Continuation....

Well it's been a long few months since I've sat down to write! I mostly feel that I don't have a whole lot to say, but on the other hand I feel like I could go on and on about my time here in Seattle. When I first arrived I loved it here, well now that I've been here a few months I feel the same way!! I love the NW! It's cool, it's green theres everything you could ever want :) So I'm happy and excited to announce that I have gotten a 16 week extension to stay here! Yay :) The even better thing about that is that they are giving me 2 weeks off to travel to the Philippines in Nov, and I will be home for Christmas!!! Could it get any better??

The time here has flown by. I so missed being in a big hospital with lots going on and people to share your day with. My coworkers are great! They are all so friendly and the department is just great.  Everyone really looks out for one another. There is one guy I work with who is a total character and really funny.....we spend our days working together mostly with tears of laughter streaming down our faces! Sure makes the hours fly.

I think I've worked all shifts at some point, even covering graveyards/overnight for a couple weeks.  That was tough I have to say....mostly because it was temporary so my schedule didn't have time to reset to being up all night. But I enjoyed it, that's when all the interesting cases happen lol.

I rang in my 31st birthday working overnight in the ER....but a couple cool things about that. One my best friend was here visitng from Phoenix over my birthday so I was glad to have her here. And second I got a pretty sweet birthday gift from my coworker. After having a talk about me always forgetting my water bottle either at home or leaving it at the office she gave me a Ninja Turtle waterbottle!! So random and so great! This has been designated as my "office" water bottle so I can leave it in my locker and if it gets lost or stolen it's no big deal. It has become quite the icon of our work area :)

So like I said my best friend came to visit! We had a good time. She was patient with me as she was visiting during my night shift coverage. But we managed to do most of the touristy things in downtown Seattle and even made it to Canada! That was fun! We drove across the northern border and spent a night in downtown Vancouver.







The next day headed West on a long ferry ride to Victoria for a visit to Butchart Gardens.  I hadn't heard of it, but it was amazing! Paradise really.













We then headed south and caught another ferry back to the US through a different port.  It was a quick trip for sure, but worth it.  Add another country to my travel list!!

After she went back home I had a few days rest and switched back to dayshift just as I welcomed my family for a visit. What fun that was! My nephews have never been so excited to see me :)









We spent a fun and action packed 7 days together.....by the end we were exhausted and ready for more than a one bedroom apt to live in (lol) but man we had a blast!!



The boys got to see the Ocean for the first time, and meet some real life fishermen :) Pike Place is probably my favorite place in this area.















I've been trying to explore the area as I get the chance.  My friend discovered a great little beach not far from my place.....got to spend some time there just soaking in life on the coast. What a different setting from what I'm used to. I love it!! I also got to visit Mt Rainier! Beautiful!!! Seeing has how it's so high (14 thousand some feet) it was still covered in snow. I stayed at a quaint little inn at the top of the mountain with no phone or internet service! Can you believe it!!  It was a nice get away bringing in summer in 40 degree snowy weather :)

 

 

I found a new church and life group through one of the many campuses of Mars Hill church. The group was so kind to bring me in and offer friendship during my time here, a true representation of the body of Christ. I even got to ring in the 4th with a bbq on the beach! Who does that!! Well lots of people I know, but all new to me.

I've been challenged here professionally and personally and I feel like I've grown in just this short time away. The waiting period for this extension/renewal sure tested my patience and even though I kept praying and was trying to have faith I was humbly blown away at how God orchestrated things. This past Sunday the sermon was shared by a special guest speaker as it was titled "The difference between amazement and faith." I feel like hearing this sparked conviction in my heart that I seem to be more amazed by God than practicing faith in God. The last 2 weeks have been proof of that. But as He  worked things out I thought to myself this morning about a point that was made Sunday.......God gives us uncomfortable grace because that's the kind we need.  He places us in situations where He can inject himself in order to show us AGAIN and AGAIN that He is the great I Am. It's a great sermon if you're interested.....

The Difference Between Amazement and Faith

So my 3 months have been amazing and I"m excited come home for a couple weeks!! Yes I get my fill of family, friends, dogs and mexican food! And I get to return to the amazing NW :) I can't wait for the next 4 months......fun times ahead !!

Adjusting

Well here I am 2 weeks into my new assignment and "life" in Washington. I've gotta say, I'm loving it!!

It took two and a half days to drive from NM to WA. Fortunately my mom was able to come with me so I didn't have to bear it alone. The drive wasn't too bad actually.  We saw a lot of pretty country along the way....Utah, Idaho, Oregon. Once we arrived my apartment was ready with all my furniture already here. That gave us time to explore the area for a few days before mom caught a flight home. We were able to see the Everett Marina, close to where my hospital is located, we visited a light house, the Space Needle and even had brunch in the rotating restaurant! We also got to visit Pike Place Market...that was fun. It was nice to have family here for my first few days and to have a buddy to sight see with. Last weekend I took my first ever ferry ride to a little island called Whidbey. It was beautiful!!  I drove the whole island and took in as much as I could. The weather has been really nice this past week especially.

                                                 My island ferry adventures

Before I left NM I had googled some churches in this area and found one that seemed really good. Mom and I visited that church the first Sunday we got in and really liked it. I've been one other week since then and even got signed up for a life group. Everybody is really nice, but it's hard to make new friends. I'm praying this group will be a good connection for me. So please be praying for that.

Work......well lots to say about work. My hospital is amazingly nice. It's a very large hospital and has recently (in the last 2 years) added a new tower in which my department is currently located. That means lots of nice updated technology!! There are 12 levels, 10 above ground. The view is amazing....to the West you look over the marina and ocean, to the North you see Mount Baker/Canadian border, to the East the Cascade mountains and just farther South Mount Rainier. You don't get those views everyday depending on the clouds but this week I saw them all!

Here is the Marina view

                                                    North towards Mt Baker/Canada
                                                   

This is the front of my hospital...the new tower

The staff in the hospital is very nice. They have been very helpful and kind to me so far. My first day I did half day orientation and half day hanging out in the department. Things are different here. The computer/medical chart system they use is new and I've never been on it before. I'm still learning all it does but now I can do what I really need to without issue. The first couple days my passwords didn't work to get into the system, that was a bit difficult since I had to have others help track my patients and such. My first actual day working was a bit of a tough one. I had been scheduled with another sonographer to just follow but someone called in sick and that meant it was time for me to sink or swim....alone. I think because everyone felt sorry for me and I just rolled up my sleeves and dove in I set a good first impression. Since then everyone has really gone out of their way to make sure I know what's going on. The radiologists that read our exams are a bit particular. I'm so thankful that my first day we had the "nicer" doc who doesn't ask as many questions. Every facility is a little different in how their protocols work so there was a learning curve for me to get up to speed. Since I had this nice doctor first he really helped me to know what they want....and he made an effort to get to know me and ask all about where I came from.  That helped my day for sure, and I realized it was a God timed thing. The other doctor is more particular in what he wants and seems to question many things. I'm trying hard not to take this personally, and he is very nice about all the questions.....but sometimes I feel he is picking just to pick. But I am learning some new things and that is part of what this is all about. Everyday I'm getting less questions though, so I am learning!!

The other sonographers are helpful. There's alot of people in the department because the patient load is so big. But it's fun, they make me laugh. Most are curious to know what it's like 'where I come from.' Haha
Through a series of random questions one day I was asked about my faith. One of the girls there got excited to learn I was also a Christian. Seems like there's not many in the environment, so she and I have talked a few times about things. We talked about visiting Mark Driscoll's church together sometime, that will be fun. One thing that was huge to me though was that in this hospital they do a lot of interventional procedures, like fluid drains. I did all those things before in El Paso, but it has been a while. I voiced my concern about not knowing how it was done here and my new friend took me into the procedure room and went through the whole process with me, she then showed me all the supplies that were needed and wrote them down on a post it note.  That was a big deal for me, not only was that nice but it was way beyond. God is faithful to plant those people where He knows you will need them.

All in all my 2 weeks here have been great.  I love the green, I love the cloudy weather, I love being close to a big city but far enough away that I can quickly run to the store. I know over the next few months things will change, but I would be happy to be here permanently!! Maybe some day, huh!

Thank you for all your prayers and support! I can feel them and this transition has been pretty smooth!!!

Reality....

Well it's official, I've got my assignment! There's lots to say and it's all pretty good so before I spill the beans on where I'll be I think I'll walk you through the last few weeks :)

Last I updated I was "training" the new hire. All was going great and she was great with helping me get connected to another travel company and really guiding me on what to do. I've already applied for jobs in most regions of the US thus far. Without going into too much detail (and some I don't quite know) the way this travel deal works is: a facility puts in a contract request to the travel company...the travel company goes through the bank of applicants (like me) and matches potential candidates....then they contact those potential candidates to make sure there is interest in the job....if given the thumbs up the travel company submits the candidates (yes candidateS) to the facility...facility interviews over the phone and picks their person....extends offer through travel company and then lots of communication happens with the candidate. Kinda a long process, sometimes slow I'm learning, and not a guarantee for a job since multiple applicants are referred.

So back to training the new hire... things were good she was helping me and I was applying for jobs, and I was helping her learn her new one. Then on my "last day" April 30, she had a family issue and had to leave. This left us all concerned and unsure of the next step. Worked out that I covered one day for her then she was back and I was officially unemployed as of May 2 :) Then over that weekend another family issue and I got a call to help cover. Since I had no job as of yet I figured why not. At least I could make some money while I was unemployed right! Haha...so I agreed and they hired a new new girl whom I have been training for almost 2 weeks now. It worked out and I'm glad that I was able to leave in a good way. So  May 15 was my official for real last day working here in Las Cruces. Yay!! and Scary!

For the new job location.....since before I even decided to make this leap and step out I have been very drawn to Seattle.  Not sure why, I haven't been there...not even close to that area. But it's always been on my mind.  Once I decided to do this new adventure I've said that Northwest and East coast were on my top list of choices to be.  But I really was thinking I'd get placed in some small rural area at least at first. Nobody gets their top choice right away, right!? Wrong!!

I applied at a hospital in Everett, WA (25 miles North of Seattle) with the new company I began working with. After a long day of working and having coffee with my mom one evening I walked into my house just after 6 PM and within a few minutes I received a call from Everett!! It was the hospital wanting to do an interview.  We chatted for a few minutes and talked about where I lived currently only to find out the gentleman interviewing me was originally from El Paso! Haha! And his family is still there. He was familiar with the hospital I worked at and exactly where I was coming from. After a few questions and the "interview" process he said he would like to tell me about the facility to make sure I would be comfortable working in that environment.  I don't remember exactly what he said but here is an excerpt from their mission statement online:

"As part of Providence Health & Services, we identify our work as a ministry, embracing our responsibility to provide for the needs of communities across Washington.
As people of Providence, we reveal God's love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service."

He said they often start the day with word of prayer and all associations with the hospital (badges) have a cross on them.  Would I be comfortable working in an environment such as that!?!?! Um, yes :) I spoke with my recruiter and notified her of the interview and the next day she called with news that they had offered the job to another candidate who had another license that I will be getting this year (say a prayer for that). I was bummed until she said BUT HE DECLINED THE JOB so you're next in line!! It was a bit of a wait as the recruiter and hospital went back and forth but the official offer came in and I am heading to the number one choice on my list!!

So all this waiting and patience was just God working. He hands down has orchestrated this whole placement by growing a desire to be in the NW before I even took this new journey, bringing one person into my life for 2 weeks to get me connected to the right company, keeping me employed during the process of waiting, interviewing with a local, removing the additional candidate, placing me in a faith based hospital. As excited as I am I can't help but wonder what God is up to....I think He has big plans. But I know I an just relinquish my fears and trust Him because He wants me there for a reason.

I will be heading NW next week May 22 or 23. Please be praying for everything to get done before I go such as paperwork stuff, safe travels as I drive from New Mexico to Washington, and just that I would not be nervous as I start at a new place in a new facility. I feel overwhelmed already! And also pray that I would be able to stay aware and tuned into what God is saying and doing so I can fulfill this call. Thank you for the support so far!! Here we go......

I saw this posted today and thought it was really great:

I have been so blessed over the last two months by so many people in my life. My family, my church family and friends, my coworkers and friends. Sometimes the everyday busy-ness and routines pile up and we forget to appreciate each other. After reading this and being so blown away by the gracious support I have received I am going to make an effort to tell people how much I appreciate them.....more often!

If you are reading this then you are probably included in the group who has been blessing me.  I just want to say from the bottom of my heart with all sincerity THANK YOU so much for your kind words, prayers, blessings, and thoughtful gifts. I will cherish all of these things for many seasons to come :)


On an update note.....The new hire sonographer started working this week so I am training her.  Seems weird to call it training because she has more experience doing ultrasounds than I do, but anyways....she used to be a traveler. So she has been helping me learn a little more about how this works.  With her advice I have applied with a couple other travel companies in an effort to gain more exposure to jobs available. So again begins the process of resume submission, reference checks and skill checklists. But it's all for the greater move.  So far I've been applying in Washington (state), Oregon, Virginia, Arizona, Massachusetts and North Carolina. The Northwest and East coast are on my "top" choices list. So cross your fingers and say your prayers for me :) Hopefully next time I write I will know where I'm headed, or maybe I'll already be there!  Blessings    

Beginning The Journey

Many of you know how this all unfolded, but I feel that it's worth sharing for those who don't. This is the story of my decision to begin this journey that lies ahead....

I won't go back too far, but as you know I began traveling internationally a couple of years ago. Of course when I started it seemed like just something to do to me, but we all know God has bigger plans. After my first trip I was hooked. Ever since then I have had the deep down desire to travel.  Anywhere, anytime just travel. It's been difficult at times to settle the desire, but life has responsibilities and so I had to adjust. The last few months in particular have been somewhat trying on me. It seemed as though every aspect of life was bogging me down and I was in this rut of frustration and just overwhelmed. The straw that broke the camel's back, as they say, was getting sick just after Christmas. That just threw me into a whirlwind of grumpiness and complacency.

After much consideration, prayer and conversation I felt that it was time to let go of some things that I felt were affecting my ability to move forward. In this time I felt a deep urgency to clean out my house. Literally to go through every room and "purge". As I thought about this and let it sink in I began to realize that God was wanting me to not only physically purge but also spiritually. Move forward, let go of the past and allow change to come. On top of that I heard the word "disconnect". I really felt that I needed to pull back some and allow God to speak to me so I could become aligned with what He was wanting to do in my life. While I had desires of things that I wanted in my life, I was finding it hard to say I knew what my calling was, or what God was leading me to. I mean for a while I've been on the fence with the whole travel thing.  Do I want to be a missionary? I don't think I'm being called to be a missionary, am I? If I want to travel more I need to have financial security, how do I do that? Am I supposed to leave my career? Or do I stay in my career and make that my mission in life? Lot's of questions. But it's time to purge and move forward remember....so I began to relinquish the questions and listen. Very soon after that I started looking into travel ultrasound jobs (again). I say again because it's something I've inquired about a few times in the past thinking oh how fun that would be. But I was always tripped up with something like what do I do with my house? my dogs?  This time around was different though. To skip over some details I was able to speak with my recruiter from the new job and he explained how this whole travel thing worked.  It sounded great! 13 week assignments all over the US and as much time off in-between as I wanted!!  I could travel the US and travel internationally!?!  Wow! What about my house? Dogs? Well, as it would turn out I have a friend who has some needs that I could help with and in return she can help me by moving into my house and becoming my roommate! My biggest hurdle was removed right before my eyes. One by one all obstacles that had previously stood in my way were gone.  I had a peace deep in my soul and knew this must be God's hand moving in all these things to come together in such a way. So I took the leap of faith and trusted that this was God's calling on my life right now.

One week after speaking with the recruiter from the new job, the decision was made and I turned in my notice at work! I am becoming a traveler! On to bigger and better things!! Since I made that decision, many things have come my way that have caused stress and anxiety. But I'm learning more and more how to hear God in it all, which really excites me because I feel like that is a struggle for me.  And every time something has come up, He has resolved it for me. It's encouraging to know that indeed when you are seeking and following His will He does make a way. I'm now 2 weeks away from my last day at work and I just keep thinking "this is really happening!!!" It's scary and exciting all at the same time. I still don't have my first assignment yet so I don't know when exactly and where I'm going, but I'm ready.

I know leaving my family will be hard. I've not focused on that too much.  I just know that if I stay because it's easy and comfortable I will be staying for the wrong reasons. I must lay this down for God to redeem also, and I trust that He will. I've had some friends share their thoughts on these decisions and it excites me even more for what lies ahead. I hope that you all will keep me in your prayers. Where God moves attacks come also. But I'm prepared and I'm trusting!!

Well here we are! I'll post again when I have information to share about where I'll be heading out to. Thank you in advance for all your love and support for what is to come :)

Wow my first blog entry.  Feels a little strange I must say. I've thought about this blog for a few weeks now and though I'm still a bit hesitant I thought I would give it a shot. As I prepare to leave on this new and exciting journey,  many people have requested that I keep in touch and let them know where I am and how life is going. I know most of the time we say these things as a common courtesy knowing that in reality when the person leaves that may be the end of communication. However, I have a feeling that what I am about to begin is a great adventure, and I want to share that with the people in my life. I don't want to post non-stop on Facebook about all that will be happening, and let's face it keeping up with email and letters can be daunting. This outlet seems to make the most sense.

So here it is.....Embarkation. The act or process of beginning a journey; to commence adventure!!  Sounds exciting right!?! I am hoping to use this site as a means to share what is happening in my life.  That may be the good the bad and/or the ugly....so be prepared :)  I know right now that there won't be a set schedule as to when I post, so just check back as you wish.  I think you can sign up to be notified by email when new posts are out!

I hope you all will enjoy what lies ahead with me!