One year ago today, I graduated from Nursing School. A end to a chapter in my life that challenged me, changed me and strengthened my relationship with God. When reflecting on that year and the friendships made, the profession I was about to embark on and the beginning of a new adventure at my finger tips. I would have never imagined that a year later I would be living in Texas, loving every aspect of my job and owning a home. Only thing that describes it: Truly Blessed!!
Reflecting on the days after graduation, I could remember sitting in church one sunday morning and hearing a sermon about white picket fence dreams. Sitting in the chair I thought what was my white picket fence dream?
My white picket fence dream was to be married by twenty-four and to have my first kid by twenty-six and live only miles away from my mom. Well friends, when God's in control our white picket fences often change. I am twenty-six, never dated nor have kids and live 1,522 miles away from my mom. There were various verses read that sunday morning from Luke, Luke 9:23-26; 24: 36-53 which hit home. The white picket fence dreams for ourselves is not always what is truly easy or the plan God has for us. But His white picket fence dream for us is the ultimate path even with it's hard at times.
It has been ten months since I left California. I miss my family and friends but overjoyed with the sense of making new friends. Often we take for granite what is so close to us. In July, I went back to California for my Papa's Pig Birthday Party. It was a different trip for me this time: truly embracing the beauty of the state. I thoroughly loved spending time with my family, my dearest friends from high school- minus caitlin, and other friends. California is a beautiful state that has a lot to offer, but living in the state made me take for granite the beauty that it has: the beaches, the mountains, the weather and the people (friends/family).
 |
| My cousin Olivia and I at Disneyland |
 |
| The cutes little sister, Riley and cousin, Deli. |
 |
| Love this little girl: Riley |
 |
| Cousins |
 |
| The Birthday Boy: Papa |
 |
| A brother's love! |
 |
| Life-long friends |
It amazes me how a Father's (God's) love can not only up root ones life but use their life to impact the lives of others in not only a little city but state. People always ask me where I am from at work; because I don't have a strong twang: yet!! I explain to them I was born and raised in California. when asked why Texas? I reply in "fulfilling my dream of loving God's people and being apart of his bride (church). Keep in mind folks: Tyler is a bible belt of the south. But I pray it hits people a little deeper because most people here have not traveled at all.
As for my job, lots of changes have occurred. The hospital has been extremely busy. Some fellow colleagues have left to continue education and another to get married. With this said, I have been training and have taken a few shifts as a charge nurse. The role of a charge nurse: is the main go to person for the staff on the floor, responsible for admissions to the floor and making sure staffing is adequate for the next shift. It's often humbling to thinks that I can do this and was asked to take on such a large role. I could not do it with the strength of the Lord by my side as well as the help of all my wonderful colleagues.
In addition my boss asked me to start training some new nurses. Y'all know me and my passion to not only coach but teach. Its been fun and challenging. Another humbling moment to be asked to train because of the work that I do! :-) I am so thankful that I took the leap of faith and followed the spark in my heart to step through the doorway God opened for me last September (Getting the Job).
Besides work, I have taken a new role in church: became apart of the administrative team, leading hospitality team (which we bake and prepare snacks on sunday morning) and planning and organizing church events. All right up my alley and just loving every bit of it.
I love being a home owner, always things to do. Still working on decorating but for those who didn't see my scrapbook here is a glimpse of my casa.
 |
| The Guest Bedroom |
 |
| The Guest Bathroom |
 |
| The Master |
 |
| The Master Bath part 1 |
 |
| The Master Bath part 2 |
 |
| The Laundry room |
 |
| The Kitchen |
 |
| Dining Room |
 |
| TV room |
Mowing the lawn is my biggest task and best workout: however with southern storms it often gets delayed. I am excited for the fall to come; one for a temperature change and two to start the decorating. A few guests are on the list to visit. First up my aunt Beebes and the boys are coming next week for a couple days and then in October my baba is coming out the spend a week with me. Can't wait to show them the beautiful state. All is welcome. Blessings.
