the journey to midwifery...

I've been pondering the past few days how tremendously grateful that I am for the opportunity that I have in my midwifery studies.  I feel truly blessed from this opportunity to learn from the best and to be in a team of people that I really love.  The more I'm exposed to other midwives and other midwife/apprentice relationships, the more I realize how good I have it.  I feel like a sponge wanting to soak up everything that I can, and for the first time in all of my schooling I'm truly passionate about what I'm doing and really enjoy studying. 

Last night I got the opportunity to be at a birth of a first-time mom who had an unmedicated, vaginal breech birth at the birth center.  It wasn't our client, but the other midwife and the mom were ok with students and I just happened to be at the right place at the right time and got to attend the birth.  Although I don't think I'd wish that experience on anyone haha, it was amazing to see how God made our bodies to give birth even in the less than ideal situations. 

I am also learning that being a midwife is about so much more than catching babies... it's intercession and hearing the Lord, its serving and loving people in their time of need, it's ministering to entire families... 

And it's definitely not glamorous :)... The truth is that I haven't been home since I left for work yesterday and I'm still wearing the same clothes.  I only got a couple of hours of sleep this morning on an uncomfortable couch in the birth center, and still had to go into work at my paying job for the day.  And did I mention that I don't get paid for a few more years and that my books and equipment are really expensive??  :)  But somehow, even with the hard things, it's so life giving and I absolutely love it! :)  And so I sit here amazed at where the Lord has brought me, and oh, so thankful!

The Journey to Blogging...

Well, after a boring morning at work I have finally decided to start a blog!  This is something that I've been thinking about doing for quite some time in order for people to be able to stay updated on the craziness that is my life.  Not sure if I have anything profound to say on here, but if nothing else it will give me another tool to stay connected with people. 

So here's the latest update on my life:
I am finishing up my Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health from the UNT Health Science in Center in Fort Worth.  I will graduate in December, and can't wait for that day!!!  I am so ready to be able to devote all my time and studies to what I truly love - Midwifery!  I am apprenticing to become a Certified Professional Midwife with Donna Miller out of Gentle Beginnings Birth Center in Hurst.  (I'm sure you'll hear much more about this in the future!)  I feel extremely blessed with the opportunity to train under such godly and skilled midwives! 

I am also currently working for the School of Public Health part-time in the Office of Student & Academic Services.  I have really appreciated having this job because they are very flexible with my midwifery stuff.  Unfortunately I will lose this job and my source of income in December when I graduate. 

In May I also moved in with a family from my church - the Burrs.  The opportunity to live with them has been a tremendous blessing and provision as well as a source of much joy!  There are 5 children ranging in age from 1yr to 16yrs, so there is rarely a quiet moment in the house, but I love it! :)

So that is the brief update of where I am today.  There will be more details to come...