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!