Uvalde news...

So, just to update blogland, here's where we are...

Last Wednesday was the first day that I worked with the doctors in Uvalde. Dr. Utterback has come up with the anacronym- G.L.U.U.- short for Goodman, Leggett, Uptergrove and Utterback. (Goodman is a nurse midwife that also works in the clinic) Kinda weird that two doc's with last names with U's hooked up in practice together, but I am blessed that they have laid out the welcome mat for me. I have worked 5 days altogether now and the only real challenge is the electronic record system. I like the system, but it is very thorough, which means that it has lots of hidden complicated things to remember and learn about. I will enjoy it once I figure the ins and outs of it all. I am also glad that they are in the clinics most of the time. If I get stuck, I can walk out and they are so willing to teach.

I am reminded again today how much people struggle with depression and loneliness. I am thankful that I am able to be a listening ear for patients- when noone else is willing to listen. I am thankful that this profession allows me to share the importance of a daily intimate relationship with God. It is hard at times to not bring home the struggles that people are dealing with. But it is nice to know that they can leave the office, hopefully feeling better than they came in.

In other news, technically we have 50 days left- 45, if I get my way, and deliver on the 4th. Starting to have a few more uncomfortable days, but it is nice to know that in the event I start having more contractions- the doctor and the hospital are right there. So, for now I am off to put Jillian to bed, and me as well.

Deal or No Deal...

Jeff and I have been obsessed with the new show this past season. Little did we know that some of the lessons that we have learned while watching this show would hit so close to home, and without Howie Mandel asking us the question "Deal or No Deal".

Last Tuesday, I received a call from an unknown phone number on my cell as I was leaving Cotulla. I let it roll to my voicemail. A couple of minutes later, I picked up the message, telling me about a job opportunity back in Abilene. I immediately called the "Head Hunter" back for more information, my heart going ninety to nothing about the opportunity of going back home. It was a substantial offer to work at Dyess. Compared to what I am making now, it would have put Jeff and I in the next tax bracket. Plus, it meant no commuting, coming home, being close to family, the list continues. Wednesday, I had a phone interview and they offered me the job. Thursday, I was to start with Drs. Uptergrove and Utterback in Uvalde, a job that I had already accepted. After much discussion with Jeff of what we were going to do, I walked in to let Dr. Uptergrove know about the situation and he graciously told me that they would like to keep me but they understood. And, they still were willing to let me come back if things did not work out.

Thursday afternoon, Jeff and I packed up the kids for a quick visit and face to face interview on the base. I met with the people that I would be working with. I would be working with a much different patient base and I would only be doing women's health. I was comfortable with accepting the job, but the timing was just not feasible. Since I am under 60 days from delivery, packing up this house to transfer things back home was not possible to do before the baby, and Jeff would have to be in Abilene by August. Plus, with him not being completely certified as a teacher, there might not be a job once we got there.

After much discussion, Jeff and I have decided that we were okay for staying put prior to the phone call opening a door back to Abilene. So for the time being, we are here and I will be communting 3 days a week to Uvalde. I am still very excited about the job possibility with the Docs that I will be working with. They are both excellent physicians and I will be blessed to learn from them. I can tell you that it definitely stirred the emotions to make this decision.

Even though we weren't playing for the Million dollars, it sure did feel like it! I can tell you that we are a little bummed because we sure do miss home.