What's next?

*Spoiler Alert* You may see some of this same info in a newsletter I'll be sending out. But since not everyone reads my blog, I feel I can write it twice...

Many of you have been asking me what my plans are now that I've completed my service with the Post-Residency Program. Well, if I told you, I'd have to kill you...

Not really. The truth is, beyond about May 2014, I'm really not sure. And I'm trying to be okay with that. But what am I doing up until May 2014, you ask? And what have I been doing in the meantime?

Since arriving home in July, I've had the opportunity to spend some time with my family and friends. I haven't gotten to see everyone I'd like to see, nor spend all the time I would like with each person, but it has still been nice to be home.

Many of you know I started a Masters in Public Health through Loma Linda University seven years ago (yeah, seven-time has flown by!) I am finishing my last two courses this semester! (God willing-please be praying for me about that-many things to finish up in the next few weeks!)

I've been able to do some Locum Tenens work (it's like substitute/part time doctoring), which has allowed me to a)pay those pesky student loan bills, b)save money to pay those pesky student loan bills while I'm gone to Congo this spring (more on that in a bit), c)be able to attend the AAFP conference in San Diego and get in some much needed CME, and d)pay off some other pesky bills I have.

I'm currently planning on going to Nyankunde, Democratic Republic of Congo in February for a three months to work alongside a surgeon (Warren Cooper) and learn how to do a few types of surgeries I haven't been able to learn in the time I was in Impfondo. I've worked with Dr Cooper before in Impfondo, and he and his wife (a neonatologist) are currently based in Nyankunde. For those of you who are geographically challenged, it is in the northeastern part of the DRC, along the Ugandan border (Uganda is west of Kenya). Yes, it is safe for me to go there. No, there is no fighting there...it's a ways away, near Goma.

This trip will be through Samaritan's Purse, but will be a volunteer position. As such, I need support for this trip! Most importantly, I need prayer support. No matter what we do, we should always submit it to prayer first. I can't tell you how much your prayers have helped me while I was in Impfondo, and even now in this transition period as I've returned to the US and set out on another trip.
Secondly, your financial support would also be such a blessing to me! I can't tell you how much it has meant to me for those of you who have been able to support me financially in the past. It's like I get a big hug every time I see my monthly account statement!
To give, you can click on this link to Samaritan's Purse website, or write a check and send it to the address at the right. The account number is the same as when I was in the Post-Residency Program (3594).

What's up after I return from Nyankunde? Well, that's a good question. I'll start by coming home and having a nice steak dinner with some ice cream for dessert. ;-) For a while, it was just a blank slate, but now God is starting to fill in some holes, but I'm not yet ready to share them with the world yet. Suffice it to say I feel called to return to the mission field. Please be praying for me to clearly see where God is calling me to work for Him next, for hearts and minds of those I leave and those I will meet to be prepared.

Could you do me a favor? If you're willing to being a prayer partner with me, could you leave a message after this blog? Either here, or on Facebook? Thank you so much!