Kate\’s Crucible
One definition of crucible is : a severe, searching test or trial.
Kate begins her Crucible at 1am tomorrow morning.
The Crucible is 54-hours long. It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles to negotiate, all within a simulated combat environment. Recruits will travel 48 miles on foot during the event. There are 36 stations and 29 problem solving exercises that tests the recruits both individually and as a team. Kate will only have 3 MREs (meals, ready to eat) and minimal sleep ( 8 hours) over the course of the event. ( I hope they know what they are in for! When Kate is hungry AND tired, WATCH OUT! ) In addition, each recruit will carry 45 pounds of equipment in addition to regular gear and rifle.
So Kate will be getting some abbreviated sleep tonight and then starts busting butt until Saturday Morning. The hardest thing she has ever done, will be done in the next three days. As a parent, the last 11 weeks have been difficult, and exciting. The next three days will be very….difficult and exciting!!! I was looking for something inspirational to send Kate. There are some “crucible prayers” out there in Googleland, but nothing good enough for my baby. So I went ahead and penned my own Crucible Prayer:
Almighty God, you have walked with my recruit all these days. You have been with her during those first uncertain days, and gave her some sense of peace and understanding amongst the chaos. You stood with her on those yellow footprints, and have been with her for every pushup, jumping jack, and more. You sat by her and encouraged her at the rifle range. You were there during the challenge of combat conditioning and confidence course, and gave her the strength and confidence to succeed. You walked by her side every step. Along the way, she has grown, in many ways. In every way. Thank you for being with her when we could not, for our bond is ultimately through you.
You have brought us all to this point, where we ask again for your unconditional love and support, as our recruit embarks on her Crucible. Her challenge is our challenge, and we pray that you continue to walk by her side. To be her support. To lift her up. Give her the confidence to encourage others, for no recruit can accomplish this task alone. Our hope is your will.
