Graduation

As our furlough time comes to a close, we we feel like we are racing to a rapidly approaching finish line, or as the saying goes, 'so much to do and so little time.'   It was our joy to be with our youngest daughter and her husband on Monday for Allison's graduation from nursing school.  Upon completion of her state boards in a few weeks, she will be a registered nurse (RN) like her mom.  When they get together now, they speak a different language of NICUs, ICUs, BPs, CPs, CBCs, and I&Os.   It was a lovely ceremony and we are so thankful for this significant accomplishment by daughter 4 of 4.  We are so proud of her!

This is our youngest who spent nearly half a year in Mozambique working at a school before we ever got there.  She reminds us that she was there before we were.   She also has a good understanding of what we do and some of the challenges we face because she's 'been there, done that' so there is an unsaid understanding that only those who have walked the same path can sometimes understand.

Isn't that in a way what God did for us? - the infinite creator, who walked along side of man, experiencing what we experience including the unfairness of life like we do - for what could be more unfair from the human perspective, that the very son of God would come to earth to do such good, to heal many, to feed many, to teach many, and yet, be treated with such contempt, to be unfairly tried, beaten, and crucified; He knows how bad it can be first hand.  We are blessed to have a mediator who understands on loves us so radically.

Congratulations to our precious Allison.  What a joy to be there for this important life event.

The following pledge was taken by the nursing students.  It would be a good pledge for all of us who are  in ministry, teachers, counselors, and for all those who seek to serve others in our human frailty:

I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly,
to live my life with integrity and to practice my profession faithfully.


I will maintain confidentiality and continue to elevate the standard of care.
I will do what I can to alleviate suffering, prevent illness, promote healing, and will do no harm.


With dedication I will endeavor to uphold the ethical, scientific, and legal standards of my profession, 
and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.


The Nurses' Pledge - Author unknown

Dave and Ann