Updates

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been very very busy with preparation for the many talks on India that I have done and will be doing. So I have not had much time for anything else. God has definitely been working through me since India and I cannot wait to see what He will do next. I will try an update a little more often, but for now here is some of what has been going on.

At work: The Christmas season is upon us AND I DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT RETAIL! Praise God. It is still a difficult season however as many people have tragedies that happen around the Holiday's and so that adds a extra challenge to the ministry. I know my own grandfather went to heaven 4 years ago in Dec. and it still makes this season a little dreary at times. In the hospital even the smallest things and things thought done and over with can really affect a PT so I would appreciate prayer during this month. Also this is a month where there are a lot of baby deaths in the NICU as well as patient deaths in general (I had 4 PT deaths in the last week) so prayer would be greatly appreciated.

At Home: The dogs got out three times yesterday from our backyard and they are looking to get deported or something. My mom's surgery went well and she is recovering nicely. Dad is in ALOT of pain and we are at a lost as to what to do. My Asthma is still affecting me from India and I cannot work out right now b/c of that. I am taking meds for it and they help but I am not sure what I will do when I go off them as I can only be on them for a short time. The good thing is my chest x-ray turned up negative so I did not gain any hitchhikers in India.

India: God has really done some great things through this, as they are so many please feel free to call or email or blog me to ask. I am planning to go back but it will most likely not be until 2009 as the 2008 trip still takes place during my residency and I cannot take off time during that time. I am thinking of going somewhere else in Sept. however but that is still be prayed about.

Ordination: I begin studying for ordination this Jan. I plan to have everything ready by April or May where I will sit in front of 7-10 pastors and over a 2-4 hour period defend my faith and doctrinal beliefs. This should be fun and challenging. My motivation is strong now but memorizing scripture has never been a strong point of mine and so I ask for prayer that this motivation will still strong come Feb. and March. I could probably defend myself today but you need to be able to point to exact references in the Bible to show your support is valid. Ah well

Bible Study: God is really working in the men in our group. It constantly amazes me how far He has brought each of us in this group and I definitely think that growing with this group will be a spiritually defining moment in my life.

Next year: Hospice chaplaincy looks like the field for me. Most likely it will be per diem so that I can take off when I want for mission trips, but I really enjoy being there for patients who are dying and who need hope. I hope to visit Matt and Bri in Co in the spring. I turn 31 in March. I will be involved stateside in helping Raj or Leanna in their ministry in India.