The Big Move

Many of you have been asking when we move to NYC.  Well, we don't really know.  Matt begins his fellowship on August first,  and sometime between now and then we will be assigned our housing.  Hopefully we can move in before he starts, but that is not always the case.  I am still jobless and Manhattan is a difficult market to break in to.  Perhaps I will need to look after the move.  

The bigger task will be moving out of our current home.  This may need to be done before I finish residency and while studying for boards!  I am anticipating being stressed and homeless.  What would I do without faith?

 

Back in the Game

So, I ran today.  One measley mile and reactive airway something occurred.  I have not truly exercised since Jackson was born 4 years ago.  I have big goals for health and weight loss and Matt convinced me to exercise.  He bought me new running shoes, now I need to use them.  Slowly, but surely we will run on.

Super Obsession

Jackson has latched on to different "obsessions" during his short life.  It began with snowmen around age 2, then progressed to Mack, the semi-truck from the Cars movie.  We had a brief period where we watched The Incredibles daily and have since moved on to everything Superman!  Clothes, costume, backpack, toys, birthday party, movies - it goes on and on!  Now he spends hours a day drawing Superman while humming the theme song.  He wants a new puppy to name it Superman.  If you ask him his name, it's Superman and Margo is Lois Lane. We can only wonder what is next.

Where Dreams Come True...

We had the opportunity to spend a week with Mickey and friends at Walt Disney World in late March.  Marka had a conference at the contemporary resort and in our spare time we enjoyed every aspect of Disney.  So much, in fact, that we are now members of Disney's Vacation Club.  Jackson was so excited to become a tiger at Animal Kingdom.  We never thought he could sit that still for so long!
Margo took everything in. It was such a joy to watch her every expression - mostly smiles!  She wore her Minnie Mouse ears with pride.
Jackson really enjoyed meeting all the characters he reads about and watches on television/movies.  The new playhouse Disney show was a real hit.  Jackson's favorite is now Donald Duck.  We think it is because he is so silly and J.J. relates very well to that!

Mexico Moments

This is our awesome Mexico team.  We had a wonderful time working for the women and community surrounding Clinica Bethesda.  
We did have a slight problem with power outages - and yes it did occur during surgery. Fortunately, Matt made me pack the headlamp.  The power was only off for a few minutes, and we did not continue the surgery until the power returned.   This is one of my favorite pictures!
We did take some time to see the sights and to climb Mayan ruins before beginning our work week.  

This is a great view of the OR as we prepare for surgery.
I will always remember the team, our "time-outs", our laughter...

Yucatan Medicine

On leap day, Marka left for a week long medical mission trip to Mexico.  The mission was organized thru Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids.  We were able to perform over 20 surgeries during our time in Xocempich, but the richest blessing for me was being able to reconnect with my faith.  It was so wonderful to realize my time in medical training and residency does have meaning on a grander scale.  Also, my heart was finally softened and opened to once again love the Lord openly.  

First Post

This is our first post.  We have more recent pictures, but this is one of my favorites.  Jackson was soooooo excited to see his new, baby sister.