I finally got my ID today!; hence, the picture...haha. It's supposed to be the star, but my pacute face seemingly but unintentionally managed to outshine my brand new ID...mwahaha.
I did promise that I would write about my promotion once it became final. I kept on delaying it for weeks but when I got my ID this afternoon, I felt so legit and I figured this would be the perfect and probably my last chance to write about it, else it'll just be among the many milestones and events I failed to document because of my laziness.
I've already gushed about it but I say it again- this promotion is really BIG DEAL for me. My faith goal for this year is to have my foundations set and God has already answered my prayer work-wise by making me a permanent employee of our venerable institution! To be promoted after a year would probably seem lame in an outsider's point of view, but for us nurses and for me most especially, It's a Miracle!...haha. It's not that I'm far from being qualified because I am, but I'm also only one out of the hundreds who are also qualified, with some surely more qualified than I am if years of service would be a top criterion. The delay in the promotion is simply a reality that we had to accept; but as in all waiting periods, whether it's waiting for God or for a mate (naks), one can choose to wait passively or actively. Syempre dun ako sa actively!:) I kept on praying until I was recommended and prayed even harder together with my family as I moved on to the exams, the interview, and finally, the appointment. I also continued to work hard and excellently, grabbing opportunities to aid my colleagues and share whatever I can contribute to our ward and to the department. I know of colleagues though, with similar and for some, even more exemplary work ethic. Why they do not get recommended early on by their head nurses is a mystery to me so I also thank the Lord for my head nurse who was so kind to recommend almost all of us in the ward. Another super thank you Lord for blessing the hands of those who held my paper and supported the recommendation!
And of course, as in all promotions, we are now entitled to benefits we only heard of before; and this is where my testimony on giving comes in. You see, my income is just enough for my self-imposed obligatory savings + expenses. Whenever I receive my salary, I set aside my tithes which is 10 percent foremost, then make do with whatever is left. I used to be so worried about my finances I didn't realize I wasn't trusting God fully to provide all our needs. So one day I made a run down of my expenses: insurance, grocery, market, water, electricity, internet, helper, etc. in my mind and just surrendered it all to God. On top of that, I have also committed to give a certain amount to our church for the missions and to Kuya Carlo, a CCC campus missionary in support of his ministry, in amounts higher that what I was giving last year. With all these responsibilities came a lot of what ifs. But God has provided me with his own versions of what ifs, with the biggest one saying- What if you'd press on in obedience to my call and allow me to work through you?
For me, the benefits that would come with the promotion along with the many other surprises I get here and there is God saying you can't outgive me. It's God telling me- Katy, you made those commitments in faith, now let me show you what I can do because you believed. And truly, we've never lacked anything. Although I had to borrow money from Ate recently to comply with all my requirements for the promotion and to update my licenses, with advance lunch treats included, I am confident that God will make a way for me so I can return the money asap. Also, I am in no way being rushed to pay so I can save up for it little by little without any pressure:)
And just when I thought that was it for the meantime, I was once again surprised with my reassignment from the ward as a staff nurse to the office as a research nurse. I've been there for more than 3 weeks now but still in the process of getting used to the whereabouts involved with the job. I have the nicest colleagues and I certainly have better working conditions. I don't get tired too much physically, but my brain's been getting a lot of work and there are a lot of times when I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. Truth be told, I feel like a novice all over again and I'm inwardly dreading the day when Mam Yet has to leave us for good. Thank God that this time, I know better than to worry. I have supportive heads and colleagues and I know that God has placed me here for a reason. So armed with every weapon I need from Him and drawing assurance from his unfailing love and grace, I'm gonna do my very best to grow where I am planted- giving my all to whatever's assigned to me; learning from my own experiences and others' teachings; sharing whatever talents I have; being a good subordinate, coworker and friend; and most of all, being a servant of Christ.
For the days and months to come, I know I'll be encountering a different set of challenges and changes. But thank you Lord that I can be secured in your unwavering love and grace that only increases with every problem I encounter. You are my refuge, my provider, my miracle worker and my friend; and in your name, I claim that I can do all things through Thee who gives me strength.:)
