Yup. I can't believe it. Celebrated by 40th birthday, celebrated 40 years of being baptized, was in my first photo shoot ever PLUS I hope to be officially endorsed or at least recommended for endorsement by this Friday!
It has been a LOOOONNNGGGG semester, but we are finally in the home stretch! I still can't believe it. I've finally after weeks and weeks of struggling finally getting in the groove of things! Yeah...I've been a bit slow this semester. Not sure why. I think I have spent more time trying to stay organized than I have in getting stuff done! But this semester has proved to be quite another "shift" for me spiritually. I think it's a combination of all the classes. Everything I believe is being constantly challenged and countered by the deepest parts of Lutheran Theology and I love it! Several of my classes seem to overlap each other this semester, which is proving quite helpful in aiding my understanding of certain things...so that's a good thing.
So I am writing my own J-Term proposal for 2011. It will hopefully count as my J-Term requirement and my Rural Ministry requirement, then all I'll have left t do is a cross cultural requirement which I will do my Senior year. Man, that sounds so far off, but will be here before I can blink! My J-Term, if approved, I'd be doing working with Jill, my former Associate Pastor in Brehnham, TX area. They have several rural congregations down there and I hope to be working in 3. I figure this is gonna give me a little head start in my internship. I figure with me being single, no kids, no home....I will probably be in the most rural location they can stick me in! I just feel that coming. I requested Southeast, but we'll see how that flies!
No relationship stuff anywhere on the radar for now. Not for lack of trying, just no takers as of yet. I think I may be trying too hard, so I've decided to just let it be for now. God knows what he's doing and the way my schedule is looking these days, its probably best don't add something or someone else to it! It's been a little tough with me turning 40 and the constant wondering if someone is truly out there for me. It was pretty lonely not having those I love the most not here to share my birthday but I know its all temporary.
Been doing a lot of pulpit supply. I'm booked for the rest of this month and probably in December too. I've been preaching at 2 different congregations. One in Monroe, WI and the other in Waterloo, IA. Both are small congregations who can't afford Pastors, but I guess like the way I preach cause they keep inviting me back! It's been good practice for me too...not to mention the extra cash has been a HUGE help! Especially with more medical issues rising...more on that later.
I'm going back to Dallas for Thanksgiving. Darrell & Julie had already bought me a ticket for Christmas break, but with the change in my J-Term, it made more sense for me to have my car for Christmas break. So I switched my ticket for Thanksgiving (after paying a fee of course!) and now I'll be there when Lexi is born! I think they could REALLY use some help with the new baby coming. I hadn't originally planned on being there, but I could just hear in Julie's voice when I told her I was coming, how relieved she felt. That made me even more sure that it was the right thing to do. I did have to juggle around my school schedule and make some request to several professors. Overall, they are all OK with it, so I'm just trying to stay ahead and get about 4 projects/papers done before I leave. As far as not seeing my family...well, it won't be the first time I hadn't been home for Thanksgiving. Besides, depending when and where my Internship site is, I'm likely to go visit after classes in the Spring. We'll see. Once again it's past my bedtime, but I felt I needed to blog since I hadn't in a while.
Blessings and Peace to all reading....
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Then the first day of classes came....
Ahhhh, the weather has been so beautiful here in Iowa! I had honestly forgotten how nice this time of year can be. I'm SURE I won't be saying that in just a few more months.
So I made it through prologue week....viewing movies about the story of David and Bethsheba. We compared the movies and study about biblical interpretation. We even looked at Veggies Tales which was very disturbing to me. I thought this whole time that Veggie Tales was a GOOD thing for religion, but as it turns out, it is, as my friend Abagail said, "biblical smut", THUS making my job a lot harder! It was a interesting week, paper and all.
We had a meeting this past week about the process I will be going through next, INTERNSHIP. God willing, my interview will be late October/early November and I will be endorsed, which means I have been granted permission to go on internship all next school year. Since I'm single, no kids, no home, etc...I pretty much have no say so as to where I will end up. After spending some time at home with my mother I had debated restricting to the East coast to be closer to help her, but decided after the meeting, that would hurt my chances of getting in the best place for me. So I'm leaving it open, making no restrictions. I won't find out where I'm going until Mid-March, so I better start praying now. Besides....I still have a 6 page application to complete before then and LOTS of Hebrew this semester.
My class load this semester isn't too bad, either that or my mind seem to be in a better place. I am enjoying all of it so far, but then again, it IS only the first week! I dunno I can't explain it. Maybe it just all the CPE and KNOWING exactly how I feel about everything, I just feel like I'm in some sort of "sponge" phase and I love it!
Going home was pretty cool. Seeing my family differently was not. I think I just studied too much about family dynamics this summer that I was just looking at my family differently. I WISH I could say that it was all good, but it disturbed me. Spending time with my mother was nice, but she really does need more support from me, emotionally and physically. It made me feel quite helpless. I thought maybe I had over exaggerated most of it until my baby sister went and seemed to have the same observations. All I can do is pray about it for now.
School has started, I have a new part time job as a part time handbell director at a local church, first payday FINALLY this week (I haven't been paid since May...so it's been a LONG summer!), all in all not too bad. I went to Des Moines, IA yesterday for a grant interview with some other students. I think I'll be offered something, so I'm feeling quite optimistic.
I am missing my best friend and her (my) family terribly. She and her family have been busy getting ready for a move and I think moved a bunch of stuff over to their new home today. She was pretty bad before about not texting or calling me, but with all this, has gotten worse. It's been tough, but I am managing OK all things considered.
I am turning 40 next month....yeah, I said it, 40. That has me getting a little down every once in a while. I had just had better plans for my personal life at this point. It's not that I'm lonely I just miss companionship, someone to share things with. I guess for a while my friends provided that when I was at home this past summer, before that, last semester, was my ex....but now with 40 around the corner, I seem to be thinking about it more. I dunno, maybe I need to take a break. Maybe I need to try a new different dating web site. For now, I'll just settle for some prayer and blogging!
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with all you readers. Peace!
So I made it through prologue week....viewing movies about the story of David and Bethsheba. We compared the movies and study about biblical interpretation. We even looked at Veggies Tales which was very disturbing to me. I thought this whole time that Veggie Tales was a GOOD thing for religion, but as it turns out, it is, as my friend Abagail said, "biblical smut", THUS making my job a lot harder! It was a interesting week, paper and all.
We had a meeting this past week about the process I will be going through next, INTERNSHIP. God willing, my interview will be late October/early November and I will be endorsed, which means I have been granted permission to go on internship all next school year. Since I'm single, no kids, no home, etc...I pretty much have no say so as to where I will end up. After spending some time at home with my mother I had debated restricting to the East coast to be closer to help her, but decided after the meeting, that would hurt my chances of getting in the best place for me. So I'm leaving it open, making no restrictions. I won't find out where I'm going until Mid-March, so I better start praying now. Besides....I still have a 6 page application to complete before then and LOTS of Hebrew this semester.
My class load this semester isn't too bad, either that or my mind seem to be in a better place. I am enjoying all of it so far, but then again, it IS only the first week! I dunno I can't explain it. Maybe it just all the CPE and KNOWING exactly how I feel about everything, I just feel like I'm in some sort of "sponge" phase and I love it!
Going home was pretty cool. Seeing my family differently was not. I think I just studied too much about family dynamics this summer that I was just looking at my family differently. I WISH I could say that it was all good, but it disturbed me. Spending time with my mother was nice, but she really does need more support from me, emotionally and physically. It made me feel quite helpless. I thought maybe I had over exaggerated most of it until my baby sister went and seemed to have the same observations. All I can do is pray about it for now.
School has started, I have a new part time job as a part time handbell director at a local church, first payday FINALLY this week (I haven't been paid since May...so it's been a LONG summer!), all in all not too bad. I went to Des Moines, IA yesterday for a grant interview with some other students. I think I'll be offered something, so I'm feeling quite optimistic.
I am missing my best friend and her (my) family terribly. She and her family have been busy getting ready for a move and I think moved a bunch of stuff over to their new home today. She was pretty bad before about not texting or calling me, but with all this, has gotten worse. It's been tough, but I am managing OK all things considered.
I am turning 40 next month....yeah, I said it, 40. That has me getting a little down every once in a while. I had just had better plans for my personal life at this point. It's not that I'm lonely I just miss companionship, someone to share things with. I guess for a while my friends provided that when I was at home this past summer, before that, last semester, was my ex....but now with 40 around the corner, I seem to be thinking about it more. I dunno, maybe I need to take a break. Maybe I need to try a new different dating web site. For now, I'll just settle for some prayer and blogging!
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with all you readers. Peace!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Swimming, eating ice cream, writing my endorsement paper...one of those things don't belong!
Ahhhhh.....CPE is now over. I wish I could say that I was relieved. Well, I am sort of. It has been a long exhausting summer, that was a roller coaster of emotion, but I learned so much about myself and I have developed the skills to provide pastoral care. (About the only person who would NOT agree would be my ex-boyfriend!). I truly have a new respect for my denomination for making this a requirement for internship. I can see its value and feel like I am a stronger better person from it. So I have had a few people ask me to share a few stories from this summer so below are 2 of my favorite: Enjoy!
This mother of a 7 month old boy came in with random seizures. The mother has continued to be very emotional and frustrated that her son is not getting better but seems to be worsening. After several test have been run and medication has been administered, the young patient’s seizures seem to be getting longer. The mother was very distraught and saying her prayer has been, “that God take his illness and give it to her”. While I understood her frustration and allowed her to share other concerns, I encouraged her to rather pray for patience and peace in her heart and mind. I further encouraged her to “not pray that she be inflicted with sickness to save her son”. I shared with her and reminded her that she does have other children and a husband that need her too. I was honest in telling her that I was unsure whether her son would get better, but rather assured her that God will be with him through his sickness. I made no promises of his recovery, which was difficult, but truthful. Too often, I have heard parents saying, “Oh, my child, will be OK”! I have deliberately avoided saying this, but rather comfort them in assuring them that God is present and will provide what is needed according to his will. While I do not always verbalize that fact to a patient that is distraught, I do feel I try to convey a message of presence and peace that God can provide when people draw near to him.
My second story is my favorite:
I remember one day doing rounds on B6 and I went to the nurses station to check in and asked the nurse there, who later told me she was a technician, was there anyone I should specifically speak to or should see. Her response was, “No, not that I know of, but if you ask me, the young lady in B6206 needs Jesus and doesn’t know it”. I asked her why she thought that and she said I should review her chart before I entered and I did. I read that this young mother, 17 years old, comes from a highly aggressive mother and has HIV and now her new born son also has it and the father is no where in the picture. Her son had been hospitalized for pneumonia. So I gowned up and walked in as she was rocking her new 3 month old baby boy. I introduced myself as the Chaplain and said “I just wanted to come by to see how you and your son were doing”. Her response, “I don’t need no chaplain”. I said “ok, but I actually came by to speak to your son, may I do that”? She looked at me awkwardly and reluctantly said, “I guess” and turned the boy around so I could see him. I began to speak to the little boy, telling him how I hoped he’d get better soon and that God loved him and that I would pray for him. As I finished I started to walk out, smiling at the mother who now looked shocked. As I opened the door, she said, “Wait. Why did you do that?”. I said, “because he’s someone in pain and that’s what I do. I come by and help people or talk to people in pain”. She said, “sorry about what I said before”. I smiled and said it’s alright”. The next thing I know, this girl is sharing her story. This girl simply needed to be heard and I listened without passing judgment or taking offense to what she had said as I entered. In the end, I felt I may have made a small difference in her life all because I was able to see past her own fears and anxieties to help her with her own.
I have done 5 funeral this summer, 2 yesterday! I know I am in an aging congregation, but it getting a little depressing. Every time I come home, seeing another member getting sicker and sicker, older and older. I do pray for new growth for my church. I think it would change a lot of things.
So my best friend, Julie is moving finally! They close on their house at the end of this month...God willing. So I've been doing a lot of babysitting this week, so Darrell and Julie can pack! Their house is slowly getting there, but they still have a LONG way to go. I at least had a chance to see their new home in Plano, TX. It's a 4 bedroom one story home. I'll be staying there in December when I come home for their 2nd child's baptism, Alexis. Julie and I just finished a project for both the girls. We made them both a shadow boxes with different themes. They came out so good. Better than I thought it would. Julie and I fuss a lot at each other when we do projects, but the end result is always beautiful!
I wish I could say that I have spent a lot of time with other people, but truly I haven't. My tight schedule with CPE kept me pretty busy at the hospital. So the last few weeks, I would leave a little early just to go by and see Chloe and Julie on my way home. I regret I haven't had more time! There is still some people I really wanted to see, but will probably not.
School is coming up fast...and what am I most excited about? GETTING A KINDLE. Someone bought one for me and I can get about half my textbooks on it, so it seemed like a good purchase to save me LOTS of money on books for school. I have been working on my Hebrew Alphabet little by little. I think I've got most of it down. I think I'm ready to be back in school for Fall. I've missed my colleagues and am ready to have my endorsement interview. Spring semester will be when I find out where I am going - assuming I get approval. My endorsement paper has been going good. I'm up to 8 out of 10 pages, so I know I'll get it done in time.
I leave for NC this Saturday for 5 days. Its the first time in a LONG time that I am really looking forward to being home. It just seems my family has been going through a lot of changes, as a result of my personal changes. I read about this phenomenon in a book I read this summer called Generation to Generation, where I was studying about family dynamics. When someone in a major role in a family shifts, it causes the entire, "homostatis" to shift too. In other words, are my family changes a result of all the changes I have gone through? Who knows....I like to think it is God at work.
Finally, last but not least....yes, single again. I can honestly say, I'm OK with the break up. That's not to say that I am not angry or hurt because I am. I am still going through some emotions about it, but not an overwhelming sadness....seems kinda odd to me that I'm not all weepy about it. I think largely because of how it all happened. Maybe it won't really hit me till I get back to school, but by then, I'll be back in my "school zone"....easy to stay busy. I truly believe I am meant to be with someone....but finding the right one continues to be a challenge for me. Maybe I need take a break, maybe I need to stop looking, maybe, maybe, maybe.....ugghh. All I know is that it sucks to be single at 40, which is coming up soon! I'm truly not THAT worried. I know someone is out there, but God is still working on him...making him just right for me. In the meantime, I'll keep blogging, keep my dear friends and family close and treasure every moment of my life. I laid in Margaret's pool today floating and counting my blessings. I have so many things to be Thankful for. I love myself, my life and my God. Sure someone to share my life with would be a blessing, but maybe I just need to be more patient. God has provided everything else in my life, I need to have a little more faith.
Peace and blessings to all reading... <><
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ah the last week of CPE and then...
I have been through a whirlwind of emotions this summer. I've enjoyed spending time with my friends and my church family, but it has come with a price. Gary and I are over. Can't say that I am surprised, as I have a knack for running men off! Or in this case...he decided to run from me. Not much I can do there. I had sensed his discontent with me after he left here from Texas not knowing why. I had shared some information about my past that he had a problem with and that's his prerogative. (However, to my defense, a person who claimed to have loved me, would accept my past and love who I am now). I now question how he truly cared for me this whole time, as I feel, he has in essence been lying to me since he left, by not being honest about the way he felt.....but I will not sit here and play the "what if" game or bash his name on the internet over something I cannot change. I am better than that. The pure fact: Gary and I are not more. Especially since I know his family reads all that I write...or at least used to. As saddened as it is for me, because I do not say, "I Love You" to just any man, as I am entering a pretty important part of my life right now, I will survive and move on. I have to. I only hope that in our short time together, that he will someday look back at it and smile.
More about my last week of CPE and my visit home to see my family soon to come.
Heartbroken again....
More about my last week of CPE and my visit home to see my family soon to come.
Heartbroken again....
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
So over half way through....I'm ready to go back to school (I think!?)
WOW...been a while since I last gave an update. Quite honestly, most of the people that read this thing are here in Texas sooo....because I've been seeing most of them this summer, been slow on the updating of my blog. So sorry to those who don't live in Texas! (Although you should be glad, as it has been one HHHHOOOTTT summer down here!)
So CPE...what shall I say first....It has been the most emotionally draining, physically exhausting, hard warming, stressful yet rewarding thing I have EVER done....and THAT includes my time teaching kids elementary music! OK, ok, maybe it runs a VERY close second! LOL I am now half way through my CPE experience and I continue to learn more about myself everyday; which is what this program is designed to do, on TOP of teaching me Pastoral Care! I luckily have not had to personally handle a death case yet (where someone has died and I have been present) but I have definitely been around it, surrounded by it, worked with families who are going through the grieving process or end of life issues. It has truly made me reevaluate how I view and see my own death and made me really realize how precious life truly is and how quickly we too often take it for granted. Working at a Children's Hospital I KNEW would be extreme;y challenging to me, and everyday I seem to work through one more thing. So that has been my daily mantra to myself as I say my morning prayers, "God, help me see, feel, experience the "One thing" I need to learn today to help me become a better servant for you". So far, that prayer continues to be a blessing for me and so far, I have learned more than I ever thought I would be. But it has also been so TIRING and exhausting for me. I am in bed by 9 every night and chatting with Gary by 8 every night, so I guess he's had to adjust too!
Gary and I are continuing to do well. I guess I can type all this, since the cat is out of the bag, he was here over 4th of July weekend, which was very cool. (His kids didn't know he was here, but I didn't think it was a good idea that he NOT tell them that!....for the record!) It had been over a month since I had seen him last. I suppose I truly didn't realize how much I really missed him until he was here. Yeah, we do chat every night and text a lot through out the day, but I just missed being around him. Missed the little things, like holding his hand, sitting next to him at a movie. He brings me a great sense of comfort that I can't explain. He also got a chance to hear me preach for the first time. That made me VERY nervous, but it made me feel really good for him to say he was proud of me, that he really thought I did well and that I'm going to make a good pastor someday. There was quite a bit of drama that day, as his kids found out he was in Texas and were quite upset! They were even calling me; which is just awkward since I haven't met any of them yet, but that is something I am looking forward to. Gary's kids I think are a great extension of who he is, so for me by meeting his kids, I feel I would get a glimpse of another side of him that I hadn't experienced or seen before....I dunno, I could be over analyzing that one. Either way, it's still something I am looking forward to.
Gary also has a chance while he was here to meet my church family and my very special friends and my best friends and my God Daughter...all of which are extremely important to me. We had a little get together at my friend Rox's house where he met most of my friends, but it had been a long drive for him so he was quite tired at the party. I felt bad afterwards for putting him through all that, but I was still glad he was here to meet some very important people in my life. All in all, he made a great impression on most of my friends. This will probably be the only time he ever comes here, since it is quite possible after this summer, I may not be back to Dallas for a LONG time...although I am coming back for a few days in December for Julie & Darrell's new daughter's baptism; if we can get the dates all worked out.
Speaking of Julie and Darrell (Julie= my best friend)....they are expecting another little girl in November right around Thanksgiving. Her name will be Alexis. It makes me sooo sad that I won't be a part of her life, with me being in seminary. It has been soooo MUCH fun though being here in summer to spend time with Chloe. She is talking so much now, that it is so much fun to play with her! We actually have some fun and cool conversations. Julie and Darrell have done such an amazing job with her. Her vocabulary just astounds me! It also makes me sad how much I will miss when I leave again...but it will be nice to see them all in December, even if it is for just a few days. Julie has been finally getting past a lot of sickness from the first Trimester...Thank the Lord! So it's been fun feeling the baby move around in her belly and using the stethoscope to hear her in there; just like I did with Chloe, just maybe not as frequent. Being around death and watching kids suffering everyday, has made me hug people a little longer, made me hold onto Chloe (and Julie) just a little tighter. Life is just too precious to waste any second. I am soooo Thankful to have Julie who allows me to part of their lives as intimately as they do. It is truly a gift and a blessing. Julie continues to be my emotional support, along with Gary this summer; although I sense Gary struggles sometimes understanding how close and connected I am with Julie....but I think he's doing better with it all.
So I am heading home to visit family in NC after I finish my CPE next month for a few days. I had decided it is really important for me to spend time with my Grandmother (Abuelita) as her health is always a question. But she IS 94 years old! I would just feel awful if I started school this semester and something were to happen and I not had the chance to say my goodbyes. So I fear while I am looking forward to spending time with my mom and siblings that this could be the last time I see my grandmother, and that just makes me sad. But it is far better than not going at all!
Sooo, I think that's about it for now. I'm off to do rounds. I'm at another Children's hospital right down the street from the other one...very different over here, as most patients are on a very strict rigid schedule; makes it challenging to see and speak with patients, but hey....I got to blog! Many blessings, peace, patience, understanding and enlightenment be with all reading today. May God bless you all!
So CPE...what shall I say first....It has been the most emotionally draining, physically exhausting, hard warming, stressful yet rewarding thing I have EVER done....and THAT includes my time teaching kids elementary music! OK, ok, maybe it runs a VERY close second! LOL I am now half way through my CPE experience and I continue to learn more about myself everyday; which is what this program is designed to do, on TOP of teaching me Pastoral Care! I luckily have not had to personally handle a death case yet (where someone has died and I have been present) but I have definitely been around it, surrounded by it, worked with families who are going through the grieving process or end of life issues. It has truly made me reevaluate how I view and see my own death and made me really realize how precious life truly is and how quickly we too often take it for granted. Working at a Children's Hospital I KNEW would be extreme;y challenging to me, and everyday I seem to work through one more thing. So that has been my daily mantra to myself as I say my morning prayers, "God, help me see, feel, experience the "One thing" I need to learn today to help me become a better servant for you". So far, that prayer continues to be a blessing for me and so far, I have learned more than I ever thought I would be. But it has also been so TIRING and exhausting for me. I am in bed by 9 every night and chatting with Gary by 8 every night, so I guess he's had to adjust too!
Gary and I are continuing to do well. I guess I can type all this, since the cat is out of the bag, he was here over 4th of July weekend, which was very cool. (His kids didn't know he was here, but I didn't think it was a good idea that he NOT tell them that!....for the record!) It had been over a month since I had seen him last. I suppose I truly didn't realize how much I really missed him until he was here. Yeah, we do chat every night and text a lot through out the day, but I just missed being around him. Missed the little things, like holding his hand, sitting next to him at a movie. He brings me a great sense of comfort that I can't explain. He also got a chance to hear me preach for the first time. That made me VERY nervous, but it made me feel really good for him to say he was proud of me, that he really thought I did well and that I'm going to make a good pastor someday. There was quite a bit of drama that day, as his kids found out he was in Texas and were quite upset! They were even calling me; which is just awkward since I haven't met any of them yet, but that is something I am looking forward to. Gary's kids I think are a great extension of who he is, so for me by meeting his kids, I feel I would get a glimpse of another side of him that I hadn't experienced or seen before....I dunno, I could be over analyzing that one. Either way, it's still something I am looking forward to.
Gary also has a chance while he was here to meet my church family and my very special friends and my best friends and my God Daughter...all of which are extremely important to me. We had a little get together at my friend Rox's house where he met most of my friends, but it had been a long drive for him so he was quite tired at the party. I felt bad afterwards for putting him through all that, but I was still glad he was here to meet some very important people in my life. All in all, he made a great impression on most of my friends. This will probably be the only time he ever comes here, since it is quite possible after this summer, I may not be back to Dallas for a LONG time...although I am coming back for a few days in December for Julie & Darrell's new daughter's baptism; if we can get the dates all worked out.
Speaking of Julie and Darrell (Julie= my best friend)....they are expecting another little girl in November right around Thanksgiving. Her name will be Alexis. It makes me sooo sad that I won't be a part of her life, with me being in seminary. It has been soooo MUCH fun though being here in summer to spend time with Chloe. She is talking so much now, that it is so much fun to play with her! We actually have some fun and cool conversations. Julie and Darrell have done such an amazing job with her. Her vocabulary just astounds me! It also makes me sad how much I will miss when I leave again...but it will be nice to see them all in December, even if it is for just a few days. Julie has been finally getting past a lot of sickness from the first Trimester...Thank the Lord! So it's been fun feeling the baby move around in her belly and using the stethoscope to hear her in there; just like I did with Chloe, just maybe not as frequent. Being around death and watching kids suffering everyday, has made me hug people a little longer, made me hold onto Chloe (and Julie) just a little tighter. Life is just too precious to waste any second. I am soooo Thankful to have Julie who allows me to part of their lives as intimately as they do. It is truly a gift and a blessing. Julie continues to be my emotional support, along with Gary this summer; although I sense Gary struggles sometimes understanding how close and connected I am with Julie....but I think he's doing better with it all.
So I am heading home to visit family in NC after I finish my CPE next month for a few days. I had decided it is really important for me to spend time with my Grandmother (Abuelita) as her health is always a question. But she IS 94 years old! I would just feel awful if I started school this semester and something were to happen and I not had the chance to say my goodbyes. So I fear while I am looking forward to spending time with my mom and siblings that this could be the last time I see my grandmother, and that just makes me sad. But it is far better than not going at all!
Sooo, I think that's about it for now. I'm off to do rounds. I'm at another Children's hospital right down the street from the other one...very different over here, as most patients are on a very strict rigid schedule; makes it challenging to see and speak with patients, but hey....I got to blog! Many blessings, peace, patience, understanding and enlightenment be with all reading today. May God bless you all!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A Week of training, getting lost, feeling lost and the morgue??
With that title description that could only mean one thing....CPE! Clinical Pastoral Education. Yup, I started this week with a little anxiety, some worry and anxiousness only to end up at the morgue twice this week! Seriously, this CPE thing is going to be a little tougher than I thought!
I am doing my CPE at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Their policy includes, among a bizillion other policies, that all deceased must be escorted to their morgue by a member of the Chaplain staff. This is going to be a little tough for me, as up until this week, I had never been in a morgue before. I was pretty creeped out at first. The second time we went in there, the pathologist who performs the autopsies was there and invited everyone into the room where they do them. I just stood by the wall and waited for my classmates. I guess my comfortableness will come with time.
So lots of training this week and LOTS of walking. I spent 2 days in new employee orientation. Some of the material had nothing to do with my department, but I sat through it all. By Tuesday orientation and power point presentation number #???, I decided to start working on writing my sermon. (I have to preach tomorrow in church). Wednesday and Thursday were days to get to know my classmates and procedure stuff specific for our office. Friday we set our on call schedule for the entire summer. Looks like I'll be staying just 2 nights at the hospital this summer....not too bad. We also broadcast everyday 15 minutes little sermonettes from our chapel. I'll be leading a few of those plus leading chapel at least once this summer. The schedule setting took us a while, but we managed to get through it. Had to go pick up some new tennis shoes today, as my feet and knees have been taking a SERIOUS beating with all the walking involved. I will have my floor assignments on Monday. I have to pick where I'd like to be...leaning towards just general pediatrics, as I thing all the bloody stuff will be in the ICU units and trauma. But something tells me that when I AM on call, all bets are off! I will probably need to get over my queasiness about seeing bloody stuff.
So Gary and I are continuing to chat online every night. It's still difficult not being a little closer to each other, but we have planned to get together soon. I can't wait! I miss him so much. We're continuing to get to know each other every time we talk. I try to mention to him something new that he doesn't know about me and we've just starting using these conversation starter cards. That's been fun! As we share I am reminded how much we have in common and how glad I am that he is a part of my life.
I have to redo one of my final papers from Spring semester. NOT happy about that, but I do have a few more weeks to get it done. That is on my agenda next weekend! I was quite frustrated about having to redo it, but I also just want it done. I know I passed all the rest of my classes this past semester. I'm looking forward to being back at school this Fall. I also have my endorsement paper to write by the end of this summer. My endorsement interview will be in October. This is the interview that is made up of someone from my home Synod, some peers, adviser and professors. They will decide if I am ready to go on internship my third year. Again, something I have to wait for an assignment for next Spring. I'm just hoping to remain fairly close to Gary, but we'll see since I cannot restrict.
Well....lots of drama going on at my church. My friend Keith, who helped form our Praise Team decided to leave...NOT a huge shock, but I hope he is happy. I've been so proud of the youth who have remained part of the band. They have done remarkably and contrary to what Keith believes, the church and the praise band will survive without him.
I am missing seeing my fellow seminarians. They have become such a big part of my life now that its like they are family. I've been following come of their CPE stuff on Facebook...some of it is quite humorous! But I still miss them.
So I think that is all for now. Another CPE update next week...as then I will be on my own..scary thought. God bless to all reading!
I am doing my CPE at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Their policy includes, among a bizillion other policies, that all deceased must be escorted to their morgue by a member of the Chaplain staff. This is going to be a little tough for me, as up until this week, I had never been in a morgue before. I was pretty creeped out at first. The second time we went in there, the pathologist who performs the autopsies was there and invited everyone into the room where they do them. I just stood by the wall and waited for my classmates. I guess my comfortableness will come with time.
So lots of training this week and LOTS of walking. I spent 2 days in new employee orientation. Some of the material had nothing to do with my department, but I sat through it all. By Tuesday orientation and power point presentation number #???, I decided to start working on writing my sermon. (I have to preach tomorrow in church). Wednesday and Thursday were days to get to know my classmates and procedure stuff specific for our office. Friday we set our on call schedule for the entire summer. Looks like I'll be staying just 2 nights at the hospital this summer....not too bad. We also broadcast everyday 15 minutes little sermonettes from our chapel. I'll be leading a few of those plus leading chapel at least once this summer. The schedule setting took us a while, but we managed to get through it. Had to go pick up some new tennis shoes today, as my feet and knees have been taking a SERIOUS beating with all the walking involved. I will have my floor assignments on Monday. I have to pick where I'd like to be...leaning towards just general pediatrics, as I thing all the bloody stuff will be in the ICU units and trauma. But something tells me that when I AM on call, all bets are off! I will probably need to get over my queasiness about seeing bloody stuff.
So Gary and I are continuing to chat online every night. It's still difficult not being a little closer to each other, but we have planned to get together soon. I can't wait! I miss him so much. We're continuing to get to know each other every time we talk. I try to mention to him something new that he doesn't know about me and we've just starting using these conversation starter cards. That's been fun! As we share I am reminded how much we have in common and how glad I am that he is a part of my life.
I have to redo one of my final papers from Spring semester. NOT happy about that, but I do have a few more weeks to get it done. That is on my agenda next weekend! I was quite frustrated about having to redo it, but I also just want it done. I know I passed all the rest of my classes this past semester. I'm looking forward to being back at school this Fall. I also have my endorsement paper to write by the end of this summer. My endorsement interview will be in October. This is the interview that is made up of someone from my home Synod, some peers, adviser and professors. They will decide if I am ready to go on internship my third year. Again, something I have to wait for an assignment for next Spring. I'm just hoping to remain fairly close to Gary, but we'll see since I cannot restrict.
Well....lots of drama going on at my church. My friend Keith, who helped form our Praise Team decided to leave...NOT a huge shock, but I hope he is happy. I've been so proud of the youth who have remained part of the band. They have done remarkably and contrary to what Keith believes, the church and the praise band will survive without him.
I am missing seeing my fellow seminarians. They have become such a big part of my life now that its like they are family. I've been following come of their CPE stuff on Facebook...some of it is quite humorous! But I still miss them.
So I think that is all for now. Another CPE update next week...as then I will be on my own..scary thought. God bless to all reading!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
On the brink of boredom...must be time for CPE to start!
Well this month has been exciting so far! I've traveled all over the place, seen lots of friends I hadn't seen in a long time, been getting a nice summer tan....YEAH RIGHT???!!! About the only truth to that previous statement was about my tan and that's ONLY because I've been going walking twice a day...GOTTA continue to get exercise, even in this HEAT!!!
I've primarily been walking to MAKE Julie exercise. She'd been complaining about sickness from her pregnancy and always being tired. After spending a DAY chasing after Chloe....I NOW GET THAT! But she does need to exercise for the new baby coming so....I've been making her walk with me. I only intended on making her walk once a day, but she insist on a second walk, which doesn't sit well with me, since I HATE heat. Inevitable if you live here in Dallas, TX!
So I just completed my JTerm assignment. Since I didn't DO a JTerm project this past January because of my multiple hospital stays, I opted to write a paper for the requirement. My title? The Theology of Pain and Suffering. It was actually pretty interesting once I started doing some research and reading a few sources one of my professors had given me. I actually learned a lot while doing it and somewhat feel like I MAY be OK during CPE. We'll see I guess. That adventure starts on Monday!
Still missing my boyfriend, Gary terribly. It sucks that neither he or I can travel to see each other right now. Skype has become a necessity for us. I dunno which is worse...seeing him everyday on Skype, which seems to make me miss him more or not seeing him at all! I suppose it's just an adjustment, but one I DON'T have to like right now. As my dear single friend told me yesterday, "At least you HAVE a boyfriend"! I am thankful for that! He continues to make me smile everyday and that is priceless to me right now!
I have 2 preaching "gigs" coming up. Both at my home church. My Pastor has decided to take a day off of preaching on June 13th and the day off on July 4th. So I guess the REAL test begins to see how well I can prepare a sermon. I don't know which is worse, preaching in front of my peers at school for a grade or my home congregation (which probably has a little higher expectation of me now that I'm in seminary). It's a toss up challenge. One I knew I would have, but nervous about it just the same. Lots of drama going on at my church regarding a Praise Band that I helped to start. They are having to make some changes and adjustments. I'm just glad I am here this summer to help, as I do feel like I owe my church at least that for all the support they give me.
Haven't been able to get in the pool for a few days. The Pool guy has gotta come out and fix the "sucker cleaner thingy"....ya u know what I mean! Last time I tried to get in there, I was attacked by bugs, so I'm gonna wait! NEED POOL to relieve SUMMER HEAT!!!!
So I have one final paper to redo from Spring semester before the end of this month. I want to start on it this week and just get it done, as I fear CPE is gonna drain a lot out of me. My dear friend from seminary, Kate, said, when I asked her how her first day of CPE went, "It's kinda like sucking on the end of a fire hose that's turned on full blast!" NOT exactly the encouraging words I would have liked to have for this week, but I am anxious and ready to start. I also gotta start learning the Hebrew Alphabet. I have to have it learned by the time I start school this Fall. My mother is starting to help me with that tomorrow.
I've been so enjoying spending time with my precious God Daughter Chloe. She is almost 2 and is at such a FUN stage! It's soooo cool having someone to play with! I mean, it's nice to play WITH her! (Yeah right! Anyone who KNOWS me at all knows I meant the later!) She continues to amaze me everyday, but it also makes me so sad seeing how much I have missed this past year. Julie has done such an amazing job with her. I sat next to Julie yesterday and using her stethoscope, I listened to her new baby moving around in her belly. It was so cool! It made me a little jealous and I teared up thinking that I will probably never have that experience. Years ago, that would have made me very sad; and if you catch me on a "bad" day sometimes it still does. Bottom line, by the time I start my new career in a few more years, "my birthing" years are going to be well behind me. Not to mention the need for ONE more knee surgery...eventually. Children, of my own, are just not in the cards for me and I came to that conclusion some time ago. Besides, since dating Gary, something tells me, children will continue to be in my life for a while and I don't mind that at all.
Well....I have a children's sermon to write for tomorrow and need to fix me some dinner. Peace and blessings to all reading.
I've primarily been walking to MAKE Julie exercise. She'd been complaining about sickness from her pregnancy and always being tired. After spending a DAY chasing after Chloe....I NOW GET THAT! But she does need to exercise for the new baby coming so....I've been making her walk with me. I only intended on making her walk once a day, but she insist on a second walk, which doesn't sit well with me, since I HATE heat. Inevitable if you live here in Dallas, TX!
So I just completed my JTerm assignment. Since I didn't DO a JTerm project this past January because of my multiple hospital stays, I opted to write a paper for the requirement. My title? The Theology of Pain and Suffering. It was actually pretty interesting once I started doing some research and reading a few sources one of my professors had given me. I actually learned a lot while doing it and somewhat feel like I MAY be OK during CPE. We'll see I guess. That adventure starts on Monday!
Still missing my boyfriend, Gary terribly. It sucks that neither he or I can travel to see each other right now. Skype has become a necessity for us. I dunno which is worse...seeing him everyday on Skype, which seems to make me miss him more or not seeing him at all! I suppose it's just an adjustment, but one I DON'T have to like right now. As my dear single friend told me yesterday, "At least you HAVE a boyfriend"! I am thankful for that! He continues to make me smile everyday and that is priceless to me right now!
I have 2 preaching "gigs" coming up. Both at my home church. My Pastor has decided to take a day off of preaching on June 13th and the day off on July 4th. So I guess the REAL test begins to see how well I can prepare a sermon. I don't know which is worse, preaching in front of my peers at school for a grade or my home congregation (which probably has a little higher expectation of me now that I'm in seminary). It's a toss up challenge. One I knew I would have, but nervous about it just the same. Lots of drama going on at my church regarding a Praise Band that I helped to start. They are having to make some changes and adjustments. I'm just glad I am here this summer to help, as I do feel like I owe my church at least that for all the support they give me.
Haven't been able to get in the pool for a few days. The Pool guy has gotta come out and fix the "sucker cleaner thingy"....ya u know what I mean! Last time I tried to get in there, I was attacked by bugs, so I'm gonna wait! NEED POOL to relieve SUMMER HEAT!!!!
So I have one final paper to redo from Spring semester before the end of this month. I want to start on it this week and just get it done, as I fear CPE is gonna drain a lot out of me. My dear friend from seminary, Kate, said, when I asked her how her first day of CPE went, "It's kinda like sucking on the end of a fire hose that's turned on full blast!" NOT exactly the encouraging words I would have liked to have for this week, but I am anxious and ready to start. I also gotta start learning the Hebrew Alphabet. I have to have it learned by the time I start school this Fall. My mother is starting to help me with that tomorrow.
I've been so enjoying spending time with my precious God Daughter Chloe. She is almost 2 and is at such a FUN stage! It's soooo cool having someone to play with! I mean, it's nice to play WITH her! (Yeah right! Anyone who KNOWS me at all knows I meant the later!) She continues to amaze me everyday, but it also makes me so sad seeing how much I have missed this past year. Julie has done such an amazing job with her. I sat next to Julie yesterday and using her stethoscope, I listened to her new baby moving around in her belly. It was so cool! It made me a little jealous and I teared up thinking that I will probably never have that experience. Years ago, that would have made me very sad; and if you catch me on a "bad" day sometimes it still does. Bottom line, by the time I start my new career in a few more years, "my birthing" years are going to be well behind me. Not to mention the need for ONE more knee surgery...eventually. Children, of my own, are just not in the cards for me and I came to that conclusion some time ago. Besides, since dating Gary, something tells me, children will continue to be in my life for a while and I don't mind that at all.
Well....I have a children's sermon to write for tomorrow and need to fix me some dinner. Peace and blessings to all reading.
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