Well when people say nursing school is hard they fail to mention that getting to nursing school is also difficult. This semester has been a rough one. My nursing classes (well pre nursing) have begun. Many friends have dropped classes and changed majors as they realize the classes are not for them. I won't lie, this semester has not been an encouraging one. There have been more nights filled with thoughts of defeat and worry than nights of excitement over grades and classwork. But I persevere.  I know for a fact this is what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. I feel called pursue this career and use my job to make a difference in the world of Childhood cancer. That is my platform. That is my goal. Find a cure. Raise awareness. Help these children and family's. Make a difference, somehow. That is my motivation. Everyday that I feel discouraged, I remember the end goal. It's my "light at the end of the tunnel."

Enough complaining! This semester has definitely not been an all negative one. I have been blessed in so many ways. I have made so many relationships with people, both in my major and outside of it. I gained 130 new sisters as well. I joined a social club this semester! The process to become a part of any social club on campus is a long one. We start in September and don't receive a bid until the last week of October. During this time you attend open house, mixers, visitation, and finally pledge week. I have been so blessed to be invited to join the women of Pi Theta Phi. They have been such an encouragement as I have dealt with the stress of school work.
                                                     

Halloween of pledge week!  

 

Bid night! I love my family! 

We won the Olympics of club week. 5 year champs! Loudest club on campus! 

GO BIG OR GO HOME! 

Last weekend I ran in the Color run! This was so much fun. We made a team and car pooled down for the day. Now anyone who knows me, knows how much I HATE running. I just have never seen the point. But lately I have been forcing my self to run. At lest 2-3 times a week for at least a mile. The looming threat of gaining weight in college has been my motivation. I was so proud that  I ran nearly the entire 5K. For some, this may seem like an easy task, but for me it was not. But we had so much fun. I went with a great group and we ended up covered in powdered paint by the end.

before

after 

Our football team is 9-1!! For the first time since 1977, we are playoff bound and will be playing in Missouri next weekend! Yay! Go Bison's! While football here is not nearly as big as at the high school I graduated from, I still enjoy going to the games and watching my boys play their hearts out on the field. 

Thanksgiving break is approaching (3 more days!!) and I could not be more excited. I am missing my family quite a bit so seeing them will be so refreshing. I also will get to connect with old friends from high school and catch up. Getting away from Harding for a week will do great things for my moral. Well that is all for now! Almost half way through my sophomore year! Time is flying by!

Getting serious.

Well this year is officially in full swing. Tests have started, homework is piling up, sleep is becoming a distant memory, and caffeine a constant source of nutrition. My last year before nursing school is proving to be a tough one. But I have no doubts that I can do this. I have found a study partner and set a schedule with her to stay ahead and to complete my nursing validations with. I have a feeling we will be spending a lot of time together an soon be very close. I am reminded daily that while my major is a tough one, I am going to love my job.

Week one. Done.

I survived my first week of sophomore year! It feels as if I have been here longer though. My teachers wasted no time in jumping right into the curriculum. This year is really going to be a wake up call in preparation for nursing school. Since this is my last year before Nursing school begins, the stress is already building. But I will take it one day at a time and try my best not to procrastinate as the semester continues. The best thing I can do is stay on top of my work and stay ahead. Other than the school work, its been a great week back. Being reunited with friends and already making new ones is so great. I love hearing about peoples summer. Where they went, what they learned, how they changed. Its all a part of their story, which I love hearing. I have been so blessed with my room mate this semester. Summer is from Houston and is a transfer student. The first day I met her was the day she moved in, and we have gotten along great ever since. Learned so much about each other and how much we have in common. This is looking like a tough, but great semester ahead.

Harding round two!

Tomorrow I will make the 8 hour drive back to searcy, Arkansas and begin my sophomore year at Harding University. Not gonna lie I have mixed emotions about my return tomorrow. I'm ready to be "on my own" at school but I will miss my family. Plus, not quite ready for the amount of work this year will hold. By march I have to apply to nursing school. Im looking at several places, including staying at Harding. I just don't quite now where I want to be. Hopefully this next semester will show me where I belong. Here's to another year! Wish me luck!!

Life changing week

This week has been absolutely incredible. The relationships I have formed in this short week have completely exceeded any expectations I had formed before arriving here.

This week I traveled to a country I have never been to. With people I had never met. I've experienced more than I have in my entire life in this one week. My heart is so full of joy.

The Last night in montellano, each person shared what impacted them this week. Not gonna lie, I may have teared up a bit. Just getting to hear the different ways people were blessed this week- in the clinic, the OR, on the mobile missions, and just by our team- was so moving. On my first day a man came out of surgery and immediately asked If the surgery had been preformed. When we told him it had he immediately began thanking and praising God. He was so incredibly thankful. That's something you don't really see in the states.

People expect these things. We are a privaledged people. We have grown numb to the every day blessings we recieve. I have become so humbled by these Guatemalan people. They pray with a passion that is rare in the US. Something I had never seen before. One man forgot to eat all day because he was so deep in prayer about the doctors visit he might recieve on a mobile clinic.

Where has our passion and desire for God gone? We have grown accustomed to the benefits of living in the US that we don't appreciate health care and clean water. I pray that we wake up. That We realize what is happening around us. That we see what our country has become. We have forgotten the true joys of life. The little things. Like flushing toilet paper or a roof that doesn't leak.

This trip has made a lasting impression on me, and I am already planning on coming back next year. This week has become the biggest trip health talents has ever taken and we are all planning on coming back and bringing people with us. It is an amazing organization that I plan to continue working with for many years. Thank you to everyone who helped me make this possible. I honestly could not have gone without your support.

Last day! Antigua adventures.

We woke up early this morning and made our way to Antigua. This town is so pretty. We settled into to our hotel and started the adventuring. Ate at monoloco and got "nachos as big as your head" joelle and I spilt and still barely dented it. We shoped in the market where learned how to bargain. I got some good deals. Later we went and zip lined. It was pretty cool, there was some fog so we couldn't see as far as usually but still cool. After that Rick set up some massage appointments for the girls. It was so great. A little pampering never hurt anyone. Dinner that might was gret. We got a bit more dressed up and had a great time taking pictures and chatting. I'm so goin to miss these people.

Last day of surgery. Day 5!

The last day at the clinic is here. We added on 10 surgerys this morning, all fairly quick procedures.

There wasnt much to do in the clinic so i just kinda wandered around looking for things to do. Marta is in charge of all the pre-op IVs. She let me start two of them this morning. Hit the vein both times, first try.

My favorite part of today was scrubbing in for the OR. that's right they let me operate. Ok not really but I assisted with James. Such an awesome experience. Kate took some pictures for me while I was in there.

Later that afternoon we went out to the lake It was about a 2 hour drive there through the mountains. Our bus had a little bit of trouble makin it up the hills but we survived. The scenery was gorgeous. We passed by tons of coffee fields. Guatemalan coffee is the best i have ever tasted.
We ate at a place on the lake. It was gorgeous. It dd start raining though. So we moved inside and they lite a fire for us. More my style, I went kinda American with my meal, a chicken sandwich and French fries.
Not gonna lie I'm missing American food a bit. My bodys not used to the overload of carbs that hear people put into ever meal.

I have felt so blessed here. My heart is so happy and I have fallen in love with this country. These people are so thankful

Day 4. Loco Americanos

Tuesday began the same as yesterday. This mornings breakfast was one of the best though. Complete with pancakes, pineapple, and eggs. Any body who knows me, knows this was a great morning for me food wise. . The women here that cook are so awesome. I feel like they are constantly cooking for us. Our food has yet to be disappointing.

Worked another morning shift which was about the same as yesterday. Vitals, antibiotics, discharge papers. It has become very routine now. I can discontinue an IV and chart like a pro.

My Spanish, or well Spanglish, is coming back a bit. I can ask patients basic questions like if they are in pain or hot. Other than that I usually need a translator.

I was able to FaceTime with my mom and dad today for a minute. Which was great. I showed my mom around the clinic and she met my head nurse and one of our surgeons. It was nice to be able to see her and show here around where I am.

The last part of my day consisted of a walk to the swinging bridge. The fun part was it was storming. Don't worry mom and dad, they wouldn't let me actually get on the bridge since the lightning was so bad. But it was an adventure that's for sure. Loco gringos.

I'm really excited for our last day.
Friday we will travel to Antigua. So far I'm planning on some shopping and zip lining. Since I've never zip lined before I'm looking forward I that the most!

God has been so evident in this trip. I already want to come back next year!

Day 3 in Guatemala.

Day 3 of our trip and Day 2 in the clinic started at 6:45.. I may have woken up a bit late for my 7am shift. But Joelle and I made it alright.

Breakfast did not fail to disspaoint. I have definetly started to realize a trend of tortillas at every meal. It is definetly a staple food item for these people. I have yet to be disapointed with any people. The coffee has to be my facorite part. My parents will be happy to know I have tried so many new foods. The picky eater is not to be found this week.

Today I was partnered with nancy again on the men's side of the clinic. Our day started out slow, just checking vitals on our patients from last night and monitering their medications. Our day quickly become hectic as the surgeries for the day began and patients were admitted to recovery. Aparently today was the day for all the mens surgeries, or so it seemed. Tomorrow will be busy as well.

Later I was luck to be able to go to the OR observe. The first surgery I watched was a hernia removal. Dr. James was great! The next surgery I watched was a division of the fingers of a 10 month old baby boy. Such a beautiful baby. Dr. Fults did a great job as well. It was so cool just getting to see how it all is done. The last surgery i observed was a bladder stone removal. The stone was huge! Such a cool surgery to watch. We managed to fit 7 extra people in the OR just to watch.

Today I have learned how to IV infuse medication, remove IVs, apply a saline stop, how to chart, and I got to observe the basics of running an OR. Already I am feeling much more prepared for my upcoming nursing classes and clinicals. It's such an awesome feeling getting to try out my profession. It's exhausting, but so worth it at the end of the day.

Day 1 and 2 in Guatemala

Wow. My heart is so full. So happy. I can not stop smiling. Yesterday I made the journey to Gutemala. My first out of the country trip without my parents. You could say we were all a little apprehensive. But so far all is well! We arrived at the clinic yesterday and quickly began sorted the mass about of supplies we were blessed to be able to bring with us. I quickly realized I had not escaped the Texas heat or humidity. After sorting supplies and a quick tour around the dorm and clinic we settled in for an amazing first Guatemalan meal. And let me tell you- it was amazing. These woman can cook! I met with my team o recovery nurses, nursing students and caregivers and went off to bed, ready for a long day.
Today has been so full of blessings. I begun with another great meal then a church service with the local Guatemalan community. (This definitely had me wishing I had paid more attention to Spanish in high school. ) the afternoon began with surgeries. I was assigned a RN to work under and a wing of the clinic. I felt a bit nervous at first but quickly got into the swing of things. Checking vitals and mustering up what bit of Spanish Have been what my shift has looked like. The nurses here have been so great. I feel like I am already learning so much more than I have in school. Real hands on experience! Learning how to draw up meds, start IVs, check incisions, and just general patient care are all things I have learned. I am loving it! This makes me so excited to become a nurse! Tomorrow is when things will get hectic. Starting a Morning shift at 7am- 3pm and a whole day filled with surgeries. I can't wait! I will Try to post every night after my day!

I saw God..

Today I saw God. I saw him in so many ways. Today I attended the memorial service for Thatcher Caleb Paul. This little boy lived 2 months and 29 days but has had a larger impact on this world than I have in my 19 years. I am family friends with his Uncle, so I have been lucky to get updates from family members as his journey continued but I also followed Whitney and Eric's blog, The Paul Family Journey, as they shared with the world their everyday trials, triumphs, and prayers for that sweet baby boy. The service was made to be a celebration of Thatchers life, full of the many ways that little Thatcher taught people of faith and hope while bringing people closer to the Lord. His aunt, and two uncles came on stage to sing two songs during the service. The raw passion in their voices was moving. It immediately brought tears to my eyes. While they were deeply saddened by the departure of their Nephew, they chose to sing praise to God. The songs that were chosen were "Holy Spirit" and "Tis' so Sweet" The second song of the service was so moving. To see a family, full of sadness and frustration at the current situation, sing and pour their hearts out with praise about trusting still in Jesus was so powerful. Eric, Thatchers father, got up later to speak about hope. About how they prayed daily, and constantly for Thatcher to be healed. For him to no longer have seizures or have trouble breathing. Eric said their prayers were answered, just not in the way they first had hoped. Thatcher is healed. He will never struggle to breathe or have another seizure. He is worshipping at the throne of God singing his praises all day long. One day they will all be reunited and can Praise God together. They spoke of the frustration, anger, confusion, and grief. While they do not know why God allowed this to happen, they know they will one day, may it be tomorrow or when the see God face to face in heaven. The scripture that was focused on was Hebrew 4:13-16 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" 
God knows all our pain. Our weakness. Jesus went through the same temptations that we do and remained perfect. We can reply on that to be forever true. We are never alone in our struggles. He is here. always. How awesome is that!
God was present today and has been through Thatchers journey in this world. I have been changed by just reading his story and hearing of the incredible faith of the Paul family. They have shown us all how to truly live by faith.

not my thing..

Writing has never been my thing. I have never been poetic with my words.  While my thoughts may be deep, I normally don't know quite how to word things. This will be my place. My place for my thoughts. Encouragment. Frustrations. Triumphs. Struggles. Pictures. Basically a way to document my college years. Nursing school. Big life moments and the boring days where I all do is think. Thoughts from my bible study. My light-bulb Jesus moments. All these things will come up at sometime. I'm no journalist, or writer of any kind. So if anyone is actaully reading this, I apologize. Bear with me while I figure this whole thing out. Enjoy!