SNOW DAY!

Today it snowed. And it was A-Mazing!

Finally!

So, on Tuesday, December 1 I got the good news. 2 months and 4 days since the incident AND 5 Doctor visits later,I got "released" from my hand surgeon!
Now, it's been getting better, slowly but surely. I could type, change dirty diapers at work, and even play the piano a little. But now, it's official--I'm free! My pinky is still a little swollen and you can still see where my pins were, but I'm thrilled.
I've learned a lot through this entire experience. I've learned how it is to be a patient. It's really different swapping sides in the healthcare world. I'm used to being the one passing meds, educating, comforting, and mostly scrambling to get everything done. Now, I was the one taking medication, asking questions, hurting, and feeling lost.
I can tell you, that my compassion has grown leaps and bounds.

Bad things happen. We can get jumbled up, stressed out, put down, pink slipped, sleep deprived, and stretched till we snap.
But one thing always remains the same. God. He's there. He's constant. He's listening. He cares. He wants to know our soul.

Sometimes, it takes a good "down & out" for me to stop running around in my little productive circles and take the time to look up, take a deep breath, and give it up.

"Be still." Right, God. Keep reminding me.

I've learned another lesson. I wonder how many more times I'll have to learn it?

Brokenness.-(no, but really)

Sabbath i played football and hurt my finger. got x-rays.



(pic post surgery. you can see the pins)

diagnosis: impacted angulated comminuted fracture.

translation: jammed into socket, sticking out to the side of my hand. And there's loose bone fragments. AKA real bad break.

consult with a hand surgeon on sunday.
Rx: i have surgery today. general anesthesia.

no breakfast. no fluids. no work orientation.
4-6 weeks recovery. longer to start work.

i feel: frustrated, put out, hungry, cranky, angry, sad, and depressed. oh, did i mention scared?

BUT i know: that this is an opportunity to grow. i am going-- to learn to be patient with myself, learn to lean on others, learn that my time frame isn't what makes the world go around.

AND i'm so blessed. i have insurance. i have surgery right away. i have family to drive me around. and it's not my whole hand. or neck.


"THERE IS NO WISDOM, NO INSIGHT, NO PLAN THAT CAN SUCCEED AGAINST THE LORD."
PROV 21:30

(i'm glad He can make something good happen out of this)

"BE JOYFUL ALWAYS; PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD'S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS." 1THES 4:16-18

(this is something else i can to my work-on list)

God is good. Thanks for you thoughts & prayers.

Coffee & Cream...Cheese

Today I got up before the sun. This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s been a while for me. I did my 7 minute abs routine, got dressed, ate an English muffin, and hopped into a borrowed van. I headed downtown to take my soon-to-be-new-friends to their doctors appointment.

Silly as may seem to the reader, I was a bit anxious about the whole event. I hate borrowing vehicles and driving to unfamiliar locations. And doing it while I was suppose to be friendly and hostessing to these new people. The latter, being something that I sincerely enjoy, just not under pressure.

I got to their house early and they invited me in and handed the TV remote. Their middle-eastern charm and warmness won me over quickly. They handed me a sandwich and encouraged me to “eat, eat” it. Not wanting to offend my host I quickly took the plate, thankful for the knowledge that my friends were Muslim. I would eat whatever they put before me no matter what, but I was relieved to know I wouldn’t be eating pork! I bit into the sandwich. I was relieved to find a kind of cream cheese filling. Although not hungry, I managed to eat the whole thing, while settling on watching the news. I figured that would be a safe venue. But once the news anchor started droning about terrorists, I quickly flipped to another station!

While communicating with the dad, I found out they had only been in America for a short time. So I said, “Well, welcome to America!” As soon as those words were out of my mouth, he stood up. I followed suit. He grabbed both my hands and kissed both my cheeks & then looked me in the eye and said, “Thank you.”

Before long they were ready to go. We loaded the car seat, the adorable 14th month child, and headed to the doctor. Now, we had shared quite a few smiles, but conversation was tough. They only know Arabic & French, and I only know two phrases in French: “Boujour” & “ne parle pas le français” so that didn’t aide me at all!

As we waited for the doctor, we worked on English. They could read it well, but comprehension is still coming. They read off education charts on the walls, while I encouraged them and gave them pointers. The couple is super intelligent and picked up a lot from our short time together. Then I started asking them to teach me simple phrases in Arabic and French. Unfortnately, I retained nothing. (Ode to the next time.) But it felt good to us all to trade the roles of student and pupil. By the end, we were laughing and joking about eye lashes and skin color, all having a splendid time.

When we arrived back at their house, they asked and strongly encouraged me to come back in for coffee. I willingly obliged, enjoying this new culture experience, and wanting to really show my interest in my new friends. They asked about my family, their occupations, and how long they had lived “in Tennessee, in America.” We talked about their sons as well. The three of us sat down with small, but potent tea cups of coffee. I rarely (ok, never) drink my coffee black, but I did today. It was extremely dark & rich. As I took my last sip, deep coffee sludge covered the bottom of my dainty tea cup.

The dad walked me down to my car, kissed me again on both cheeks, and then the forehead. And for a few seconds, I thought I’d have a kissing story that would top Nate’s, luckily he still takes the prize. And asked me if I’d come tomorrow for tea. (And I thought Southerners were hospitable!)

My day was like my dainty teacup of coffee. A small, seemingly insignificant set of events, yet surprisingly potent. I had an adventure today, both culturally and culinarally. When my head hits the pillow tonight, I will be a richer person because of today.

Points of Cheer

(AKA, The Best Part of My Weekend!)

Amanda Jehle visited. Wonderful it was, to have a kindred spirit home!

A surpise knock at my front door by two friends recently back from an epic road trip.
(Yeah, Ben & Nick are home!)
Which also lead to some fun hang out time with lots of friends at Ben's house.

An unexpected phone call from Brittany Gimbel!
Amanda, Nick, the Bens, and got to talk to her too.

Gimbel Update...again

Gimbel posted up pics on her blog. But if you are like me, you didn't get an update. So, I thought I'd pass on the message. Hope like is going good for you all. Happy Summer!

News Blip

Hey friends! I miss youand can't wait to see you all soon!
The News Update:

So, I just got off the phone with Gimbel. She's in Peru, safe & sound. She had kind of a crazy time getting there, (missed her flight from Lima to final destination) but she did finally arrive. She said she can't believe how much Spanish she's already learned and she's loved the clinics they've been running this week. At the base where she's staying there's running water and some electricity, a definite perk. I think she's feeling overwhelmed, but you know our Gimbel--a smile on her face (I could hear it) and she's ready for anything. She says hello and milieu to all.

I'm looking forward to new adventures this next year with you guys.
And I have an idea---Peru anyone?

PS Good Pic Nick!

The Update

So About Last Week...

I came to camp this summer for my girls last week. I was there for them. I felt it. I knew it. And the best thing--I could totally feel God using me. Last week was my most favorite cabin ever! It was great, but still hard.

So many times in life, we don't know if we're "planting seeds" or not. But, man....it was INCREDIBLE to know that, to feel that. The whole second part of the week, I felt God using me. When questions were asked, answers were said. I wasn't worried about what I said, because I truly felt that God was answering them. He had been preparing me for last Friday night for years. I pulled things from religion classes from college, a few things from highschool, a random book I picked up last week. It reminded me that I need to keep learning and growing. Never stop. Because you'll always use it. Like my great-grandma used to say: "No knowledge is ever wasted."

Yep, Grandma. You were right.

I Love My Job

I love my job, But I hate it.

So, I think this has been my favorite year at camp. I feel old school, I'm more involved than I've ever been, and I love it! The staff is great, the old and the new, the volleyball is amazing, and I love my campers. Esp. this week during teen camp. Although, I'm not going to lie, there's been some hard stuff too.

I forget how blessed I am so much of the time. Last night, I was reminded of the fact, when a camper shared about her life.

That's why I'm here. You know, to be there for those late night talks over animal crackers. To listen compassionately, to hug warmly, to ask the right questions, and pray with them. It's the part of my job that I'm passionate about, but I hate it at the same time as well. I always feel so wiped out after a deep talk like that. I feel exhausted today, and Friday night is staring me in the face. It's the big night. The reason we are all here.

BUT.

But, it's not about me. In his strength, I am made perfect. So, I've gotten hugs from some of my peeps and I'm sending up prayers.

I love you all and miss you. Sorry I haven't kept up well. It's super busy and I hate being on the PC in the office.

So Milieu to my dear ones!

Gimbel

She has her own blogsite now! Check it out!

brittanygimbel@blogspot.com

J. Jones

10 Things that Epitomize Justin Jones according to Gravy





1. "Bullet Proof Vest"






2. "Things have really, really, really gotten good."









3. Great listener and a good shoulder to cry on







4. Owns the word "Awesome!"








5. Argues really, really, really good with Gimbel







6. Driving Through Vermont at 3 in the Morning







7. Amazing at the Hand-slapping/push-over-the-other- person-game

(No Photo Available)

8. Great at Karaoke

(Sorry, this was the only photo available: He's the guy on the right with the hat.)

9. His Passion for People







10. All this--and he still wants to be my Friend!

Endings

I'm sitting at my desk job in the Wellness Center, finishing my last shift (I've got 12 minutes left). I just completed Blink, the book I've been reading, and earlier today I went to my last college class and took my very last test. It's over. It's ended.

In the past few weeks, I've played my last intramural game, written my last paper, presented my last presentation, and said my last funny in class.

It's not just the events and milestones that are over, I've decided. It's a lot of friendships and people too. The people I always "do the nod" to on the Promenade, my field friends, my fellow RNs that I've had class with for four years, my neighbors I eat meals with, my weekend buddies, my late-night movie watching fries, the family...
Sure, I'll stay in contact with some, but others not at all. I mean really, I don't think everyone wants to read my Christmas letter! ;-)

Anthony Handal and I ate peanut butter & jelly sandwiches together for lunch today--the first peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we ate since finishing college--and we talked about endings. Anthony mused that God created endings for a real positive reason, just like beginnings. That makes since, I mean He's the Alpha & Omega, the Beginning and the End. He also had the Tree guarded so sin wouldn't last forever, and so we could all get another fresh start. So in someway or another, every ending is a promise of another beginning.

We celebrate beginnings--from birthdays and anniverseries to ship cristenings. But I guess we celebrate endings too with graduations and retirement parties. So maybe this blog isn't that profound with new thoughts on endings, but still. Endings are bittersweet.

So, as I finish this blog, my last blog as a college student, like after six hours after I wrote the first paragraph, here are my concluding thoughts:

Its okay for endings to still be bittersweat. Endings are filled with goody-byes and those are okay to mourn. But, there's a promise of another beginning. New adventures, new wonders, and even if those are scary, there's always another promise I can remember:

There's a beginning we can all share together--where we all get to live close to each other again--(you too, Amanda), where stress has no solace, and where we get to be with the Guy who put us all together. Don't miss it.

So, Cheers to Endings & the soon-to-be-beginnings!

Bounce Snap '09

7 awesome people, 9 days, 2,563 miles--One awesome road trip!

Walking in DC

The Capitol

The FDR Memorial
Jones--Great Tour

Ben's House in Maine

Sick Air


Chris' Sick Air



Ben's Sick Air


Snow Fun




On the Road to Arcadia National Park & Bar Harbor


Cross Country Skiing in Arcadia

Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Bar Harbor


Thrift Store Shopping


Newport- LL Bean

Boston

Choices & Changes

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. And I've had time to do that, thanks to my dumb virus. I ended up heading home on Sunday to homemade soup, John Wayne movies, and some TLC. I had three days to think, fast, pray, journal, and talk to my folks about my future. (Now, don't think that I'm a saint. I still ate, I just had a certain kind of diet I stuck too.)

Monday morning, my mom headed out to water aerobics, and I hit the couch with my Bible, journal, and a 3 page letter my Mom wrote. Her letter included some notes from her Bible Study on how to discern God's will for your life and her thoughts on my idea of heading to Peru.

Going to Peru. What a life-changing, character-building, language-learning, Jesus-sharing adventure! I made the list of pros and cons. I talked to friends who had been SMs. It looked good. Man, I would be coming back such a better person.

I felt like I was always running with the positives. The big ideas. The big changes. The big adventure.

But the question remained in my heart: Is this for me, though? I asked God for peace and passion. No fleece. No stars aligning. Just peace and passion. This has been my prayer for weeks.

Too make a long story short, my time with God answered that question. He brought me to the conclusion through my time, the lists, the journaling, the prayer, the letter, and even the tears. Peru is not where God wants me next year. As soon as I came to that realization--peace--came.

Do I know what I'm doing next year? No. But do I need to know what I'm doing next year, right now? No. God has given me enough light to walk in today. And that's all I need.

~"We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally." Desire of Ages, p. 668


~"Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Psalms 119:105

Christoffer Clouzet is My Friend

I have a neighbor whose name is Christoffer Clouzet. He's my friend too. He is actually one of the reasons that I am writing this blog.

Many of my close friends blog. We all spend a good amount of quality and quantity time together. But everyone still blogs, reads everyone's blogs, and comments one everyone's blogs. Except me. We spend a lot of our time together and talk about what's going on in our lives. Or least I thought. I started reading some of their blogs and realized what I was missing out on.
There's magic to the written word. Some thoughts and sentiments are best written and not spoken. Sharing through writing offers time for more thought, which in turn gives more meaning to the end product. I'm not sure if I my blog will be up to par with some of my eloquent English major friends or as deep as my philosophical buddies. But I'm going write to be part of my community. To share some of the thoughts I may not have shared at supper or Bible Study. To tell about the little nothings of my day that were important somethings to me. But enough about my blog. I want to get back to my friend Christoffer.

Christoffer is an amazing guy. He is a deep thinker, good listener, and he's funny. He crochets like a rockstar, makes great music mixes, likes almounds, plays fotball like Beckham, and runs faster than Forest.
Christoffer's birthday is this coming Wednesday. AND we're celebrating Stoffer-Style:

Weekend Feb 21-22
Saturday night- Carb Load & a movie
Sunday- 6K on the Biology Trail.

Why we are doing this? Because Chris is that cool! Why am I blogging? Because all my friends are that cool!