A long overdue update-
The weekend of my spring break, I flew down to Utah for a few days for Chantel's endowment. Friday we went skiing as a family. I haven't skied in 4 years! I was a bit nervous and preparing to be sore. Luckily my muscles remembered what they were supposed to be doing, I didn't have any hard crashes, it wasn't that cold, and I wasn't sore the next day. I had a great time. Saturday, my parents and I went to the Salt Lake Temple for Chantel's endowment. The temple was full and many relatives came including Grandma and Grandpa Sheets, Grandma Kay, Aunts Linda, Amy, and Kamie, Uncles Ed and David, and cousins Malory and Spencer. Unfortunately, Randy was not able to come due to work.
The next weekend, I flew down again to Utah this time to see Randy! It was the first time in a month that I was able to see him. It was just magical and the time was too short. We went to eat at Texas Roadhouse- delicious!!! We went flying on Saturday with Garf and Tyler. I ended up staying an extra day. I left Monday morning instead of Sunday night- oops! I had an anatomy exam a few days later, but spending time with Randy was worth the sacrifice.
A week later I had the opportunity to be a real doctor!!! Well-mostly. I went to Spokane with about 30 other vet students to help with a free Wellness Clinic. Everyone had to dress professionally and wear white lab coats. With my lab coat, name tag, and stethoscope I think I looked the part. I completed my first physical exam on a dog, gave injections, talked to clients, took histories, learned how to fill out paperwork, and ran tests. It was awesome!! I still have a lot to learn, but I enjoyed putting my few skills together in a clinical setting and learning new ones.
I flew to Utah again last weekend for Chantel's farewell. Randy was able to come down as well. It was awesome being with my whole family. Friday night, Randy and I went out to dinner on our way from the airport. Saturday was spent making food for Sunday, relaxing, we went to the Brigham City temple. Gorgeous absolutely gorgeous. Brittany's (one of my best friend) little brother went through the temple for the first time. It was memorable to be in the temple with one of my best friends, her parents, my parents, Chantel, and Randy. Afterwards, we went to Brittany's house for dinner. Sunday, Chantel spoke and did an incredible job. Then Ashley, Chantel, and I performed a song called "I Will Not be Still". We have been singing together for as long as I remember. It will be at least 18 months before we will be able to sing together like that. Chantel and Brittany entered the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday April 24. I am proud of my littler sister. She is incredible.
I had my last anatomy test on Thursday! I think it went well. Tomorrow starts the beginning of my week of finals. Thankfully, I only have one test per day and I am done on Thursday. I am only 4 days away from completing my first year of veterinary school.
It has been difficult having Randy gone. He is my everything. We found out that the funding did not come through for Randy's possible graduate program. That was a difficult blow. All I want is my husband to live in the same house as me (or even 2 hours away), with a job that brings him satisfaction. Somedays I just want to sit and sob (and I do). Days that are particularly hard I have to remind myself to have faith that God knows what He is doing, that He is aware of my pain and the desires of my heart, and to remember that He has never let me down in the past. Today at church we studied President Eyring's address from October 2012 General Conference entitled "Where is the Pavilion?". This talk touched the inward parts of my soul. A few of the things he said that moved me include -
"God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His timetable."
"...we can't insist on our timetable when the Lord has His own".
"Abraham's heart seems to have been right long before Sarah conceived Isaasc and before they received their promised land. Heaven had other purposes to fulfill first. Those purposes included not only building Abraham and Sarah's faith by also teaching them eternal truths that they shared with others on their long, circuitous route to the land prepared for them"
This is the part that has stayed with me - "The Lord's delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience".
I believe that God loves me and cares for my happiness, but I sometimes forget that I must trust Him and trust in His timing.
All in all- life is good! I have a strong family, good friends, a loyal dog, a once in a life time opportunity to fulfill my dreams to become a veterinarian, a warm home, food to eat, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I am married to my very best friend. What more could I want?
