Can anyone give me info?

[MrsH]

Hi all, my husband arrived at RTC 7/17/14. I received the call at 9pm pst the same night. I got the box on 7/23, but no letter yet. I was wondering if anyone else had a  SR leave the same time and have their letter yet? I've seen people post that their SR arrived a day or two before and their PIR is 9/12/14, would he be the same?  Any info is appreciated, thanks! Also, any advice on helping small children through this time? Thanks!

[heavengp28]

It takes a LOOONG time to get the first letter. I think my boyfriend was into Week 4 when I finally got the first letter. Just stay patient and know that it's coming! Keep yourself busy at all times. If your kids like to draw, have them draw pictures to send in the letters! Keep them busy too, plan fun family activities that you can write to your SR about. It sucks that they're missing out, but I find that they love to hear everything at home is going well. They don't want to know that their absence is causing pain; that they already know. Keep the spirits light, and everyone will win :) Just be patient, that first letter will be in the mail as soon as they're allowed to send them. :)

[MrsH]

Thanks for the info, we have been staying busy and writing lots of letters and making pictures! Thanks again!

[Ashley]

I didn't get my first letter until maybe week 2 or 3. The first week they are there, they are just getting settled in. The next is when they get their address and where they should bunk for the rest of the training. My fiance only had time to send the letters out on Sunday routine, so usually on Thursdays is when they get to me. It is quite nerve wracking to wait for them, but I cherished every single one! The first few weeks are hard, but keep busy! With a little one that is in the growing phase, it helps to keep you on your toes. I explained to my sister (who is 5 now and has had him in her life almost ever day) that he is going to learn to fight bad guys and help people. She loved the idea that he was a super hero in a sense. She would draw pictures and "write letters" to him that I would send with all my letters. The last month is the long haul. I haven't had a phone call since the 1st of the month, but when it gets near, graduation countdown has pulled me to a more anxious state rather then sad! It goes by faster then I thought it would, however about mid-way through it feels the opposite! Just keep it all positive in the letters, I had to rip up a few that I felt were even just a tiny bit negative because the last thing you want is for them to be sad or worried. Hang in there, and keep looking forward to that wonderful place you will get to be soon enough!

[MrsH]

I'm definitely staying positive in my letters to him. The kids and I write lots and draw pictures too. It's so difficult to just sit and wait with no update, I guess I should get used to it. It's getting easier each day that passes. We have waited for this journey to start for a long time, so I can't wait until this first part is done. Thanks for the info/advice.

[Ashley]

I feel like the worst part right now is the month before graduation. My fiance called to tell me he wouldn't be calling for a while, and he was not kidding, its been almost a month! He graduates Friday so it feels like this week is dragging on even more then the first month. I spent the whole month planning my trip which helps it go by faster. Also, check out facebook, they usually set up a group page so you can talk with a bunch of people going through the same thing! https://www.facebook.com/groups/430158343789137/ I believe that is the one for your SR? If not, in FB type "PIR and his graduation date (when you find out what it is in your form letter) to find the correct one =) They are extremely active and get you through the slump parts! Good Luck!!!