UPDATE on Stephen:
For those of you who have been praying for Stephen and keeping him in your thoughts, thank you! He has been writing a few letters when possible and calls every Sunday for a few minutes to chat.
His phone call this Sunday was good and lengthy. It was hard to believe how deep his voice was and how far away he sounded. There was no laughter this week in his words and he sounded so serious. He let us know he had just returned from a week stay in the woods. This is where they learned more survival tactics and practiced with their guns and grenades. (Makes my heart stop a beat thinking about it)
He said he is well used to the routine and is doing very well. Stephen said that he loves the excitement of the adventures and skills he is learning. So far he has been issued his rifle, which he names Haley. Learned how to administer an IV and stop a gun shot wound long enough to get medical attention. He has passed the gas chamber test, which is described as horrible intense pain, in which he has never felt so bad. (He bought the tape of the ordeal so we can view it and he can keep it as a souvenir of his survival.)
Stephen has spent much time doing a lot of exercise; running, doing thousands of push up and sit ups, climbing the tower wall and running the obstacles. He loved the obstacle course as he said it was very challenging and fun. He is in the elite group and leads the Platoon on many exercise missions. He sounds strong and more mature.
He said many soldiers have been caught with contraband or illegal items they are not allowed. Such as gum, candy, smokes and chew. Thankfully he is following rules and avoiding trouble.
Last night Stephen called home which was a shock as he never calls during the week. He said he called to let us know that there were two guys on base who had died this week due to meningitis. All soldiers were calling home as one name had not been released yet. He said it is scary! They are taking precautions and reminding the soldiers not to share personal belongings and to wash their hands a lot. I was very nervous after our conversation and researched this on the internet. The article stated it was non-contagious meningitis, which is conflicting information as two men died within days apart on the same base.
So please keep Stephen and the others in your prayers! As a mom I am very concerned and wishing he was home. 27 more days until he graduates and we can see him before his leave to Arizona.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.