Ticket...FINALLY!!!

"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in do time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." 

~Galatians 6:9~

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

According to the Mayan calendar, the world should have ended today :-) (regardless, we [I] should always be ready, for you are coming soon!).  However, Your mercy/Word/grace allowed an additional day to get our act together :-)

Exactly one week from yesterday, I'll be finally on a plane to Blantyre, Malawi!!! I can't say that I've always been patient or trusting, nor can I say the road easy, but I can say that You're faithful; You've been leading me all the way.

This week, especially, has been full of uncertainty.  Being that it was the last week before the school closed for the Christmas & New Year holiday, I was unsure if I would be able to get everything I needed to get done before the deadline or have to wait until after January 2! I needed to be financially cleared, get my BS diploma and transcript, ticket, TEP, and health insurance card all before the week ended!

To make a long story short, stuff happens when you show up in person (of course Your Holy Spirit being the main entity)!  When, it looked bleak with all the running around and discouraging small talk, You worked a miracle and parted the Red Sea!

So what happens now? In less than a weeks time, I'll be on a plane heading to someone's hospital; caring for patients.  It's easy to become nervous and scream, "WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?!?!?", or, to think, "Am I really cut out for the job?... I hope I don't harm/kill any of my patients!"  (Though I've excelled academically,  I'm a brand-new nurse!) But, again, like my devotion on Prophet Elijah, You're not the kind of person who leave's His children hanging, especially when You've called them to a specific work.  You've made it more than clear that Malawi's exactly where I need to be. I am called. I pinch myself thinking that about to embark to fulfill one of my life-long goals in becoming a medical missionary!

I don't know what the future holds.  I can only see what's in front of me.  I am Jewel.  I am soon to be a volunteer mission nurse at Blantyre Adventist Hospital.  I am 20-something *clear throat*, single, no children, with desires to someday own my own rural clinic, have a non-profit, and travel the globe. I am very much interested in international/global health issues... so, when it comes to getting my maters, I don't know... something that encompasses women, infant's, and children, with a special emphasis on HIV/AIDS education/prevention....

There's a lot! As they say, "The world is my oyster!" Until next time!

Tu hijita,

Joya

Be Thou My Vision

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." 

~Isaiah 26:3~

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

It's Saturday, December 1, my latest departure date and still no ticket!  Since flights only leave out to Malawi one day a week, my next best bet is next week, but I doubt it.  Another hurdle to cross  before I can get the clear to leave.  First it was the TEP, then the loan situation, and now my BS transcripts/diploma and loan situation (On Wednesday I had to run around getting the documents I had notarized (though I know I already did that in June... -_-)! I owe the school over $8,000 and if I don't pay up, no releasing of my transcripts and degree, no ticket, no work!  

It's easy to focus on another hurdle and become frustrated and upset.  My bags/bins are packed, I have all my shots, anti-malaria pills and I've said my good-bye's... now I just want closer!!! There are times I feel that the knowledge I learned months ago is gone and will become useless when I start taking care of my own patients.  The other day one of my friends mentioned she was taking care of little baby diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease (congenital megacolon).  I recognized the name but had forgotten what it was (Hirshsprung's affects the large intestine and causes problems with passing stool. It's present when a baby is born and results from missing nerve cells in the muscles of a portion of the baby's colon)!  

However, all things happen for a reason.  I've done my part. I humbly ask that you help me to keep my eyes focused on You.  I remember jotting down all the miracles that I'd need to happen BEFORE I leave on this year-long adventure.  You've blessed me that all, except one, has come to pass; and that's my school bill.  So, perhaps, this is the reason for the delay.  You're just making sure that I have all my ducks in a row, because in Your infinite wisdom, leaving before all is finalized (though I was given the go ahead) will be troublesome to handle while in Malawi... it makes since :)  I am also sure that there are other things You're preparing in me and for me while I wait... patiently.  May You be my focus and vision, for I know You are leading me and You have called me to this special work in Blantyre.  

Tu hijita,

Joya  

Friendship

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.  For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

~Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10~

My best friend Shannin & I

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

I feel very blessed to have such wonderful friends.  I had my "Good-bye" celebration in light of my upcoming mission to Malawi and a good number of people attended (my NAPS/YOD 2.5 family, nursing buddies, Bible study crews, and Del Rosa church family). The food was amazing and venue fabulous, thanks to Dr. Hunt & Dr. Holness.  Considering that I will be away from many of the international cuisine I'm used to in America (Thai, Caribbean, Italian, etc.), the them was "International potluck".  Thank to the cooks, we had an assortment of dishes like enchiladas, rice and peas, chana masala, delicious pasta with tomato sauce from scratch (and yes, a man threw down ;) , and much more!  And who can forget dessert (and that's why I keep my freshman 15!).   I just wish I had bigger stomach with the cheese cake, chocolate cake, pumpkin and apple pie ;-)

Sadly, I was surprised at the turn out, though not in a negative way.  I can be very hard on myself and "I" focused that I forget about the awesome team you surrounded me with; my friends.  They have encouraged me, prayed for me, and even sacrificed their own means to support me over the years.  Some I've know for over 10 years and some for just 6 months, yet it's hard to say good-bye to people who mean so much. I can't imagine going on this journey without them.  They are human reminders Your grace and extensions of Your love.

Thank you.

Tu hijita,

Joya

My Bible study group & roommate/good friend, Taoshin (far rt.)

My other Bible study group & nursing friends

Andrew & Jennifer my Botswana pharm buddies

Amen & I:  good times :)

Morgan & Vanessa: YOD 5 family

Shannin & Minty... Watch out!!! :)

Elizabeth Coleman, my study-buddy & friend who helped me  pass nursing school.  Eternally grateful :)

From the beginning, Liz & I in our 2nd quarter of nursing school

What Liz, Johnny & I love to do most!!! :-P

Love these girls!

My sweet Dipti :)

Rhonda, Dipti, & I in Botswana :)

Del Rosa lady volunteers: Jasmine, Michelle, Chigo, Morgan,  Kendra & I... potlucks are ALWAYS fun/lively ;)

Vanessa, Clint, Cisco, Minty & I: YOD 2 & 5 (2.5) :)

Still Waiting

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." ~Psalm 27:14~

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

 

Waiting seems like it's always the hard part, especially when you just want closure.  You just want answers so you can just move on. Wait, you say. Wait.  Wait, to get that dream car.  Wait, to return to school. Wait, to get that dream job  and start that dream career. Wait, to move into your dream house. Wait, to marry and start a family. Wait, wait, wait!

I am waiting; waiting to begin this journey You've led me to in Malawi.  I am trying to be patient, but a small part of me can't help but feel anxious.  Feeling as though all the knowledge I've gained in nursing school has been lost.  I look at my fellow classmates, who have been working since July! And me... I'm waiting. I waited for mid September.  Then I waited for late October and early November. Now I wait for December 1...

But, Papi, You point out all those blessings I would have missed out on if I didn't wait.  Through waiting, I've seen my the faith of my family grow.  I traveled to several different countries and innumerable cities throughout the US spreading messages of hope and helping those in need. I've created friendships all over the world.  I was blessed with a brand new car. I discovered my calling and passion.  Good things DO come to those who wait!

So, I wait and put my hope and trust in You.

 

Tu hijita,

 

Joya

Moving Out

"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." ~Matt. 28:20~

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

I officially moved out of my apartment on Stewart street at 6:15 pm.  I packed up the rest my belongings, lodded them in my Honda Insight (or sold them or gave them away), and headed to a dear friends house.  I've made so many memories living in southern California over these past two years.  There were times when I didn't know how I was going to pay the rent (especially the first year when I lived alone!), but you provided every month.  It seemed like the lack of money was ALWAYS an issue.  Now that I had the money for the rent, would I have enough to cover utilities and food? What about gas?  Then there was finding money for books and school supplies.  How could I properly prepare for my school work without money for books?  Was I crazy for moving into a place I could barely afford (honestly, all of California's like that, no matter where you live :)?  Was I wrong to move apply and go to school at Loma Linda when I was struggling so much?  Then You'd remind me that it was Your hand that led me hear and that You'd take care of me. "...My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). And Father, you continue to do so.

Before: My old room. Nothing's changed... you get the point :)

After

I said, "Good bye" to my roommate Taoshin (I got a little emotional.  It was a fun year... she a good friend thoughout the years).  You brought me to Loma Linda to study nursing and you blessed me with this apartment and much more. I know that this is just one more step closer to fulfilling the will You have for my life.

                                   The dinning room





                                                                           

He's Faithful

"Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures."
~Psalm 119:90~

 

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

I have no income.  The last time I checked, I had $155 in my bank account to pay my bills, eat, buy gas, etc.  This is to last me until I either find a short-term job or leave for Malawi (but, when I think about it... who's going to hire me with a "I'm not sure how long I can stay..." status?).  I remember being mesmerized by this verse, telling Sis. Phyllis my dilemma (about future housing, money, being unable to leave to see family when I expected to...), but proclaiming Your Name.

Today, at church, I put my one mite into the offering plate.  I remember thinking about all the things I wanted to do for my teens, but lacking the funds to do so.  I even thought of alternative ways in which we could still do the things we planned.  Then, as I was heading out the church after service, Sis. Alfreda Spraggins pulled me aside and said that she wanted to give me something for my trip to Malawi.  She blessed me with a check for $100! You are faithful! You see and hear Your children.  You spoke to me, through this random act of kindness, letting me know that, "... my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches is Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). 

Papi, You are ALWAYS taking care of me :-)

Tu hijita,

Joya

More than Clear

"The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of His bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the works of your hands...." ~Deut. 28: 12 &13~

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

It is clearer than ever that you desire that I go to Africa! You've more than provided the way! You've blessed me with not only having my ticket paid for, I also have a monthly stipend, housing, and health insurance!!! Initially, I was going with the understanding that only my loans would be taken care of. I would have to figure out the rest (that is what the contract under the mission scholarship stated).  With prompting from the Holy Spirit by Dr. Preister and the board of Adventist Health International, my case was presented and request granted! The only thing left to do is pass boards, the first time!

I was also able to meet with Mike and Christi, who are coordinating my trip, to get the necessary documentation for my work visa and have additional questions answered  (thank God I don't have to wear white!!! I can purchase fun peds scrubs!!!).  The paper work will take months to process! However, that would give me time to visit family. 

You've worked this miracle out for me, I am now thanking you in advance for taking care of the other expenses.  I still own LLU $8,000 for the summer school session, rent's due tomorrow, and my bank account empty.  God, throughout all this, You've been faithful... even when I haven't. Your timing is perfect.  Necesito un bendecido hoy... por favor.

Tu hijita,

Joya

You Say, "Go!"

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." ~Prov. 31:8 & 9

Papi Tan Maravilloso,

I cannot pretend to say that I fully understand Your ways.  I only know, from experience, that Your ways are best.  I officially received my welcome and acceptance into the Blantyre Adventist Hospital team/staff, where I will be working as an RN in Malawi for at least 1 year (I have up to 3)!  I am both excited and thoughtful, as this will bring with it both new experiences and responsibilities. 

There are times when I feel inadequate. I am barely graduating nursing school! Will I be able to recall everything I've learned these past 2 years? What of the new culture and the different standards of care (i.e. different equipment, protocol, etc.)? How will I get along/mesh with the experienced Malawian nurses, physicians, and other medical personnel? What of my family (my younger sister's especially)?  I have yet to tell my dad and sisters of my job opportunity.  How am I to pay the airfare, food, lodging, etc. when I'm already struggling financially???

Lord, it is during times of uncertainty that I turn to You and Your promises in Your Word!  I remember that You say, "Go...” (Matt. 28:19).  You don't say, "Go, when all is well and you are financially stable/comfortable."  I must trust that if You're providing an open door, You’ll provide all that I need and more!

I remember ALL the testimonies while studying here at Loma Linda University School of Nursing; my personal testimony on my journey here… How manna daily came from Heaven (rent, food, books, grades, etc). The double rainbow... You double blessed my way.  You proved Yourself true to everyone... including me.

Plans change. I came to Loma Linda, 2 years ago, with the intentions of becoming a mission nurse… I just never, in my wildest dreams, now!!!  I thought I’d complete the accelerated undergraduate portion, move immediately into graduate studies for the pediatric nurse practitioner program, graduate, marry, practice in the US for a year and then leave for the mission field.  However, Your will is always best.  I am very familiar with Proverbs 3:5 & 6, which admonishes me to “trust in the Lord with all [my] heart and lean not on [my] own understanding”.  When I completely surrender my will, it is then that you are able to may my path straight. 

Papi, thank you for the lesson!  I am excited to see what’s next.  As I mentioned earlier, I’m trusting You and following Your lead. 

Buenas noches,

Tu hijita,

Joya