EMM

Well, I know I promised to talk about Emergency Medical Ministry course that I took out in Texas. And I haven't been pushing it off for any one reason...ok, so maybe I have. A lot of the course was spent asking one another how we felt...about EVERYTHING..."so how does that make you feel" I didn't share my story with the entire class until graduation...when I felt the Lord tugging at my sleeve to share the healing that started to take place while I was at this training. It was hard, and it was fun, my days went like a rollercoaster. I was up one day having a great time, the next I was sad, crying, having physical flash backs (where you feel as though you are really there) back to the day that the chemistry lab had the explosion, I was having intrusive thoughts as well (thats when you sit and your mind just takes over and reminds you of the events that took place.) So that was the first week, I thank God for my parents during this trip. Dad called me daily for a status report, and the day that I broke down as I attempted to visit the burn survivors, Dad was available on the other end to hear me sob, to talk it out, and then even to make me smile again before heading out to dinner. I got calls from extended family checking in on me, and I feel blessed to have such a loving and caring family. Mom came out Monday of week 2 until Wednesday, man it was so awesome to be with her. After getting through such a hard week it was nice to have some Mom and me time. I love you mom...I dont think you'll ever know just how much your presence there meant to me. I did get my trip to SeaWorld...haha I gotta share my story about the Shamu show...we were running late, so we were walking up, and a few of the whales were already in the arena, well I was walking up the stairs behind my new friend Jay, and I saw just the tip of Shamu's chin...and my heart started pounding, my eyes brimmed with tears as I poked him and said "Oh My God, Jay, Its REAL!" lol I didn't think they'd be fake killer whales, but I've never seen one in person, and it completely overtook my body. I laughed all through the show, took a million pictures, and cried, happy tears though. I think John is about the only one who TRULY knows how much killer whales mean to me in respects to my time spent with Aunt Cindi. Its always been a dream of mine to see them in person...how amazing it truly was. So, anyway, I can't possibly spill out my entire adventure here, so next time we're in person, or on the phone, or just chatting feel free to ask about my experiences...I'd love to share. Here's a few pictures of me and a few friends conducting our on call duty hours...btw...my shift instead of 2 seperate ones, was one 21.5 hour shift...in the trauma room...ouch!

Injury update and more!

Hey Everyone!!

Just wanted to give another update on my neck situation. Went to the Augusta Pain Clinic this morning and met with a specialist there. My fears have been confirmed, I will begin steroid injection therapy as of October 3rd. Called mom and told her I wish she was here...I wish I had a hand to hold, I'm scared. They said it'll be 2-3 injections per spot that was sore, that was about 6 of them I believe that he felt. He said he'll use an xray to make the injections. I asked questions about the steroids, he said its very small amounts so it should not make me gain weight, or make my head get big (literally, I guess steriods make your head grow.) He said all I will feel is a little prick, that the needle is small. My prayer is this works, if it does not, the next step is these same injections but instead of "medicine" (as he called it) they will use radiation to burn the spots...(Hey Kandy, do you know anything about this type of procedure? Will it give me cancer or make my hair fall out?) That word is scary...radiation. Please pray for my back. God is doing wonders through the work of my chiropractor, my headaches when I get to see him are relieved almost immediately, along with the stiffness in my neck, however, it doesn't help the pain. But it increases my mobility within my neck. Which, the chiro pointed out, after I skip a week, or when I have a bad week, I lose it and can't turn my head as far to the right :-( I could def. feel it this morning in the dr.'s office attempting to watch a tv that was on the other side of the room on the right. Anywho...so that is the status for now.

On to good news, I'm leaving Sunday to work with some of my most cherished people, no, warriors from this great nation. I will be going to work at Brook Army Medical Center, in San Antonio Texas. I will be learning to minister to Soldiers that are in the midst of an Emergency. In that I will be participating in at least 1-2 24-hour on call duty shifts, responding to Soldiers, and civilians coming into the Emergency Room, or involved in a crises when the regular office hours are not in operation. Along with that, we will be making daily visits to some of the most severly burned Warriors coming back from the war. I am told we will also be making visits to some of the amputees coming back from the war at all. Please if they are not already in your prayers, lift up all of our Wounded Service Members and their families. They risked their life so that we may enjoy this beautiful nation that we call home. And as a result of that risk they came back injured. Also, continue to lift up those Warriors whom have had brain injuries while over there and have yet to realize it. That is becoming a problem in our Army today, I'm sure other branches too, but my training I recently went through only had Army statistics. Regardless, America's sons and daughters are over there, even if they come back to us walking, limping, or any other way, they will never be the same. My heart goes out to all of them as they are there fighting, as they return, and as they adjust. May my Lord and Savior watch over them, pull them in close to his heart, and cradle them in his ever-loving arms.

I love you brothers and sisters...be safe, come home soon!

(Sorry guys, this was meant to be an update on life, and well my heart got pulled and I just couldnt stop. It really is a real issue, our service members are coming back changed for life, and they did that for our freedom...when you see one...(and not me) thank them...seriously, even if your just driving by and you see a service sticker, wave, smile...do something so they know you appreciate them. Thats the most precious present a Soldier or family member can receive...to know that the country they serve, or their family member serves stands behind them and has their back.)

A Special Day

27 years ago today our parents were nestled in Germany rejoicing in the birth of a son. Its so amazing to think back on that as I sit here and ponder it, they had no idea what their future held, or even more so what the little baby boy's future would hold that they held in their arms. 3 years later the family would grow a little more with the birth of a daughter (ME!!) But thats not what I'm here to talk about. But, that is when John became a big brother. We've had some amazing times through the years, some good some bad, I smile thinking about the time that John picked a fight with some grade school bullies in Washington that were throwing rocks at me. But then I frown when I think about the time that I had to help distract a father who was sick with his addiction to alcohol from potentially hurting the brother I cherish so much. I chuckle when I think of all the times he dunked me in Grandma's pool and all the memories we have from the summers camping with Uncle Joe, swimming in Grandma's pool, and staying up until the wee morning hours playing cards with Megan, Jamie, Ruth and Grandma. What an amazing time we've shared John. I am so honored and blessed to call you my brother. You've been there for me when I had absolutely no one else to turn to. You stepped up and played dad not only when dad was sent away from us in Korea, but even when I needed guidance that only you can give. You stepped up and helped lead me to Christ, and for you mentoring me along my walk with Him. God blessed me with a brother that is more wonderful and awesome (and yes sometimes your a HUGE pain in the butt) and that brother is you. I love you John! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER!

A little reminder...

I got the honor, no, the privilege of assisting in an all day training event at Fort Jackson yesterday (Wednesday.) I went with CH Winchester for the day and we trained Chaplains, Chaplain Candidates, and Chaplain Assistants who will be graduating from their initial training on the 31st. We talked with them on how the Chaplains should interact with their commanders in terms of Wounded or hospitalized Soldiers. I then also got to talk with the Assistants on things that the schoolhouse doesn't really teach. It was so uplifting to be with them and spread the little bit of knowledge I've gained in my 2 years in. Of course, CH Winchester had to publicly (in front of the 100+ Soldiers) on how I wanted to get out and encouraged all of them to help encourage me to re-enlist...still isn't working. However, I do continue to think about joining the National Guard at the end of my enlistment. It will all just depend on the outcome of my neck. Aside from the joy of passing on some love of the Chaplain Corps, my heart was pounding all day long...and not because the heat index made it feel like 108 degrees out in the sun all day, but because I could hear the sound of M16s in the distance. And simulator grenades from nearby training sites. And then, my favorite part was at the end of the training sessions we had 2 huge mass casualty exercises where the Assistants and the Chaplains responded to incoming rounds (simulator grenades...so awesome) but also to large numbers of Soldiers wounded that ranged from hearing loss all the way to the dead...in a combat situation. It was soooooo awesome to watch the assistants take charge, starting with putting on the Chaplain's gas masks before their own (I do say HOOAH, gave his life up so that the Chaplain could still do his job) to making the Chaplain duck behind them as they moved tactically from one Soldier to the next. I was ohhhh so proud! I've posted pictures to share. Days like that...make me remember why I joined the Army, and why I love my Soldiers so much...Thank-you CH Winchester and the rest of my office for allowing me to attend and help conduct this training it made a lasting impact on my life!

Assisting his Chaplain with his

gas mask.

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"INCOMING!!!"

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This is how we protect our

Chaplain while we move

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This is how a high-speed Chaplain

carries the wounded!

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And this is how we guard the Chaplain as he ministers to Soldier!

Quality Time

I got to spend the afternoon with Zeke today!! We went to Superpets together and got some shampoo for him and then got some snails and some snacky fish for Champ! After that we came back to my barracks room and then it was Bath Time!!! After that Zeke decided it was nap time while mom did some laundry...:-)Stinker even tucked one of his bones into my dirty clothes and so now he has a sparkling fresh clean bone again!! lol then after a few hours of snugglin it was time for him to go back :-( One more month...I got an apartment!!!! My move in is the 15th of September!!! YAY!!! Zeke and I will be back together again soon!

Rededication of my life, my heart, my soul, my all

Today, I rededicated my life to Christ. I met with Pastor John last month and discussed what I've gone through these past 4 years, and my reasoning behind wanting to take this step in life. So today, I took that step in front of the congregation at Quest Church, where I've been attending worship.

Here, Pastor John was talking to myself and the congregation about the step I was taking.

Behind me are Leesa Winchester, CH (CPT) Rick Winchester; I work with CH Winchester and asked he and his wife if they would be my sponsors through this step. Next to CH Winchester is my new dear friend Vickie who I help teach Children's Church with, and attend bible study with.

This is where I was telling the congregation how the last 4 years have been pretty rough, most due to bad choices and a little to life's normal challenges that come our way. I told them how it all came crashing down hard while I was in Korea, and instead of turning to God, for help, I turned my back on him, and like a stubborn child I crossed my arms and said No, God, I'm doing this on my own. I told them how once I made it through my year there, on the plane home I told God I was coming back to Him, that I knew I had messed up big. Which has lead me to the point of rededication of my life. I challenged those at church, to not take the road I took, that God won't take the problems away, but He will be a good companion to walk through them with.Here Pastor John was asking me if I repent of my sin, if I rededicate my life to Christ, and a few other questions.
Pastor John making the sign of the cross on my forehead with water, telling me to remember my baptism, and then we prayed.

Before my rededication, we sang None But Jesus...

None But Jesus Lyrics (Hillsong United)
Hillsong United - None But Jesus Lyrics
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore

This is a version of the song we sang, it completely spoke to my heart. And I felt it was an amazing setup for what was about to take place. I challenge all of you readers to take the path I didn't when life comes at you hard. Don't put down your cross and fight on your own. God wants to be your companion to walk through it with you, to help you through, but only if you're willing to allow Him.

Update on my neck...

So...for the family members that don't know whats going on I have been diagnosed with osteophytes (bone spurs) in my neck on the right side. I have them from my C3 down to my C5. I was referred to a spine specialist, but since he's deployed my referral got kicked up to the nero-surgeon. He saw my MRI, and I'm happy to report he turned me down. He doesn't want to see me, and said that my "MRI is not abnormal enough yet to operate on." So those that were worried about me having operation this early, rest assured they wont give it to me anyway...so, my doctor has now referred me to physical medicine. There he said they will attempt non-evasive procedures for pain management. For example, steriodal injections. Please pray for me, those are not the ones I want...I can't afford to gain more weight, and I hear that that is only a temporary fix to my problem. I continue to pursue a permanent profile so that I'm guaranteed a lil help from the Army to keep my neck in the works of bein fixed once I leave the Army. I'll know by November what my next step is, I've already brought up a medical board discharge with my doctor. He said he wants to wait until November when my latest profile (no running, no situps...) expires to see where we'll go next. Once he puts me on a non-deployable profile, which I'm pushing for...the medical board process will start...or so he says...please keep me in your prayers, I have a hard time bringing it up to my church and the chaplains...but it scares me and the pain bothers me daily.

Love you all

Auntie Em