अ शोर्ट update

Somehow I managed to select the choice of typing in Hindi-didn't even know that was possible, but given how much I'd love to learn those characters, I think it's pretty neat that I could! So the title of this blog is, "अ शोर्ट अपडेट" or "a short update."
For those of you following this from far away, just a note to say what I've been up to. I work regularly 32 hrs/week at Sacred Heart Medical Center here in Spokane as a nurse. God has brought me through a lot to stay in this place, and I am truly grateful for the job He has provided for me at this time, and all that He is teaching me through this-patience, patience, patience, a few skills, and more patience. I work on a gynecology/urology floor, so the things I see and do on a daily basis are typically those that wouldn't come up in your average dinner conversations-unless of course you are in the medical field yourself. It is amazing the things you become comfortable talking about during nursing school, and even more so now that what I was learning then has become a part of my every-day life at work.

On a weekly basis I see a lot of woman come through the unit after a hysterectomy or other surgery in the lower organ systems of the body, a few men with surgeries unique to them, and some random other medical patients we admit from the ER on nights [eg, cellulitis and other odd skin rashes/manifestations, sepsis (infection that gets into the blood), UTIs, injuries from falls, MVA/MBA, meningitis, and a lot of confused elderly) . Adjusting to a night schedule has certainly been one of the biggest challenges for me. It is hard not to get depressed when you sleep through the beautiful long summer days, and have to go to work just as all your friends and family are gathering to enjoy the summer evening before they head to bed. It certainly takes a toll on your body, and not just physically.

I could go into all the research about how working nights really affects your long-term physical, mental and emotional health, but will spare you all the boredom and complaining. So, what else have I been doing?
On my days off I try hard to switch back and forth, so that I can enjoy the long summer days, go out for a geocaching adventure with my family, spend some time at the River where my grandparents live, and spend time with yet another of my closest friends about to begin the journey of marriage with her fiance and then move to Colorado! Every summer I question if I could handle one more wedding, and every year God brings at least one more. Don't get me wrong, they are beautiful and splendid celebrations to enjoy, especially when two people are truly commited to the Lord and one another by His strength. All the same, it makes growing up feel that much more a reality, and goodbyes that much more frequent.

Other than work and play, I have been blessed to participate in worship ministry with my church, and help with our summer chidren's programs. I've enjoyed fellowship more and learned its importance as I've struggled with the loneliness of working nights while the rest of the world sleeps, and transitioning to life back in this town of many past memories. God has opened doors for me at work with my patients and co-workers, for me to represent Him; sometimes, I do this well, and it seems more often, I find myself getting caught up in the complaining and disatisfaction of the sacrifice our patients don't often appreciate. My co-workers will tell me that to survive as a nurse you have to complain about your patients to each other and let your team members carry some of the burden with you, and I guess I see some truth in that. Still, I'd love to carry the same passion and will to serve to every patient I have, faithfully and fully; and I cannot do that apart from the grace and power of Christ-no matter how hard I try.

My heart for India and the lost souls there continues to grow and come back to me in my prayers, a humbling reminder of how thankful I could be. I'm still praying towards following God to new experiences where He might train and equip me for ministry there or elsewhere, and ultimately that I would desire to make Him known wherever I am and in whatever I'm doing. Strange how it seems easier and more natural to be on fire for Him in a country where He's more readily appreciated and received because a need is recognized; while in the country that perhaps needs Him most, people blindly live in pursuit of wealth and fame, comfort and luxuries on earth, rejecting Him or just not recognizing what freedom He holds for them. It's easier because people in a place like India are looking for a Savior, while people in the USA don't think they need one. Oh what a sad and terrible lie the enemy has grown!