Regaining my femininity

So, yesterday was one of those days. One of those days where I didn't do things that typically fall into the category of being a girl:

1. Successfully completed the male genital and rectal exams on two willing, well paid volunteers. Then proceded to discuss some of the mechanical issues associated with being a guy.

2. Attended my certified pistol lisence (CPL) class and browsed the lastest and greatest hand guns currently recommended for personal protection.

Funny thing is, I enjoyed both experiences a lot. Before I read too much into what that means, I'm going to go paint my fingernails and tell you that I learned a lot and for that I'm very thankful.

Pressed for money?

I'm suffering from a lack of motivation for this thing called blogging right now. But, I'm forcing myself to do it. So it's gonna be short, sweet, and to the point. I really just feel like I need to document this certain event. And I'm sure most of you reading this will be glad I did--keep it short and sweet that is.

Last Wednesday I did my first female sensitive exam, which means pap smear and breast exam, on two live, breathing, willing ladies who so kindly allowed us to practice on them. Tomorrow is the male sensitive exam. I'm slightly more nervous for this one, for reasons I'd like to assume are obvious, but I'm sure that the desensitization process that began last summer to what were once "sensitive" body parts will make tomorrow's exam as simple as taking a blood pressure. I can hardly wait.

It's times like these that I am reminded I am no longer in undergrad and am actually somewhere on my way to seeing patients that don't present themselves in vignettes.

Oh, and I hear they are well paid...So locate your local medical school for a job near you!

Haiti and my Heart

A couple of days ago, I was asked to write a couple of paragraphs on "what Haiti did for me." The request couldn't have been more accurate. While our team was on a mission to the bless the clinic and the Haitian community, each one of us would undoubtedly say that the blessing we received was huge. Here's what I had to say:

Traveling to Haiti was an experience I've been anticipating for years. After hearing stories from doctors and nurses who have been faithful to God's calling by pursuing a medical career in other countries or cultures, I jumped at the opportunity to head to Haiti. I was exhilarated in the week leading up to our departure. It was a curious sort of exhilaration; the feeling you have before you start down a ski run you've never ventured down before. I wasn't sure what was going to come of the experience, but I had a peace from the Lord that told me it would be worth every penny.

Mountains Beyond Mountains.

And 4 adorable little boys who constantly asked, "Give me one dolla!" or "Give me one soccer ball!"

 
After experiencing life in the mountains of Haiti, surrounded by God's creation and the love of the Haitian people, I use the same word to describe the current state of my heart--exhilarated. The exhilaration I felt before is now channelled into a focused hunger for serving God and others. It's a direct result of Christ's love that I felt as I was welcomed by an elderly Haitian couple while spending an afternoon visiting homes to gather information for future public health education. Or by the Haitian woman I met in the NY airport and her warm embrace as we were reunited again in the baggage claim in Haiti.  It ignited a desire to be on fire for God. Revelation 3:15-17 says, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." A lukewarm life is comfortable, providing a false sense of security. The raw experience that Haiti provided encouraged me to get uncomfortable. To be faithful to God. To be hot when the people and the world around me tell me a lukewarm life is just fine.

Teaser

I have a microbiology exam tomorrow, but after editing photos and watching some of the videos I took in Haiti, I had to share a little something. I hope the video doesn't make you sick, it's pretty shaky. My favorite part is when I tell the boys to wave at the camera (and do it myself) which they apparently thought meant "dance." I'm thankful for the mix up because this is what it resulted in :) The video should give you an idea of where I was and the wonderful people we were able to serve. More to come!