When I was 17, I took a trip to Haiti, and it changed my life.
During my month-long visit, I had the privilege of doing nursing visits with a local Nurse Practitioner, Jon. In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine people walking all night just for the chance to receive medical care, seeing a pregnant woman’s radiant smile the first time she hears her child’s heartbeat, or setting up triage between two shade trees in the middle of nowhere. But that was Haiti for me. My eyes were opened to rural healthcare, vulnerable populations, and privilege my birthplace afforded me. These people were desperate for care! I returned home with a single goal: to pursue a degree in Nursing. Five years later, I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing and earned the esteemed title of Registered Nurse.
Over the years, this degree has served me well. I’ve worked in Step-Down ICU, NICU, pediatrics, case management, women’s health, and community health. I’ve worked days, nights, part-time, full-time, PRN—it was a perfect profession for a mother! Not only did I care for people in my community, but I was also able to care for my own family more competently. And, of course, I became the triage point for friends and family.
I have loved being a nurse with every fiber of my being, yet often I remember the humble source of inspiration that first sparked my dream. When we joined Youth With a Mission, I admit my heart raced a little, imagining where I might go and what I might do as both a missionary and nurse. I started locally, volunteering weekly in women’s health, staffing and studying through a Foundations in Maternal Health course, volunteering to teach childbirth education, and completing an obstetrics ultrasound course. A huge part of me longed to be out on the YWAM Ship missions, where I could care for vulnerable populations, yet I felt called to stay the course and continue working in my community.
I began asking, “What is the greatest need?” to both local and mission staff serving in healthcare. The answer was often the same: “We need more providers.” This struck me deeply, and my heart raced again.
“Am I too old?”
“Is this the right time?”
“How can we afford it?”
I had plenty of reasons not to move forward, yet there was a small voice inside saying, “Just try, you can do this.” So, in the spring, despite the busyness of Kadence being worked up for a bone tumor and Titus preparing to graduate high school, I began chipping away at an application for grad school. I was in shock when I received confirmation of my acceptance to Frontier Nursing University for Fall 2024.
“Am I too old?”
“Is this the right time?”
“How can we afford it?”
I still have a lot of reasons for doubt, but the small voice persists, telling me, “You can do this.”
If I’m honest, I’m terrified.
I’m scared of starting something and failing, or starting something that could create financial strain for my family. Yet each time I bring this before the Lord, I feel His peace and hope for the future. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I know who holds my future. At this time, I am set to take out student loans for my tuition of $36,000. Even in this, I am trusting God. If He wills, He can provide through additional income for our home or supporters for our mission work. I believe that this journey will allow me to bring love and hope to communities both locally and abroad through healthcare.
I would deeply appreciate your prayers and encouragement! If the Lord places it on your heart to support my Family Nurse Practitioner program, please reach out, or you can give online through our missions account with YWAM. Hugs and love to all of you, Emily
