Residency at Franciscan Health System

The offer has been extended. I have been accepted into a one year residency program with the Clinical Pastoral Education program. I would start in September of 2008 at Hospice House. On completion of this residency I would then, theoretically be employable as a hospital chaplain. The completion of 2000 hours is necessary for board certification at the national level. So ... one more opportunity to consider as we discern where God would have us next.

Thank you for your prayers for wisdom and discernment during this time of uncertainty.

May Brings Transition

David and I have both finished our assignments here in Tacoma for the time being. David's last day at World Vision was May 9 and my last day at the hospital was May 15. If some of you remember, just 11 weeks ago I wrote about Jesus asking Peter to push off the shore a bit. It took a couple of years before Jesus slept in the boat while a storm was raging on the sea. Well, the storm seems to be raging around us and both of us are at peace for the time being. As I have learned to tend to my feelings a little bit better this past 11 weeks - we have been 'mad, glad, sad, and at times fearful.' And yet grateful for the experiences of the last 2 years here in Tacoma. Now we will wait to see where God directs the winds of our lives.

Meanwhile - a few pictures from this weekend. Dirk was up from L.A. And David and our nephew Jake ran the Olympia half-marathon today.

April Photos Tell Our Story

With Opa and Oma

Blessing Abram at his Baptism

A Picture with a Six Month Old

And the Two Year Old

Our Baby Doll

Ride 'em Cowboy at Sunset Beach

Like Uncle, Like Nephew


Abram Jack

Tacoma Tulips

Tapestry from South Africa

AFRICAN TRIP

David had a successful and safe trip back and forth to Africa. One of the projects in Zambia is AID's caregiver bicycles. David thought he should try one out, too.

At the end of his trip he took some personal time to visit Annika in Cape Town. Father and daughter had some special time together. We are all grateful he was able to be with her for a couple of days.

A Gift

The first gift is the picture itself. I was bold enough to ask a complete stranger to send me a digital print of pictures he was taking at the concert. He was prompt and I have four beautiful pictures from the evening.

The gift was the concert. We were having a nice lazy Saturday. I had just come in from a walk and was perusing the paper. Under 'Religion Calendar' I came upon a Spiritual Renewal Conference. In reading the details I discovered that one of our favorite Christian artists was to be in Seattle in just 3 hours. I looked at David, and said, "Do you want to go?" We kicked ourselves into a higher gear and drove north.

We spent the evening in a small venue at a congregation just south of Seattle. We worshiped with Michael Card and three young Music Ministers from Presbyterian churches in the area. We were amazed at the intimacy of the evening. Michael has some new songs out on lament. The area music ministers have written new songs for Lent and shared those in the second half. We just had an amazing evening.

February Photos

Hanging out with Abram




Seal Beach




Duplo Table




LA Zoo




Sunset in Malibu

Answered Prayer

Well, I'm rowing out to the middle of the lake!

I met with the supervisor of the Clinical Pastoral Education unit on February 14 and I will begin on March 4. The unit is 11 weeks at 40 hours per week. He has asked me to work 20 hours a week in the mental health section of the hospital. This is a crisis unit for mental health care. The supervisor also facilitates a grief group in that unit once a week. Once he feels I am ready he will have me begin facilitating the group.

I have one more week here at home to get things organized before I began working outside the home again. Like a girlfriend here in Tacoma said, "It has been a good season, Sharon." And yes, it has been good. I am grateful for renewed energy and the next step God has for me on the journey.

Thank you for your continued prayers.