Aloha from Oahu!

    You will all be delighted to hear that I've been delivered to Oahu safe and sound! The last few days have been a whirlwind for me. Utter culture shock is the word that comes to mind. I was about ready to through in the towel when I realized I can't. No, literally I can't. I've signed my life away for the next five years!... Yikes!
     But, after almost three days on the ship I am starting to experience little victories that give me hope. I am now able to get myself from the topside of the ship to my berthing (navyspeak for living quarters), to my work center, and to the mess line. I can also open the water tight doors without any problems. (You don't know frustration until you can't get yourself through a door)! I've gotten accustomed to the time change, bought a pillow and mattress pad for my coffin, oh! I mean my bed. (It reminds me of a coffin b/c I don't have room to sit up and I have a little curtain to shut myself completely in). I passed my fitness test even after almost a month of doing absolutely no exercise, eating poorly, being jet legged, and in 82 degree muggy weather at 5:30am. I've also gotten my first banger out of the way...I rocked my shin on the little step-up that happens in the passage ways on my ship every several feet at random increments.

 

   These are just some of the silliness in my life right now, but magnify that by 10 for all the little things not mentioned. The biggest struggle is being away from my hubby. We've already spent over 3 months apart while I was in San Diego at C-school. I was able to spend a solid two weeks with him (shout out to the Mall of America and their Yellow Ribbon Program for giving Zach the time off we needed) in MN, but for another 8 months, or so, I will be somewhere in the Pacific with little communication. It seems I am looking at a sheer cliff with no way to the top. My momma sent me a lovely email prayer the other day and I know I have a ton of others praying for me. I don't know how people get through hard times without God with them. I have shed several tears after only a handful of days and I have Him on my side. But, trust and believe He has already answered some of our prayers.
     I have had fantastic relationships with my co-workers so far. They have been so gracious showing me around the ship, base, and the island! I have even met some navy wives who took me under their wings this weekend. My team has also shown great patience with my frequent need to be guided around the ship. I know I will not be thrown to the wolves with them by my side.
   
     My beautiful sissy, who is preggo with my niece/nephew (eeeek! So pumped to be an auntie), suggested posting some ideas for care packages if you are so inclined to send things. Keep in mind there will be people who don't get mail from their loved ones. If you would like me to pass things along to those who need some love via care packages just let me know and I will pass it along! So, here are some suggestions: non-perishable food items like dried fruit, nuts, popcorn, crackers, gum, beef jerky, candy, protein bars, various spices (our food gets real bland) tea or coffee pods (for kurig or similar device), oatmeal, tuna. The more convenient the better like the bags of tuna vs. cans, or packets of oatmeal vs. the big canister. Uniform items like solid navy blue t-shirts, solid black socks, bobby pins, hair ties. Toiletries like toothpaste/brush, contact solution, hairspray, shampoo/conditioner, lotion, tampons, deodorant, panty liners/pads, foot spray, baby wipes, dry shampoo, IB prophen, Echinacea, Emergen-c/airbourne, Dramamine, chapstick. Entertainment like DVDs, photos, headphones, magazines, calling cards, iTunes or Amazon cards (Yes, amazon delivers to the ship!). Just remember packages will get pretty beat up and will take a very long time to get to the ship. Also, I'm putting in a request now for Auntie Moe's caramels please! :) I suppose you need to address too, huh?

Lily Hamann CMO1
USS Chafee DDG 90
FPO AP 96662-1305

Have a blessed day!