March - Big Days Ahead

It’s time for the big residency reveal!  Notification will be sent on March 2, so by the time you read this letter I may have already heard.  Keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest news – www.facebook.com/GoSpeakLiveBoldly.  I will be sure to post as soon as I find out the results of the Match and learn if I have been placed in a dermatology residency.  The locations I have applied for include PA, TX, CA, and WA. 

The other big day coming up is March 21 when my cats and I will depart South Africa and start the long trip back to the US.  After a few days to catch my breath and a week at the Christian Veterinary Mission headquarters for debrief, I will start doing relief veterinary work in my home area.  Thankfully, the Lord has already provided quite a few relief shifts so my schedule is filling up. I’m a bit nervous about practicing in the US again as there have been quite a few new medications and changes in the field while I’ve been away.  I would appreciate your prayers about fitting back into the role of general practice in the US.

In May, I will be speaking about university ministry at the CVM Short Course.  This conference is focused on “learning and fellowship for those exploring cross cultural veterinary missions.” So, if you have any interest in serving with CVM, either long-term or short-term, please come join us!  It would be great to see you!

Although the future is taking up a lot of my focus, let me take a minute to look to the past and say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported me financially over the past nine years!  Thank you so much!  I couldn’t have done it without you!  As my role with CVM transitions to that of an Associate and I start working again in the US, I will no longer need to receive the monthly support.  However, my account with CVM will remain active to help fund future involvement such as speaking at conferences and possible short-term mission trips. 

Thank you for walking with me down this long road in Mafikeng.  It has been a pleasure to share it with you.

Valentine's Day photo of the ladies from the Animal Health Department

Jan - Getting Ready to Leave

Happy New Year!  I hope you had a joyous Christmas season with family and friends.  As usual, I spent my Christmas with two friends who run a local animal rescue.  We enjoyed a Christmas lunch together along with too many cookies and mince pies.  Even after 8 years though, I’ve never really gotten used to having a hot, summer Christmas.

After the nice break of the holiday season, the next three months will likely be busy as I decide what I will ship back to the US and what I will sell or give away here.  Thankfully, finding good homes for my plants won’t be difficult.  I’ve already had several people asking about them. 

Arrangements are also set for my cats who will be flying back to the US with me in late March.  I’m a bit worried about them having two long-haul flights.  Especially for Laddie, my sensitive, nervous ginger tabby.  Please pray that their flights are smooth and they travel well.

My own long-term plans will remain unsettled until March 4th, which is when I find out if I have been accepted into a residency and if so, which one.  Please pray that the Lord will orchestrate everything according to His will and that I will be sensitive to His leading.  Either way, I will be returning to Washington for at least a few months.  Hopefully I will be able to see many of you then. 

As I prepare to leave Mafikeng, there are many things lying heavy on my heart and I ask you to join me in praying for:

• The new lecturer taking over the companion animal module that I have been teaching the past 4 years
• Someone to step up to continue providing mentorship to the new graduate veterinarians working in the clinic
• Someone to be called to come through CVM to replace me
• The student house church – it is still unclear if it will continue next year