I had the privilege of sharing the story of some of the women I met when in Atlanta at the National PA Conference in Vegas. Click the youtube link to watch.
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope... and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. ~Robert F. Kennedy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvg0ObudvBk
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
It Is Worth It
I had to literally force myself to slow down, sit down, and write this blog post.
I equipped myself with some La Croix water, popcorn and pandora radio, I'm set.
I confess, I forgot I even had this blog for a time. I was reminded I had it the other day and read a post I wrote on 2/28/11....
"I have numerous moments where i pause wondering why I am doing this... why I live where I live. Especially in really hip/quaint neighborhoods like Oak Park... The anthem "be careful" constantly sings its chorus in my head. I feel a little crazy at times and often ask myself... "are you really going to make a difference, is it worth the risk...????"
To be honest.... I'm not sure yet. "
God is so faithful, because almost 10 months later I am convinced that it is absolutely worth it! You know, I can't even believe I saw it as risky. God's grace has transformed my perspective here, I feel 100% certain that being here is safe in the sense that being obedient to God is the best place we can be at any given time. The anthem "be careful" that rang throughout my mind has transformed into a different anthem.. "be faithful".
I was recently reflecting on Paul's words in his letter to Thessalonica... he said
One of my mentees and her little girl
My roomates :)
Another mentee :) Getting her to smile in a photo is challenging so this pic is golden
I equipped myself with some La Croix water, popcorn and pandora radio, I'm set.
I confess, I forgot I even had this blog for a time. I was reminded I had it the other day and read a post I wrote on 2/28/11....
"I have numerous moments where i pause wondering why I am doing this... why I live where I live. Especially in really hip/quaint neighborhoods like Oak Park... The anthem "be careful" constantly sings its chorus in my head. I feel a little crazy at times and often ask myself... "are you really going to make a difference, is it worth the risk...????"
To be honest.... I'm not sure yet. "
God is so faithful, because almost 10 months later I am convinced that it is absolutely worth it! You know, I can't even believe I saw it as risky. God's grace has transformed my perspective here, I feel 100% certain that being here is safe in the sense that being obedient to God is the best place we can be at any given time. The anthem "be careful" that rang throughout my mind has transformed into a different anthem.. "be faithful".
I was recently reflecting on Paul's words in his letter to Thessalonica... he said
"Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us"
I could write something to that effect to best explain the past year of my life but borrowing Paul's words is a little more divinely inspired. My life is a beautiful interwoven knitting of people.
I spend a the majority of my time in clinic half a mile from my house serving the beautiful people of this community. I am so greatful the Lord has allowed me to use my love for medicine and critical thinking in a way to love these people and meet practical needs, my patients have become very dear to me.
I have developed deep and genuine relationships with many friends here through church. Not only do we have a lot of fun, but a couple of my friends really continually encourage me to walk in a way that honors the Lord. These relationships are extremely life giving and I'm excited to continue living in community with these friends, my friends and church family have become very dear to me.
God has placed the call to mentor young women on my heart for a long time. I have loved being a part of a group of mentors with Urban Life Skills who have similar hearts for youth in this neighborhood people would otherwise render hopeless. I have met two young women and started to live life alongside them. These two women have become very dear to me.
My family has been extremely supportive of my move here and have provided much encouragement and support during this transition. They are patient with me when I don't answer my phone as often and their indelible love blesses me beyond belief, I love and miss yall in a super intense way, you guys are very dear to me.
My friends from home/PA school/college, I miss yall so much it literally hurts sometimes. I carry with me sweet memories of each of you and even though separated geographically I think and pray for you often, you guys are very dear to me.
Note: pictures of mentees used with permission... I have some clinic photos but can't post them. I do actually work as a PA though :) Also the quality of photos are subpar.
27th bday celebration with amigos
I spend a the majority of my time in clinic half a mile from my house serving the beautiful people of this community. I am so greatful the Lord has allowed me to use my love for medicine and critical thinking in a way to love these people and meet practical needs, my patients have become very dear to me.
I have developed deep and genuine relationships with many friends here through church. Not only do we have a lot of fun, but a couple of my friends really continually encourage me to walk in a way that honors the Lord. These relationships are extremely life giving and I'm excited to continue living in community with these friends, my friends and church family have become very dear to me.
God has placed the call to mentor young women on my heart for a long time. I have loved being a part of a group of mentors with Urban Life Skills who have similar hearts for youth in this neighborhood people would otherwise render hopeless. I have met two young women and started to live life alongside them. These two women have become very dear to me.
My family has been extremely supportive of my move here and have provided much encouragement and support during this transition. They are patient with me when I don't answer my phone as often and their indelible love blesses me beyond belief, I love and miss yall in a super intense way, you guys are very dear to me.
My friends from home/PA school/college, I miss yall so much it literally hurts sometimes. I carry with me sweet memories of each of you and even though separated geographically I think and pray for you often, you guys are very dear to me.
Note: pictures of mentees used with permission... I have some clinic photos but can't post them. I do actually work as a PA though :) Also the quality of photos are subpar.
27th bday celebration with amigos
One of my mentees and her little girl
My roomates :)
Another mentee :) Getting her to smile in a photo is challenging so this pic is golden
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