I can't believe the time has come....but here it is. Several months ago I took up the new hobby of "blog reader." My friends have mocked me because of the ways I feel so intimately connected with people I've never met but.....that's the glory of the internet eh? Anyway, I decided that once I officially and actively started pursing my move to Sierra Leone, I would post pieces of my adventure on a blog for all to read (fully understanding that by "all to read" it will primarily be for my family....and by "family".......mostly my mom. :) I'm a little nervous about doing this because my social filter is not always up to par and from the safety of my computer in my bedroom well.....who knows what I may say! I apologize in advance! (I also work night shift so will attempt to keep from posting after work as I've found that sleep deprivation also tends to clog my social filter).
So! Checklist for moving to Sierra Leone:
Become a nurse- check
Decide to become a nurse practitioner- check
Move to Seattle to become a nurse practitioner- check
Move back home from Seattle to study for my boards and work
Take my boards and actually become certified- check
(I put lots of small details on my checklist because the Lord began calling me to serve him overseas when I was in high school.....and I'm about to have my 10 year reunion! If I only put "become a nurse" and "become a nurse practitioner" I would have to think.....what the heck have I been doing this whole time? More "checks" make me feel more accomplished! But I digress.....
The biggest hurdle I'm facing now is getting my darn school loans paid off and raising the support I need to live over there. Jesus has blessed me so much with a great job that I am hoping to get my loans paid off by August. So there it is.....the TARGET MOVE DATE.
AUGUST.......2010. Can it be done? That's yet to be seen. I set a goal date that seemed feasible so that I would have some motivation. You see, while I love being a nurse...I'm not what you might call a "work-a-holic." There are so many other fun things to do that as long as my bills are paid ....why work? But if I set a goal...now I'm in "move to Sierra Leone" mode. And that means I'm in "work mode." I could be a real drifter if I didn't set goals.
So my goal is to pay off approximately $28,000 by August of next year. I have worked out a budget for Sierra Leone and I will need $4500 in monthly support. I will also need to raise a considerable amount of "one time gifts" to have in reserve. Yikes. Sheesh. and Yikes again. I asked my roommates today....how the heck am I going to come up with that??? They said...pray. Oh yeah....why didn't I think of that? That's why I'm posting my progress here. I can get stressed out about whether or not I'll be able to work enough to pay off my loans, etc. but really, this is God's deal. (I just got a huge sense of relief even writing that!) I really think that He is the One leading me to Sierra Leone and if I'm misreading some signals or direction, this is an awesome way for Him to close that door! Man....so cool! So now we get to see!!! What will happen??? What will God do? Hmmm....exciting to see. I'll keep you posted......Mom. :)
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And Mattea!! I will be reading your blog faithfully, you can count on it! I loved reading your first one even though you have already told me all of it. Your desire to serve and be over there is such an inspiration to me. You are awesome Emily! I am so blessed to have such great roommates, even if it is just for a short time. I'll be praying for you!
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