Thursday 24 May - First Day on the Ship

LDSC (Latter-day Saint Charities) met together in the chapel after breakfast. Just a few rules with the phone and getting computer access. 

Had to check in to radiology to get info about mustering tomorrow. Required to have a buddy to check out for liberty. Went with Marie McWilliams,Trudi Poole and Jenni H to get our liberty and base ID. Julia and her sister Marylee joined us. We went and purchased items for the lockers to store things neater. Got an alarm clock and swim suit as we decided to go to the beach. 

Went and walked the main beach in town and bought magnets, shirts, other items. Went back to the PX and got more storage and then dropped in at the boat and the bus driver Johnny took us to Gaba beach. Walked in the water seeing a sea cucumber and small jelly fish. We kept it short, as we did not want to get sunburned. The driver helped us get pictures it the sub that will follow the ship and the base entrance, and the Navy base sign. He even took the pictures so we could all be in them. 

Went to dinner in town but ended up at McDonalds as we were running out of time and it was getting dark. 

Interesting event happened while we were shopping at the ABC Store for shirts and souvenirs. Jenni went to go sit outside on a bench as the AC was very cold in the store. She was outside for a few minutes and then had a very distinct impression that she needed to back in the store right then. When she told us at dinner it gave the goosebumps to all of us.  Every time we leave or return to the ship, we have to sign in a book in the department we are assigned to and list who are shore buddy is. They are very particular as to knowing where everyone is. 

Got the experience of taking a nice navy shower and cleaned and organized the smaller locker. (A navy shower is water on for 10 seconds, turn the water off, soap up, lather up, and quickly rinse).  The baskets in our lockers make it so much easier to find things. Will hopefully leave the baskets for the ladies coming on when we leave. 

Set our watches and jumped into bed, as we get up at 5:20 to get ready to go eat. First muster (roll call) will be at 9:30 and you need to arrive at least 15 min early. There is no mormon standard time here.Hope I sleep better to night. Taking 1/2 ambien to help. 

I am tired but having fun. Stressing a bit with the unknown tomorrow.