Hey everybody!
It's been a while and boy has a lot happened! For one, I was able to pay off the $5k for last semester! I cannot thank you guys enough or express how much your support means to me. These past months has been so full and I can't wait to tell you guys all about it!
April was full of learning hard skills. We did FUNSAR (Fundamentals of Search And Rescue) which was a blast. We also had an introduction to rope work where we had to learn how to tie different knots. Our instructor wanted us to “Tie every knot 50 times in a row, behind your back, with gloves on.” Which was actually very challenging and time consuming, but also extremely rewarding. On top of all that we did some navigation training where we learned to read maps, plot courses, and navigate to any given location, day or night, using a map, protractor, and compass. That was a lot of fun.
Also in April we had a week where we (as a team) read through the entire Bible in six days. It was a LOT of reading and got pretty tedious at times, but it was really amazing the perspective you get when you read the Bible cover to cover. I believe it is something everyone should do at least once in their life. After that we did a week in a different location where we did a course o Bible studies in the morning, and MOAB (Management Of Aggressive Behavior) in the afternoon. The strategies for biblical studies was very informative and we got to really delve into different resources, opinions, and perspectives when studying the Bible. MOAB was informative in an entirely different way. We learned how to recognize, deescalate, or manage altered mental status and aggressive behaviors. There were several levels to the process ranging from very subtle and gentle techniques, to taking a person to the ground and restraining them to ensure they do not harm themselves or others. It was really interesting, and actually really fun too!
This month was really heavy on homework. In May we wrapped up all of our academic courses in preparation for the next section of training which will be almost entirely hard skills. As cadets we are not allowed to know much about what is coming up. Being surprised is part of the resilience and flexibility training, but we do know that it will be the most challenging training segment yet. We are entering wilderness isolation. In addition to survival and first response, we’ll be starting swift water and ropes rescue. I am both nervous and excited about the surprises in store!
In case you were wondering, some of the courses I finished since last writing you include: Perspectives on the Christian World Movement, FEMA's ICS Certificates Course, Handling Finances on a Personal and Organizational Level, Building Christian Character, Foundations for Christian Living, International Driving Requirements, SALT Triage System, and International Urban Security. I am feeling increasingly equipped for my next season of life. I learned so much about being a professional first responder, practical life skills, long term missions and strategies, and Bible study skills.
It's crazy to think that we are already in June! This past week I spent in urban security training in New York City. My team learned about different aspects of city life and general urban safety. We were also given a bunch of different assignments, some of which to be completed as a team, some in pairs, and some solo. It was a lot of fun! The training was very informative and at times quite challenging. Whereas we didn’t complete every challenge perfectly, my team still performed well even when compared to previous larger teams who had more human resources at their disposal. It was a testament to how much my team and I have learned this year with Chazak. We even set some new records!
I have been looking forward to this next wilderness isolation section of training all year. During 1.5 we will delve deep into first responder practical skills and international rescue work. I am very kinesthetic and practical and I am ecstatic to finally enter this part of training. Before then we have to do our yearly PFT (Physical Fitness Test), which I am really excited about because l am on course to set at least two records for the Chazak women's league. We’ll be driving to wilderness isolation training which is in Idaho. As part of the training, I will not have access to electronics until August. That said, you can send me a snail mail letter to the below address. Please mail it by July 20 to make sure I receive it by the time we leave Idaho.
PO Box 1107
Cascade,ID,83611
This part of the training was designed to challenge you body, soul, and spirit. For this reason l am nervous, but also excited. Since I’m largely in the dark with what to expect, I am excited to tell you all about it once I complete it!
My prayer requests for this next bit pretty much are as follows:
1. Strength to keep up with the guys on this next training section.
2. Energy not just keep on, but to excel in my training.
3. Continued provision with finances to pay off the sum of my balance for the year ($4,000).
Thank you all so much, I really appreciate the prayer and support you have all provided this past year and I look forwards to the next update when I can tell you guys all about this next section.
If you would like to send me a one time gift or partner with me financially on a monthly basis you can do so by sending your gift to me directly via Paypal at this link:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ermyandmila
Or you can make a tax deductible donation at borderlandsinternational.org. Just be sure to note “Mila Sanchez” when given the option to add a note. To go that route just follow this link:
https://give.cornerstone.cc/lovestrainingground