What's the hardest part about being in graduate school?

Being in graduate school. 

Yes, the course work is challenging. Yes, it's hard a difficult schedule at times. Yes, it's a lot of money.

What bothers me about opt school though, is what it is not. 

It is not Calvin.
It is not Grand Rapids.
It is not West Michigan.
It is not what I know, and I hated that. (past tense)

Growing up in a Christian bubble made me restless a lot. I mean, I really appreciated the Christian school and church I went to, but I loved leaving. Nothing excited me more than taking a vacation, mission trip, going to camp, or away for the weekend.

It wasn't until college that I started to truly appreciate Grand Rapids and my community.

At Calvin I was taught to care about others. I was also taught that "others" doesn't only apply to my roommate, family member, or even enemy. It actually applies to my fellow human beings all over the world. It applies to people I don't even know, and people I will never meet.

Calvin taught me global perspective.  Not only was I challenged academically, but I learned about culture, I learned about sustainable living, recycling and why I should care about the earth.
I was stretched out of my comfort zone as I traveled to Mexico for interim where I learned how to respect and live in another culture. Better yet, I learned why it's so important to assimilate to a foreign culture instead of purport my own ideals and perspective on theirs. I was mentored, influenced and loved by my professors who really knew me, my life and my passions. I participated in service learning, and volunteering with Calvin alumi in Grand Rapids. I went to chapel every week and was involved in Bible studies on campus. I was connected to people who encouraged me in my walk with Christ. I made friends that were also passionate about healthcare, spanish, missions, global health and sustainability. And... it was awesome.

Then I left. 

I made the decision to move to Indiana and attend optometry school last winter. Honestly, I was kind of ready for a change after being in Grand Rapids for my whole life. I was all ready to go to a new place, make new friends and start living.

It wasn't until I got here and started doing life when I realized things might be harder than I thought. It was honestly kind of a culture shock to me. I was used to everyone caring about 'going green' and being excited about global healthcare and ........ the list goes on. I was used to talking about international development, community events, the city, volunteering, free clinics, and missions all the time. It was pretty difficult and rather lonely. And actually, sometimes it still is.

Here's the thing. I do miss Calvin and being around people of like mind. I miss it A LOT actually. I'm beyond thankful for college, because it shaped me in huge ways. It made me into the person that I am today. But, I wasn't meant to stay in that safe little bubble community forever. Through all of my life experiences in Grand Rapids I was shaped to care about certain things. Now, as I go off into the world as an adult I'm equipped to handle, talk about and delve into global issues. I can tell people why I care what I care about, and hopefully inspire them the way I've been inspired. On the flip side, I can learn how other people do life and continue learning more about the world through them.  I've already made some great friends here and know that God will continue to bless me as I continue life here.

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given is this:

"Don't be a HUMMER in Grand Rapids."

Here's a little context:

The McCropders are a group of doctors that are Calvin graduates. They are currently in France learning French and will be starting a new teaching hospital in Burundi, Africa this coming fall. They've returned to Calvin many times to speak about their experiences in med school and beyond. Last year they came to talk about where God was leading all of their families collectively. Jason Fader, a general surgeon, spoke about the call to missions. He said that if God has placed the desire in your heart for mission work, then just do it. Plan to go, and see where God takes you. He told us not to waste that desire and ability as future healthcare professionals.
He compared a doctor created for international mission work that settles for a comfortable, high paying position to a Hummer in Grand Rapids. The Hummer operates perfectly. It can navigate the highways and backroads of the city with relative ease. Of course it's impressive and functions perfectly, but that's not what it's made for.
Hummers are made to go where most other vehicles can't go. It was made to take long grueling treks in the most extreme conditions with little relief from the elements. So yes, it runs well in a city, but that's not where it shines. In the same way, a doctor called to mission who ignores it is like a Hummer stuck in the city. He or she is made for so much more!

I'm proud to say that I know a lot of "Hummers." I have friends who have been all over the world. Currently I have one former roommate in Spain, another in Honduras and one who just returned from a 5 week medical mission trip in Africa. The other is slaving away in med school with a huge heart for missions. Other friends and former roomies are working in the states with intentions to participate in short term mission work throughout their lives. Others have found their mission in the United States through different careers and goals. I love it, all of it. I'm blessed to be surrounded by so many movers and shakers in a variety of different fields.

I'm definitely a Hummer in the missions analogy. I hope that doesn't sound arrogant, because that is not my intent nor is it representative of who I am. I just know what I'm made for. I love different countries, the world, healthcare, inner city clinics, God, community, the church and mission work. I love teaching people what I know about various cultures and have the desire to work in underserved, poverty filled areas. I didn't choose to love those things, I just do!

So I think the move to Indiana might be part of the whole process for me. Before, I traveled to foreign countries knowing I'd be coming home. Now I live in a different state. Maybe the next step is another country.

Either way, I know that God is taking me. Where? Who knows! With what career or talent? Who knows! When? No idea.

Does any of that matter? Nope.

So friends, I don't know what field you're called to or what impassions you. But I encourage you to be a Hummer.  Do stuff! Be agents of change and renewal! Help people! Love each other and the community you live in! Use all your gifts and talents to maximum potential and you will not be disappointed or unhappy with your life.

Isaiah 43: 2-3 The Message

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior." 

I can't beat that ending, so I won't even try.


Rach