Harmonization

Count down only 2 days until the U.S. surgery team gets here! I don´t know any of them (but found out 2 of the GYN surgeons are from Knoxville). Feels like Christmas to have them coming....a little taste of home! Miss you all very much!!!!!!!

So, since we are so close to the surgical week, we are in 6th gear (not really sure if there is actually a 6th gear) with preparations. Today, me and one of the other girls sanitized the recovery-overnight area. We scrubbed 50 beds, swept, and mopped. Tomorrow we will put all the sheets and stuff on the beds. I had to keep my attitude in check to keep from grumbling through work I didn´t particularly enjoy....I have a problem about that even for work I am getting paid for. Well, actually I grumble more about work I am getting paid for than about work when I´m volunteering. One of the 1,000,001 things I´m learning to work on! But, to keep from getting a bad attitude, God reminded me about the house keepers at the hospitals who clean rooms and beds for patients day in and day out. And I became very grateful for their hardwork and service. No one is an island....it takes a team to do anything!

Oh, and Wednesday ended up being another papsmear day. The morning of, I prayed earnestly for strength not to get sick to my stomach again, and guess what, God was faithful! I think there were only 4 ladies who needed papsmears, but that´s four more than I tolerated last time!

I´m probably going to be out of commission a little bit next week starting this Saturday. The surgical weeks are apparently a lot of fun in the end but a bit like boot camp. I´m a little scared....but nursing has always intimidated me a lot. My fears of doing something wrong, making the wrong decision....but I am learning that just as Paul had his ¨thorn in his flesh¨ that served as a constant reminder of his need for God, maybe my occassional fears and insecurities are my thorn in my flesh. I can pray for God to take them away, but maybe He doesn´t want to because they help me remember that ¨My grace is sufficent.¨In my weakness, His strength is glorified.

Feeling a bit under the weather. (Mom don´t worry, I´m alright). Woke up with a faucet for a nose and my muscles ache all over. Hopefully just a little cold. My stomach has been very well behaved.....had a little problem this morning, but I think its tolerating the culture well! Hopefully I will be back to 100% before the surgeries.

Tomorrow night is a birthday party for the youngest daughter, Betty. She turns 15, and we are having a huge party at the church. It should be fun! I think I am the one in charge of photography since I am the only one with a camera. Church is much better now that I don´t go everynight....that was wearing me out! I am understanding more and more of the lessons so its much more purposeful for me. I already told Ali about this, but singing at church is very interesting...its Church of Christ, so all accapela. But, rather than trying to harmonize, everyone just sings as loud and forceful as possible! Last night, as small group of them were at the house ¨working on hymnals¨and harmonization, and oh my gosh guys.....I couldn´t go in the room. I know they were singing from their heart, but one of them was having some major trouble! I acknowledge that I can´t sing well...thats why I only impart it on those who already love me!

Thanks to everybody for their comments, makes me feel really good. Love you and miss you.