How?
I don't know how to explain how it happened exactly. There was something at work that is far beyond me or my comprehension.
I found an ad in the newspaper for a CPE one time and I didn't know what it was so I looked it up on-line. (Clinical Pastoral Education) I wrote a note in one of my notebooks and scribbled some notes about future possibilities. That was about three years ago.
This spring I started feeling better. I've always prayed for possible ways to help others - to help make a difference for good. I felt pretty discouraged about my inability in that area while being sick for so long. I came to appreciate the small ways we all make a big difference from a kind word to an understanding touch.
In late spring and into the summer I kept thinking about that note in one of my old notebooks. In July I sent an e-mail to the hospital asking about applications, etc. I was told the interviewing process was starting the next week. What possessed me to write a lengthy application and actually send it?!
I was approved for an interview and met with three people at the hospital. I looked into the program to make sure it was accredited. Dusted off my references. One of my old professors from many years ago (when I got my master's degree) actually remembered me and was completely willing to help me. How did this fall into place?
I received the message that I had been accepted. A new supervisor had just been hired and the program was starting up after a couple of years on hiatus. Timing.
I didn't know how I was going to pay for the tuition. A couple of family members offered to help. I didn't feel too overwhelmed accepting their offers since it was a nominal fee; however, I did feel overwhelmed that they offered in the first place. They offered without my asking. I will be paid for my clinic hours - not a lot, but I didn't expect to get paid so that is really nice.
THANK you all for your support! I feel like I have others with me as I embark on this journey. The family members who graciously offered their help, all of you here at DS that have accepted me and my stories, and so many others who have touched my heart and given me the courage to step into this process.
I might share some of my experiences here. I'll have to be careful, of course, but I think you all might appreciate a word or two. You know so much of pain, grief, endurance, resilience, searching for meaning and understanding, and all of those kinds of things.
When I saw all of your comments I got teary eyed. I have support! My world is so small because of this illness. I need you all with me. I will shadow a chaplain for part of my first day and then he will shadow me and the next time I go for my clinic hours I will be on my own! I am less afraid when I think about it now that I know I have "friends" with me. We've helped each other and now that is being passed on.
Brent, thanks for the music.
carry on.
katy
This much I know for today: There is hope and we need to be open to possibilities.
I found an ad in the newspaper for a CPE one time and I didn't know what it was so I looked it up on-line. (Clinical Pastoral Education) I wrote a note in one of my notebooks and scribbled some notes about future possibilities. That was about three years ago.
This spring I started feeling better. I've always prayed for possible ways to help others - to help make a difference for good. I felt pretty discouraged about my inability in that area while being sick for so long. I came to appreciate the small ways we all make a big difference from a kind word to an understanding touch.
In late spring and into the summer I kept thinking about that note in one of my old notebooks. In July I sent an e-mail to the hospital asking about applications, etc. I was told the interviewing process was starting the next week. What possessed me to write a lengthy application and actually send it?!
I was approved for an interview and met with three people at the hospital. I looked into the program to make sure it was accredited. Dusted off my references. One of my old professors from many years ago (when I got my master's degree) actually remembered me and was completely willing to help me. How did this fall into place?
I received the message that I had been accepted. A new supervisor had just been hired and the program was starting up after a couple of years on hiatus. Timing.
I didn't know how I was going to pay for the tuition. A couple of family members offered to help. I didn't feel too overwhelmed accepting their offers since it was a nominal fee; however, I did feel overwhelmed that they offered in the first place. They offered without my asking. I will be paid for my clinic hours - not a lot, but I didn't expect to get paid so that is really nice.
THANK you all for your support! I feel like I have others with me as I embark on this journey. The family members who graciously offered their help, all of you here at DS that have accepted me and my stories, and so many others who have touched my heart and given me the courage to step into this process.
I might share some of my experiences here. I'll have to be careful, of course, but I think you all might appreciate a word or two. You know so much of pain, grief, endurance, resilience, searching for meaning and understanding, and all of those kinds of things.
When I saw all of your comments I got teary eyed. I have support! My world is so small because of this illness. I need you all with me. I will shadow a chaplain for part of my first day and then he will shadow me and the next time I go for my clinic hours I will be on my own! I am less afraid when I think about it now that I know I have "friends" with me. We've helped each other and now that is being passed on.
Brent, thanks for the music.
carry on.
katy
This much I know for today: There is hope and we need to be open to possibilities.
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