2016: BIG Changes and Challenges

It's been six months since my last blog entry and I was not able to put much of my thoughts into (blog) writing as I had hoped and indicated in my last entry. Honestly, I can no longer remember what those thoughts were, and I still have to look for my notes for my thoughts on the sermon series...

So what has kept me busy? A loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot!

To summarize my major life changes this year -
July 31, 2016 - I officially resigned as staff nurse at NKTI and the months prior were filled with transition activities, training those who will replace me, Kidney month preps and activities, and farewell dates. I wanted to leave NKTI peacefully, without leaving any stone unturned so I worked hard to finish all that I could and endorse only those that I really just couldn't. I also wanted to leave a legacy by training those who will come after me well, and by giving as much help as I could. After all, I did not leave because I just wanted to, but because I was called to a new opportunity that would require the same commitment I give to my work, and even more, which now brings me to...

August 1, 2016 to present - I entered Med School and since that fateful day, most of my days have been filled with lectures, exams, papers, and more exams. That I can still maintain my ministry contribution to our church, FCF, is only by the grace of God. I lost weight during the first few weeks because I was overwhelmed with the amount of things that I have to study; but when I was able to adjust and accept that it's only bound to get harder, my adjustment also showed in my weight gain..haha

But aside from weight, I've really been gaining a lot from this experience. It's only been a few months but I now all of a sudden, know a lot of new people who have also become my friends. Almost everyday is a battle, but they are also opportunities for me to experience God's power and presence, and how faithful has He been, pulling me through every exam, recitation, or conference, giving me the strength to continue, the knowledge and wisdom to understand, and even the resources to share what I've learned to others.

I am currently on semestral/Christmas break and we're waiting for our grades (hence, with the time to write..haha). I praise the Lord for His favor, provision, and for supplying all my needs and more in all aspects. I hope to share His loving grace more to my classmates next year as we enter the second semester.

This short vacation is about catching up and spending quality time, with Alfie as the first beneficiary..haha. He seems to understand, as he now looks forward to our morning walks, even waking me up with his paws when I wake up later than usual. It's also the Christmas season so there are a lot of parties to be planned and attended, plus errands to be done, and recipes to be cooked for my family while I still can:)

2016 has indeed been a year of BIG changes and challenges, but I am thankful for all of them because I also experienced in those situations how BIG my God is:)

With that, I look forward to an even more fruitful 2017. May God bless us all!