moving forward

Yesterday was my last shift at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. It's pretty strange to think that I have worked there in some form of fashion since January of 2005! That place has taught me so much and really has some of the most amazing nurses, surgeons and residents you will ever meet. Overall...what a joy it has been.

The leave for Haiti is planned for the 16th of July, though this won't be official until I buy my ticket and I received an email yesterday that the 19th might be a better transition day for the hospital. I am now thoroughly excited, although there are some disappointments, like the lack of someone going with me that have been emotional setbacks.

I have NEVER EVER understood what it means to be misunderstood by the world (John 15) until I began telling people that I was quitting my job to go work [for free] in Port-au-Prince. I swear people think I am insane! Some of the responses have caused me real anger which quickly turns to pity. We are so blessed and we have absolutely no idea. People care more about the animals dying in the gulf (not that i don't hate this) than the thousands of orphans dying in tent cities. (And they don't really care about the animals because all they do is yell at the tv and slander BP). People also don't understand why you would ever use your skills and education to benefit someone else without benefiting (financially) yourself. It's really quite appalling.

I was crying laughing yesterday while my good friend explained in great detail the skills it takes to squat over a public toilet so that you don't have to touch the seat....wow, I told her. Please don't come see me in Haiti. You can't even flush the toilet paper. Don't even get me started on picky eaters...or scheduled manicures. And no, it's not wrong. But let's please evaluate.

It has, however, been encouraging to see Christians come out of the woodworks the last few weeks. Many men and women who I've never had a spiritual conversation with in my entire five years at the Med have said unbelievable words of wisdom and prayer for me. I had knots in my stomach all day yesterday as I worked, wondering what in the world I am doing. But every time I had doubts in my head someone would approach me, hug me, and tell me that they were inspired and praying. My incredible friends Shelby and Torri put a dinner together for me last night and I was able to say goodbye to some of the people who have meant the most to me in the last 2 years in the ICU. THANK YOU!

The U-haul is scheduled for Tuesday and my material possessions will be moved to my parent's basement. I sorta wish I could free myself of all of them, but parental wisdom is limiting me.

I still don't have a decision about the car. So prayers and advice are much desired. This is one of those situations where i really just want someone to tell me what to do. And unfortunately I think I have to decide for myself.

Stay tuned for more updates. And thank you Macon, for two and a half HOT, creative, educational, and challenging years!