Daily 5 - Year 3, Day 97

Today's Daily 5:

1. Lots of encouragement and love on my blog and facebook as I shared my big news publicly
2. Reading over my lunch hour
3. a day at the office that, in the grand scheme of things, wasn't too bad
4. Subway for dinner
5. a restful evening at home

Big News

I sent out this update email yesterday to some dear friends who have been praying for me over the last couple years, and I wanted to share this exciting news here as well!

Hi All!

I thought I would send out an overdue update.

Let me start with some fabulous news!  I was accepted into the nursing program at the University of Calgary, with the program beginning this coming January!  That's right - after a year and a half of waiting and praying, and three application attempts, this dream is happening for me, and I'm thrilled.  Honestly, though the waiting has been terrifically hard, I feel like I am a stronger and more whole person because of the way that Jesus has worked in my life in the intervening time of waiting, and I can't wait to see where things go with this program.  I was accepted into the 28 month program, so, for the next 28 months, studying will be commanding the majority of my time.  I'm looking forward to the challenge.

I wanted to thank all of you for praying for me as I've waited and wondered what would come next, and ask you to pray about a few specific things for the coming year.

First, would you pray for my housing situation?  As most of you know, I've been living in my grandma's basement for almost two years now, and it is not an ideal situation.  Now that I know what my plans will be for the next couple years, I'm going to actively pursue the process of finding an alternate living arrangement.  This will likely look either like having roommates, or finding something that I will be able to afford on my own while in school.  If I'm honest, I'm really dreaming about having a little space that is all my own - after the challenges life has thrown my way in the last couple years, a little retreat all my own would be fabulous.  That said, I'm open to whatever Jesus drops in my lap (and if any of you know of possibilities, definitely let me know!)

Second, would you pray for employment?  I'm employed on a temp contract through December (exact end date is still uncertain).  After that, I will need to find some part time employment to supplement my income while I am a student.  I'm hoping to find something that will pay well, and be flexible around what I know is a fairly intense school schedule.  Please pray that I would find just the right thing to help cover my costs for this next season.

And finally, would you pray for me as I dive into studying again?  Pray that I will be diligent, that my mind will be clear, that I will absorb and understand the material quickly and easily.

I'd love to hear from all of you and get an update on your lives as well!  Let me know how I can be praying for each of you as well!

Much love and hugs to all of you!

Lisa