Hi everybody! I miss Concord so much! I feel so out of touch with my family there…I kind of hope you feel the same about me so I know that this update will be a welcome thing instead of a groan :). I have decided to break this down into the many areas I’ve encountered since being in CO:
Weather- Needless to say, it snows a lot here, even more than when I lived out here before. I have become an expert at walking in heels on ice and snow on Sundays..surprisingly, those haven’t been the moments I’ve fallen. I have fallen so many times snowboarding, ice skating, walking that I don’t even feel embarrassed anymore. I even strained a groin muscle getting out of my car one day and had to treat patients while sitting on an ice pack….like I said, I’m no longer embarrassed! So, in short, it’s freezing cold.
Clinicals- I have had such a challenging time on clinicals because I’ve had to learn almost everything as I go because it’s so specialized..school taught me very little when it comes to diagnosing and treating hand injuries. I have become a splinting machine..I’ve even made a dynamic splint with a classical guitar tuner..very cool. My patients have been a source of joy, laughter, and frustration…most I’ve liked and one…well..I just wish she would be nice to me since I’m trying to help her. The ones that make me laugh are the ones who have tried crazy, experimental treatments to feel better (ex. castor oil, massage I would call torture, pumping minerals intravenously,etc.) I really like my supervisors, they are so patient and kind to me. God has also blessed me with opportunities to speak to them about Christ, although they haven’t been long conversations. They are not saved and that burdens me…pray I would know what to say to them and that I would be a good example of Christ’s mercy in my speech and actions, not just with them, but also with my patients.
Living Situation- I am living with my best friend Jenny, her husband Branden, and their four kids (Liberty 8, Owen 4, Clint 2, Zoey 6 months). Surprisingly, we are all still getting along without thoughts of murder. I babysit a lot, make the kids breakfast, assist in potty training, break up fights, attempt to discipline, help with dishes and general cleaning…pretty much learning how to run a household. I sleep on an air mattress and I have taken over their coat closet…I try to stay out of the house when I can just so they can have family time to themselves. It’s been a pretty good situation and I am thankful for that.
Church- I drive an hour every Sunday morning to go to Mountain View Bible Church in a town called Lazear, which is really close to a little town called Hotchkiss. The drive is amazing both in the morning and at night..God’s majesty is everywhere! It’s proved an awesome time for prayer and worship too, so I don’t mind how long it takes to get there. The church reminds me so much of Concord..people that love God and His Word, people that are welcoming to newcomers like me. I’ve established close relationships already with a lot of the women there…very thankful for their counsel and concern. I stay with the youth group because my friend Jake is the youth pastor and he is such a good teacher…reminds me of Aaron in so many ways. I’m glad that I’ve been able to plug in with the youth and I hope that I can be helpful with them in my time there.
Prayer- I have some decisions to make about CO. My supervisor has asked my teacher if I could stay here for my last clinical and I know that she is going to offer me a job. Everything’s really up in the air right now because I don’t have a firm confirmation from a pediatric site here about doing my last rotation and to stay, I need that confirmed this week. I also don’t want to put stress on anyone at our church because me being gone would leave the drama teaching position open for eight more weeks and I don’t want to bail on my commitments to that, so that is a concern. Some of my prayers about money and my living situation have already been answered….I just really need prayer about making the best decision for God’s purpose and everyone who would be affected. I’m really confused about what to do and I really do miss you guys! Please remember me and pray for a clear path.
Love, Lisa