traveling home

We were driving along Highway 101, basking in the scenery and singing along with Pandora at the top of our lungs.  A quick glimpse ahead and I felt the urge to stop at the next upcoming pull off.  We all piled out of the car and pulled out our cameras, snapping pictures of the beach surrounded by cliffs and rock formations.  After some convincing, I talked my companions into climbing down the cliff to the beach below.  As soon as we made it to the bottom we immediately felt like five year olds, frolicking on the beach before us.  After realizing the rock formations were covered with live clams, I started screaming with joy at the top of my lungs...I had stumbled upon live STAR FISH.  I can't even explain to you how indescribable this sight was...simple, beautiful, God's creation.

The above story is just one of many from my travels back South.  I was very blessed to be accompanied by such dear friends from college, my friend Lori (who now lives and Chicago) and my current roommate in Birmingham, Keaton.  We were like little kids when it came to exploring Portland, driving down the coast and running into the freezing Pacific Ocean, hugging trees in the Redwood Forest, visiting all the sights in San Francisco from the show "Full House," hiking through Yosemite, walking the strip in Vegas, and driving along with a cold front.  It was such an incredible adventure that concluded with beautiful memories made and a long list of places we have to return to and places still to explore.  

Driving through the Columbia River Gorge between Washington and Oregon.  This was the last glimpse of sunlight for the week.

Visiting the Sunday Market in Portland.

 

The Redwoods were HUGE.

In the Redwood Forest we had the opportunity to see a herd of wild elk.  You can't really see them in this picture, but check out Instagram for a better photo!

In front of the houses that are in the opening scene for Full House.

Hiking through Yosemite, though it was a cloudy day, we still caught a glimpse of the infamous Half Dome (the base is right behind us in the picture).

In New Mexico we woke up to snow and temperatures of 19 degrees; it made for quite the driving experience.

One of my favorite shots from one of the many tunnels we drove through, this one is in Yosemite National Park.

After spending a day in Birmingham, I traveled to Florida to be with family over the holidays.  Over a span of 10 days I literally traveled from "the Redwood Forests to the Gulf Stream waters,"  it was quite an accomplishment.  It was wonderful being with family and meeting my niece for the first time.  

Keziah Elise has had quite the first few months of life, but we are grateful to say now she is home and as beautiful as ever!

We also got so spend some quality time with this little guy.  Emett loves when Nana showers him with gifts and Uncle Russ comes to play.  

You're probably asking "What now, Emily?"  If only I knew.  I'm learning to trust God one day at a time.  Living in the present and making the most of where He has me in the moment.  For now, I've jumped back into life in Birmingham, working at UAB, living with my roommates, and catching up with the ministries and people that mean so much to my heart.  I'm so thankful for all the Lord has provided thus far, and I'm thankful He will continue to be faithful.    

reflection

15 weeks.  That's how long I've had the privilege of living in Spokane, Washington.  Yes, there have been some rough patches, but I'm proud to say I'm leaving with a full heart.  A heart that has grown to love the people of Spokane, a heart that is slowly learning to find true and full satisfaction in God, a heart that has become even more passionate about women's health and the need young moms have for someone to pour into their lives.  I've been stubborn, selfish, controlling, deceitful, and lazy, but God has shown me humility, grace, mercy, unconditional love, and an abundance of faithfulness.  In a way, yes, I did take a leap of faith by moving to a city where I knew no one.  But, it's more than faith that helped me through; it's hope in something greater, in someONE greater; it's a relationship with a God who yearns for me to be totally His.  No, I'm not perfect; I'm not doing everything right, and I never will.  But, God has chosen me to live this life as His child, as a daughter of the King.  And though I will never fully live up to those expectations, all I can hope and pray is that God would use me to bring glory to Him.  The rest is still unwritten, but that's where the adventure awaits...

And I'll leave you with this, a few things I will miss the most from Spokane...

Working for a hospital with a mission like this, "As people of Providence we reveal God's love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate care."

Working in an environment where your coworkers feel like family, where even the security officers know my name, where doctors appreciate and trust my opinion, and where one feels comfortable to ask questions and learn.

Hiking and exploring new places, and taking people along with me for the adventure.

Being a part of YoungLives, seeing teen moms poured into and challenged with truth and hope; getting to know the YL director and watching her passion being lived out in every area of her life.

Being a part of a group of young professionals on Wednesday nights; nights where we left our busy lives to talk about the Word of God, to dig deep, ask questions, and apply God's truth to our lives.

Participating in a Beth Moore Bible Study with a group of older women, digging into the book of Isaiah and learning how to break free from the bondage life throws at us, ending the last meeting with me in the center and hands laid upon me as prayers were lifted for the unknown journey ahead.

Laughing with, talking to, listening to, and building relationships with people I now call friends.

Doing nothing, slowing down, basking in the presence of the Lord.

God is good, friends, all the time; all the time, God is good.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

 

beauty

beauty of friendship.  of laughter.  of trees full of color and crisp fall air.  of adventure and exploring.  of slowing down life and sitting still.  of conversation and encouragement.  of snow capped mountains and waking up to snowy days.  of little finds of hope on hikes.  of simplicity.  of giving newborns their first baths.  of coworkers welcoming me like family.  of teaching a first time dad how to change a diaper.  of hearing a teenage mom say, "there is nothing quite like the immediate and overwhelming love you have for your baby." 

Being a lover of nature, I'm constantly amazed by the beauty of the landscapes and scenery that surround me.  Recently though, I've been more aware of the beauty in the people and experiences surrounding me.  God has hand picked each of us to live on this earth, to experience His creations, and to enjoy His presence.  Such grace and mercy He extends to us, and all because of one word.  LOVE.  Love is the core behind everything God has done, is doing, and plans to do.  Is love the core behind everything you do?  It's not for me.  But, I'm learning.  I'm learning to love unconditionally, sacrificially, patiently, and humbly.  

"...you are precious in my sight and I love you.  I would trade creation just for you." 

Isaiah 43:4

A glimpse into recent life...

I got to spend last weekend with two very dear friends and fellow L&D nurses.  Natalie and Ellen came all the way from Birmingham to explore Seattle with me.  I'm so thankful for these two, for their love for life, traveling, and birthing babies.

Right-my one quick glimpse of Mt Rainer from the ferry ride. 

Left-hiking in Olympic National Park

Hiking in Olympic National Park, well worth the ferry ride and short road trip.

On top of Hurricane Ridge...breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains.

A Seattle must...the Space Needle.

rest

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."  Psalm 37:7

How many times have you heard the phrase "be still?"  I feel like I've heard it a lot, probably so many times that the meaning has become trivial and minimized to me.  For those of you who know me well, you know I'm not a huge fan of sitting still.  I like to be on the go, active, involved in everything possible.  Though I've learned the hard way that I can't do everything at once, I still like to maintain a sense of business.  The summer after I graduated college, knee surgery put me on the couch and made me slow down.  Though I wasn't the best patient, I learned some valuable lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life.  Over the past few months, God has once again opened up doors of opportunity for me to slow down.  A lot.  I've successfully finished books that I've been reading for months, I've gone through at least four books of stamps, I've read more of the Word than I probably have in the past year, I've been on numerous hikes and runs by myself, I've watched many tv shows on Netflix, and I've learned to pray continually.  It's been good, but it hasn't been easy.  Sometimes I feel like I'm being lazy, worthless, nonproductive, but then someone reminds me this is good.  I may never again have this time of rest, this time to enjoy intimacy with my Creator.  So, I'm trying to change my attitude and embrace this for what it is, and for what God is allowing me to experience.  Be still, my friends, our God wants us to slow down.

"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."  Psalm 63:1

Two months ago this girl walked up to me and said, "I think we need to be friends."  Such an answer to prayer Renee's friendship has been over the past few months.  From walks in the park, swinging on the playground, drinking tea, trying out all of Spokane's restaurants, packing up life into boxes, exploring Palouse Falls, to being called off work together, this friendship will hopefully last many years to come.

Any adventure I ever mention, and Audrey is totally on board.  Though she claims to not be much of a hiker, but she puts up with me and loves getting out of Spokane to check things off my bucket list.  

After a run last week, I stumbled upon this glorious place to watch the sunset.  Such a good moment to stop, slow down, and remember "He is God."  

What do you do with two days off of work?  I go to Canada.  Jess and Heidi have been two of the sweetest and compassionate friends here in Spokane.  Though we are all in this crazy season of unknowns together, it's encouraging to know we're not alone.  Our conversations are full of discouragement, fear, hope, honesty, encouragement, and truth from the Gospel.  I'm excited to see where the Lord takes these ladies in the coming days and years. 

The one thing that frustrates me most about photos is that rarely can you capture the true essence and beauty of reality.  Our drive through Canada was full of yellows and reds, fall in its prime, waterfalls rushing, snow on the ground, simple beauty.  Yet, none of my photos actually capture what it really looked like.  So, I'm leaving you with this, a photo (courtesy of Jess) from our ferry ride across Lake Kootney.

living in the present

one more month.  that's how much longer i have left in this lovely city in washington.  sometimes i still have to remind myself that i'm living all the way across the country.  as maddie reminded me today, "i mean, you're way closer to russia and china over here than we are in the south."  thanks maddie, for pointing that out.  as i start to reflect on all God has taught me in my time out here,  i'm more reminded of what God still has time to teach me here.  and though some lessons won't be realized until many months down the road, i'm grateful for where God has brought me today.  one thing i've been trying to work on lately is simple faith/trust in the Lord.  trusting Him day to day.  i'm a planner, i like to know what is going to happen next.  not knowing where i will be in january is not fun.  but, God has once again proved faithful.  through some solid and honest conversations lately, i've been reminded i don't have to know.  it's not my job to know.  my only job is to trust God.  and to be follow Him in humble obedience.  that's all.  simple right?  wrong.  it's much easier said than done.  what does it mean to truly trust God day to day?  though i'm still working out the kinks to the answer to this question, i think we can start by answering it with having childlike faith.  a pure, naive, innocent, courageous faith, faith that God is a hero, companion, friend, healer, provider, and lover.  faith knowing that when i jump into something unknown, He is going to be there to catch me.  faith like a child...that's where daily trust begins.   so faith like a child and living in the present...my goals for the week.  embracing each day for what it is and making the most of every conversation. being intentional and relational and speaking the truth of the gospel at any time.  

life tidbits...

snail mail is awesome.  i love checking my mailbox, and probably check it more often than necessary.  since i've been out here, my friends and mom have been faithful to send me notes of encouragement.  last week i opened my mailbox to not only an awesome letter, but also homemade chocolate chip cookies.  thanks sara for the sweet surprise.  i'm so grateful for all the words of affirmation and hope i've been receiving.  thank you.

last week i got to tag along with my dear friend and talented photographer, jess.  such a blessing to spend the afternoon photographing sweet little twin boys.  

college roommate, sorority sister, faithful friend, english teacher, contagious laugher, best hug giver, and so much more.  so glad one of my best friends was able to come across the country to spend the weekend with me.  thank you maddie for giving up your fall break to come visit me.  

fall is alive and well in spokane.  the weather is cool and the leaves are changing color.  fall is my favorite season.  the air is crisp and the sky is blue, flowers are still blooming and everything is pumpkin flavored.  i could take pictures of every tree in spokane, but i'll limit it to just this one. 

riverside state park is by far my favorite place in spokane.  i could hike for hours, or just sit by the river and listen to the rapids over the rocks.  though you always run into at least one other hiker or runner on the trail, it's usually very quiet, peaceful.  i've come to enjoy my hikes in spokane, no music, phone calls, or friends, just me and God.  such an intimate and special time with my Creator.  

God winks

One of the biggest things I took away from my summer working at Camp Winshape was "God winks."  That time your heart was warmed when your worst camper gave you the biggest hug, you had an awful day and look down at your phone to see an encouraging text from a friend, you smile to yourself after seeing something that reminds you of home, someone sent you a letter in the mail, you received a compliment from the patient you thought despised your guts, you saw an amazing sunset, you witnessed change in someone's life, etc.  All those times you were reminded God has His eye on you, that He is by your side, and that He has good in store for you.  This week I'm thankful for the ways God has reminded me He is in control.  

After a run last week I noticed an empty swing on the nearby playground.  And so I did like most people should do when they see an empty swing, I used it.  Later that day an exert from my journal read..."How freeing it is to swing.  To feel like you're flying and there is no limit to how high you can go.  And the feeling of air brushing against your cheeks making them rosy and pink.  Kinda relates to how freeing a relationship with God can be.  He releases me from bondage and baggage so I can reach the sky.  His presence is like the wind brushing against my cheeks, reminding me I'm not alone." (photo credit of summer 2009)

A hike to the "Big Rock" reminded me of the greatness of God, looking out over the farmlands and pastures, being able to see for miles and miles.  Thankful that the same God who created those miles and miles of land has enough grace and mercy to have a plan for my life.  What a majestic and sovereign God we serve.    

Humble.  That's how I felt after attending YoungLives Club last week.  I've been blessed to volunteer occasionally with YoungLives, a ministry for teen moms, in Spokane.  It's like youth group, but the students come with kids, there is dinner, childcare, games, crafts, and story telling.  Last week the story was about Shauna (the YL leader) and her best friend, Jesus.  These teen moms (and a few dads) are experiencing truth, hope, and love. 

So this one time my dear friend Candice and I were driving across country.  After miles and miles of corn fields and pastures of cattle we started to see mountains in the distance, snow capped mountains (the Grand Tetons).  It was awesome.  Out of nowhere rose these beautiful mountains dipped in fresh white snow.  Needless to say, we were mesmerized, ecstatic, and sitting on the edge of our seats.  Yesterday my friend Tamara got to experience my same giddy excitement when I saw the snow capped Cascade Mountains.  There is just something incredible about mountains dipped in snow.  After countless miles of nothing, God brings out something majestic.  All those times in life when we thought our life was dull, God was preparing us for something awesome.  I can name numerous times in my life when God surprised me with something spectacular.   

Sunsets are by far my favorite time of day.  The end of a day, whether good or bad, happy or sad, busy or lazy, dreary or full of sunshine.  The glimmer of light from the sun shining its last light for the day constantly reminds me of the Lord's faithfulness.  That He does have a plan, He allowed me to make it through this day, and He has the next day planned too.  Sunsets for me have always been a time where I can sit in solitude with the Lord, marveling at His beauty and basking in His presence.

Be on the lookout, God is winking at you too.  "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion.  For the Lord is a God of justice, blessed are all who wait on Him."  Isaiah 30:18

a season of stories

One of my favorite things about people is that we each have a different story to tell.  We have each come from somewhere different, each have faced challenging obstacles, and each have been brought to where we are for a reason, a reason beyond ourselves.  I personally love hearing people's stories; I love listening and hearing out people's hearts, passions, dreams, aspirations, frustrations, and disappointments.  Why?  Because each of us are beautifully and wonderfully made.  (Check out Psalm 139) Despite what may have happened in the past, or what may be yet to come, God has placed some pretty amazing people on this planet.  This past week I worked five shifts in a row, kind of exhausted by the end, but oh so rewarding!  I had the opportunity to hear so many stories this past week, from coworkers, patients, physicians, family, and even strangers who have now become dear friends.  You don't really know someone until you've heard their story; until you've heard where they've come from.  The stories I've heard have sometimes been sad, other times hopeful, some hilarious, and others encouraging.  My heart has hurt for some, and rejoiced with others.  Although these stories aren't over yet, they've warmed my heart and allowed me to share bits and pieces of my own story.  I challenge you this next week, ask those around you for their story, or share your story with someone you meet.   

Bits and pieces from this past week...

Got to start my busy week of working with a FaceTime date with this cute little guy.  So thankful for technology and the chance to keep up with family thousands of miles away.  

  

I was able to go for a quick hike before the stretch of working too.  The Turnbull Wildlife Refuge is just 20 minutes north of Spokane.  Unfortunately it was kind of a dreary day and I didn't get to see any wildlife, besides the occasional duck, squirrel, and snake.  Maybe next time the moose and elk will decide to come out and play.

One place my Dad told me I needed to go in Washington was the Grand Coulee Dam.  The Grand Coulee Dam is the largest dam in North America, and provides electricity and irrigation for much of the Inland Northwest.  The GC Dam puts on a pretty impressive laser light show every night too.

My companions for the Grand Coulee Dam laser light show, Tamara and Audrey.  These two have been faithfully putting up with my exploring self and eagerly joining in on the Washington adventures.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to join my friend Heidi on an adventurous outdoorsy day.  The sun decided to come out for a lovely canoe ride on the Little Spokane River, followed by a trail run along the top of a bluff.  I am very thankful for encouraging conversations about this season of life with a fellow sister in Christ. 

Just a little tidbit of encouragement and challenge from Beth Moore this week, "God purposely created us with a need only He can meet."  After living and working in Birmingham I got a little restless and dissatisfied in life.  I had a great job, awesome friends, a faithful small group, ministry involvement, etc, yet I still felt like I was missing something.  All of this led up to my desire to travel nurse and see if I could find what it was exactly I was missing in life.  I think I'm finding it.  I wasn't allowing God to fill the void.  I should have known that was the answer, and probably did know, I just didn't want to admit it.  God has been desiring to fill this empty void in my life, and I haven't been letting Him.  Wake up call.  Thank goodness He is merciful and gracious to me.

glory

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word."  Hebrews 1:3

I think I've finally grasped what glory actually means, and it's been rocking my world.  I've been going through a Beth Moore Bible Study with a local church here in Spokane, but it's the daily homework assignments that are making me think and challenging my daily life.  Did you know that God's glory is the way He makes Himself recognizable to us?  I had no idea.  Growing up in church it is so easy to get caught up in "spiritual vocabulary" and not actually understand what the words mean.  It wasn't until I actually called my faith my own, that God started revealing to me what all that "spiritual vocabulary" really meant for my life as a believer.  I think my most recent favorite quote from Beth Moore pretty much sums up what I've been learning about glory lately, "We were created for the purpose of giving God's invisible character a glimpse of visibility."  God choose to display Himself in me, a sinner, a young woman not worthy of such character.  How humbling to know that despite all my faults and failures, God choose me to show others who He is.  That's what glorifying God is, living a life that reveals Him.  

Just a little recap of the past few days of Spokane living...

I have been blessed to work with some awesome coworkers at Holy Family.  They have been so welcoming and willing to show me around the city.  Last week I went hiking with some fellow nurses, such a fun time of fellowship and exploring the local state park.  

I also got the opportunity to visit the Spokane Interstate County Fair with some sweet friends from work.  Yes, I did wear overalls, we did ride fair rides, eat fried foods, watch kids ride sheep, pet animals, and walk through all the art exhibits.

This past weekend I went to Oregon with the Carp family.  Kinda cool to meet friends I grew up with at an airport all the way across the country.  Coming from three different states and not seeing each other in a year didn't stop us from picking up where we left off.  I love knowing I'll always have a place in this family, whether in Georgia or in Washington.  

Friday morning we hiked Spencer Butte in Eugene, Oregon.  It was spectacular and the beauty was indescribable.  It was a foggy, overcast morning, which made it even more perfect for pictures through the lush greenery.  I love taking pictures of the trails I hike, each one is so unique and each one leads to something different.  Whether the trail is easy or steep, it's always worth it.  

After meeting at the airport in Orgeon, Chelsey and I realized we hadn't see each other in exactly one year, last year at the Tenn vs Florida game in Knoxville.  After going to the Tenn vs Oregon game, we decided we might as well make it an annual tradition.  Despite the terrible loss, it was an awesome experience being able to attend a game in Autzen Stadium.  

My weekend in Oregon marked my two months left in Washington milestone.  It's crazy how fast time flies.  I'm so grateful for family and friends from college, Birmingham, and high school who check up on me and genuinely want to hear about my adventures.    

the start of something good

I've always been a journal keeper, someone who better expresses themselves through writing rather than speaking.  And I've always been a fan of handwritten letters.  There is just something about reading words that someone took the time to write out personally.  I've never been a blogger, but have always been intrigued and inspired by those who take the time to routinely post about life, passions, missions,  hobbies, etc.  I may find out this is harder than it looks, but for now I'm gonna try.  Why now?  Because God has brought me on a great adventure, an adventure I want to share with those around me.  Yes, I may be on this adventure for the fun of exploring new places and meeting new people, but also because God is dissecting my heart and revealing to me the importance of and longing He has for intimacy with me.  My world is being shaken, and my only hope is that through my words, you're life will be encouraged, your faith challenged, and your mind filled with hope.

And so it begins...the start of something good.

A little over a month ago God brought me to the city of Spokane, Washington.  Spokane is best described as a small town in a big city.  People around here are friendly and welcoming, always seem to find a connection with someone they meet, and love the outdoors.  There are beautiful cascading waterfalls in downtown, quaint little houses south of the city, farmland and orchards north of the city, Idaho to the east, and the Cascade Mountains to the west.  Not knowing anyone in this lovely city, left me plenty of places to explore and sit in awe of the breathtaking views.  The reason I'm in this quaint little city in the Inland Northwest...travel nursing.  Being a nurse has many benefits, and being able to work wherever is definitely near the top of the list.  I choose to travel because I wanted to gain more clinical experience and foster my skills as a labor and delivery (L&D) nurse, while exploring new places and meeting new people.  I'm not really sure I knew what I was in for when accepting this job.  

Let me just take a minute and share with you the hospital I call home...
UAB is the largest hospital in the state of Alabama, the only level one trauma center, the highest level NICU in the state, and a very up and coming research institution.  Our labor and delivery consists of three floors of triage rooms, labor rooms, ORs, recovery rooms, postpartum rooms, a NICU, and antepartum rooms.  We constantly received transfers from other hospitals in the state and nearby regions for high risk pregnancies.  We have four residents and two attending physicians on at all times, as well as three anesthesiologists working around the clock.  If only walls could talk, oh the stories the walls of the Women and Infant's Center would tell.

Now let me take you to where I am now...
Holy Family is a community hospital five miles north of the major hospital in Spokane.  The hospital really does have a sense of community, where nurses call patients by their first names, doctors know and care about their nurses personally, the people in the cafeteria know your name, and you're acknowledged by hellos and smiles when you walk down the hallway.  Our labor and delivery is currently being remodeled, but now houses a floor of labor rooms, triage rooms, and postpartum rooms.  There is always one physician (and one back up) and one CRNA on call, and during office hours doctors will come deliver babies if possible.  Orders are still on paper.  Call lights are still used for deliveries.    

It's a learning process, really life itself is a learning process.  I really am learning something new everyday.  So, I invite you to walk with me on this journey as God stretches me, challenges me, breaks me and builds me back up, uses me, and reveals to me His glory.  May you be encouraged and filled with hope.  God is good.