Learning time...

Sometimes I forget that I live in a poor city while I am here at school. Every time I go to the hospital to get info about my patient for the next moning in clinicals, I am surprised by all the run down houses that I pass on the way. I catch myself staring, and judging the people that I see near those houses that are ready to fall apart.

I know that God has called me to serve the poor and needy, but for some reason I judge them. A couple weeks ago, I had to go to a rescue mission as a requirement for a class to help serve dinner to destitute men. I sat across from one guy who had moved to the area to keep an eye on his cousin, or somebody from his family. I was frightened as he said, "She doesn't know what I look like, but I know what she looks like." (P.S. I didn't go alone to this mission... for those of you who may be concerned for my safety.) But what I realized after the fact was that this guy has serious needs, just like I do. I don't know him, but Jesus does and He loves this guy too. What makes me kind of wonder about myself is that if I am truly called to minister to poor people, why am I so uncomfortable around them? Because I don't really spend time with them.

Maybe I am just starting to see the poverty that is around me. I grew up in a place where I didn’t miss a meal, the house I lived in was warm and clean, and I always had what I needed and wanted. I didn't know what poor meant. I still don't think I do. I used to think that I would need to go to another country to see true poverty and need, but that opinion has changed. My negative reaction to the difference between me and that Joe in front of the shack may be me finally seeing what kind of poverty is right here, in the town around me, in the United States. I think that I need practice being with poor people, seeing them as people, and not as mistake-makers, underpriveledged, pity-producing kind.

Then my next question is what am I trying to do for them? I still haven't figured that out completely, but I think the basic idea is to love them.

Over Spring Break, Austin, Libby, Gabe and I encountered a homeless man on the corner near my dad's office. We gave him some change, and he followed us yelling after us, but we ignored him. As we walked back down to the car with my dad, I watched my dad approach this guy like he was a friend. Dad put his hand on the man's shoulder and talked like they were buddies.

Boy have I got a lot to learn.

Sunshine Celebration

My windows are open! I feel like doing a sun-dance instead of a rain dance. It's been too long since precipitation has stopped, be it rain or snow! I am so glad the sun is shining. I think spring fever is setting in. I have all these warm fuzzy feelings inside that tell me not to stay inside and do the work that needs to get done within these next few weeks of school that are left. A nursing major must stay focused... argh. She cannot be distracted by the beautiful rays that stimulate seratonin production and make her happy! She must bunker down in her dark little room, and finish her work. But don't feel bad for her :)

Hooray for Spring!

Blood and Guts and Bones

I was thrilled to be able to watch a surgery much like the one below. On Tuesday, I witnessed my first full blown surgery. I stood back by the guy with the orange and yellow hat, watching the whole thing: A total knee replacement. It was crazy! I kept praying as the surgeon pounded and drilled and scraped and chisled on the patient's open and exposed knee joint, "Lord help me! This is painful for that person." I had to wiggle my legs and take some deep breaths from time to time just so I wouldn't fall over and faint. I am so glad that the patient could not hear or feel anything, otherwise she would have been traumatized! I think I might investigate surgical nursing more... it is a fascinating field to be in.

I'm goin pro...

Snow, not here in Indiana, but definately at Peek n Peak NY, where I made my skiing debut. My training in third grade on the bunny hills of Ohio prepared me for my incredible display of skills on the slopes in New York. I didn't fall... well, only a couple of times.

This is where we stayed, for free! My FAMILY has this huge lodge near the ski resort. It was great, and convenient. I think I might go back sometime when it is filled with the thirty people it was built for. It really holds about that much. You should see the dining room table!

All geared up and ready to swish down those green and BLUE slopes (I was kinda proud of myself, actually.)

It's no joke that Austin and I skied that day for a whoppin 15 bucks. We found skis, boots, and poles that fit! at the lodge... And some angel pawned off his extra lift tickets to us at less than half price of the Spring season price!

Mich and Jeremy relaxing on the lift. And below, yes we were actually there. That's me with those fine (and borrowed) goggles that gave me a superbly buggy look, but kept my eyes from watering as I sped down the slope and unstoppable velocity:)