Summer Days in the 413

As the days draw closer to my departure for Jamaica, I seem to be a cocktail of excitement and nostalgia. A year of volunteering anywhere has been a dream of mine since my freshman year of college. If you had asked me then , however, where I would be post-graduation, the answer would have been, "At a hospital of course!" I never thought this ambition of volunteering would actually become a reality. Part of the joy that comes from this adventure is not knowing exactly what lays ahead of me for once. What I do know is, for some reason, I have followed a feeling from within to this journey of volunteering in a country I do not know. I am taking a risk and following this path the Lord has put in front of me. This path will teach me about life in a way I have never imagined. I am truly lucky to have this opportunity.

These days prior to my departure are being spent at home with my family (Mom, Dad, Stu, & Rosie), creating memories with my wonderful friends, and working my final days as a SNAP in the ER. I find myself noticing the little things around me that have become such a part of my everyday life. Like tripping over Stu in the morning because he is sleeping as close to my bed as possible, sitting outside on my deck, watching endless episodes of Gilmore Girls, and waking up at 530 to get to work on time to check the trauma room and the code carts, take the vitals, and care for those who are sometimes in the worst of situations. I am truly lucky for all that I have.

In the next two days, Matt, Sarah, Charity, and Jared will be heading to Jamaica to start their year as PVIs! I wish them the best of luck in the next few weeks and cannot wait to join them on August 10th!
Peace & Love to all!