For the avid reader...

...here is a suggestion.

Just finished this book by an amazing woman. Fascinating life she has lived.

As the first woman to Summit Denali with a group of women in 1970- she didn't stop there. She was only 25 and well on her way to climbing the world. She also received her PhD in biophysical chemistry and was a pioneer in her day in both the arenas of climbing and schooling for females.

It is well written- some parts are wordy but well worth the time.

Joe Purdy

Favorite artist for the past couple of months hands down:

Joe Purdy

Check out his music...I think you will enjoy it.

His website has a nice layout- the CD titled

You Can Tell Georgia has a good song for these pictures and

our life. Listen to "Can't seem to get it right today."

(Grey's fans will recognize it)

Judson- these photos are for you...love you.

we just can't seem to get it right today. =)

A different kind...

of holiday break.

Be still and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10

This Christmas will not be too quickly forgotten.
Sparing most of the details...it all started with the flu...or so I think.
It happened to mom first. She became sick only days after receiving the influenza inoculation & visiting my grandpa in the hospital. Most definitely a bad combination of roaming microbes and bugs.
My mom of course brought the bug into our home. Negative temperatures and the hibernation of small animals outside, causes the repercussion of homes inside, to turn into incubators and breading grounds for any type of germ.
Therefore I got the flu. Have you ever had the flu? It is sick, no pun intended.
Took the life right out of me. I ended up missing half the play White Christmas by Irving Berlin at the Ordway Theater. Dave & Janie Pearson, along with my folks purchased tickets for our entire families to go to the show. The classic play/musical was wonderful...or the parts that I saw at least. I became quick friends with the ladies room & our 78 year old usher Judy...who happened to be a retired RN and was eager to tell me stories of her hospital days. Oh the joys!

The following day was Christmas Eve. It turned out that my grandpa had improved from his illnesses but could not return home to my grandparents apartment. So we packed the family up and headed down to Rochester to spend Christmas Eve at the Charter House!

It was a strange thing that happened to me there. It seemed as if the moment I walked into the Charter House- I was immediately feeling better. Perhaps my life is similar to that of Benjamin Buttons!? Just a thought. My grandpa was very happy to see us and likewise were we to see him.

Grandpa Al & me

Grandma Beth & Grandpa Al smoochin!

As soon as I began to feel better Christmas Eve- Judson got the bug. =) What in the world!?
Ben & Toni of course had to drive back to the cities after dinner to spend the night with Ben's side of the family. As soon as they headed out- dad, mom, Judson and I headed over to our hotel where the bug took the best of Judson.

Merry Christmas!...or should I say Bah! Humbug!
wow.

Christmas morning came and it was sweet o awaken with the childlike excitement...

I was wide eyed and ready to be aroused by my mom, with the lit candle at my bedside indicating to me that it was now ok to run upstairs to open the stockings and drink hot cocoa as grandpa would read Luke Chapter two in his bold, but tender interpretation of the Birth of Christ.

Silly girl, I was not at home, I was in a hotel, in Rochester and mom and dad were sleeping like babes...brother Judson was half dead with this disgusting bug...and the temperature outside was now almost negative 15. Reality check! I decided to go for a walk.
Walking in Rochester is no new thing for me. However walking in Rochester on the holiday's especially cold holiday's can be very sedentary. There was no motion anywhere. No cars were driving, no bustle of busy doctors, nurses or patients dodging in and out of the busy Mayo Clinic. Parts of the river were frozen over, and there was but a faint breeze that bit my bare face as I put a little more charisma into my steps. The city was still.
A smile came to my face as I once again pictured my place in this big world. Today was a day where every person should be at home, warm and settled, opening gifts and drinking hot apple cider, cocoa or hot coffee. I was walking so quickly now I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I was freezing...but so thankful that everyone & everything around me was still. I stopped outside the mayo medical school to tie my shoelace and as I stood there, I kept repeating in my head the very familiar but true Psalm, "Be still, and know that I am God. Be still, and know that I am God. Be still, and know that I am God." How comforting and victorious those 8 words were to my mind and heart this Christmas morning, 2008. I decided to walk to my grandma's and drop in to give her a Christmas morning kiss. =) How wonderful it was to step inside a heated apartment building and share a sweet moment with my grandma. As I left to return to the hotel I dropped into the Lutheran church...that was full with congregants participating in the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ. It was peaceful there, not knowing a soul I was able to stay for a short bit and then head on along my way. Returning to the hotel I was greeted by my parents who were now up and ready to head over to visit grandpa. It turned out to be such sweet time with both my grandparents.

Judson is better. He shaped up late in the evening Christmas day. However as soon as it left Judson- my dad got it. Except, I think he got something else. He is spending the next couple of days in the hospital. It is one thing to have your grandpa in the hospital, but my dad...just doesn't seem like a good thing. As I followed the ambulance downtown St. Paul I was sweetly reminded of the Psalm once again. This time I realized that the situation had changed from Christmas morning..and everything around me was bustling, but now I was sitting still.
Traffic was heavy from post holiday shoppers returning their undesired Christmas gifts, and people returning to work. The temperatures have dramatically increased to transform the ice and snow into slush and mush, and the New Year is quickly approaching.
"Be still, and know that I am God. Be still, and know that I am God. Be still, and know that I am God." Just as comforting and even more so reassuring now than on Christmas morning were those 8 words. How faithful of a God we serve...in the midst of so many times of unknowns and fears.

Dad is ok. His heart seems to be healthy- no significant signs of a stroke as of now. Poor sinuses, combined with increased pressure in his inner ear, dehydration and perhaps the stress of the last few weeks finally took him out. He is regaining strength and receiving the medication he needs at the hospital. He will be laying low for the next couple of days.
Ben is sick too. He has been since yesterday as well...and thankfully is young and strong to fight off whatever this is everyone is getting.
We might all be falling apart, but at least we are all still here. I am not looking forward to the day that one of us is no longer here. But I do know that the same 8 words will be as true then as they have been now. Thank you Lord for teaching us to be still and learn to trust in you.


God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:1-3 & 10-11

What Have I done this year!?

What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

James 4:14

***I put this together at the request of undisclosed individuals who wanted to know about my travels this year- this is lengthy and most likely not worth the time reading...for you who don't like to read- enjoy the photos. There are a few. =) Love you much! kcm. ***


It is interesting to me how my mind has developed over time. That sounds funny- let me explain. When I was a child, I viewed the year as the time period when school began in August and finished in June. The summer was blissful vacation. Minnesota is a state full of lakes and the great outdoors. There is nothing better than Minnesota in the summertime.
As I have grown, that perspective has greatly shifted. My years combine together- there is is no summer bliss and time races by. Having lived now a quarter of a century, I view my life as an unabridged sequence of events. I really do wonder where 2008 has gone!? Looking back now month by month it is unbelievable to reminisce of the events which have transpired in only 365 days...

January
Working in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at
the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia so close to Ben & Toni. Just had to hop onto 76 and travel over the Ben Franklin Bridge to New Jersey.
My dear friend Amory and her wonderful father came to visit during this time, which turned out to be a huge blessing of encouragement during a time of much questioning on what I was doing with my life and time!?!?!
Hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail in the Kittany Mountain Range was quite the experience...I learned that i never want to hike alone, in the sub zero temperatures again.
Two are better than one i believe the saying goes...
I also had a sweet roommate, Molly King, whom I met overseas. Molly taught me to "live a little" and really opened my eyes to a few new adventures. HA! Oh my.

February
Started off with a trip down to Honduras with CHP. Picking up two little ones- 2 and 4 years old- taking them to have surgery in upstate New York. I met absolutely wonderful people all along the way. Returned home to begin a 6 month contract at the University of Minnesota Pediatric ICU and Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant.

The families & babes Nolvin, Esteffany and me Streets of San Pedro Sula

March
Headed to Atlanta for a BRIDAL shower ...in honor of my college roommate Danielle (Hunt) Wilson. Unbelievable. It seems like yesterday we were goofing off and skipping class...where has the time gone?
I Enjoyed sweet fellowship with her family and also old familiarity. I Also spent a jammed pack weekend in Lynchburg, Virginia getting to know a group of students I would be traveling down the Amazon with in the month of May.






April
Traveled overseas to Eastern Europe with CHP - making stops along the way through Germany & Austria. Picked up one precious little boy, 6 months old, who needed to have his heart repaired. We ended up flying into Peoria, Illinois.
Then immediately turned around to Atlanta for the actual wedding of Jeff and Danielle.

Delivering gifts from Samaritan's Purse to
new moms...blankets, diapers...baby stuff. =)

The evening of the International Prayer Conference. Albanian and Kosovar friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Boarding the plane to head to the states...

May
Finished my first half of the UofM contract. Really starting to enjoy my co-workers, being in Minnesota and just back at the University (feeling at home).
I took the month off to travel to Brazil with a medical missions group coming out of Liberty University. WHAT A JOY! Unbelievable blessing that came out of nowhere. Six of the ladies on the team were/are in training to become registered nurses. Three of the gentlemen are looking to pursue some avenue of medicine- one actually has now started medical school in Indiana. Praise God for a group of bright, young individuals who are earnestly seeking to do good and share the Love of Christ. I was also able to attend the Women's Conference at Bethlehem Baptist Church with close friends of the family. Susan Hunt was the speaker...fantastic. =) I also spent a little time in Illinois...following up with Gentrit- the little one who came over from Kosovo.

Follow-up with my babe from Kosovo! Looking stronger than ever.

Bethlehem Women's Conference

The AMAZON in Brazil

June
Another month filled with blessings...
I remained out on the East Coast for a couple of weeks post Brazil. Lynchburg has a very tender place in my heart and it is always good to return and see old friends.
I was able to spend time with my dearest friend Amory, her husband Steve and their precious baby boy Tucker Graham Anderson. They reside in Charlotte, North Carolina. The timing was perfect as Amory's younger sister Bethany was wed to a wonderful man. I was able to be apart of the bachelorette party and witness the marriage ceremony! Beautiful as ever.
My mother met up with me in Charlotte and we were able to spend some time at Samaritan's Purse Headquarters in Boone, NC. This was wonderful. Not only was I able to put names to faces- I was re-united with dear friends who I traveled to Beijing and Mongolia with only months before. What fun to stay at the Lundstrom's farm and enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Meeting up with Staci & Elise Brandenburg along with Staci's mom- at Panera in Charlotte

Sweet Baby Boy Tucker...Just fresh out of the oven. =)

July
July was funny due to the fact I spent time with my crony Vanesa Johnson in the great state of Arizona hiking the absolutely amazing Grand Canyon. It was certainly a challenge (especially in July- ha) hiking out of the Canyon. However I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Our nights were spent under the stars... bivouacking and pleading with the Lord to hold off the rain. =)
It was good to be outdoors with a friend and totally encompassed in the creation of our God.
I also returned to the UofM for the second part of my contract. So good to be back. I really have been blessed beyond belief to have the job that I have and be able to do the things I love.

Absolutely beautiful in the Canyon. Wouldn't expect such beauty from above...only when you get down in the base does it become so lush. I think I could come up with a very good analogy...

August
Of course my family and I returned to our longtime vacation hub Lake McDonald. We have vacationed, with the Pearsons, at this spot for over 22 years. The week is always filled with lake activities- boating, fishing, triathalon training (Ben that is) golfing and the four F's: Food, Fun, and Fantastic Fellowship.

September
Classes started for me in the beginning of September. But now as I am typing I am realizing the absurdity of schooling when traveling is on the agenda. I was so thankful to be at home- finances can be tricky I am slowly figuring out.
I was able to fly to Mongolia for a week to work with the same group as last year- doing pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. This years group was wonderful. It was interesting to return back a year later to where my world was dramatically shaken. Last year we lost a patient and I struggled months afterwards with it. Not usually something that happens to me- but this time it was different.
So all I know is that there is healing- and restoration. Another faithful display of our Heavenly Father.

Delicate hands of our surgeon.

Praying over our patients before heading to the
operating room.

This sweet nurse is enjoying a laugh with me...in the middle of the night of course. I seem to always get in trouble with the Mongolian nurses... I don't like socks. Of course I wear them in the hospitals here in the US...policy- and appropriate...but in Mongolia...well... what happens in Mongolia, stays in Mongolia. =) However this nurse thought it was great I was wearing flip flops and followed me in my rebellion. She had some gumption to wear those on the wards. I'm smiling just reminiscing about this. hahaha.

October
October was a bittersweet time for me. My dearest friend from childhood was married to his college sweetheart. Andrew Follett and Hannah Tan Follett were wed on October 4th, up on Lake Michigan an hour outside of Chicago. It was a beautiful wedding. Andrew will be an excellent husband. I don't know why it touched me so much. Very sweet.

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Hannah Follett

Returning from the Chicago wedding weekend...my mom and I turned around and headed to Italy! This trip was 100% leisure. We had been planning for months to go and I had been anxiously anticipating for the trip until the day we left! It Turned out be one of the most fantastic trips to date I have been on. As you have maybe seen before on the posts- my mom and I spent two weeks with our friends the Stage's traveling through Italy's finest cities. It was a delight to be with these two, hilarious, life-long friends in a totally different culture- where I had no responsibilities but to enjoy myself. It was lovely. I was also able to run my first marathon in the city of Venice which turned out to be quite a trial. I am learning that some things in life are not as whimsical as others. =) (that is an understatement!) By God's grace I finished in a decent time and my body definitely taught my brain a lesson.

Vatican Tour...total nerd with the notebook, headphones and fanny pack. Oh dear.

Mom & I outside the Pantheon in the Piazza.

Dinner in Florence one evening

Trevi Fountain

walking the narrow streets of Venice

Sunset over Venice

Night after the Marathon-
Spending time at Dad's hotel...
Cafe and desserts- delicious!
Last night in Venice...mom and dad stayed the Stages and I returned to the states.

Importing fruits and veggies onto the Island. Really neat way of life.

November
Class class class class class...trying to catch up from all that I have missed. I spent a weekend in Chicago with Judson, Ben and Toni...we visited Wheaton College to meet up with our friend Katie Stemp. I returned to Kosovo for another transport. Also spent Thanksgiving in Rochester, Minnesota with my family. It was so nice being with everyone- even only for a short time. Also was able to take a tour of the Mayo Clinic and learn a little more about the history of the great medical center. The Mayo brothers Charles & William really were fascinating, passionate men. They had a vision and pursued it.
ALSO one of my dearest nearest friends from childhood was married to her college sweetheart of 5 years! It was a beautiful wedding and I was honored to stand up for her. The commitment of marriage is really becoming increasingly attractive to me. What a testimony.

Our driver while in Kosovo. Such a nice guy - who loves the Lord.

Thanksgiving Hike with brother Judson and cousin Luke

Family photo op at Assisi Heights

December
As I arrive on the last month I can only think of one word to sum it all up.
Thankful. I have completed my classes- I am contemplating my next step...and reflecting over all the opportunities that have already come this way.

Always learning- whether it is through a joyous laugh - or the silent times of loneliness- He has shown me his faithfulness through every step of 2008... and I am beginning to understand that his timing is nothing I will ever comprehend. I am thankful to serve a God of sweet surprises and ever flowing mercy & grace.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope!
Romans 15:13