The Beginning

Before I started this JVC journey, I told everyone, "yes of course I will blog". I thought it would be easy to recount the events of my days and the feelings that have come to accompany them and then share them with anyone who asked. As I was walking to work this morning and thinking about starting this, I realized how difficult this task has proven to be.

There are a few things that will happen if I go through with this idea. 1. I will have to stop being lazy and actually write and express the mess inside my head. 2. I will have to keep people entertained by my banter (which many can attest to is usually long-winded and disorganized. Lastly, I will have to name and then express the myriad of emotions that permeate my days as a JV in Milwaukee. Of course I feel joy and excitement in exploring a new city and seven beautiful roommates. But, I also feel terribly sad, lonely, overwhelmed, and sometimes even scared. I could make this blog a regular account of what I do and who I see. But, that wouldn't do this experience justice. I have learned more in my first week as a JV than I could fit in four blog posts. I have felt more in my first week as a JV than I can fit in a million blog posts. So as I sit down at the beginning of this adventure, I will do my best to sift through all the muck and produce something worth reading. An adequate answer to the constant question, "Hey Abbey, how's Milwaukee?"

Right now, my mind focuses itself on work (maybe because I'm sitting at my desk), but that seems like as good a place as any to begin. I serve as an RN in a free clinic in the basement of a church about two miles from our house. My patients are all uninsured, and we serve as their medical home. This means, we dispense medications, provide monthly check-ups, and referrals to specialists. Those are the details, but they really don't do the place justice. I am surrounded by providers and volunteers who value the dignity of life, and let their faith guide everything they do. My patients are full of stories and experiences that keep me laughing, but also constantly aware of the fragility of life, family, and health. I am so happy to have this job and be a member of this complex community.

I am constantly challenged in my ideas of health and what it means to care for another person. I had an experience with a patient yesterday that I was unsure of how to take care of and I asked my supervisor what our policy was surrounding the situation. He told me, "Abbey, here is our policy, but really in this place you are going to learn to heal with your heart rather than with your head." This is my constant challenge this year. This is how I will spend most of my days. It is a simple concept that in all reality will take me beyond this year to understand in the context of my chosen career path.

So friends and family, for all those who have asked. "how are you?" or "what are you up to". Here's the best answer I can come up with: I'm here in Milwaukee, learning to heal with my heart.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers on this journey. I hold you all with me everyday.