Thankful Thursday

So...

I've officially been accepted into nursing school for the 2012 school year.

SCORE.

This year I'll be taking every single class that will transfer, which is almost a full academic year (minus a class). 

I'm pretty excited. I literally got the letter last night and went and paid my deposit this morning.

But I think more than anything, I'm relieved and super thankful.

Yes, this means the next four years of my life will be spent in school.

Yes, this means I will have to live in Indiana during this time.

But it also means that in roughly four years, I will be taking the NCLEX.

I will then be able to work as a nurse, gain a few years of experience, work on becoming a practitioner, and start taking my skills overseas.

I can think of no better skill to have to offer those in need overseas. Millions are literally dying of easily preventable diseases. And I can't think of a more tangible expression of Christ's love than that of physical mending. 

As a nurse, I will have intimate access into the lives of many who are facing some of the most difficult, trying times of their lives. I will have the opportunity to offer them love and acceptance they've never known.

As much as I've tried fighting formal education the last couple of years, I know that this will be an incredible occupation and by-far the best use of my God-given abilities.

Despite all the hard work ahead, I'm very much looking forward to it.

And I'm super thankful that I got accepted into a small, hands-on school that is revered for its excellence.