up to us, as believers, to present his name before the Lord through prayer and petition. In doing so, God PROMISES His peace and understanding through it all. I just stand in amazement at what God has already done in Tyler's life, just in this first week alone. So thank you, for all of your prayers. We serve an amazing God! Greater things are yet to come!! I love you all! -Brittany

This is how God works...

Tyler has gotten to know another guy who is a fellow believer and knows God's word! As Tyler says, "He's like a Bible whiz!" They're standing together in what they believe and have had opportunities to witness to several others already! Pray that these seeds grow that they have planted!! God has just blessed me in so many different ways this day, from Tori's sweet encouragement, to talking with Mrs. Loretta, to hearing about Tyler's friend in Christ and witnessing to others!! Thank you Lord for this blessed day! I just cannot give you enough praise Lord! Tyler sends his love!
-Brittany

Talked with Tyler...

He sounded really good today! Much better than he has been sounding. He's getting to know the guys and is finding out that they're from all over (he's the only one from South Carolina!). Keep praying for encouragement through all of the transitions. Love you all! He feels your prayers and knows that the Lord is with Him. God is good!!

Tyler's ship off day to Georgia

Last night we told Tyler good-bye in person for the last time for the next 10 weeks. It was, of course, tough to leave him there, but we would all agree that we felt overwhelmed with God's peace and loving hands wrapped around us. We've only said good-bye for a little while though! Today, he has been able to call Mrs. Loretta and me letting us know that he's traveling there now, and should be arriving around 6 PM.

Tyler is excited and nervous all at the same time, but what really amazes me is that he is most excited about seeing what God has in store to teach him as he develops a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ. Specifically right now, be praying that everything goes as planned during reception so that basic training will begin within the next week to get it all started. Also, be praying that he'll feel God's loving arms wrapped around him in the first few days as he struggles with being away from all those he loves. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Y'all are truly the best! God bless! -Brittany