I'm sitting at the gate of my flight from Atlanta to Little Rock. I just wrapped up the best beach week with Chelsea, Granna, the twins, Charlie and Shawna. I'm headed home for match day. As I wait to hear WHERE I'm going for residency, I want to reflect on how grateful I am for the journey that got me here.
It all started one day on the way home from school. Dad told me, "don't be a teacher Mary, be a doctor." The rest is history. I started college in the fall of 2011 with my eyes focused on medical school and nothing else. The Lord was so gracious during those four years. I volunteered with youth ministry, at the children's hospital, shadowed some doctors and went to Trinidad and Tobago and Honduras on mission trips. I knew that I wanted to eventually do overseas mission trips and practice medicine. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big scaredy cat and hate being away from my family. But those trips solidified the desires God had placed in my heart. I felt not fear or ounce of homesickness. It was something I never expected and it reaffirmed my decision.
The trip to Honduras was in the middle of my MCAT studying. I had never had to study like that before and felt so defeated after the exam. I kept making up back up plans for the what ifs of if I didn't score high enough. Before I got my scores back, I told myself I'd push through and apply if it was a 26 or higher. 24 or high, I'd study and retake it. I made a 26. My GPA wasn't perfect but I went through with the application process. I remember my interview day and then the anxiety of waiting on the acceptance letters. I was just certain I wasn't going to get in. The day before I received my UAMS letter, I got accepted into ACOM. So for approx 24 hours, I was ready to pack up and move away to Dothan, AL (LOL). On mom's birthday, the big ole UAMS envelope arrived and I started laughing and crying as I knew that UAMS was the place for me.
The summer before medical school, I decided to not go back to Honduras, but to work at Camp Sologohachia. The Lord did a big work in my heart as I was surrounded by people focused on eternity and worshipping God throughout the day. It was that summer that would hold me through to the end of medical school. Through disappointments and failed tests, long hours studying and all of the unknowns of med school, my Light grew dimmer and dimmer. God was fiercely pursuing me, but I was running as fast as I could away from him.
I went through times of apathy. And you might could say I adopted the "fake it til you make it" attitude after first year. First year was a sweet time of D group and morning prayer with my closest girl friends in medical school. But towards the end of the year things shifted and I became bitter with God. Even through trips to Honduras and Guatemala, my heart wasn't in it. Something felt off and I didn't know how to fix it.
After second year, we took Step 1. THE hardest test I've ever taken. I didn't pass any practice tests, but the burnout was real and I decided to just go for it and see what happened. I passed by 1 point. ONE POINT. But for psychiatry residency, the kept saying I just needed to pass and pass I did. And since I'm on this side of interview season and know that I have matched somewhere, I they were right.
After 3rd year, I went back to Honduras. I found joy in my heart and clarity for where God wanted me for that year. My dating life was awful, with people who just didn't believe the same as me. But in the fall, I started to pull myself together and started meeting with the best lil bible study group around. They have loved and prayed for me through all of 4th year. During interview season, I had the sweetest boyfriend and family by my side. And even though that relationship didn't work out in the end, I'm thankful for the companionship he brought me among the chaos of interviews.
And now, wrapping all of this up, I am thankful for a job on July 1. I'm thankful for my family who put up with ALL OF THE ABOVE AND SO MUCH MORE. And I am thankful for Jesus, who loved me at my worst and was my constant even on the most difficult of days.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Monday, July 27, 2015
CAMP
Well blog world, it's been a LONG time! So much has happened and I need to play catch up.
First was graduation, which was the last thing before med school (which starts in EIGHT DAYS).
Then, CAMP.
I wanted to document a few things that the Lord really put on my heart over the summer.
First of all, is the importance of community. A kingdom community. Being surrounded by people who are running towards Jesus and helping each other along is the best way to live. After being immersed in that for two months, I walked away with a new focus - to create the same community at home, in med school, wherever I find myself. My church's mission statement sums it up pretty well - making disciples who live by God's grace and for His glory at home and across the world.
Second, was a perspective change. The Lord says that the last shall be first. Often times we tend to refer to the less fortunate among us as the least of these. However, in God's kingdom, they are first! They are the greatest! We should love them and treat them in that way, humble ourselves and serve every one wholeheartedly.
Last, God speaks to all of us. He just doesn't speak in the same way. At the beginning of staff training I kept comparing myself to everyone else in their walk with Christ. Everyone was talking about words and pictures from God. During a time of prayer with our sweet directors, John and Alfie, the Lord showed me that He does speak to me. One of the amazing things about God is that He speaks to us all in different ways, unique ways. I find so much peace and assurance in that.
xoxo
First was graduation, which was the last thing before med school (which starts in EIGHT DAYS).
Then, CAMP.
I wanted to document a few things that the Lord really put on my heart over the summer.
First of all, is the importance of community. A kingdom community. Being surrounded by people who are running towards Jesus and helping each other along is the best way to live. After being immersed in that for two months, I walked away with a new focus - to create the same community at home, in med school, wherever I find myself. My church's mission statement sums it up pretty well - making disciples who live by God's grace and for His glory at home and across the world.
Second, was a perspective change. The Lord says that the last shall be first. Often times we tend to refer to the less fortunate among us as the least of these. However, in God's kingdom, they are first! They are the greatest! We should love them and treat them in that way, humble ourselves and serve every one wholeheartedly.
Last, God speaks to all of us. He just doesn't speak in the same way. At the beginning of staff training I kept comparing myself to everyone else in their walk with Christ. Everyone was talking about words and pictures from God. During a time of prayer with our sweet directors, John and Alfie, the Lord showed me that He does speak to me. One of the amazing things about God is that He speaks to us all in different ways, unique ways. I find so much peace and assurance in that.
xoxo
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
I'm GOING to be a doctor!!
It's somewhat fitting that my last post was about hopefully getting in to med school.
I decided to write this one about actually accomplishing that.
This blog is for me, so sorry if this comes across as a total brag fest, but one day I want to remember what this time in my life was like and the way it all came about!
First of all, God is faithful. Since my senior year of high school I've had the dream of becoming a doctor and doing medical missions. I firmly believe that desire was placed in my heart by God and He has helped me every step of this way. My accomplishments are not my own, but Him working through me to show His glory. I am so humbled and so very thankful!!
In July, I got my MCAT score back. I had made a 26. In MCAT world, its ok, but definitely not something to brag about. My GPA sits around a 3.8. These are basically the MINIMUMS that I felt I could apply with so I decided to give it a shot.
I applied to 5 schools and here's the breakdown:
Tennessee - didn't want a secondary. My first rejection, which I think I handled like a champ.
UAMS - asked for secondary (everyone from AR gets one... but let's still focus on the positives!!) and I interviewed November 1, 2014! This day was also: Jessie's birthday, Dani's wedding anniversary, Zack and Becca's wedding day. WOO. Big day in this family.
Those are the MD schools. I also applied to 3 DO schools.
KCUMB - sent in secondary, all interviews had already been offered so no luck.
OSU - sent in secondary... still haven't heard back.
ACOM - sent in secondary, interviewed on February 6, 2015. This school was amazing, I honestly have nothing bad to say about it! (Except the 10 hour away thing.)
I had had a few people tell me that I probably wouldn't get in (before my interviews). That I should have a backup plan "just in case" because my chances were so bad. And this is when I began to doubt that I could do this. But I just kept going for it.
On February 20, 2015, I got an acceptance email from ACOM. I was ecstatic! Regardless of what the answer was from UAMS, I was going to be a doctor!
On February 21, 2015, I got my acceptance packed from UAMS. I laughed. I cried. I sat in disbelief. And immediately knew that UAMS is where I belonged. And where I will go. I could NOT be more excited.
It's crazy because I've been working towards this goal for FOUR LONG YEARS. That's like, 20% of my life, and hard to believe. It feels so good to have been accepted and have confirmation that this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. And will be doing. So, don't get discouraged if you're goals seem unattainable or far off, just keep pressing towards your goal and keep leaning on God to get you there.
I decided to write this one about actually accomplishing that.
This blog is for me, so sorry if this comes across as a total brag fest, but one day I want to remember what this time in my life was like and the way it all came about!
First of all, God is faithful. Since my senior year of high school I've had the dream of becoming a doctor and doing medical missions. I firmly believe that desire was placed in my heart by God and He has helped me every step of this way. My accomplishments are not my own, but Him working through me to show His glory. I am so humbled and so very thankful!!
In July, I got my MCAT score back. I had made a 26. In MCAT world, its ok, but definitely not something to brag about. My GPA sits around a 3.8. These are basically the MINIMUMS that I felt I could apply with so I decided to give it a shot.
I applied to 5 schools and here's the breakdown:
Tennessee - didn't want a secondary. My first rejection, which I think I handled like a champ.
UAMS - asked for secondary (everyone from AR gets one... but let's still focus on the positives!!) and I interviewed November 1, 2014! This day was also: Jessie's birthday, Dani's wedding anniversary, Zack and Becca's wedding day. WOO. Big day in this family.
Those are the MD schools. I also applied to 3 DO schools.
KCUMB - sent in secondary, all interviews had already been offered so no luck.
OSU - sent in secondary... still haven't heard back.
ACOM - sent in secondary, interviewed on February 6, 2015. This school was amazing, I honestly have nothing bad to say about it! (Except the 10 hour away thing.)
I had had a few people tell me that I probably wouldn't get in (before my interviews). That I should have a backup plan "just in case" because my chances were so bad. And this is when I began to doubt that I could do this. But I just kept going for it.
On February 20, 2015, I got an acceptance email from ACOM. I was ecstatic! Regardless of what the answer was from UAMS, I was going to be a doctor!
On February 21, 2015, I got my acceptance packed from UAMS. I laughed. I cried. I sat in disbelief. And immediately knew that UAMS is where I belonged. And where I will go. I could NOT be more excited.
It's crazy because I've been working towards this goal for FOUR LONG YEARS. That's like, 20% of my life, and hard to believe. It feels so good to have been accepted and have confirmation that this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. And will be doing. So, don't get discouraged if you're goals seem unattainable or far off, just keep pressing towards your goal and keep leaning on God to get you there.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I'm gonna be a doctor....(hopefully)
Two reasons I'm finally blogging
1. Because I should be working on my formal outline for my speech BUT I needed a break. Because I've been working on that for over an hour. And it's about Honduras. And that gets me feeling all kinds of feelings and wanting to cry.
2. BECAUSE I'M APPLYING TO MED SCHOOL.
I wanted to document this for myself, if nobody else.
I got my MCAT score back on July 22.
I only had about 9245991 panic attacks waiting for it to be posted.
I went back and forth on wanting to see it myself or calling my mom and making her look and then tell me.
BUT I couldn't help it.
When I knew it was about to be posted I just kept refreshing the page to see if it would come up
and it did
and it was good
it was what i wanted
i told myself, if i score at least ______, then i will apply.
and that's what I scored.
so i'm applying.
or in the process.
and i can't believe it.
just a few months ago i doubted myself so much that i wanted to spend another year in undergrad and double major (because i wanted to put off potentially failing or having to make a decision)
but i sucked it up and decided to take the mcat and see what happens
and then i wanted to postpone it because my scores on my practice tests weren't great.
but what do ya know, the postpone date came and went while i was in honduras.
so i had no choice.
i had to take it
and i did
and it worked out
and hopefully in 5 years, you can call me doctor.
but until then, let's all just pray i get accepted somewhere. deal?
thanks
1. Because I should be working on my formal outline for my speech BUT I needed a break. Because I've been working on that for over an hour. And it's about Honduras. And that gets me feeling all kinds of feelings and wanting to cry.
2. BECAUSE I'M APPLYING TO MED SCHOOL.
I wanted to document this for myself, if nobody else.
I got my MCAT score back on July 22.
I only had about 9245991 panic attacks waiting for it to be posted.
I went back and forth on wanting to see it myself or calling my mom and making her look and then tell me.
BUT I couldn't help it.
When I knew it was about to be posted I just kept refreshing the page to see if it would come up
and it did
and it was good
it was what i wanted
i told myself, if i score at least ______, then i will apply.
and that's what I scored.
so i'm applying.
or in the process.
and i can't believe it.
just a few months ago i doubted myself so much that i wanted to spend another year in undergrad and double major (because i wanted to put off potentially failing or having to make a decision)
but i sucked it up and decided to take the mcat and see what happens
and then i wanted to postpone it because my scores on my practice tests weren't great.
but what do ya know, the postpone date came and went while i was in honduras.
so i had no choice.
i had to take it
and i did
and it worked out
and hopefully in 5 years, you can call me doctor.
but until then, let's all just pray i get accepted somewhere. deal?
thanks
Saturday, June 21, 2014
How to Have Joy
This is long over due.
I've been meaning to get this somewhere that was more easily accessible than a binder tucked away on my bookshelf.
This past semester, my friend Chelsea and I did a bible study on Philippians. We did Kay Arthur's In & Out abbreviated Precept study entitled "How to Have Joy."
And let me tell you, it is GOOD.
The last two lessons have Bible verses to dwell on when you're feeling nervous or anxious or really anything because they're just that good.
And I needed to get them somewhere where when I needed to read over them I could just pull out my phone and look at this post. And maybe for you, you can also go to this post and read over it when you're anxious or worried or aren't feeling very joyful.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Isaiah 26:3
The steadfast of mind you will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
Matthew 6:24-34
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. you cannot serve God and wealth. For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, What will we eat? or What will we drink? or What will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Hebrews 13:5-6
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you, so that we confidently say, "The lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what will man do to me?"
1 Peter 5:6-7
Therefore humble yourselves under the might hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Daniel 4:35
All the inhabitants of the earth are counted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to him "what have you done?"
Romans 8:28-29
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of HIs Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.
1 Samuel 2:7-8
The Lord makes poor and rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and he set the world on them.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and you exalt yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.
I've been meaning to get this somewhere that was more easily accessible than a binder tucked away on my bookshelf.
This past semester, my friend Chelsea and I did a bible study on Philippians. We did Kay Arthur's In & Out abbreviated Precept study entitled "How to Have Joy."
And let me tell you, it is GOOD.
The last two lessons have Bible verses to dwell on when you're feeling nervous or anxious or really anything because they're just that good.
And I needed to get them somewhere where when I needed to read over them I could just pull out my phone and look at this post. And maybe for you, you can also go to this post and read over it when you're anxious or worried or aren't feeling very joyful.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Isaiah 26:3
The steadfast of mind you will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
Matthew 6:24-34
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. you cannot serve God and wealth. For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, What will we eat? or What will we drink? or What will we wear for clothing? For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Hebrews 13:5-6
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you, so that we confidently say, "The lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what will man do to me?"
1 Peter 5:6-7
Therefore humble yourselves under the might hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Daniel 4:35
All the inhabitants of the earth are counted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to him "what have you done?"
Romans 8:28-29
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of HIs Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.
1 Samuel 2:7-8
The Lord makes poor and rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises the poor from the dust, He lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with nobles, and inherit a seat of honor; for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and he set the world on them.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and you exalt yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
kisses from katie (when did I become an avid reader??)
I know what you're thinking.
Or, at least what my momma is thinking.
"Mary, you've been whining about the MCAT. Why have you been reading books? Why are you blogging?"
Well, first of all, I did a practice test today and needed to de-mcat for a bit. (yes, I'm defending all of my choices to the internets. i have some issues.)
Second, I am not about to get any effective studying done at 10:36 pm. (defending myself again. i promise, I'll work on that.)
So, to the point of this post.
Kisses From Katie.
A book that rocked my happy little world this afternoon. A book that I've only read 60 pages of and cried for about 59.5 of them.
It was like she took my emotions from Honduras and wrote a book about them. And then she took what I dreamed for my life and kept writing.
There's so much that I want to do. So much I want to be a part of.
And so much that I'm scared of. I'm way too comfortable.
WAY. TOO. COMFORTABLE.
And I want to get out of the comfort zone, but I truly feel my calling is to the medical field. And that requires medical school. So I'm focusing on that.
But I need to focus on what I can do here. and do now. because God's kingdom is eternal. It always has been and it always will be. So friends, that means we have to be doing things now. We can't put it off. God didn't put off sending his son for our salvation. So why in the world should we put God on hold until we accomplish the things that we want and we think we need. We shouldn't.
Also, the biggest lesson I learned in Honduras was repeated over. and over. and over. and over again in this book.
I, myself, cannot change the world. But that's not what God requires of me. He requires that I love his children. That I do good to everyone. That I care for the orphans and widows. So that is what I'm going to do. Here. and now. and in the future.
Please, friends, hold me accountable to this. Join with me in this. Let's encourage each other to love. To not look down on people because their different, or dirty, but to embrace them and love them. The way Jesus loved us. The way Jesus loves us. We came to Him broken and filthy and he accepts us, loves us and makes us whole.
I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on this once I actually finish the book, but until then, let's be praying for each other.
Whoever you are, reading this, I'm praying for you. That God would give you the strength to love and care for even the "least of these."
xoxo
Or, at least what my momma is thinking.
"Mary, you've been whining about the MCAT. Why have you been reading books? Why are you blogging?"
Well, first of all, I did a practice test today and needed to de-mcat for a bit. (yes, I'm defending all of my choices to the internets. i have some issues.)
Second, I am not about to get any effective studying done at 10:36 pm. (defending myself again. i promise, I'll work on that.)
So, to the point of this post.
Kisses From Katie.
A book that rocked my happy little world this afternoon. A book that I've only read 60 pages of and cried for about 59.5 of them.
It was like she took my emotions from Honduras and wrote a book about them. And then she took what I dreamed for my life and kept writing.
There's so much that I want to do. So much I want to be a part of.
And so much that I'm scared of. I'm way too comfortable.
WAY. TOO. COMFORTABLE.
And I want to get out of the comfort zone, but I truly feel my calling is to the medical field. And that requires medical school. So I'm focusing on that.
But I need to focus on what I can do here. and do now. because God's kingdom is eternal. It always has been and it always will be. So friends, that means we have to be doing things now. We can't put it off. God didn't put off sending his son for our salvation. So why in the world should we put God on hold until we accomplish the things that we want and we think we need. We shouldn't.
Also, the biggest lesson I learned in Honduras was repeated over. and over. and over. and over again in this book.
I, myself, cannot change the world. But that's not what God requires of me. He requires that I love his children. That I do good to everyone. That I care for the orphans and widows. So that is what I'm going to do. Here. and now. and in the future.
Please, friends, hold me accountable to this. Join with me in this. Let's encourage each other to love. To not look down on people because their different, or dirty, but to embrace them and love them. The way Jesus loved us. The way Jesus loves us. We came to Him broken and filthy and he accepts us, loves us and makes us whole.
I'm sure I'll have more thoughts on this once I actually finish the book, but until then, let's be praying for each other.
Whoever you are, reading this, I'm praying for you. That God would give you the strength to love and care for even the "least of these."
xoxo
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Honduras 2014
I'm about to attempt to put the last week into words.
I feel like there aren't enough words to explain it though.
It was incredible, full of God's mercy, but it was hard. So incredibly hard.
Let's start off with a few numbers.
We were there for 8 days.
We did brigade for 4 days.
We had 1 day to rest between the two brigade sites.
We poured 4 concrete floors total, in 3 different homes.
I built 33 incredible relationships with my teammates.
In the 4 brigade days:
I feel like there aren't enough words to explain it though.
It was incredible, full of God's mercy, but it was hard. So incredibly hard.
Let's start off with a few numbers.
We were there for 8 days.
We did brigade for 4 days.
We had 1 day to rest between the two brigade sites.
We poured 4 concrete floors total, in 3 different homes.
I built 33 incredible relationships with my teammates.
In the 4 brigade days:
- 197 people were seen in Dental
- 1262 people were seen in Medical
- 654 people were seen in Optical
- 329 children were played with, loved on, and were told the story of Jesus
- 2441 total people came in contact with at least one person eager to share the love of Christ with them
- 158 professions of faith
- 96 recommitments to Christ
- 1 life changing week
- 1 tooth I was tricked into pulling (thanks, Dr. Mangan)
- 1 shot given (thanks again, Dr. Mangan)
- 1 shot received (because who doesn't want to let their friend try a sub-cutaneous injection with normal saline???.. you're welcome, Jon)
- 1 sweet note found on my pillow, by one of my sweetest new friends
Personally, I saw 19 people in Evangelism, and 3 of them chose to give their life to Christ. The rest of them were already believers. We got to encourage each other. Pray with them. Hear their testimonies, and share our own.
Love was in abundance and the Holy Spirit was evident in every single moment.
But I'm a fixer.
And I want to fix ALL of their problems, and bring home all of the children who don't know when their next meal will be.
And God taught me that, it's not about me. I can't do much for them. But He can. And I can share His good news, show them His love, and trust Him with their lives.
I'm so thankful for the churches that we were at. That they let us use their facilities. That they were so helpful. I'm thankful to WGO for housing us, and feeding us, praying for us, and teaching us how to minister to the people of Honduras.
There were so many moments that God's sovereign hand was undeniable.
- Raina, a woman who came through our evangelism station, cried as we talked with her and prayed for her. She was losing her sight after a surgery that was intended to help her ended up making it worse. She was depressed. We shared scripture with her. I shared parts of my own story with her. God used some of the worst moments of my life, to encourage her that she can get through this. That it may not necessarily get better, but God can turn it into something that she can use to bring Him glory.
- Sweet, sweet Bobby, who I only knew for about 36 hours, lost his mommy suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday morning. But as he was getting ready to leave to head back home on Wednesday, he had all of us laughing and smiling.
- I got to love on the sweetest girl with cerebral palsy, who would pretend not to like me one second and then squeeze my head so hard with the biggest hug the next. Who couldn't sit still to get her hair washed, so David held her in his arms while we washed her hair.
- Two nights of joyful prayer with some of the girls on the team are memories I will never forget. Ever. Their sincerity and their love for people they had just met was such an example of Christ.
There's so much more that happened.
These are just a few of the highlights.
I'm beyond thankful for the opportunity to go on this trip. This post barely even scratches the surface of what all I experienced. But I hope for you, it depicts some of the qualities of God and how he can work through anyone to bring His good news.
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