Off and Running

Well, it's officially happening! This day seemed so far off 7 months. I have to admit I was a little upset that I had to wait so long before I could start really being a PA, but like always God has a better plan than I do. I had a nice long time to see all my family and friends before heading out and I had the best Christmas and New Years with all of them.  I had a couple going away parties the last two nights which were so awesome. Friday night was a little mini-PA school reunion and it was cool to see a lot of my friends from school. Saturday night, all my family plus my grandpa, aunt, and uncle came over for homemade pizza (yummy!!) and lots of bid-Euchre games. It was SO much fun and the perfect way to spend my last night at home. I went to church this morning at St. Matthew. It was so cool because after the service a handful of people rested their hands on me and we prayed. What a great way to leave - resting the hands of my Savior! :) I hit the road running after that: driving through Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky and am now resting in a hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. Tomorrow will be a much shorter drive to Montgomery, Alabama and I'll be ready to report at 12:00! 

There are probably a lot of my followers (haha) who don't know exactly what I'll be up to for the next few weeks. Here's a brief summary: before I can go to my permanent duty station, I first need to complete Commissioned Officer Training (COT - yes, get ready for a lot of acronyms - I hope you can keep up!) in Montgomery, Alabama. From what I've gathered on the website, COT has a little bit of physical training, a little bit of marching and how to properly where my uniform, and a lot of leadership training. Contrary to popular belief, I'm driving to all these places rather than flying. I know, I know you'd think since I'm in the Air Force I'd have planes at my beck and call. Unfortunately, I do need a car so logistically I get to drive myself to the bases. I'm hoping that shortly after I get to Virginia I'll have the opportunity to get a ride in some sort of plane. Keep your fingers crossed!! After four weeks in Montgomery, I'll graduate and head directly to Hampton, Virginia. There is where I finally get to work full time as a PA in the Family Medicine office on base. I can't wait to start consistently providing medical care and getting some good experiences! 

Several years ago I played on a little league baseball team and my dad was the coach. He had three rules: listen to your coach, do your best, and have fun. I had forgotten them, but my dad reminded me of them this morning and they totally apply to what I'm about to go through. Isn't it funny how little things like t-ball rules can be used later on in life?? I have to leave here letting you all know how blessed I am. I have so many wonderful and supportive family and friends praying for me. Thank you for the phone calls, emails, hugs, and words of encouragement the last couple weeks. You all have shown me the face and love of God - I don't know how people go through life without Him. I'm not sure exactly what my schedule will be like or how much of a chance I'll have to post entries over the next few weeks. Keep checking in, the posts will be more interesting and informative, promise!