For the past few weeks, my Monday night Bible study girls have been studying Beth Moore's Mercy Triumphs study on the book of James. If you have never delved into that book of the Bible, hold onto your hearts because it has been one of the most convicting yet strangely hopeful books I've read and studied. I could write many posts on it, but instead I would encourage you to dig in and study it for yourself.
Anyway, last night Beth Moore talked about how we, as Christians, need to mindful that we are not "of" the world (something I've heard time and time again). But, she was also talking about being mindful of where we get our "high" in life...is it in clothes, food, etc? She then said a phrase that will stay with me for quite some time. "There is no high like the Most High." Hmm...thought provoking. She also discussed how we, as Christians, can not become cynical
After Bible study was over, my shopping buddy and I stayed late and chatted with some of the other girls. We then left to grab a few needed items at Walmart. But my buddy passed by Walmart and headed to Dillon's. I just thought that maybe she forgot she needed something at the grocery store before they closed at 11pm. (at this time, it was 10:50pm). We got out of our cars and she said she thought we should either get a little tub of ice cream or a piece of cheesecake. How could I say "no"? We headed straight to the cheesecake and grabbed the package that had 2 pieces. Then we checked out the ice cream aisle to see what they had (and compared calories between the desserts.) After keeping our initial choice of cheesecake, we went to the register. There was a man with two elementary school kids checking out (we would later find out he was their grandpa.) I had my back to them, talking to my friend. Suddenly, my friend was going up to the register to check out the man's total. I hadn't noticed, but she had. The man didn't have enough money to cover his grocery bill so he was putting things back. He paid the cashier and was gathering everything up to leave. The cashier scanned our cheesecake and then my friend felt God prompting her to get outside of her comfort zone and reach out to this grandpa.
She ever so kindly asked if she could pay for the items he had to discard. He looked bewildered and asked, "Why would you want to do that?" She replied because God wants her to. He then said, "Ok." There were 3 Dillon's employees present and they looked as stunned as the grandpa. The cashier rang up the additional items and she paid for them. The grandpa said how much he appreciated her doing that and then left with his grandkids. We walked away with our cheesecake and the manager was locking the front door when we walked past and she thanked my friend for doing that.
We went to my car and ate our yummy cheesecake and discussed what had just happened. Did it matter that the food he discarded wasn't the most nutritious food? No. Who were we to judge what he was buying; when God prompts you to obey, who are we to rationalize why we shouldn't obey? The week before at Bible study, Beth Moore talked about an experience at the gas station where there was a dad with his kiddos who had to push their car up to the pump because they were completely out. Beth felt God nudging her so she asked him if she could pay for his gas and was able to show God's love to them through that situation. But what if we can't afford to financially help someone out? She suggested that we at least acknowledge their situation; tell them that we would love to help them out if we could. Do not ignore their circumstances.
I have been wrestling with how God wants to use me in my current stage of life. Being a stay at home mom has quite a bit of flexibility. How can I be used to minister to those outside of my family and friends? We are called to be God's hands and feet. We don't have to be thousands of miles away to serve. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, either. It could be paying for the $0.59 soda belonging to the person behind you at QT. Shoveling your elderly neighbors sidewalk after it snows, etc. I want to show my kiddos how we, no matter how big or small we are, can serve God.
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
New Play-Date Mates
A few months ago our family went through a transition. We started attending a different church that is in our town. Before, we were going to a church in the town where all of my friends live. The old church met our needs and we were enjoying the friendships we made there. God was stirring in us, though, to try out the church here. James knew a few of the guys who went and then a family dear to us started attending. In October, James and I decided that we would begin the process of trying it out. Almost immediately we knew that this was where our family was supposed to be. I was ok with it; I still had my Monday night Bible study girls along with my MOPS gals. Since the church is huge on discipleship of the guys, I felt that James may enjoy interacting with some local guys while growing in Christ.
Two weeks ago at church, a spunky lady probably a few years younger than me introduced herself to me and said she saw my hair the week before and told herself that she had to meet the girl with the great hair (I was kind of shell-shocked because I've never really been complimented on my hair by a stranger!) I was happy to meet her. Then this week she came up to me and invited me and the kiddos for a play-date with some fellow mommies. I was stoked. Since all of my friends live in a town 20 minutes from here, I've only had a few local play-dates at the McDonald's PlayPlace and the water park. It was a nice thought of just jotting across town to have some mommie/kiddo time. Now don't get me wrong, I will drive any distance for a play date so my friends in A-town do not despair, I will still drive to "play" ANYTIME!!! ;-)
Today was the day. I made some "no-bake" cookies last night and Isaiah, Samara and I piled into Bonnie at 11am and headed over for the play-date. It's such a small world because one of the mommies is related to our neighbor across the street from us. (sing with me now...it's a small world after all...) Anyway, it was a group of 3 other mommies and 7 precious kiddos. Isaiah was the oldest, but he handled himself very well. Samara dressed up as a princess so she was definitely in her element. I totally enjoyed getting to hear some of these gals' stories, where they are at with their faith, and their life as a mommy. We sipped on delicious coffee from our local coffee shop, had an amazing smörgåsbord for lunch, and then nibbled on the cookies as a snack. At 2:30pm, we made our way back home to let George out and then pick Malachi up from school. It was definitely a lovely Thursday.
Hopefully, I didn't scare them off and I'll get invited sometime for another play-date =)
Two weeks ago at church, a spunky lady probably a few years younger than me introduced herself to me and said she saw my hair the week before and told herself that she had to meet the girl with the great hair (I was kind of shell-shocked because I've never really been complimented on my hair by a stranger!) I was happy to meet her. Then this week she came up to me and invited me and the kiddos for a play-date with some fellow mommies. I was stoked. Since all of my friends live in a town 20 minutes from here, I've only had a few local play-dates at the McDonald's PlayPlace and the water park. It was a nice thought of just jotting across town to have some mommie/kiddo time. Now don't get me wrong, I will drive any distance for a play date so my friends in A-town do not despair, I will still drive to "play" ANYTIME!!! ;-)
Today was the day. I made some "no-bake" cookies last night and Isaiah, Samara and I piled into Bonnie at 11am and headed over for the play-date. It's such a small world because one of the mommies is related to our neighbor across the street from us. (sing with me now...it's a small world after all...) Anyway, it was a group of 3 other mommies and 7 precious kiddos. Isaiah was the oldest, but he handled himself very well. Samara dressed up as a princess so she was definitely in her element. I totally enjoyed getting to hear some of these gals' stories, where they are at with their faith, and their life as a mommy. We sipped on delicious coffee from our local coffee shop, had an amazing smörgåsbord for lunch, and then nibbled on the cookies as a snack. At 2:30pm, we made our way back home to let George out and then pick Malachi up from school. It was definitely a lovely Thursday.
Hopefully, I didn't scare them off and I'll get invited sometime for another play-date =)
Monday, August 1, 2011
I Survived Church Camp
A few weeks ago I was approached to see if I could be the elementary camp nurse. Last year James had thought about being a camp counselor so this wasn't a complete shock to think about going. The only down-fall was that it was the week after the kiddos were to get home from Grandma and Grandpa Dinkel's so I wouldn't see them for 2 weeks. James agreed to take off work so he could spend the week with them.
Sunday, after I got home from my high school reunion, I hurriedly showered and packed for camp. I only was home for about an hour and half and then left for the church. We were carpooling up to the camp site which was about 2 hours away. I was nervous. I had never been a peds nurse and this summer we are having such a long, severe heat wave and so I was afraid of what overexposure to the heat might do to the little ones. But, I put my trust in God that He would give me wisdom and strength (and I had a crew back home praying for me, too!)
The group of counselors and staff always go up the night before the campers arrive to get everything set up. We all stopped at Pizza Hut for dinner before making it to the camp. Once we got there, I took inventory of the first-aid tub and bag. From what I could tell, I was pretty well stocked up. I had brought my stethoscope along just in case (which came in handy later on). The pastor had been told that there was an apartment that was really nice for the staff so he arranged for me and the craft/music staff to stay there. We were in for a rude awakening, though. It was DIRTY, smelly and had huge spiders in it. While not wanting to complain, I just decided that I would spend as little time as possible in there.
Monday morning all the 3rd-5th graders arrived. They were pumped for camp. I went through each of their health history to make sure I had everything and also checked to see what meds they brought with them. There were several who needed meds given either in the morning, night or both. I made a daily check-list so I wouldn't miss anyone. The pastor had earlier warned me that I would probably be bored because,in the past, there hadn't been much for the nurse to do. Uh, this week was the big exception!
Monday morning started off with a male jr. counselor running a fever and was just feeling yucky. I gave him meds, sent him to get some rest and then set my phone alarm for every 3 hours to check on him, give more meds, if needed, and push him to drink fluids (well, not literally "push", but strongly encouraged!) There were tummy aches, headaches, every time I turned around someone was complaining of some medical issue. By the end of the day, I was tired. I thought that surely it wouldn't be so busy for the rest of the week. I was ready to relax and catch my breath. I was getting ready to leave the dining hall late that night when my fellow roomies came to tell me and the pastor that they killed a gi-normous brown recluse spider. They asked if they could possible move into the big cabin where all the other female counselors and campers were staying. The pastor readily agreed and so I moved into a cabin with 3rd-4th grade girls (they were super excited to have the nurse in their room!)
Tuesday morning was busy, but I was able to get away for a little bit and watch a group boys go through the obstacle course challenge. It was hilarious to see their little minds problem-solve. Early in the afternoon, I went with a group to go tubing. Now let me tell you, I am NOT a fan of lake water. I am repulsed by the squishy bottom of the lake and things floating next to you while you're in the water. I like my water crystal clear. But, I thought I would suck it up and go on the tube. After the campers and jr counselors had gone, it was a female counselor and my turn. We both kneeled in the tube and held on for dear life. We screamed, laughed, and had a great time. I was happy that we didn't flip! There was time for everyone to go again. When it was our turn, I stressed to them that I didn't want to get thrown off. That ride was way more bumpy than the first; I remember hitting a wave and then I was thrown in the water, but I was still hanging on. I pulled myself back on the tube, but was never able to fully recover from that wave. I eventually had to let go and was thrown from the tube. Somehow I lost my left contact during that incident. The female counselor was able to barely hang on and wasn't thrown off. What a ride! I'm still not convinced that there wasn't a conspiracy on board the boat to get me thrown off the tube =)
The jr counselor who had previously been sick felt better on Tuesday, but towards the evening, his fever came back and he felt really sick. He really needed to go home. The problem was that his mom was a female counselor and so someone needed to fill her spot. That's where I came in. The room I moved into the night before was this counselor's room so I volunteered to take her spot as the counselor so she could take care of her son. I was a little worried because I was still crazy busy being a nurse and I didn't know how I was going to manage being a counselor as well. The lady in charge of crafts had also moved into the room with me so we both decided that we would tag-team it when needed. I was also blessed with an amazing jr counselor who was a tremendous help.
The rest of the week was still non-stop. I would get calls late at night regarding campers who needed medical attention. The only really scary moment, though, came late Wednesday night when I received a call that a boy camper was having a hard time breathing and the counselor thought he heard some wheezing. I rushed to the dining hall to grab my stethoscope, first-aid bag and also the boy's home phone number so I could call the parents on my way to the cabin. They told me he had no history of asthma or allergies. Once I got there, I noticed his nose seemed pretty plugged up and when I listened to his lungs, I did hear some wheezing. He was talking a mile a minute, though, without needing to stop for a breath so that was reassuring. Since I was very limited to what I could do to treat him and many campers' allergies were acting up because of the dry, windy conditions, I gave him some allergy medication and asked the counselor to keep a close eye on him and call me if anything changed. I slept with my phone right beside me in bed that night and prayed that I wouldn't get a call.
The next morning this little camper came up to me right away and told me that the medicine I gave him worked and he was feeling ok. I listened to him and could not hear any wheezing. My heart was relieved!
Thursday afternoon was "Water Fun". We played a relay game, had a water balloon toss, and then the counselors/jr counselors started an all-out war with some buckets filled with water. I had just filled up a bucket and was on my way to get someone when a jr counselor asked if he could see it for just a minute. Not thinking too much about it, I gave it to him and he dumped the whole thing on my head. Absolutely frigid, but considering how hot it was outside, it felt refreshing, too. I got the bucket back, filled it up and got a male counselor soaking wet. He threatened to call my cell phone every hour that night. I think the teens and adults had more fun with the water than the kids!
One of the most moving moments was Thursday night. We were supposed to be outside at the amphitheater, but because of a storm, we had to be indoors. The pastor washed the feet of the staff, jr counselors, and counselors and then the counselors/jr counselors took turns washing the feet of the campers in their room. The lights were dim, a jr counselor played worship music on his guitar and everyone was silent. So powerful...
The next morning we packed up our belongings and headed home. But first, we all had to stop at the DQ and partake of a Dilly bar. What a great way to end a fabulously, tiring week!!!
I was greeted at home to 3 kiddos who talked non-stop for about an hour. I finally told them that I needed a nap so I went upstairs, but little Miss Samara would not let me out of her sight so she played in my bed while I slept. I took a 2 hour nap that day and went to bed early. Then on Saturday, I slept in until 10 which is amazing for me. I am still a wee-bit worn out, but I'm hoping I'll be back to normal by tomorrow.
This experience was exhausting, but uplifting at the same time. I want to definitely do it again!!!
Sunday, after I got home from my high school reunion, I hurriedly showered and packed for camp. I only was home for about an hour and half and then left for the church. We were carpooling up to the camp site which was about 2 hours away. I was nervous. I had never been a peds nurse and this summer we are having such a long, severe heat wave and so I was afraid of what overexposure to the heat might do to the little ones. But, I put my trust in God that He would give me wisdom and strength (and I had a crew back home praying for me, too!)
The group of counselors and staff always go up the night before the campers arrive to get everything set up. We all stopped at Pizza Hut for dinner before making it to the camp. Once we got there, I took inventory of the first-aid tub and bag. From what I could tell, I was pretty well stocked up. I had brought my stethoscope along just in case (which came in handy later on). The pastor had been told that there was an apartment that was really nice for the staff so he arranged for me and the craft/music staff to stay there. We were in for a rude awakening, though. It was DIRTY, smelly and had huge spiders in it. While not wanting to complain, I just decided that I would spend as little time as possible in there.
Monday morning all the 3rd-5th graders arrived. They were pumped for camp. I went through each of their health history to make sure I had everything and also checked to see what meds they brought with them. There were several who needed meds given either in the morning, night or both. I made a daily check-list so I wouldn't miss anyone. The pastor had earlier warned me that I would probably be bored because,in the past, there hadn't been much for the nurse to do. Uh, this week was the big exception!
Monday morning started off with a male jr. counselor running a fever and was just feeling yucky. I gave him meds, sent him to get some rest and then set my phone alarm for every 3 hours to check on him, give more meds, if needed, and push him to drink fluids (well, not literally "push", but strongly encouraged!) There were tummy aches, headaches, every time I turned around someone was complaining of some medical issue. By the end of the day, I was tired. I thought that surely it wouldn't be so busy for the rest of the week. I was ready to relax and catch my breath. I was getting ready to leave the dining hall late that night when my fellow roomies came to tell me and the pastor that they killed a gi-normous brown recluse spider. They asked if they could possible move into the big cabin where all the other female counselors and campers were staying. The pastor readily agreed and so I moved into a cabin with 3rd-4th grade girls (they were super excited to have the nurse in their room!)
Tuesday morning was busy, but I was able to get away for a little bit and watch a group boys go through the obstacle course challenge. It was hilarious to see their little minds problem-solve. Early in the afternoon, I went with a group to go tubing. Now let me tell you, I am NOT a fan of lake water. I am repulsed by the squishy bottom of the lake and things floating next to you while you're in the water. I like my water crystal clear. But, I thought I would suck it up and go on the tube. After the campers and jr counselors had gone, it was a female counselor and my turn. We both kneeled in the tube and held on for dear life. We screamed, laughed, and had a great time. I was happy that we didn't flip! There was time for everyone to go again. When it was our turn, I stressed to them that I didn't want to get thrown off. That ride was way more bumpy than the first; I remember hitting a wave and then I was thrown in the water, but I was still hanging on. I pulled myself back on the tube, but was never able to fully recover from that wave. I eventually had to let go and was thrown from the tube. Somehow I lost my left contact during that incident. The female counselor was able to barely hang on and wasn't thrown off. What a ride! I'm still not convinced that there wasn't a conspiracy on board the boat to get me thrown off the tube =)
The jr counselor who had previously been sick felt better on Tuesday, but towards the evening, his fever came back and he felt really sick. He really needed to go home. The problem was that his mom was a female counselor and so someone needed to fill her spot. That's where I came in. The room I moved into the night before was this counselor's room so I volunteered to take her spot as the counselor so she could take care of her son. I was a little worried because I was still crazy busy being a nurse and I didn't know how I was going to manage being a counselor as well. The lady in charge of crafts had also moved into the room with me so we both decided that we would tag-team it when needed. I was also blessed with an amazing jr counselor who was a tremendous help.
The rest of the week was still non-stop. I would get calls late at night regarding campers who needed medical attention. The only really scary moment, though, came late Wednesday night when I received a call that a boy camper was having a hard time breathing and the counselor thought he heard some wheezing. I rushed to the dining hall to grab my stethoscope, first-aid bag and also the boy's home phone number so I could call the parents on my way to the cabin. They told me he had no history of asthma or allergies. Once I got there, I noticed his nose seemed pretty plugged up and when I listened to his lungs, I did hear some wheezing. He was talking a mile a minute, though, without needing to stop for a breath so that was reassuring. Since I was very limited to what I could do to treat him and many campers' allergies were acting up because of the dry, windy conditions, I gave him some allergy medication and asked the counselor to keep a close eye on him and call me if anything changed. I slept with my phone right beside me in bed that night and prayed that I wouldn't get a call.
The next morning this little camper came up to me right away and told me that the medicine I gave him worked and he was feeling ok. I listened to him and could not hear any wheezing. My heart was relieved!
Thursday afternoon was "Water Fun". We played a relay game, had a water balloon toss, and then the counselors/jr counselors started an all-out war with some buckets filled with water. I had just filled up a bucket and was on my way to get someone when a jr counselor asked if he could see it for just a minute. Not thinking too much about it, I gave it to him and he dumped the whole thing on my head. Absolutely frigid, but considering how hot it was outside, it felt refreshing, too. I got the bucket back, filled it up and got a male counselor soaking wet. He threatened to call my cell phone every hour that night. I think the teens and adults had more fun with the water than the kids!
One of the most moving moments was Thursday night. We were supposed to be outside at the amphitheater, but because of a storm, we had to be indoors. The pastor washed the feet of the staff, jr counselors, and counselors and then the counselors/jr counselors took turns washing the feet of the campers in their room. The lights were dim, a jr counselor played worship music on his guitar and everyone was silent. So powerful...
The next morning we packed up our belongings and headed home. But first, we all had to stop at the DQ and partake of a Dilly bar. What a great way to end a fabulously, tiring week!!!
I was greeted at home to 3 kiddos who talked non-stop for about an hour. I finally told them that I needed a nap so I went upstairs, but little Miss Samara would not let me out of her sight so she played in my bed while I slept. I took a 2 hour nap that day and went to bed early. Then on Saturday, I slept in until 10 which is amazing for me. I am still a wee-bit worn out, but I'm hoping I'll be back to normal by tomorrow.
This experience was exhausting, but uplifting at the same time. I want to definitely do it again!!!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Rest
For about a year and a half, I've been going to a Monday night women's Bible study. There are precious women from different area churches, around 10-15 of us. It is a time of rejoicing, crying, growing in our faith, and learning from one another. I have been so blessed by each girl (well, woman, but I like the term girl, instead).
Currently, we have been studying Beth Moore's "Breaking Free". It's about breaking free from the bondage that has held us captive from growing in God. It has definitely been a study that has opened my eyes and caused a deep reflection of my life. Tonight's lesson really left an impact on me. The topic was on "Rest". Maybe it's because I've gone all day with only getting 2 1/2 hours of sleep (thanks to Samara being a restless sleeper) and the idea of rest sounds heavenly right now. But maybe it's because it's time to let go of the feelings of inadequacies, past poor choices, my flaws and to just rest in Him.
Matthew 11:28-30:
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Here are a few points that really spoke to me. I can:
Rest in knowing I don't have to perform for Him
Rest in knowing that I am not in charge of my loved ones
Rest in knowing that I've done everything I can in the situation
Rest in knowing that He'll fight for me
Rest in knowing who I am and who I am not
Rest in knowing where I'm going
Rest in knowing that I'm forgiven and I can stop repenting over and over for the same sin
She also talked about the "Captivity of Activity". It is being so involved in so many things that we aren't really called to do. In the church, there are needs and we want to help fill them. But at the same time, if we never say "no" we can lose out on the ability to excel at our God-given gifts. She said we need to be "quite unwilling" to do the things which God has not called us to do.
I need to be obedient and take some time to rest...
Currently, we have been studying Beth Moore's "Breaking Free". It's about breaking free from the bondage that has held us captive from growing in God. It has definitely been a study that has opened my eyes and caused a deep reflection of my life. Tonight's lesson really left an impact on me. The topic was on "Rest". Maybe it's because I've gone all day with only getting 2 1/2 hours of sleep (thanks to Samara being a restless sleeper) and the idea of rest sounds heavenly right now. But maybe it's because it's time to let go of the feelings of inadequacies, past poor choices, my flaws and to just rest in Him.
Matthew 11:28-30:
28
Here are a few points that really spoke to me. I can:
She also talked about the "Captivity of Activity". It is being so involved in so many things that we aren't really called to do. In the church, there are needs and we want to help fill them. But at the same time, if we never say "no" we can lose out on the ability to excel at our God-given gifts. She said we need to be "quite unwilling" to do the things which God has not called us to do.
I need to be obedient and take some time to rest...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Sweet Prayers of Children
Isn't it amazing that at such young ages children can understand the reason for prayer? It is pure joy to listen to what each child is thankful for and what is on their heart and mind. I just love hearing each of our kiddos pray their own individual prayers. The past few nights have been some of the sweetest prayers that have been said. Below are just little snippets of their prayers:
Malachi - "Thank you for the bunk beds that we'll get in a few days" (um, more than just a few, buddy!)
"Please let us move to Kansas City so we don't have to spend a long time in the car to see
Grammie and Papa. Then we could ride our bikes, or walk, or drive the car there." (he's been
on a kick recently about living up in KC. When given the choice to live in the town where most of
his friends are or KC, he chooses KC because that's where family is)
Isaiah - "We love our Mommy, she is the bestest" (this was so wonderful because today was just one of
those days when mothering didn't come easy)
Samara - "Thank baby, Amen!" (that was the extent of her prayer, but it was heart felt)
God, thank you for my 3 little blessings. They truly inspire me to be a better mommy and a better example of what a Godly woman and mother is.
Malachi - "Thank you for the bunk beds that we'll get in a few days" (um, more than just a few, buddy!)
"Please let us move to Kansas City so we don't have to spend a long time in the car to see
Grammie and Papa. Then we could ride our bikes, or walk, or drive the car there." (he's been
on a kick recently about living up in KC. When given the choice to live in the town where most of
his friends are or KC, he chooses KC because that's where family is)
Isaiah - "We love our Mommy, she is the bestest" (this was so wonderful because today was just one of
those days when mothering didn't come easy)
Samara - "Thank baby, Amen!" (that was the extent of her prayer, but it was heart felt)
God, thank you for my 3 little blessings. They truly inspire me to be a better mommy and a better example of what a Godly woman and mother is.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Trusting
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I have contemplated writing about this because if it doesn't come to pass, I'm sure, at first, there will be disappointment and confusion. And it may be hard for me to read, but God does have a plan and in the end, once that plan is revealed, then it will be awesome to have a record of how He brought us there.
As many of you know, for the past 2 years, James has been finishing his pre-reqs and applying to med schools. In the Fall, he had his first interview with KU Med. The school is expanding to add a 4 year campus in Wichita and we thought that would be perfect so we wouldn't have to completely uproot the family. He was told by a few Dr's that he shouldn't have anything to worry about regarding admissions. We were just so excited about the prospect! But, it did not come to pass. He found out that KU thought his scholastic and concern for the community was a match for the program, but felt that maybe he didn't know what it would take to be a doctor. After discussing some of the answers he gave for how he would handle family and school, we talked about how to improve those answers. We were still left with disappointment and wonderment regarding what the plan was going to be now.
We decided that he should apply to the DO school in KC. That's my hometown and all of my family is still there. It would be incredible to have such a huge support system just down the street (or a few miles away!) He received an email from the school this past week requesting an interview on Feb. 1st. James let out a barely audible gasp and then said "wow" before telling me of the email. We both had been praying for this opportunity for him to interview again this year. He has scheduled a few times to meet with "Doctor Friend" (our former PCP who is James' good friend) to go over some of the questions he may be faced with.
Meanwhile, at night, I have been feverishly looking at for sale houses online. I am a nerd and love to peruse these websites to see what is out there. Currently, I think that getting a house close to my parents would be ideal because if I needed something, they wouldn't be too far away. But, such is the case in any major city, you have to be mindful of which schools your kiddos would have to attend and what not. I have found a few that I love, close to my parents, and good schools nearby.
Along with housing, I've also been looking at open nursing positions. While we don't know what the financial aid packets look like, I highly doubt that they offer a good, family health insurance policy. This means that I would probably need to work at least part-time if not full-time to support the family. I knew that staying home may only last for a short season and while the idea of not being home daily makes me a little teary, I know that if this is what I am supposed to do, then God will give me the strength and courage to do it.
It is hard not to dream and think about what it would be like to live by my parents, my sister/husband, nieces, aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. I asked Malachi if he would like to live close to Grammie and Papa and Cousins Sofia and Stella. He said, "I think I would like that very nice". I think I would like that very nice, too.
As exciting as it is to think about, though, I know that leaving this place would be heart-wrenching. Since we've been married (7 1/2 years now), we have always lived in the Wichita area. We are a part of an awesome church family, we live in a smaller town which we wanted, and we have incredible friends. But I know that God would not take us away from all of this and then not supply our needs.
While in my mind, this seems like the perfect fit for my family, I need to just rely on God. He knows my future and my future will be full of hope. Even though I don't know how this will end, I know that He knows the ending, and that's all that matters.
I have contemplated writing about this because if it doesn't come to pass, I'm sure, at first, there will be disappointment and confusion. And it may be hard for me to read, but God does have a plan and in the end, once that plan is revealed, then it will be awesome to have a record of how He brought us there.
As many of you know, for the past 2 years, James has been finishing his pre-reqs and applying to med schools. In the Fall, he had his first interview with KU Med. The school is expanding to add a 4 year campus in Wichita and we thought that would be perfect so we wouldn't have to completely uproot the family. He was told by a few Dr's that he shouldn't have anything to worry about regarding admissions. We were just so excited about the prospect! But, it did not come to pass. He found out that KU thought his scholastic and concern for the community was a match for the program, but felt that maybe he didn't know what it would take to be a doctor. After discussing some of the answers he gave for how he would handle family and school, we talked about how to improve those answers. We were still left with disappointment and wonderment regarding what the plan was going to be now.
We decided that he should apply to the DO school in KC. That's my hometown and all of my family is still there. It would be incredible to have such a huge support system just down the street (or a few miles away!) He received an email from the school this past week requesting an interview on Feb. 1st. James let out a barely audible gasp and then said "wow" before telling me of the email. We both had been praying for this opportunity for him to interview again this year. He has scheduled a few times to meet with "Doctor Friend" (our former PCP who is James' good friend) to go over some of the questions he may be faced with.
Meanwhile, at night, I have been feverishly looking at for sale houses online. I am a nerd and love to peruse these websites to see what is out there. Currently, I think that getting a house close to my parents would be ideal because if I needed something, they wouldn't be too far away. But, such is the case in any major city, you have to be mindful of which schools your kiddos would have to attend and what not. I have found a few that I love, close to my parents, and good schools nearby.
Along with housing, I've also been looking at open nursing positions. While we don't know what the financial aid packets look like, I highly doubt that they offer a good, family health insurance policy. This means that I would probably need to work at least part-time if not full-time to support the family. I knew that staying home may only last for a short season and while the idea of not being home daily makes me a little teary, I know that if this is what I am supposed to do, then God will give me the strength and courage to do it.
It is hard not to dream and think about what it would be like to live by my parents, my sister/husband, nieces, aunts/uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc. I asked Malachi if he would like to live close to Grammie and Papa and Cousins Sofia and Stella. He said, "I think I would like that very nice". I think I would like that very nice, too.
As exciting as it is to think about, though, I know that leaving this place would be heart-wrenching. Since we've been married (7 1/2 years now), we have always lived in the Wichita area. We are a part of an awesome church family, we live in a smaller town which we wanted, and we have incredible friends. But I know that God would not take us away from all of this and then not supply our needs.
While in my mind, this seems like the perfect fit for my family, I need to just rely on God. He knows my future and my future will be full of hope. Even though I don't know how this will end, I know that He knows the ending, and that's all that matters.
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