Count your blessings

If anyone still reads this.... this is for you.

God has blessed me so much in the past few months. There's really not enough time to recount his blessings, and I should hit the sack since I actually have to get up early to drop my roomie off at work tomorrow (ah the life of sleeping in and having no schedule). I apologize for not posting earlier, but I don't regret not posting and justify it due to the personal nature of my journey and growth. Being in Tennessee with my parents and brother and pets and garden and cows across the street has been wonderfully rejuvenating and restorative. Working at the urgent care/family practice clinic as a scribe was enlightening and informative. It gave me motivation and purpose. I mean, God created work before the fall, so of course it has a purpose in our lives. Think of the proverb that says something to this effect: Look to the ant, you sluggard! lol

I had the best counselor and can really look back and see the distance I've come. This journey is certainly being incorporated into my testimony, but the story isn't over yet--which is a reason why I haven't released details to many people. Eventually, though, I can see me sharing this story to the benefit of others and the glory of God. There are so many things I have learned. I'll leave you with one: I have only the energy God has given me for today--not for tomorrow or next week.

My first year as a medical student begins with orientation Aug 5th and with classes Aug. 16th. I have a great M2 (second-year) buddy who gave me some great advice to avoid complaining about studying. I want to enjoy every minute of it and learn as much as I can to be the best doctor out there.

Here's a blessing list:
1) I'm getting a relatively new Dell 1440 laptop for FREE from a generous friend in TN (saving me the leftover mission funds)
2) My M2 buddy just lent me 12 books for school! (think $$$ textbooks)
3) I have a great roommate who's also a great friend.
4) We have a nice apartment (aka "flat") really close to the pool, tennis courts, and laundry facilities.
5) fast internet
6) a super family that I love love love
7) special extra time I've had with my parents and brother
8) extra knowledge of UTIs, broken bones, and medicines and other useful facts I've gleaned from work
9) a beautiful and loving dog I call Meg
10) a FREE dining table with 6 chairs
11) a visit with my friend who's going back to Malawi
12) experiencing love the way God desires to express it to a daughter of the King all the time at the Emmaus Walk #75 of the Cumberlands (De Colores!)
and etc.

Praise God who gives so richly and lavishes his love on us!