Military News

Friends and family,

      Earlier this year I realized that the path towards pharmacy I was pursuing was not really where I wanted to be. For a while I was confused and debated what career and education I should pursue. Sonia and I, in fasting and prayer, went to the temple. For those not of our faith I will share that the temple is a place of inspiration where we can be close to God and learn His plans for us.
      During this visit to the Lord's Holy House I felt a strong and distinct feeling that I should recieve miltary language training and become a language analyst. It was a surprise to me because I had never before seriously considered joining the military in any aspect.
     Despite the inspiration I had felt, the road to actually receiving my assignment was not so easy. I spoke to two recruiters who essentially said I was too old and that the language training assignments were too competitive and that I should join with the intention of taking any job.
     Through the help of Sonia we found another local recruiter who admitted the difficulties involved, but still decided to work with me. Not only did I get the linguist analyst job I had been prompted about, but I am able to stay with my family until a couple of weeks before my birthday. (A couple weeks later and I would be ineligible due to my age). I leave on January 24, 2012 for 8 weeks of basic training in Lackland, Texas. I will then fly to Monterey, CA for Defense Language School.
     I'm grateful to God for him guiding me and helping me through every step in this process. I'm grateful for my wife and all her support. I'm also grateful for my recruiter who looked at me and saw a potential airman rather than just a difficult case.

Basic training for 8 weeks: Lackland, Texas

Location of Defense Language School: Monterey, CA

We are excited to call Monterey our home in 2012!

Lessons from a baby

     Lately I've been thinking of how our lives have changed and how blessed I feel to have the family I have. We value morals, giving service to others, kindness, social justice, equality and being able to share life with those you love. I feel grateful to my own mother for instilling in me those values, and to God for allowing me to meet a husband who shares those values as well. I apply these values at home, school and internship.
      I am learning in school about neurobiology and the impact of being a good mother or caregiver has on a child and the development of their brain. In my internship, I work with children who are struggling with challenges like: Autism, learning disabilities, mental illness, and other issues affecting their lives.  I have learned how much mothers and fathers sacrifice for the happiness and well-being of their children. I have learned that the love a parent has for a child is uniquely special and will always be eternal.
     Amidst my school readings, papers, meetings, trainings and internship, my daughter is always on my mind.  She inspires me to help others, be mindful, kind, make righteous choices and to always remember my Heavenly Father. It's a challenge to handle everything that is going on in our lives, but I always take the time to look in to my baby's eyes and count my blessings.

2 1/2 months old

My favorite doll

She always brings a smile to my face