Happy Birthday. To Us.

One year and two days ago, Junior and I shared a conversation that would change the trajectory of our friendship.

Though Junior started coming to Revolution early 2006, I didn't meet him until our mutual friend Emily introduced us at her birthday party over the summer. We saw each other Sundays, exchanged how are yous, and started to casually hang out. It wasn't long before he told me how he felt, which sent me (and Junior) into a flurry of prayer over the following weeks to understand God's direction and timing. Being in the middle of nursing school, it simply felt impossible to be intentionally invested in someone else's life.

It was clear during our conversation that evening that God was softening our hearts. We both expressed a desire to start a relationship centered on Him in order to learn and discover things together that might otherwise be difficult apart from one another.

Our dating relationship over the past year has been nothing short of God's glory. We've had our stumbling blocks, but Jesus has been our rock and foundation. What we've discovered together is how abundantly and unashamedly God displays His love for us though one another. We're both so grateful that this has exploded into a commitment of intentionality and uncompromising quality toward relationships with our friends, families, and coworkers. We're inspired to care for and serve one another in ways that may seem unconventional or outdated. And we're thankful that we seek, enjoy, appreciate, and love our Lord more as a result.


Thank you, God, for this relationship. And thank you, Junior, for your courage to faith.

i am a health professional

I've been waiting for today all semester long.

We did our first male and female pelvic exams.

YUP. It's official.

It went surprisingly well. Our standardized patients from USC have been trained extensively on how to critique your techniques as well as your interpersonal skills and language while you're performing your exam on them. I can't imagine how awkward it must be for them, because it certainly was (initially) awkward on my end. After the first minute or two, the discomfort subsided and I felt much more at ease, but could still feel some pearls of sweat rolling down my spine.

Today was definitely a confidence booster. I'm so thankful these people were willing to have us perform our first male and female exams on them. My future patients will definitely benefit from the experience I gained today!

Any takers?

YUM-O

If you know anything about Rachel Ray, "YUM-O" means something to you.

Last Wednesday, my AMAZING friends from APU treated me to Indian food for lunch at Diamond Palace. YUM-O! I've been there once before and it was a welcome repeat! I'd HIGHLY recommend it. Even if you wouldn't consider Indian food a fav, it might make your list after trying this place. BTW, Trader Joe's has some pretty good pre-packaged Indian food, including naan bread to top it all off (get the stuff in the freezer section not the fresh stuff). My very first experience with Indian food was a tough one years ago, but I've definitely loved every experience with it since then!

I have no idea what Carlos was trying to explain...

...but he sure was trying to get his point across!

The few, the proud, the MALE nurses!

When I started nursing school two years ago, I asked God to provide A LOT of support. I'm so thankful that He has so graciously and faithfully provided these friends to come alongside me. I'm so glad we're not just classmates, but genuine friends! We've spent way too many hours wasting away at the library together, carpooling, eating Pho, and cracking jokes that only we'd laugh at. It has been an arduous, uphill journey to say the least!

Thanks, Joyce, Thu, Harold, Brian, Ryan, Emily, and Carlos! I love you guys!