Hey everyone, hope you all are doing well. Just thought I'd post an update on fire school. I'm about half way done, and things are going well. Some of the highlights have been rapelling off of a 7-story building, and cutting up a car with the jaws of life. It's hard for me to imagine that I get paid to do these things. We also got to participate in a team building exercise called a church raise. A long time ago (probably John's first or second year preaching), churches had now way to change lightbulbs that were way up in the top of the sanctuary. So they called in the fire department, the only group with ladders tall enough to reach the fixtures. However, because of the height, the ladders had to be raised straight into the air, forcing the firefighter who climbed the ladder to trust those below who heeled (kept steady) the ladder and those who manned ropes coming off of the ladder to keep it upright. Fire departments and academies have church raises as a way of teaching the trust that is required in this profession. There is a picture of me as I climb over a 24-foot extension ladder. I also included one during a rapel off of the Plaza Hotel, the tallest building in Killeen. In this one I had to stop myself, lock my rope so I wouldn't rapel any further, then flip upside down and let go of the rope.
Jennifer started school last week, and things seem to be starting off well. She has two classes of sophomores, and four classes of seniors, so she won't have a problem staying busy. She also continues to take care of me with my breakfast and lunch every day. There really ought to be some kind of award or something. I can't believe it will be four years in December. That's all from the Heart of Texas for now. The Lone Star State sends its best to all.
Jared
