My First Post

I've been toying with the idea of starting a blog for a while now, I finally decided to just do it. So here we go! Enjoy :)

Over a year ago I interviewed for a spot at the University of Massachusetts Medical school's in the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tract. An accelerated three RN-MSN-ACNP program that would require me to relocate to Worcester, MA. I had already been accepted to one school, Emory University in Atlanta. I wasn't so sure about Emory but I hadn't been accepted anywhere else. UMass was my number one choice, they had great stats and were a very well known Medical School- it was the perfect place for me. I wanted them so bad, but did they want me? The only thing I could do was Pray. I prayed, and prayed, and prayed some more. I had no control over anything at that point, so I gave it all to God and let him handle it.

I was so ready for a change. After getting out of an almost 5 year relationship back in August 2013, I was lost. I will admit, that breakup led me to apply for schools outside of the comfort of my hometown. I was all the sudden longing for a new scenery and looking forward to the possibility of moving and getting the chance to start over.

My acceptance letter came as an email, I wasn't expecting to hear anything for a few weeks so I was completely surprised. My heart was racing and I just felt a rush of emotions. It took me all of two minutes to decide what I was going to do. Of course I would have been crazy not to accept the offer. But was I ready to leave? Was this really what I wanted? Is this really the plan for my life? I had asked God to take control and guide me - and he did just that. I applied to 14 schools, and was accepted to half of them- three of them were in Massachusetts. I think God was telling me something there, I was supposed to end up here. I accepted the offer and sent in my deposit to hold my spot. I had about four months until I needed to leave, so just enough time to say my "See ya laters".

~ ~ ~

8 months ago on this day Dad, Teddy, and I jumped into my loaded down Ford Focus and started on the journey to Massachusetts where I was to start a new life for myself. We drove four days, 3,133 miles, through 13 states, crossed 3 major rivers, and across the continental divide. It was such an exciting time as I was embarking on a brand new adventure. But at the same time it was sad; Mom and Kendra were crying in the driveway as we drove away, Nanny and Papa were emotionally hugging me tightly the night before and my other family members were sad to see me go. I knew I would see them in a few months for Christmas, but it would be the longest amount of time away from them.

July 29, 2014

Theres a song by The Dixie Chicks "Wide Open Spaces", this was my theme song as I journeyed across the Country. I've been on lots of road trips with my family, but I always came back after the trip was over. This time the trip wasn't ending.

This was it, the journey was starting.

"She needs wide open spaces.

Room to make her big mistakes.

She needs new faces.

She knows the high stakes.

She traveled this road as a child.

Wide eyed and grinning,

she never tired.

But now she won't be coming back with the rest.

If these are life's lessons,

she'll take this test."

8 months later I have adjusted to life on the East Coast. It hasn't always been easy; I get home sick, I get discouraged, and I feel guilty for not being around for family events. I'm thankful for technology and its ability to keep me in contact with my loved ones. This journey has brought me closer than ever to Jesus, giving him total control over my life really tested my faith and I find myself so much more relaxed. When you allow God to handle situations and lead you to your pathway it builds your relationship. I trusted him then and I trust him now, because I know that his plan is far better than any plan that I could ever imagine. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, Declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11