Update

So... I have not posted in a while. I may be writing to myself right now as all my readers have fallen to much more exciting blogs- or at least ones that post occasionally. But that is O.K. because I have no problem talking to my self, why should this be any different? Besides, it clears my head.

But for those of you who may still be there, fear not. More adventures are comming. I have applied to and (mostly) been accepted by International Team to go back and work in East Africa. The tenative date is January 2010. Seems a long way off... but it is really only 9 months away. I need to finish the application process, get some training, get rid of my house and most of my other worldly possessions and raise a little money. OH MY GOSH!!!
This thing that I have talked about since I was 15 may finally be real! What have I gotten my self into?!

My one and only "political" post

I generally avoid topics like this but there are acceptions to every rule...

I have a financial advisor. Yes, you read that right.... now when you are done laughing refocus with me here. I don't have much money so all the more reason to invest it wisely. His monthly update e-mail that discusses financial topics (mostly- don't worry about a lack of gains) but at least it got me thinking. Read on for some food for thought.
Lately if you listen to practically any talking head current world economics comes up. Topics fall into one of two areas: Capitalism & Socialism/Communism. But I want to interject one more option. How about God's economic system? If you are a child of God, you have been set free to be part of God's economic system. Which system has the highest returns and rewards? The capitalist system is flawed with self seeking gain and greed.The socialist system if flawed with slavery, entitlement and lack of production. God's economic system promises that Godliness with contentment is great gain. Jesus promised that He is the way, the truth and the life. He promised if you will seek HIM first, all these other things will added to you. He promised if you will be faithful with little you can be trusted with more. Jesus promised if you try to save your life you will loose it, but if you loose it for HIS sake, you will save your life.
Where are you investing?

People

Was listening to this song by Chris Rice a few minutes ago, a good reminder for me and I thought maybe you too.... Here are a few of the words that grabbed me:

Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor
We get 24 hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest, or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under

Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much

Was God pleased with all of my minutes yesterday? After all, He gave them to me. The good news is today is a new chance. May He be pleased with today's few hours. May I remember that all life that He gave has value. Both my life and all of the lives that He put around me. They all have value. And I have a few minutes to give to each so I will do my best.

I needed this reminder right now. In the last 10 days- I have worked 9 shifts of at least 8 hours- several were a lot longer. Lets say I see 20 people a shift- UC is seeing far more but the other nurse takes half. But most patients bring at least one other person.... anyway- round numbers I came in contact with 200 people.... Did I do what God asked of me with all of those interactions?

I found myself getting easily frustrated with people last night... but I have a few minutes that I can give, that we given to me. How am I using these few minutes? People were seeking my help for one reason or another, what am I offering?

This was good. I needed an attitude check. Thanks for listening to me. Now, if you have to come see me tonight I will be slightly more empathetic.... God has given so much to me, I have so much to share.

I'm guessing you do too. Good luck.

Missing

I have not ducked under a mosquito net to sooth a crying infant in weeks. I have not rinsed my dishes in bleach or walked to work just as the sun rose. I have not tried to convince a sleepy baby to take 10 mls more milk or woken at 5 am to the sound of cows . These things that only two months ago seemed strange, now I miss them!
But the reason that I'm thinking about this is that things are going well with the application process to International Teams. I managed to complete the long forms and we have started to discuss when to start training. For better or worse it is looking like Sept/Oct. For anyone who knows me you know that I'm praying for patience now harder than ever. But God's timing is always right and I will wait- even if it kills me.....