I'm Back!

Well, it's been a while since my last entry, and a lot has happened since then.  I graduated nursing school, got married, and went on a cruise in the Western Carribbean (AMAZING...by the way).  I am now in the process of moving my entire life to a new city, getting ready to take my boards to become a nurse, and trying to find a new job.  I'm a little stressed but just trying to soak it all in.  These are good changes in life so I will embrace them.  I have a ton of pictures to share, but I will have to do that later so stay tuned...

Holy Day

Today, I attended church with my grandparents.  We went to the church I attended as a small child to celebrate their 110th anniversary.  I was baptized in this church as an infant and remained there until I was 6 years old.  It was great reminiscing and seeing long lost familiar faces.  The sanctuary has not changed a bit.  It also still smells the same.  I can't really describe the smell except that is smells like an old church.  I LOVE it!  It brought me back to some happy times in my childhood.  Today, the church is part of St. George's Episcopal School.  Since the member numbers have dwindled over the years, this partnership allows to church to stay alive.  This church does a lot of good things for the community.  Here are a few pictures.

The outside of the sanctuary.

Inside the sanctuary.  It is so beautiful!

Needlepoint Kneelers...My mother sewed one of these over twenty years ago.  I wish I could remember which one.

Organ, pipes, and choir loft at the back of the sanctuary.

I cannot remember this man's name, but I do remember he was from Kenya.  He came over to learn more about Christ and become an ordained minister.  He was such a nice man.  I found out that once he went back to Kenya, he was murdered by rebels in his village because of his beliefs and because he was trying to spread the word throughout the village.  Such a sad story, but Heaven gained a beautiful soul.  He was very interesting to talk to.

The napkin says 1901-2011.

This is a little out of order, but this is a picture of one of the Hymnals.  Yes, it says 1982.  Their hymnals and prayer books are so old and falling apart.  These are the same books we used when I was there.

Monumental Moment

Yesterday was my last day of nursing school.  I can't describe the relief I felt when I left the hospital after my final clinical and presentation.  It was GREAT!  I cried on the way home.  I have worked so long and so hard and pretty much surrendered my life to nursing school for the last three and a half years.  This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done and my biggest accomplishment in life so far.  My family and friends keep telling me that I have my personality back and that I seem very happy. :o)

After the clinical day was over, a couple of my nursing school friends and I went out to celebrate.  We all intern at the same hospital and did our final presentation together.  It was great to celebrate with them.  However, I must say I'm not as young as I used to be...

Today I got to spend a carefree day with my mom and sister.  It was so nice not having to worry about studying or doing paperwork (even though I still have to do my final paperwork which should only take about 30 minutes). 

I pick up my pin on Monday and turn in my final paperwork.  The pinning ceremony is on Thursday.  After that, I really get to focus on my upcoming wedding that is just two weeks away.  I can't wait for all of it!  It's worse than a kid at Christmas.  I could not have made it without the encouragement of my family, friends, and fiance.  Thank you all for putting up with me duirng this adventure and cheering me on.  Thursday night is as much for you as it is for me.  Now I have to figure out what I am going to say about my nursing journey since I will be speaking about it at the pinning.  It should be easy since I apparently like to talk a lot.