Beginning Something New

I never hated anything more than being forced to go to school for several months in another country. I disliked the way teachers could hit my hands with rulers, the way food made me feel sick all the time, and I did not like that I had to constantly watch over my younger siblings because kidnapping and being held hostage was common in our village.  What I hated most was not having my dad around during these times and at the age of 7 held more responsibilities than my average class-mate. I grew up knowing this way of life every other year and until these past few days I realized why I did not like to travel, let alone move to an unknown place.

The East Coast is so different than West Coast. I was not used to the streets that suddenly have off-exits everywhere and how easy it can be to have to take a U-turn. There are great pizzerias and the pretzels here make Auntie-Anne's look bad. But what I like most is that God has helped me to overcome what I hated most- travel. In just a few weeks I start the medical journey that I have long awaited and I could not be more excited, nervous, grateful, and a variety of other things too! I am choosing to use these last few weeks before to update you on something important I've been meditating on-  never stop conquering fear.  What fears do you have? What makes your stomach tie up into a knot or cause your blood pressure to escalate within seconds? It is time to overcome those and remember that looking back is never an option.  And in case you are wondering- Yes, I really like it here! Thanks to those in prayer and encouraging me along this new adventure.  Love, Ritz

RoadTrip Time 7/14/18

So I am going to reflect on several scriptures to get me started on the right foot here. I pray that you take a hold of at least one and remember it is about time you visit that country, apply to that job, begin that career or say yes instead of no due to fear.

1 Corinthians 15:57(NIV) But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark 10:27 (NIV) Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Three Years Ago

If you have ever trained for a 5K running marathon, studied countless hours to take the NCLEX or MCAT, carried a baby in your womb, prepared for the wedding of your dreams, prayed for something to come or happen for many months or years and that good end result did not or has not yet come... this is for you. 

Fresh Flower Bouquet on my Wedding Day

I know what it is like to study. I know what it is like to meet every expectation and qualification of admissions in higher education and still be told that you did not do enough. I also know what it is like to wait on God and feel that your tears, prayers and desire to still believe His promises are just not doing "enough". Three years ago around this time I was a newlywed and this is when the journey to begin medical school began.

It was not easy to be rejected and told "no" by several admissions counselors and it was hard to hold onto a dream that I began to doubt personally. I did everything possible to improve my application and dried off the tears and got back on my feet to keep moving forward and not allow the "no's" to stop me.

That is when believing God meant more than just saying so to others or singing about believing with the latest Christian song. This time believing meant I was willing to take the doors that God opened up even if they did not have something to do with medicine and becoming a doctor. It was then that my real journey to enter medical school began.

All that I could think and pray was  "I won't know what lies ahead until I move ahead in faith."