Livin' on a Prayer

Whoa, I'm half-way there! Exactly three months ago today I flew to Alaska having no idea what the next while would look like, what was ahead, but pursuing a growing dream. Here I am! Three months later and so much has happened. So much.

A simple pleasure of mine is coming up with titles for my assignments that are submitted online each week. The best thing that they could have told us is that we can name them whatever we want; brilliance. You might be a midwife student if you have titled your assignments the following:

• Just Did 9 Months on the Inside
•  Pregnancy...It's Kinda an Inside Joke
• Happy Labor Day! 
• Running Out of Womb
• Darn Storks Trying to Steal All The Credit...Such Foul Creatures 

I really enjoyed the last few weeks of looking at the information that we've accrued and then looking at how to use it. Taking what you know, how can you apply it in this scenario, or what do you think is wrong, how do we solve the problem? To then the next week take what we know and think about how to teach it, share it, and the importance of not forgetting dad in that process as well. Information and teaching continuing to build on top of each other. 

I'm continuing to still be blown away by the information that I'm learning and continue to ask, why didn't I already know this? I continue to see a lack of truth being talked about or very little truly being known about birth by many people. I also continue to discover new things about myself, which is funny and so good, and have at times felt very known by my classmates. Jesus keeps impressing on my heart how much He knows me, is pursuing me, and a recurrent phrase during this season has been, "here's my heart Lord, speak what is true." There's some things that I didn't know I needed or didn't know I struggled with that He has gently been bringing to light and speaking truth over. He is much too good. And I am loved by Him. I have had some direct answers to questions and prayers that I have asked God, and have had some experiences that have not been felt in the same way before. It's amazing what happens when we shut up and listen. I won't say it's not overwhelming nor do I caution against not asking Jesus a question unless you really want to know the answer. I also want to thank all of you for your many prayers for me. And whoever has been praying for my health all winter long, you are the true hero. I just realized I have made it the last three months of Alaska winter without even a sniffle, cold, or ear infection. That's straight up crazy. 

A few recent random highlights:

• Jesus showed up and provided in a big way through my tax returns, still don't even know how, and have seen His generosity in many other ways. 
• I saw the Northern lights. 
• I painted for the first time since I was probably 9. 
• I was able to go to the beautiful village of Port Alsworth and fill a need with CEF for a few days.
• I surprisingly realized I miss rain. 
• The snow is melting! 
• I taught someone the phrase 'make hay while the sun shines' this week. 
• And hoping to bring a new form of my words to you soon. 
• AND I'll be home in 3 months, with the plan-that could always change-to start an apprenticeship in Oregon in the fall.

I am blessed. I miss my home and people. But Alaska makes me happy and I'm enjoying every adventure that comes my way. 

Also- my rad classmate friends-- take my hand, we'll make it I swear!