A Weekend in Pittsburgh

I spent the past weekend in Pittsburgh,PA at Point Park University with Kristin!! Not only was it wonderful to get out of Boston after taking the NCLEX, but it was so good to see my sister!

I arrived early afternoon on Friday and was fully immersed into Kristin's life; not only was everyone calling her "Tink" but we got to see three plays (the school production of  CanCan, a Cabaret and a Greek tragedy!) and hang out around PPU!

Kristin has 3 awesome roommates who were all so kind to me. I had a lot of fun teasing Emily, goofing around with Janelle in the museum, and watching CSI with Jessica! The other awesome part of my weekend was going to Kristin's church "Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community", it is an awesome church dedicated to being Christ to the city of Pittsburgh (see what others have been saying: SCD UMC Ideas)

It was a great weekend catching up with Kristin, seeing her life at school, and getting to know a new city. I can't wait for thanksgiving to have all three siblings together!

God is Good

After taking the NCLEX exam Thursday morning, I left to visit Kristin in Pittsburgh! On Saturday, I woke up to Kristin and Emily jumping on me, screaming that I had passed my exam! Amberly Killmer RN! :)

Regardless of the results, I am glad that God is the one in control of my life! Let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation!! Isaiah 25:9 

October: before the exam

now that the test is over I'm feeling much more care free!! although, the past two weeks have been fun-filled. I've been studying a lot but also trying to enjoy Boston!

I have experienced trivia night at the White Horse in Allston, spent some time getting advice and hearing stories from a homeless man in the Boston Commons (my conversation with Tom was truly a God thing because he encouraged me to continue to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse, and he shared some inspiring stories from his life with me. It was a blessing to talk to him, and I know that he was heaven sent!) I've also been enjoying going to Young Life weekly meetings where we are talking about different aspects of the christian life and I'm thankful to be meeting other christians my age that live in the Boston area. 

My roommates and I have enjoyed watching the Red Sox play with Bostonians, and from the comfort of our own apartment. Last night we watched from Harvard Square and could not believe the outcome. Soxtober continues and the men down at the fish market have more to talk about!

Columbus Day weekend was a blur of activities. On Saturday my roommates and I headed down to Haymarket (a large farmers market) for some grocery shopping and explored the North End of Boston, complete with pizza and some pastries from Mike's! I then met Katie, my former boss in admissions at Valpo, down at Copley Square in Back Bay for some Starbucks and people viewing in the public gardens! We finished our night off with some more pizza from Upper Crust on Newbury Street!

Sunday was busy as I tried another new church right here in Harvard Square, walked around Harvard Square to enjoy Oktoberfest (even sat on the longest couch in the world!) and then headed into Andover, MA to an incredible house to celebrate KKG Founder's Day with the Boston Alumni Association.

Monday was the day I'd been waiting all weekend for- the roommates and I headed out to Concord/Lexington to hike around history. It was beautiful with the leaves changing! Plus, learning about the Revolutionary War, seeing where so many famous literary figures are buried, and visiting Orchard House (where Little Women takes place!) was super exciting!

The rest of the week was long as I spent all my time studying for the test. I took the test yesterday (see previous post) and am currently preparing for my flight to visit Kristin for the weekend!! I'm excited to be with family and get my mind off the outcome of the exam! PITTSBURGH HERE I COME!!

The Big Day

I took the test this morning and have no idea how I did. I won't find out the results for a couple more days...

I do know though, that now matter what the outcome of the exam is, my identity is found in Christ alone.

It has been an incredible journey of faith this fall as I have dealt with failing the exam and now retaking it. I have been often reminded that God is faithful and will complete the good work he began. Kristin gave me a verse last night that I have been clinging to throughout today: Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."

Nachtwey's Wish

These pictures are remarkable yet disturbing. They remind me of how much work there is to do around the world. Its especially sobering considering that we, as Americans, don't even think of tuberculosis as a large threat anymore.

boston.com/bigpicture/2008/10/nachtweys_wish_awareness_of_xd.html

(you can also click on the titles of the posts they take you to new websites! other titles besides this one are links. check them all out!)

Ladder 4

Laura and I were just evacuated from our apartment!! The fire alarm was blaring and all of us tenants went into the parking lot. The fire department has a good response time of 8min in case we ever really need them. This time something (they think a large spider!) got into the fire alarm system which set it off... i'm just glad we still have an apartment- it was cold outside!

a new bean in town

I'm finally doing things with my days!! I have been studying a lot, but also trying to take time to explore. I have found several neat areas in Harvard Square and am starting to feel more comfortable in this area. I'm so thankful to live around so much green space! Carrie and I also discovered that we live in the backyard of Gen. Washington's headquarters from 1775 - 1776 (which is also Longfellow's family home) The park rangers give tours of the house regularly and people from all over come for these tours! I have been stopped a couple times by tourists asking for directions. (i can only sometimes help them) A couple of them have even mistaken me for a Harvard student! perhaps I look intelligent?!? Its still sinking in that this is my regular life and I'm not in a study abroad program...

I met Andrew (my brother) today at church; it was so good to see him. He stayed in Boston afterwards and we went out to eat and catch up. Unfortunately we didn't time our afternoon very well and ended up waiting for his train back to Gordon College for much longer than anticipated... but that meant we got to talk more- which was worth my time for sure. It was also good to talk to someone about their impressions of church and have some discussion around deeper topics than simply my name and my profession!

My roommates and I also had a housewarming party- we grilled out on our back patio Saturday evening for friends. I enjoyed getting our apartment ready for the party (we now have pictures on the walls!) and meeting all of Carrie and Laura's friends!

other than that, life is pretty quiet. I am hoping to plan some more excursions this week. I have been reading up on Boston and found out about some great deals to take advantage of. (I really need Let's Go: Boston to inform me of everything! what a great guide book...) The leaves here are starting to turn colors and its beginning to look like the pictures I have seen of fall in New England! I am hoping to make it out somewhere outside of Boston to look at colors, go to an apple orchard, and enjoy the landscape that I'm living near! I have nothing planned for the next week except studying (yay) which is starting to wind down as the test is in a week and a half :O 

that's all the news currently from beantown... hope all is well with you

Boston

I finally made the big move to Cambridge, MA on Sept 11, 2008! I am living near Harvard Square in a cute apartment with two others girls, Carrie and Laura. I graduated from Cary Academy with Carrie, while Laura and Carrie both graduated from Bowdoin College this past May together. It's been really fun getting to know Laura and reconnecting with Carrie!!

I have gotten to explore the area some and am so thankful for our location; Harvard Square is wonderful! There are lots of cute coffee shops, cafe's, and cobblestone roads which it feels very quaint, and somewhat like Europe. I also like being close to the Charles River and the paths along its shores. Harvard Square also gives us easy access to the rest of the city. We can access the T and connect to all of the other lines easily, and there are many bus stops right in Harvard Square which will take us just about anywhere!

I'm still trying to find a church to attend regularly. I really like the two I have attended already, and am looking forward to meeting up with Drew this weekend to check out a church together! I'm also excited to make some friends and get to know new people as I get more involved in this city and its numerous activities! 

In some ways it feels as though I've lived here for several months, and in other ways I feel like mom just left yesterday... weird how time can do that!