"Benjamin's transformers and also real screens"

(Benjamin is dictating a blog entry to me, as he cannot be outdone by his brother, www.elijahseilerblog.blogspot.com. P.S. Having decent internet after a couple of months is really nice :) )

"Screens can hurt your head if you watch them too much. Transformers can transform into modes. Ultimate transformers are my favorite because there are all different kinds. Thank you for reading my blog."

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We are currently sitting out on our terrace where I believe the summer heat has broken (high for today is 86F). We are very much looking forward to fall for several reasons--routine, SCHOOL and cooler weather. The boys begin school on September 16th. The corps schedule is chopped up throughout the week with several activities in the later evenings, which keeps me from putting the boys to bed. Andy's office schedule is the same every day. We are adjusting to two our different appointments with different roles. This is the first time we are not working "together" and it feels weird, but we believe God-ordained.

Overall, we are doing well. Some days are discouraging (like yesterday when I got ripped off at the market and didn't have enough language to fix the situation as I also had a four year old having a tantrum after being taunted by his older brother), but then God encourages me in a myriad of ways.

One of my favorite memories so far is from earlier this week when I did a very American thing: cleaned the outside of the chapel bulletin board while blasting Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. The boys played in the chapel and Benjamin danced on the street in his blue Power Ranger costume which attracted attention and kind conversation.

We had Banco Alimentare (food pantry) earlier this week and I got to help take groceries to a shut-in in the neighborhood. I loved being in her home and chatting with her for a few minutes.

Families on the playground in our neighborhood are beginning to notice us when we come to play. Earlier this week I had an excellent pastoral visit and prayer with a corps member while the boys played independently for about an hour on the playground. The playground may end up being my office since I do not have a designated one (which I kind of like--our role isn't to sit behind desks as corps officers, anyway).

People are beginning to recognize the lady in the uniform always with the two boys trailing behind or running in front.

Life is beginning to unfold and "transform."

On ten years as a Salvation Army officer

Ten years ago on 14 June 2009 I was commissioned as a Lieutenant in The Salvation Army and ordained as a minister of the Gospel in New York in front of family, friends, and comrades.

Called by God and compelled by the Holy Spirit to make a radical commitment to serving humanity in love.

Striving for holiness.

Ten years.

Six appointments.

A marriage. With two children.

Countless trials but boundless joys.

Many mistakes.

Maturing.

Journeying through life with beautiful people.

Tears shed.

Victories won.

Active relationship with Jesus.

Learning, growing, pursuing the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. Every day.


I get to wake up every day and do what I love. This is who God made me to be. I'm grateful. I'm a Salvation Army officer.

#onwemarch