It's really hard to go through when I know nothing...

[arisa]

Hi, I'm a complete newb here... I was wondering if I could get any advice.

My boyfriend has left for bootcamp in Great Lakes on March 25th, as an EOD. I know I know, it has only been like 2.5 weeks and it's not that long... but seriously I feel as if it has been at least 2 months. 

He called me for 30 seconds on the next day, and that's the last time I heard from him. And this is driving me nuts because I don't know what's going on. I really want to check if he has sent anything to his mom, but I can't really talk to her due to some issues going on. 

I have been writing letters everyday, but now I'm slowly out of ideas about what to write. Since I haven't heard from him, it feels like I'm at one of those awkward blind dates where I have to do all the talking... and it's not so pleasant. 

And barely anyone around me has been supportive. Basically people all think that waiting for a (future) sailor is ridiculous, and that's killing me even more. Whenever I hear something like that, I do really want to throw some counter arguments in, but at the same time I get to realize that I am kind of struggling.

Will I be able to hear from him soon? Will I be able to talk to him more often once he is done with the basic training? Also about the time when he graduates from bootcamp, I get to move to Korea and work there for a few months... Will I still be able to keep in touch with him? Am I going too overboard...?

Oh, and lastly I really do respect you all for your commitment for supporting your sailor. Seriously, you guys are great. I wish I had such a courage and determination. 

[Rows girl]

Hi arisa. You are definitely not alone I think a few more days and you will get your first letter. Mine left jan 29 and I got my first letter feb 22nd then one letter a week after that. I know what u mean about talking to yourself and not having anything to say. You can send him some fun questionnaires and just tell him how your day went things you did. I sent him song lyrics and jokes. I know about the no support part. No one really understands. It will be worth it in the end. Once he is out of basic you will have more communication. Oh and there is a phone call coming up on a Sunday soon.

[lemonelephant]

Not all phone calls are on Sunday for those in BC.

[lemonelephant]

Join the group, PIR 05/17/2013 TG 27 - 10 Divisions (187-194, 810 and 927), because he is in Division 810 unless something happened and he is no longer in the special ops division. The Page, 800 and 900 Divisions, within Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones) will have important information for you. Join that group while you are there and check out the other Pages (found under the pictures of the Members) for more information. He would have been able to write for the first time on Sunday, so perhaps there is a letter in the mail to you now. Phone Cards and Phone Calls and Letter Writing & Fun Stuff/Questionnaires to send to your Recruit will give you more information on how phone calls and letters work at the RTC.

After PIR, once he moves over to the TSC for the next phase of his training, he will be able to have his cell phone and will be able to contact you when he is not in class or on duty. Once you move to Korea, you will be able to stay in contact on Skype, facebook, emails, and calls if one of you has an international calling plan.

Although you didn't ask for this advice, I'm still going to give it. If you plan to be in your SR's life long term, you need to get past the issues and form some sort of positive relationship with his mom. You can start by sharing any news you get from him and also inviting her to join you on this site if she is not a member.

(Group names within this reply are clickable links.)

[twodaloo]

Hi Arisa,  Hang in there honey.  I'm so sorry that the support from you is not there from his mom.  Maybe someone else in his family.  Reach out to her if you love your bf you will humble yourself and be the better person.  Right now is not the time to put him in the middle just do what you know is right.  Writing letters to your recruit, i found, is like keeping a daily journal.  You just write random stuff that happens in your day and you send it off.  Even you see a dog get run over or a flower that just bloomed, write it down  These guys are desperate for any kind of outside communication and basically the pen and pencil is the only thing he has that will connect him to the outside world.  Through your words you will reveal your heart and your mind to your BF  Be positive and try to keep any negativity out of the letters.  They are going thru culture shock and obviously are confused already.  What a wonderful opportunity you have to build a relationship with this man.  Even if he doesn't correspond romantically, he will know that he has a friend in you and that is more valuable than gold.  Don't stop, don't give up, and you will see he will write you.  Put some envelopes with stamps and your address on them. Send him a phone card.  Let us know how it goes.  Luv to you!