Hi Everyone (or anyone who reads this…haha)! As most of you know by now, I have been busy studying in the EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician – Basic) class, and I have just finished midterms. I have a high enough percentage to do the required clinical hours in an Emergency Room (I have to complete 2-3, 8 hour shifts shadowing someone), but I still have to raise the grade percentage by the end of class in order to be eligible to sit for the National (Licensing Exam). I covet your prayers, and am appreciative of those of you who have been praying already! The class is tough, and the questions on the exams sometimes have 2 answers that are right, but you have to pick the best one or the best order to complete first (of course, there are some that you could say you could do simultaneously and that is where I have trouble…the deficit of a multi-tasker! haha). So yea, it’s not like I do not know the material, but struggle with the questions on the exam. I wish I could just write a paper, even if it had to use no resources and just my memory about situations/medical & trauma emergencies.
  Besides class, which is most of my time right now, work has been going well. I haven’t had too many situations of coaches disagreeing with calls (which has been nice so far), but I have had to call some of the more ‘obscure’ calls that do not happen all the time like catchers interference (when the catcher’s hand gets in the way of the girl swinging the bat at the ball inhibiting the ball to go far, if at all – essentially, the runner could have had a base hit if the catcher did not put out her glove to interfere). Thankfully, there has only been one serious injury when this has happened at my games. It has also been fun to ump some of my sister Kim’s games in the highschool league. I am looking forward to umpiring this weekend with my Dad and Grandpa too! (Yes, my grandpa is still umpiring!)
  In between work and class/studying, I have not had that much time, but I have been enjoying being with family when I can. Spending time with friends at weddings has been fun too! Both of my roommates from Moody are now officially married!!! It has been fun to see them grow in their relationship and see it come to marriage. It has also been fun to hear all about the plans and what they want their wedding day to look like, and then get to see it all come together too. Both are living right by Moody, and will be graduating with me next year, so it will be easy to keep in touch and see them this upcoming school year. I had the privilege of playing for Phoebe’s wedding, and accompanying her brother, Ian, and friend, Kelsey, when they sang. This Sunday I start teaching Sunday School for 3rd & 4th graders. I will be teaching 3 Sundays in July and am excited to be able to be working with kids again! The college group at church has been great to get back into, though during the summer the class is about 5 students compared to 45 in the school year (Wheaton College students all come back!). It has been fun to get to know the new directors, Ben and Stacy, and their family (2 girls). They are in process of adopting from Africa, which has been interesting to learn and hear all about, especially since I would someday like to adopt as well, but most of the people I know have adopted from China, so this has been neat to find out other places and requirements. Of course, it has been great to catch up with the other leaders who are still involved with the college group too.
This summer I have been ‘traveling’ through some of the minor prophets in the Bible. Starting with Joel (which was recommended by a friend to re-read), seeing the destruction that has been gone through and devastation of sin, and then the promise of the Lord for deliverance has been so great to read over again. It is a great reminder too, of the coming Day of the Lord. The descriptive language used (I’m reading the NASB version this time) has been refreshing and just ‘hearing’ the Lord’s words have been encouraging and strengthening. These are people who have gone through trials, though not the same exact thing, just as we are going through in life. They are learning from them. They have been strengthened. They have persevered. Though we as sinners are not worthy of the grace and mercy that God has freely given us, we can continue knowing that God has provided a way for us to live eternally with Him.
   Well, that about covers it for now. Been missing Uganda a lot lately, and cannot believe that a year ago I was there! Some days it feels like just a few days ago, and others months! Many memories and friendships were made on that trip and I do hope some near day in the future that I can go back! Thank you again to all of my supporters who helped and encouraged me in many ways! Hopefully I will get some pictures up again of the last few weeks of my life, and maybe some Uganda memories. Prayers and Blessings.

serving the King,
Heather

Reminders and Determination

God is faithful. God is good. God sometimes sends us things to work through that are more difficult than we first thought. For those of you who do not know yet, was able to get into the EMT class this summer. I have been in class for 3 weeks now, and have already taken 5 exams. In order to be eligible to complete ER time, and later take the national exam for licensure, I must keep an average of 80% in the class. Though I knew this class would be tough and challenge me, I was not expecting this much ‘trouble’ I guess. In studying for the last test, I was wondering why again was I taking this class??? Thankfully, I have a great mom who reminds me of my desire and encourages me on in studies. Also, many friends have been there to pray constantly, and also add a laugh to my day instead of just medical definitions. Other than this class that pretty much takes up my life, I do have a few hours a week to work (umpiring softball), and spend with family or friends. Friends’ weddings are also on my calendar, and every once in while a time to hang out with a friend or two to just talk – which is nice. God has definitely been challenging me in my studies, and relationship with Him. If it weren’t for others reminding me that God is in control of my life, I am pretty sure this week I may have just quit class and decided to do something else. Yet, I did not and now have another round of determination in my being. I will finish with my best! I have already learned so much, and look forward to learning much more! I just hope I never get the chance it on YOU! Thanks for all your prayers! Hope to catch up with many of you before I head back to Moody (mid-August)!!!