A Quick Update Before the "Sierras" :) (Andes Mountains)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Hello Friends and Family!

I just wanted to give you all a quick update before my internet situation changes. There has been a lot going on in my life as usual. I quite frankly just think way too much sometimes. LOL!

1. I leave for Cusco tomorrow. I will be spending my first week with a team from World Vision International. That means I get to visit the programs with them! The next couple of weeks I will be working in Cusipata. It will, Lord willing, be the site of my research project.  
2. Thesis Project Proposal has been submitted to IRB for review. The World Vision Ethics committee has already approved it. Now, I am just praying that  I will get approval soon to begin my project. I am so excited about it!
   
3. I can still dance and love to dance! After a bad and difficult night salsa dancing a couple of months ago, I've had a hard time getting the courage to dance again. I went to Son de Cuba in Miraflores district and had a blast. I was very flattered that one of the instructors asked me out to dance. We literally danced the night away! (I didn't mean that romantically BTW) He helped me on my moves and taught me how to dance Son. I had so much fun and he was a great teacher. I've been encouraged to dance again and very blessed that he helped me regain some of my confidence back.
4. My stomach survived street food! I have found a remedy to deal with the Aji and heavy potate/rice diet. I drink water with gas literally for every meal. I've even ventured to have some street food. I've finally gotten approval from World Vision staff to try the "Real Ceviche." (I just pray I don't get food poisoning before I leave for Cusco). 
5.  I am thankful for independence and freedom.  I have appreciated so much the freedom I have here to work from home, Starbucks, the office, and while doing some field work. As long as the work gets done and I meet my deadlines, my preceptor has given me the freedom to work wherever and whenever I want to. I like my freedom and independence and the ability to create my own schedule. Don't worry... I've got plenty of work to keep me busy.
6. Free time is great! :

• I am currently reading a book by Tim Keller called The Reason For God. It got me thinking about "Neocalvinism," and it has also challenged me to kind of find my denominational umbrella. I went back to the basics and started comparing Calvinism and Arminianism. I am having issues on both sides of the debate. I think next semester I ay be auditing a class at the Divinity School regarding church history.
• I had an epiphany upon attending " A Dialogue for Concertion on Teenage Pregnancy in Peru." I have to thank my father for listening to my crazy ideas and plans after attending this event. I was a bit flustered. I want to be able to influence the policy making business.
• I have also began looking at the job market. I've pretty much decided I want some more experience before the PhD and some of the organizations I am interested in are in the Virginia, N. or S. Carolina, Washington D.C, or Georgia area. I am praying for jobs to open up when I graduate. I have an idea of what I want to do, and now I just really need a good opportunity.
• I have also realized a need to acquire a lot more knowledge and skills before I graduate. I think next semester I will be taking Maternal and Child Nutrition, Immunology, Social and Behavioral Science, Evidence Based Health, Lab and Field Study (HIV, Substance Abuse and Partner Violence Research), EMD Seminar and Global Health Seminar. I also want to take French! Lord willing, I will also still be part of HealthCORE and join the Student Consultant Group at YSPH, and still work at La Casa!

Life is good and I've been enjoying it :) Blessings and love to all!

PS. No I haven't met someone. My parent's recommended I go back to cave times and just club on the head the man I want. LOL. I am learning to be content exactly where God has me.  I love the freedom and independence I currently have as a beautiful, strong, passionate, godly single woman. I am sure being in a relationship is great, but until it happens, I love where I am at. Thanks for all of the encouragement, prayers, and love from afar! Miss you all!