Our Guardian of the Sea

I felt like a proud parent yesterday as I watched my little sister, Jordan, walk across the floor at her U.S. Coast Guard boot camp graduation to receive her certificate. Jesse and I are so proud and excited for Jordan as she embarks on an awesome adventure and realizes how much amazing potential she has and all of the talents God has given her. She is officially a "Guardian of the Sea."

In case you don't know much about the Coast Guard, or boot camp, let me educate you for a moment. She was in frigid Cape May, New Jersey for eight weeks unable to eat junk food, listen to music, use the phone, wear normal clothes, or even point her finger at someone (you must use your whole hand to point out a person or direct someone). And when I say no contact with the outside world, I mean NO contact. She was allowed to call her parents twice and me once... and that wasn't even until the very end. Lots of rules, lots of push-ups, lots of riding stationery bikes, and lots of getting yelled at in the face. Sheesh!! I would die.

Despite the intense physical and mental workout, Jordan was able to really succeed beyond the average GI Jane. She was the Mail Orderly (sent out and distributed mail), Religious Petty Officer (watched the news and updated the other recruits on current events), and Operations Boss (basically she was in charge of her group and lead them throughout the days... and nights). If you haven't seen the movie "The Guardian", you should... Jordan and Ashton Kutcher are like the same person... okay, she's not really jumping out of helicopters yet, but she might one day!

I'd just like to everyone to know that U.S. Coast Guards truly risk their lives to save others. Be sure thank all those who serve our country... we wouldn't be free without them. May the Lord bless them and protect them!