What happened??

Hello.  I am sure that some people believe that I have fallen off the face of the earth.  I just want to let you know that I have not.  The last eight months have been fascinating.

After getting back from the cruise, I continued "studying."  I say it like that because now, I don't think I was studying to the best of my ability.  I retook the NBME on May 25, 2017.  And you guessed it.  I failed again.  I was so angry with myself that I said I wasn't going to study for a while.  Now, why would I do that?  Waste of money to be in Chicago, right?  Shouldn't I just go home?

Well, I could have gone back to Georgia with my parents or North Carolina where the rest of my family is but I don't want to look like a failure.  But I have skipped over a little bit of information.  Let's rewind to Easter Sunday.  My boyfriend and I went to church as usual at the sunrise service.  After service, we had breakfast at church and spoke to a few members socially.  We came back to the apartment and worked on our computers for a while before getting the idea to go to Walmart.  He finally got on one knee and asked me to marry him.  <----- equals="" excitement.="" p="" that="">
So fast-forward to June after getting my NBME results, I decided just to plan a wedding since I was so angry at my progress which amounted to nothing.  I was so upset, I called the school asking for reassurance, and I did not get the response I wanted to hear.  So I made my path.  I QUIT studying.  A lot of people would say this is stupid and I agree.  Looking back, I was stupid.  I wasted a lot of time just looking online at wedding stuff I couldn't afford.

By now, you have realized that I like to defy the norm and if there is a cheapskate method for accomplishing a task, I take the risk.  Well, I order the wedding dress on eBay from China.  Yep.  Pretty stupid idea but the dress came out very nice.  The best part was it was less than $200.  So in June, I flew to Atlanta, GA to try on my dress and get it altered because I did not want my fiance to see it.  I also saw the wedding venue I booked the internet for the first time.  I know this sounds like a disaster, but I promise this is on a medical student budget. 

By now, I am teaching very regularly with Chicago Heart Training.  July comes, and James gives me an alternate location where I teach weekly.  I paid for the entire wedding with this extra money.  And maybe a little bit on a credit card.  Overall, it was a hot August wedding in Georgia.  It wasn't over 60 people, and it was a great day.  Here's a video of the big day.  Unfortunately, YouTube caught some songs for copyright infringement, and one of the songs is missing, but the video is still great, however.

After the wedding, we went on our honeymoon.  Our honeymoon was a 5-day cruise in the Caribbean.  We had a blast.  We visited Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, and Nassau.  We overate, laughed, enjoyed each other's company and beat one another at Connect 4.  

Back to reality, my husband went back to work, and it was time for me to get back to work.  We moved apartments just before going to Georgia to get hitched, so there was a little unpacking left to do.  Then it was study time.  I still was trying to work at Chicago Heart, but it wasn't working out.  It was a big distraction with all the phone calls daily about classes and such.  Plus it was heartbreaking to hear about the devastation of Hurricane Irma to Anguilla.  So represent Anguilla well, it is time to study hard and get that MD!

So lately, I have been confined to my computer answering questions on UWorld and watching YouTube videos while reading through First Aid.  It has been a challenge, but life is supposed to throw curveballs.  No road is straight and narrow; they are all filled with hills and valleys.  My family has been blessed.  Although my brother has not recovered from his accident, I am still hopeful that God will heal him in the manner that He wants to heal my brother.  My father will get a kidney if it is God's will.  With the obstacles in my way, I still smile.  And can only be happy and shout Hallelujah!

So, I will try to make this blog more of an accountability partner and write about the latest things I have studied.  I am currently working on Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Behavioral Science.  Next week, I plan to start on dreadful Pathology.  My source for Pathology is the gold standard, Pathoma.  I am excited to get going very hard and heavy.  I have signed up to take the NBME during the testing period of December 25 through January 7, 2018 (I missed the deadline for the end of the year period).  If anyone wants to be an additional accountability partner, don't hesitate to email me periodically and ask me questions.

Thanks for stopping by and have a BLESSED day!!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9, NIV

Updates on Life

Hello all!  I know I should have written by now but I can't get out of the air.  Literally.

So recently, my dad started having some health issues and I actually flew home to see him at the end of February.  I actually skipped one of courses at Chicago Heart.  I went to help my mom care for my dad.  I came back to Chicago for a few days before going on a cruise for a week.  I would just say that I needed that time to just relax.  And I will say that I feel so much better.  Well, unfortunately, I wasn't able to come back as planned because my dad started to get worse and I could only continue to pick the doctor's brains about the condition that he was in.  Still he isn't what he was before all this happened but he is alive.

So I came back in time to take my NBME which I was not very optimistic about and I must say that I see what I am studying so hard for now.  I don't know why I took so long to take it in the first place but I honestly should've taken it sooner.  I can say that I probably have a clearer map of what my study schedule should be opposed to what it was.  I also will add that I did not want to purchase UWorld until I got back from the cruise and I honestly probably should've subscribed sooner.  I love this question bank so much better than the Kaplan Qbank we got access from the school.  The lectures are there if I need them but I can clearly see that I wasted so much time going through that thing. But I don't want to give advise just yet because I am waiting for the results of my NBME at this point.  I want to be optimistic about the results but realistically, I hadn't studied since February because all that has gone on.  I tried to here and there but it was way too crazy for that to happen.

At this point, I am continuing to study for Step 1 aiming for a new goal of June.  My original goal was to take the test in April but that has come closer than expected.  I think now that I know what to be prepared for, I am not worried about anything else at this time.  I would ask for continued prayers for my dad and his health and all the other students at this time also studying for Step 1.  Match day was a while back and SJSM still hasn't posted anything about the people that have matched this year.  I would presume a lot because the school has grown and more and more people are passing Step 1 than before.

So before I go, I promised some pictures of me while I was on the cruise so let me show you some of my happiness.

Chicago Car Show for My Birthday

Hair for my birthday!

Cruise boat: Carnival Fantasy

Towel animal while on the cruise

Cozumel's San Francisco Beach

I hope these few pictures do justice of all the fun I seemed to be having but I assure you that I am not having any fun with the UWorld questions.  I would ask for continued prayers for success.  I thank you all for reading about my adventures to becoming a doctor.  If you have any questions about SJSM or Caribbean medical schools in general, please don't hesitate to send me a message and I try to respond within a few hours no matter what time of day it is.


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

So It Has Been A While.....Forgive ME!

I would just like to ask for forgiveness for leaving all of you out there hanging on what is going on with my life.  I would just like to say that since the last time that I wrote, I have just been a busy little bee studying her life away.  Honestly, AICM just included a rotation for a minimum of two hours per week of various doctors that you essentially watch or talk about how to treat patients.  There were some doctors that were better than others but it is not my place to blast them on here.  My friends and I enjoyed each of our rotations and learned from them differently.  I would say the biggest things were the fact that everything was beginning to come together.

Honestly, while learning the material on the island, the information doesn't make any sense.  Talking with the doctors made us understand that all those little details matter.  Often, I have been told that I should be careful not to "over-study" but I beg to differ.  Is there a such thing as over-studying for the Step 1?  If anyone has an answer to that, I beg you to comment below so my friends can get some information from you.

So I am sure you are dying to find out what is going to happen next with me.  Well, right now, I plan to just study like crazy.  I honestly don't have anything coming up that is spectacular unless you mean my birthday in February and a cruise in March.  Plus, when I get back from that, I plan to take the qualifying exam to take the Step 1 with school.  I must agree that this is a really bad idea but it was something that was planned in advance and I didn't think that this would be how it worked out but unfortunately that is how my schedule is flowing right now.

Also, I am continuing to teach some BLS/HeartSaver courses here and there now that my partner in crime, James, is back around.  If you would like more information about some of the trainings we offer, just visit www.trainchicagoheart.org.  We are still working in conjunction with the Anguilla campus so you can expect some overlap.  We successfully turned the Anguilla program over to two other lovely students who are doing wonderful with the program despite also being responsible for their coursework as well.  I must say that I am extremely proud of them.  They are featured in the Newsletter featured on the SJSM website.

Also, not relevant, but I am pictured in the January 2017 newsletter on page 5 reviewing an exam with some other classmates.  I still remember that day and I must say that it was interesting to get my picture taken while discussing my exam with the professor.  To recap, the picture was during my third semester which is considered the most difficult semester for students to master.

But other than these tidbits, what else do I have to show for myself?   Umm.....would you like to see some of my Step 1 notes?  I'm just kidding but if anyone still has any questions about anything, I am still happy to answer.  I can take a 5-10 minute break every few hours to answer any burning questions that one would have about school.

Maybe before I end, I should explain what my hold up is right now so that people understand my path and where I am going.  So right now, I am studying for the USMLE Step 1 which is a test taken by foreign medical graduates and American medical students alike.  It is a test that determines your fate of what you are to become it seems like the good book does when we get to heaven.  (Give me props for that analogy if you can!)  My school has us (its students) take a qualifying exam (NBME) to determine if we are ready to sit for the Step 1.  Upon passing that, we are allowed to sign up for the Step 1 and write that exam.  The current passing score for the Step 1 is currently 192 with the average being in the 220s.  Of course me, being the overachiever that I am, strive to be a little above that.

I already mentioned before that I plan to take the qualifying exam at the end of March.  Based on the results of that exam, determines my next steps.  My ultimate goal is to successfully pass the Step 1 by August so that I am able to participate in Match by 2019.  So I asked for continuous prayers of my success in those endeavors.  I also don't want to have a never ending cycle of repeating learning the same things over and over which also explain my sense of urgency.  So if anyone is wondering why I am becoming a hermit, this should explain it all.  So peace and quiet it shall be!

I extend hope and prayers for all the students that are currently studying with me and pray they all pass with the scores that they desire.  Just know that my journey is far from over and it is continuing on.  I am just at a mountain currently but I am climbing and I have the equipment necessary to reach the top.  I will try to update you monthly throughout the journey with details of celebrating my birthday and going on the cruise plus the qualifying exam. Thank you all for your many well wishes.

Although Christmas has passed by a month, here's a family picture including my brother that was in the motorcycle accident on my iPad.  Please continue to pray for his recovery.

Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up.

Galations 6:9, CEB

Chicago Living and Stuff

Hey ya'll.  So unfortunately, I have not been updating you as much as I used to because now it is time for the BIG GIRL studying to begin.  Honestly, studying the subjects this time around is more crucial than before.  This time I am studying for a big test called the USMLE Step 1 if you are not familiar.  This test pretty much determines what type of doctor you will become.  I have a goal in mind and I am sure with my faith that I can achieve that goal as well.  I am doing my best to study as effectively as possible to understand and review some material.

So I am sure that people want to know exactly what I do all day.  I literally wake up and begin making tea.  Just kidding but I do that out of all honesty and then I get ready to go to class.  So what is class like you might ask.  Well, it consists of 3 hours of Kaplan videos.  Being that the old program involved professors lecturing for 8 hours straight, I'll take 3 hours of videos I can speed up if I watched them on my own.  So honestly, for that portion I don't "need" to be at school other than to sign in.  Around 11 am, we have a professor that comes in to review some concepts by going through practice questions.  I would understand why the school wouldn't choose their best professors but it is still helpful in seeing how the information is supposed to be incorporated into our learning.

Lunch is still at noon for an hour like it was on the island.  Mondays are the days we learn material for the CS exam from a great instructor.  He is very helpful and likes to challenge us to see if we remember material from basic sciences such as the brachial plexus and volume of distribution equation.  Yea, we are supposed to remember that and yep, I forgot it.  So those days happened but I can tell you that I won't forget it again.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for clinicals.  My first set of rotations is in family medicine.  I really like this doctor and he somewhat reminds me of a certain professor on the island based on his intimidation but I enjoy it.  He keeps us on our toes.  I can honestly say that we have learned how to take a history and watched a lot of physical exams so far.  I think everyone in my group has seen at least 5 patients thus far in our two-hour block for rotations.  It may seem pointless to some but seeing what may be in my future is pretty exciting.

Thursdays and Fridays are set aside for Q/A sessions with the visiting professors.   At this time, the professor can choose to go through questions on the topics and explain answers.  I find the sessions really informative and I am starting to learn again that I know more information than I give myself credit for.  Looking forward at this exam scares me greatly but I keep forgetting that I know more information than I give myself credit for.

Recently we completed the biochemistry section and since we didn't have a professor, my group and others went to the hospital like the overachievers that we are to take a scrub class for the surgery rotation we will have in a few weeks.  I think you can say we had fun and I will let you judge.

A lot of people had opinions of this hospital and I really must say that I am impressed with the resources they have.  They have a lot of medical students that are walking around with a variety of doctors as well.  I find the strangest thing that there is actually no trauma centers on the South Side of Chicago so the fact that this hospital is in place without that is really nice.  It is in a minority-based community so that was a prediction of the patients we were to serve.

Other than that, what have I done that was interesting?  Well, I took a walk at the Navy Pier and Lake Michigan and studied.  But that's about it!

It's not Anguilla but this Lake will do!

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan

A Day at the park by Lake Michigan 

Navy Pier

Navy Pier

Navy Pier

So after all of that, I will start to study again!  Haha.  It's like it never ends!!!!

"I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.  The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"

-Psalm 118:5-6, NKJV

I'm in Chicago Y'all!!!!

Sorry!  Life happened.  So like, I kind of finished on the island and had white coat.  Came back to the United States.  Traveled from Atlanta to North Carolina to visit with baby brother and went back to Atlanta, GA to pack to move to Chicago three days later.  And I am still currently unpacking from this last move.  I must say that I wish things were slightly different but I like being an easy plane ride away from family and friends.  Also, I managed to make it to see a few doctors to get tests done for clinicals to come.  I'll just post some pictures so that it can be said that life has been busy yet amazing all at once.  I can only give God the glory for it all.

Let them give glory to the LORD And declare His praise in the coastlands.

Isaiah 42:12, KJV

 

 

 

The Infamous Block 4

Hello all!  I am really making a point to post very often because I know there is a lot I can answer questions for on this side of the program opposed to answering questions when I am gone.  So blocks are finished and everyone is just getting ready and planning for home.  I probably should've packed yesterday but I decided to catch up on some television shows.  Plus I went out for dinner to celebrate the fact that it is my last normal block.  I guess this is the part where I should be sad. Someone cue the tears.  Okay, I will stop laughing now.

So my block exams went fairly well I must say.  You can tell that I wasn't distracted by Walden courses and I truly studied a lot this block.  Since this block is only 7 class days, I really have to make this count!  And yes, you read correctly.  SEVEN days!  And we have 13 days until White Coat ceremony.  And I guess you can say I am a little excited.

So what have I been up to?  Nothing much.  Just studying like crazy.  Since there is no real method of standardized testing in medical school other than the Step 1, our school has implemented NBME exams everywhere.  Most classes have at two like my class has.  NBME stands for National Board of Medical Exams and they just hold onto old USMLE exams.  It's a company like the PSAT.  They hold on to old questions and sell them to people for them to simulate a real exam.  I would say it is a good business because a lot of people use it.

Lunch from a restaurant at Shoal Bay

So with 3 class days left, what do I have to do to pass and move on with my life?  Two presentations, two quizzes, 4 exams, a research paper and Carnival.  I included the last one as a joke but I think you get the point that I have a lot of stuff to do.  Monday, we actually don't have school because it is August Monday also known as the first day of Carnival.  There is a parade and a beach party to go with that.  I really should study so let's see!

My group from my
Pathology poster presentation

In the past few days, I have presented a poster with some lovely classmates and I must say that we BEAST moded that presentation and it is reflected in our grade.  Also, this week we were to turn in research papers to our mentors of our research assignments that some students had the luxury of working on for the last three semesters.  My group has had to make a lot of revisions but I think we still did a great job.  And I have rewarded myself greatly this week!  Mostly because my exam grades were favorable and I am so close to getting out of this place.  Here's a few pictures to showcase how my week has been!
 I can only say that this week, I was blessed.  I was blessed enough to be around great people and have great grades.  As for a progress report on my brother, this week he has decided that he would move his leg in places to make it appear as if he would like to make a run for it.  Sorry little bro but you gotta stay put just a little while longer.  And of course there are some side jokes that come along with that as well.

Dinner with a highly regarded professor

Again, I appreciate all of the people who have helped me on my journey this far.  It has been a long road.  I have met a lot of great new friends and lost contact with a few but our relationships should surpass that.  I would think here would be a good point to ask if I have arranged anything so far for the future move to Chicago.  I signed a lease from here for an apartment in Chicago.  I know it is risky but I didn't want to risk not having a place at all because the area I am moving to is college town.  I think it was a great choice being that all utilities are included.  And I am still arranging what furniture and items that I am taking with me.

Since I only have a few weekends left, I am attempting to live.  For once in my life, I am having the opportunity to live.  I have always been a cautious person about spending and I must say that I think that I have done fairly well.  I really have not increased my debt as bad as I could have but I decided for my last few weeks, that I won't say no as much.  I just wanted to say that I experienced Anguilla versus just lived here.  I think all of my audience would like to hear that I did that as well.

Enjoying Shoal Bay

So what now?   I have almost learned all of medicine.  There is almost nothing else the teachers can teach me.  So now, it is time to put the absorbed information the teachers here have given me and study to take the Step 1!

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 16:24-25, ESV

And the Countdown Continues

We have 25 days in counting until our White Coat Ceremony and what am I doing for the occasion?  Currently, I am studying.  Hahaha.  I have been trying to enjoy myself and study at the same time.  One could say that's not hard at all but it can be.  I want to say I did something while I lived here ya know.  So what have I done in the past week?

Thursday, I went to dinner with some lovely friends and we enjoyed Japanese cuisine for dinner.  I will also remind people that anywhere you go out to eat in Anguilla is usually at least $20 for one person to eat.  This time, I was happy to report it was a lot of food and I left full which is unusual.  This was called the Bento Box. I won't give any names of the restaurant but one could figure them out once they get here.  But this place had very good food.  It may have earned a spot to stop by at when my family gets here.

Friday, I was very studious and stayed at school to "study."  I was practicing questions for my upcoming pathology exam this week.  Yes,  I study that far in advance.  I have to make my audience, family and friends proud of me!

Saturday morning I decided to have breakfast out.  Why?  I don't know. Maybe to make myself feel better.  I will say this bagel with egg and cheese made me feel a lot better.  I usually get a slice of lemon cake to go with it because it is so moist and delicious as well.  And this restaurant is also easy to guess.  I think others would enjoy their prices as well because they are more affordable maybe because it's breakfast.  And of course, afterwards, I went to school to study my life away.

 Late Saturday night, I decided that I would wake up on Sunday to watch the sunrise.  Yea, I guess I rolled over when I heard my alarm go off at 4:30.  The sun rises here at about 5:45 but I wanted to be really early so I knew I would catch it. But either way, I woke up at 6 am mad at myself but I still wanted a little bit of adventure before I started my weekly chore of meal prepping for the week.  So I decided to drive over to Island Harbor which is about 20 minutes from my apartment and enjoy a croissant from my favorite bakery.  I actually have a picture of their croissants in one of my first post from the island before the ant infestation that I had.  Let's just say, I ate the croissant and then realized that I had no proof for the world to see that I had them.  I would just give you the menu and the schedule so that it is made known of the times that they are open.  While I was over that way, I decided to take a few pictures of the boats and scenery.  I would say it's beautiful.

Island Harbor, Anguilla

And then on Monday, I learned how to perform a pelvic exam for females and conduct a male exam.  Let's just say it was an interesting morning learning about catheter placement, pap smears and checking for inguinal hernias.  This day was very special being that it was our last lab session for the semester because next block is full of Carnival.  It's that time of year again in case you forgot.  Maybe this time I will go observe some things and take a few pictures as well.

My first pap smear with a manikin

And last but not least, today, Tuesday.  We now have 25 days until we receive our precious white coats.  And I will say that the feeling is becoming bitter sweet.  We finished class early so my friends and I decided to go and eat at another restaurant.  Did I mention that we were trying to experience as much as possible before we leave?  This restaurant is pretty affordable.  Most of the dishes are less than $15 and it happens to be close to school.  The only downfall is there isn't a view and they are slow.  But that is anywhere on the island honestly.  I think it is just that the sense of urgency that we have in the US isn't here which is a good thing.  Gives a more relaxed feeling.

Well that's my story of this weekend.  Next week, I will try to update you guys on my adventures of the weekend because I only have 3 weekends left before I am officially finished with the island.

I would also add that my brother is doing well.  He is still receiving treatment in the rehab facility.  He is supposed to be getting moved to long term care facility soon but a facility hasn't been chosen as of yet.  If he goes to a long term care facility, he most likely won't receive the rehab that he receives now so I set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money for that.  If you would like to donate or share the fundraiser, it would be greatly appreciated.  The link is here RC's Go Fund Me.

I also forgot to mention that James and I were kind of featured in the newspaper the Anguillian for teaching the CPR course for the community members.  You can view that article here.

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

-Lamentations 3:25, KJV

So Close I Can Smell the USA

Hello again.  The journey is going nice and swell.  I have been studying a bunch as usual.  I am starting to get excited about returning home to my family but I am also trying to get my last bit of experience of the island as well.  Before I am released to go study for USMLE Step 1, I have these last exams to pass and receive my white coat.  It's only 32 days away but who is really counting.

As a small update, my brother is doing well.  His recovery is very slow but progressing.  All prayers are welcomed in his recovery and we (his family) greatly appreciates it.  In case you missed it, he suffered from a traumatic brain injury after being involved in a motorcycle accident on May 19, 2016.  He had diffuse swelling throughout the brain but mostly in the area of the basal ganglia.  He is currently in rehab for his injuries.

So what has been going on with me?  I have been trying many different restaurants to decide where to take family when they get to the island.  I also have been attempting to sell my car which I have not been successful at.  I don't understand how I am a good saleswoman for bartending but not a good car saleswoman.  That story is for another time.

 I would also like to add that in addition to the Anguilla CPR project that James and I founded, taught a lovely group of women Heartsaver CPR about two weeks ago.  We taught about 20 women and had an additional instructor from another class and were very proud to have accomplished the goal of the project before we left.  It was a very rewarding feeling and experience.

It was also a pleasure to be apart of the first ever ACLS class to be held on campus.  It was nice to combine 3 of our basic science classes into a certification as well.  Seven other students besides me were certified in skills.  We actually did well being that we were never experienced to a situation as such before.  I will link a video soon after the second class completes their certification.

Also in the last few weeks, the school hosted a health fair where locals can come to school and be screened for diseases and students can practice basic skills.  It was very fun to get the opportunity to use some of the skills I learned.  Because I am involved in a research study involving glaucoma prevalance for Anguillians, I was able to use various opthamalogy equipment to briefly check eyes without dilating them.  I would say that I am very good at utilizing the panopthamalscope and would love it if someone would like to gift it for graduating but I am not going to dwell on it.

Some friends and I did go out to this restaurant that is notorious for having celebrities but of course we didn't see anyone when we went.  The following week, some people met Charlamagne Tha God, a radio personality and I noticed on social media that Tia Mowry was also here.  Seems as if they come to not be bothered huh?  Plus it helps that Anguillians don't care about fame so it would be easy to come here and have an actual vacation.

We have a calendar on the board and the amount of things we have to complete before we leave is becoming endless.  I haven't discussed the classes for this semester.  Well most of our classes consist of pathology.  Hehehe.  Just kidding.  Our classes this semester include Physical Diagnosis, Pathology II, Epidemiology, Clinical Correlations of Basic Sciences IV and Research in Health and Medicine III.  Physical Diagnosis is interesting because we now have to learn how to regurgitate all of the information we have compiled into our brain plus the stuff we also forgot about and learn how to report it to physicians and conduct an assessment to identify the problem in the first place.  I mostly like how it ties everything we've learned together.  The other subjects are self explanatory of what they teach.

I would also mention that our class had a date auction to raise money for our white coat ceremony.  I didn't participate in it but I did bake a cake that lasted about 4 hours.  I still can't believe it was consumed that fast.  I also would like to add that I baked another one for the church bonfire and that was devoured in about 20 minutes.  So I guess if med school doesn't work out, I could be a great baker especially being that I was offered a job at the grocery store here.  Today we got to try on our white coats which put everything into perspective.  It's getting really close to our time being up on the island here!!!

As for the excitement of getting off the island is a constant right now.  I am currently trying to continue experience the island so that I won't say I missed anything while I was here.  But there will always be something I missed.  I would love to ride horses and spend a day riding 4-wheelers around the island but I think I will have to skip that this time unfortunately.  I can say that I will remember my time here and think of it as an awakening to experience something I would've never experienced otherwise.

So to go along with the path ahead, I will keep you posted on the more tortuous activities the faculty decides to put us through before letting us off the island.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

-Psalm 25:4-5, KJV