"Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead... so they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, 'Greetings!' And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him." (Matthew 28:1-9, ESV).
It is wonderful to celebrate the day of our risen Lord! Praise be the Lamb who was slain, praise be the God who is above all... Praise Him who has rescued us from captivity and bring us all into a new living relationship with a hope, a future, and a purpose. Glory be to God in the highest!
I am very grateful for His salvation, nothing else worth more than this.
Well, now that another semester passed and an anticipated summer begins, new experiences and life changing moments also occured. Since it is for awhile that I can update the blog, I will have a lot to say, but bare with me.
Again and again it is such an incredible blessing and a wonderful adventure I have had. It is hard to believe that my first year of Nursing Program already came to an end. This semester was very special as I get to connect with the residents during clinical, learning more about the many aspects of human's body, and other biblical insights. Clinical happened twice a week, but only once every two weeks. Each clinical day was very exceptional.
My life from the first day of clinical until the day we said good bye to the residents was never the same again. As a person who have gone through many farewells and separations, it is hard sometimes for me to allow that feelings to experience by others. I may grew a callous toward that but each good bye has never been my wish.
One of my highlights this past semester is definitely during the clinical time where we were placed in a geriatrich home. I learned so much. Much more than theories in books and new inventions of mankind. The ability to touch people in their present state. A state where one can no longer control what they used to and the desire to do the thing they once did. Thankfulness can sometimes taken lightly. We may be thankful for a new home, car, television, friends, family, etc. but there is a continual blessing that each one of us receive. Each day we can wake up and go to toilet or feed ourselves for each meal. The ability to do just certain simple task. Do you ever wonder waking up one morning and find yourself in a strange location and know nothing about the place? Or what if you cannot move one part of your body at all?
One incredible moments that I will never forget during clinical was a reminiscence box project. The purpose was to bring something tangible that will help the residents to remember the experience they once enjoy in the past. Each resident reacted differently and according to what object presented. My unique experience during our first clinical day: we were told that one of my residents has dysphasia and only shake or nod her head in response. So, already we began to think it will be hard to interact/converse with her. Oh boy. However, later on after a few weeks we heard her voice responding 'yes' or 'no' to us!
That really surprised us and made our day. Yet, as our time to depart came, during the presentation, she responded in full sentences! That really blew me away! What a joy!! It is wonderful to step into a moment in their lives, which we can communicate and feel and touch their memories that enable them to interact in such a way once again.
Another resident who is immobile and could not even open her eyes also express an exceptional response as one of my fellow nursing students played some hymn on the piano. As my friend played, we heard her hummed along in perfect harmony!! It is just so great to experience the moment and be able to reach into their inner being. What we see outside may looked like a shell, but there's definitely a whole person living inside. To me, it is a joy to be apart of their lives even in such circumstance.
I think it was in late February that I came in contact with a group of young Korean team who is planning to go to Cambodia for a short mission trip. I was able to share some messages and some pointers for them. It was great meeting up with them and, hopefully, my guide was beneficial.
Moreso, one of them went to Cambodia earlier; in fact, she is the one who organized the mission team. I pray that God will work through them as they share the gospel message and allow them to learn from this experience. And, I am sure they will have fun ;-)
As the year come to a close during Spring, the Wellness Center and Trinity School of Nursing always organized a Health Fair Day. It is a day when the first year nursing students bring forth what they have learned the whole year. There were four nursing booths/stations: Blood pressure assessment, Respiratory Assessment/smoking, Nutrition/Vaccination/Traveling, and Stress Assessment. Each station represent each clinical group. My team was assigned to stress station, as we didn't have stress ourselves =)
Stress Station, in my opinion was a fun one. We had hand/back massage, sketching, tea, and napping! Yeah, we have a space for a nap. But, it was the massage area that was always full. It was a great day, and all first-year nursing students felt very proud in their scrubs, that includes me ;-). I had fun and enjoyed talking while assessing those who came.
Just a few days ago during 14th - 16th of April was the Khmer New Year. I got a chance to talk to my family back home and was glad to hear that everyone is doing fine with only a few life situations. Khmer New Year is usually my biological family reunion time.
For the next school year, I got accepted into a student leadership position for the International Student Program. I am looking forward to that, and as for that I will be living on campus once again. This time I hope to learn something new as I get used a bit more to life here.
As far as my study goes, everything seems to go well except anatomy and physiology course, but I'm hoping to do well as the result comes out. I particularly enjoy introduction to mission class this term. It was more than just a course it is an insight to strengthen what I am planning to do in the future. Trinity is one place where you learn something extra. As a liberal arts university you get to take extra courses besides the chosen major which help a student to see something differently rather than focusing solely on that major. It may not be preferred by students at the moment, but each course make a difference.
Well, I guess that is all I have so far. All my exams are done and I am in the process of looking for a solid job for the summer, but hopefully everything will turn out well and something interesting will come along the way. As far as my visa and passport goes, it needs to be renewed so that will be on my checklist ;-)
Already then... I hope you and family are doing well. Blessings on the road and journey ahead as the glorious sun appear for those who are in BC, and a long-anticipated summer for all. As of this month may you find renewed strength and glorious faith and hope in remembrance of the day that our Lord Jesus Christ has conquered death and has brought us life. Praise God who heals; the One who has torn the veil. Praise be the Lamb! He is worthy! Hallelujah!!
Many blessings dear friends,
Sureyah
