Yup, still here.

Yes, I am still around... I am just in an NPH lull at this moment.  I am in the middle of packing and getting ready to move next week, which has been taking up most of my energy.  Ugh.  I really don't like packing OR moving. It's just stressful.  Especially when you are putting the majority of your things in storage, but need to keep things accessible to get ready for Honduras.  Woo!

Anyway... I am just still so excited to be part of NPH Honduras.  I read this article the other day, and it really makes me proud and honored to be part of it.  NPH never gives up on their kids.  I can't wait to meet these amazing pequenos so I can encourage and inspire them the best way I know how.  All of them have a purpose and are loved by so many (and God, of course) and it's the job of the volunteers, staff and Godparents of NPH to show them that.  It's an amazing and powerful responsibility!

On another note... I have a little over 1 month (14 shifts) left of my current job.  CRAZY! I will begin my awesome trek around the country visiting family and friends in October... and leave for my Honduran Adventure in mid-December!  Everything is coming together.  I.am.so.excited.

Peace and Love.

Lord, you call our children to make a journey of faith. Keep them faithful to Your Word; hold them safely in the palm of Your hand. Teach them to choose life and to choose what is right, and just and true. Help them to share with others the life You promise, in service of the poor. Open their minds and hearts to the truth of the Scriptures. Nourish them with the bread and cup of the Eucharist. Lead our young pilgrims along the way, Lord, and make safe their journey to You and the life You promise us. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Wow.

I have realized a lot in the last few days:

1. Having a blog is a little intimidating when people now know you have a blog... it means I have to write cool and entertaining things (eek!)
2. My mom is amazing (obviously I didn't just realize this, but it was reiterated)
3. I love my friends (again, not a recent realization)
4. I am going to miss a ton of things when I am gone (I even asked the Volunteer Coordinator if I could bring my favorite coffee, to which she replied something like, "Of course, but Honduran coffee is really good!")
5. I am going to really, really miss my coworkers

I have had an amazing 4 years at my current job, and couldn't have asked for a more perfect first nursing job, at one of the best pediatric facilities in the country, with some of the most amazing people. Ever.  As more and more people realize that I am actually leaving and not pulling anyone's legs, I think they are surprised!  Jen is actually leaving this place.  I am sure some think I am nuts, others brave or even jealous.  But all are happy and maybe even a little proud.  It's bittersweet... this place has become my home and these people have become like family.  We get on each others' nerves, disagree, but work hard and love each other when it counts.  It's hard thinking about leaving.  While I am away one friend will be getting married (and could even get preggers AND have the babe), another will be graduating from nursing school, a few may even move on to their next phases in their careers.  Crazy to think about.  And, I am not a fan. :(

But, this is part of the journey.  While I will be missing out on some things... I will most definitely be experiencing new and wonderful things, as well.  It will by no means replace anything... but just add to the overall adventure. :)

Oh, and I am about 98% sure about my specific day of departure.  Here. We. Go. 

Still plugging along!

Well, I have received my official welcome packed from NPH!! :)

I have already watched the volunteer experience DVD, and may wait to watch the "Love Without Limits" DVD with my family.  It's so exciting.  :) :) :)

I have made some little progress on The List... I know you all are worried. ;)  I just have to take it day by day, and ask for God's grace.  I know that everything that needs to be done, will be done when I have to leave.

No other news, really.  In general, I am still getting some positive feedback from everyone that I tell.  It def gives me the warm and fuzzies inside.  What can be better than that?!

Love and Peace.

Overwhelmed

I officially accepted the position at NPH 1 week ago... when I hit that "send" button, that's when it hit me, "HOLY CRAP I AM GOING TO HONDURAS!" :)

With that realization comes the realization of everything else that I have to do.  I will not bore you all with those details, but trust me, there is quite a bit.  And, yes, I am overwhelmed.  I know, it's all part of the process, but, let's face it, that really doesn't make it any less overwhelming.  My loverly (yup, lovERly) mom began a list on my iPhone of things I need to do.  This is great, expect now it's become a thing.  The List.  "Jen, it's ok, you have The List.  Add that and add this."  Or even in talking with friends or other family members, "I know you are overwhelmed, but be sure you make a list."  I want to tell everyone, "duh, I have The List."  The problem with The List at this point, is that it is growing and growing before I can even cross anything off!  So, that's what makes it that much more... you got it, overwhelming.

Now, I know that The List is good, and it's helpful to begin prioritizing and all that jazz.  And, if my mom didn't start it, I probably would still be trying to figure out what needs to go on The List first.  Moms are so good like that.

Speaking of Moms, I would like to take this moment to really thank her.  She has been an absolute amazing support since January, when I first brought this up.  Yes, she is scared and nervous and worried... but she is also really excited and happy and proud that I am following my heart.  She has been so encouraging, I am pretty sure that if she wasn't, I would not be taking this leap of faith to Honduras.  So, Mom... THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.  I wish I had some amazing quote to put here, so instead I will say, that I hope I am half the mom you are someday. :)  I love you... MOST!

As more and more people are finding out about my Honduran Adventure (which I have now coined, and began using on Twitter. ha... I am so corny), the amount of support is awesome.  At first, people are surprised, then excited, then amazed. :)  The amount of love that I have received from my friends and family... and now coworkers and acquaintances, is confirmation that this really IS what the Lord has planned for me.  I love it.

And so it begins...

Welcome.

Many of you are now reading this because you followed my other blog, or maybe you are new, or more likely you are my awesome family and friends just being the amazing support that you are. :)

Just as the title suggests... I am following the Lord's call to serve the poor of our world.  As many of you know, it's been a desire on my heart for sometime to take my nursing skills to serve, and at the beginning of the year (with the amazing encouragement of my friends) I began the search for the place that I (and God, of course) wanted to go.  After months of waiting and prayers, I have accepted a nursing position with Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos.  Please visit their website (link to the right) for more information.

I have definitely fallen for this amazing organization and am really looking forward to getting there in January! I am going to dedicate this blog solely to my experience leading up to, throughout and right after my Honduran adventure.  I am going to try my hardest to be as positive and upbeat as I can, but I also want to be honest and true about everything that happens.  I will provide stories, pictures, thoughts and feelings... laughs, and maybe some tears.  Oh, and let's not forget that little bit of sarcasm! ;)

So... here we go!  The start of a whole new chapter of my life is just beginning to unfold.  I am so excited, nervous, overwhelmed, but mostly at peace with following God's will.  Without His grace there is no way I would be able to pull this off.  Thanks, Jesus... You rock.