The last two Fridays are good examples of what I love about ministering to Marines (and specifically Infantry Marines).
Last Friday (April 27th), I had the pleasure of spending my entire day helping out with a local Special Olympics event. I got paid to go and hang out with 300 of my Marines as well as about 500 Special Olympic athletes. We were there to assist in everything from escorting and coaching athletes to parking and serving lunch. I was amazed by the high turnout and interest from the battalion (over 1/3 went) which shows we found something to keep them coming back to help with. The best part was seeing the smiles on the faces of everyone involved and I'm not really sure who was smiling more, the athletes or the Marines. It was great to see the Marines and sailors enjoying the softer side of their job and the biggest reward for me was the number of them who have asked about doing more of this on a regular basis, something the command wants them to do as well.
Two days ago we had the first battalion wide hike since I've been with 1/9. Normally, just companies go out for a hike. But, we have been selected to perform an endurance test to get some evaluative data for the Marine Corps next month and have been doing longer hikes the last two months to get ready for the 12 mile hike next month. The 8 mile hikes were done on a company basis in March but were nothing compared to Friday. It is impressive to see the entire battalion in one line taking up the road and stopping traffic for 5 minutes at a time each intersection we came across. And the ministry opportunity is amazing as I get to walk back and forth talking with Marines and passing out candy as I go along. It sure makes the miles and time pass by quickly and I can't believe I get to minister in such a unique way.
