What came after...

CRNE? check.
2nd delicious potluck? check.
First snowfall? check.

It is funny how I feel that I have so much to say... until I sit down to actually say it, and now, here I am staring at the white, expectant space wondering what it was I felt I had to share after all.

I suppose we should start with the CRNE (or the national Canadian RN exam). I would like to start by thanking you all SO MUCH for your prayers and encouragement as I prepared  and wrote the exam. It was a very unpredictable sort of exam... the kind that lulls you into thinking you know what you are doing... and then picks you up and shakes you into a timid unsure ball the next. I honestly have no idea how I did and to further complicate matters, I don't even know what kind of grade is required to pass because it is always on a curve, and usually high!
So, for now - and for the next six weeks - I will wait for the results and honestly, so fart that part has not been so bad. I am relieved to have it done with, and work is keeping me more than busy enough so that I am not sitting around worrying aobut it! There's nothing like a new, steeper than ever learning curve, to distract you eh?  :)

Another high point of the last week was that after the exam I was able to stay  out and go home for Thanksgiving with my family. They are a MARVELOUS bunch and it was do good for my soul to be home. It gets dearer and dearer everytime. There was food, and walks, and much laughter - not to mention all the stories about  how my sisters and cousins and aunts and uncles are doing. It was such a time of blessing and I found myself praising God for the family that he has given me, for the encouragement and source of joy that they have always been in my life.

Of course, eventually it was time to return to Cross Lake and I wasn't entirely sure that I was ready for that - having just come from a wonderful time with my family and still feeling pretty unsure about my ability to do my job well - but you know what? God knew. On Tuesday, I wasn't able to get on the flight I'd wanted and ended up getting an extra half day to hang out in Winnipeg before catching the next flight. I ended up spending a marvelous day reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. For anyone who reads - I HIGHLY reccomend this book!

The rest of this week has gone well I think and as I write the first snowfall of the year is falling wetly outside. The learning curve has remained steep - but there have been many encouraging moments as well., like long conversations with friends, kind words from my colleagues, and even a potluck breakfast on Friday.  God has been reminding me often that he is greater than anything I may face or fear, he is in control and for reasons I will never be able to grasp - he loves me more than I will ever know. It is very comforting. In fact - how could you know walk around with joy in your heart everyday because of that? :)