Day 1

Sunday afternoon I started to get a little nervous.  My friend Lauren had invited me to go to church with her and have dinner with her family later that evening, and the thought of meeting new people made my tummy turn.  As outgoing as I can be, I’m rather shy and being in new surroundings with people I don’t know isn’t my favorite thing in the world. I almost backed out, but something told me to suck it up and go. So I went.

I managed to find Lauren’s house rather easily – my GPS has been a great blessing. After a quick tour of her house, we headed to the 5:30 service.  As soon as we got out of the car, she was introducing me to folks.  The first few minutes were like a daze – I struggled to remember all of their names – but everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The service started with an acoustic worship set – and most of the songs were new to me, which was strange but beautiful – the lyrics were so good. The speaker got up and brought the Word in such a clear and practical manner – it was challenging, funny, convicting and encouraging all at the same time. My favorite part was a time of confession before communion – I’d never been a part of something like that before, and I really, really liked it. The night ended with meeting more friendly faces. It was so, so refreshing.

Today was the first day of work. I’m officially a licensed registered nurse. I have a badge, with my pictures and “RN, BSN” behind my name. The “new kid” feeling still hasn’t worn off.  Today began with me parking in the wrong parking garage – but that little mistake was caught and I ended up meeting another resident who had made the same mistake.  Today was full of tiny reminders that I am not alone. I met so many people today and I loved it – I’m excited to get to know the girls in my track more. The faculty and staff have been so enthusiastic and supportive – I know they’ll challenge me and I’m excited to grow.

Tomorrow is my second day of orientation and I start clinical rotations on Wednesday.  I’m still a bit afraid of jumping into the clinical setting, but so far there has been a sweet sense of peace.  I actually slept well for the first time last night. 

Verses that I’ve been praying over and wanting to be real in my life:

 Philippians 2:1-12 (NASB)

 "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ¹² So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; ..."

Still asking and craving your prayers. I’m one blessed woman.
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