Dear Craig

As I write on my blog, I know you're thinking - "why isn't my wife studying?"

I can't believe I have you. I can't believe you're all mine. I'm amazed that God gave me a husband that is so giving, so patient, so understanding...the list goes on and on.

When I look at you, I'm so happy to see my past, present and future all wrapped into one. I can't believe I have loved you over 12 years and God continually reveals a new reason to love you everyday.

I'm amazed someone in this world sees me - faults and all - as beautiful, worthy of unconditional love, and as their equal as we walk side by side through all our trials and times of joy.

You have become a man of God that I always prayed for. God used this time apart to mold you into a Christian who is still so new in their walk but yet still has insight to how we should live. When you were baptized 3 years ago - I was fearful the transition from being a non-believer to a believer would be difficult for you. Yet again - God humbled me by His power. He continues to transform you and mold you - and you welcome each change with open arms. I know your walk is still fresh and new so you are still learning how to search the Bible for answers, how to talk about the Word without holding back, and how to show the world the light I see in you. I know you are trying and God does to - and that's all He wants from you ....for now. Because, I know He has big plans for you and I am just honored to be by your side as I watch Him work His magic in your life.

I'll be home soon- or at least back in the U.S. This time apart has been the best and worst time for me. I have cried over and over for you, for our marriage, for our future. I have questioned my purpose, my happiness, myself. The journey is not over, although I'll be home. The journey is just starting as I start a new phase. But, one thing is certain, I know I can rely on my God to pull us through. I've learned to cry tears of joy and rejoice in what I do have - a loving husband, my family, my friends, my faith. I have learned to do this because of your unwavering strength for our marriage, in your faith, and your constant, solid love for me.

Saying I love you just doesn't do my feelings for you justice. Thank you for loving me. I can't wait to come home....to come home to you.
- C

10 more days.....

I don't know where the days have gone but I only have 10 more days til I am done with my first two years of medical school, my 16 month time in Dominica, my time away from Chick-Fil-A, grocery stores and airconditioned restaurants....wow - how the time has flown.

I plan on posting pics soon its just easier to write then to upload pics.

In the home stretch....

Quickly - I have my first of 7 exams today (Monday, April 7) at 1:30 PM. I need your prayers now more than EVER. Please pray for:
1. Endurance that I can study hard and put in my part of the work because I know God will be putting in His 200% as always.

2. Joyful heart when things get stressful - I don't want to complain and be negative since there is so much I have to be thankful for

3. Peace and to calm my nerves

4. Grade wise - at least 80's on all my exams but SPECIFICALLY - at least an 80 in Pharmacology on my final

5. Health and sleep - I don't take care of myself during stressful times when I study so please p pray that I stay healthy and get at least 5 hours of sleep a night!

I have lots to post in my countdown so stay tuned.....

THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!! If you can write a comment - please do so that I know you're praying for me (I know many of you will - it just makes me feel good to read your comments)

So I've been slacking.....

Yeah - well med school right now is NOT my favorite place. I have an intense two weeks ahead of me so I've been studying, I know, I'm actually studying!! But, I have a bad grade in pharmacology so I need to study in order to pass this semester or you will see Czarina's Journey to Dr. Hounsel become Czarina's Journey to Mommy Hounsel....which wouldn't be so bad :-)

But - in order to appease my fans...all 2 of you...let the countdown continue!!

Reason #23 - I'm thankful for the fact that I eat MEAT. Why? Because in Dominica the COWS run rampant. I had a cow - either giving birth or auditioning for American Idol - right next to my window ALL night. I'll post my cow pics as soon I can.

Reason #22 - I am thankful for Cool Whip.
Cool Whip has become a staple in my diet. Dominica does not have grocery stores. The "grocery" stores are the size of a large living room (if that) and they often carry expired cans of Spam and rice with weebles crawling in them. But, the store next to my apartment has Cool Whip and I AM EXCITED!! I freeze it and eat it as icecream. Put it in my coffee in the morning. Eat a couple of teaspoons (FINE - tablespoons) for dessert....its awesome.

Reason #21 - My cleaning ladies.
A great thing about living here is that almost all apartments have cleaning ladies. I don't do any laundry or clean my apartment. Well - I keep it tidy - but my apartment has ladies who clean it twice a week. Mop, scrub toilets, do dishes...and they do my laundry once a week (granted I pay $10 a week to get it done - but its great since time is something I lack here). Not only that - but they pray for me. They know when I have exams and they are always so encouraging and always know when my next exam is.

Reason #20 - San Juan, Puerto Rico
I often forget that I go to school in the Caribbean so when Craig and I take weekend trips to San Juan, I take for granted that we get to hang out by the ocean and sip cocktails in hammocks. We went to San Juan 3 times the total time I've been here. I've been blessed to have him visit me in Dominica 3 times and that I've gone home 3 times in the middle of the semester. I have some great pics from our time in San Juan so I'll post those soon.

Reason #19- Generators
I am blessed that I found an apartment that has a generator. Here, the electricity turns off at random times. So - if you don't have a generator - you sit in the dark and wait until the electricity turns on - or head somewhere (like campus) - that has a generator. I have battery operated fans, lamps, etc. Can you imagine if I had no electricity and I was trying to study (aka - watch the Gilmore Girls on DVD)!!!!!!! The horrors......

Pics will come as soon as I upload the latest ones I have....

Reason #24......

...JAMIE!!!
Jamie and I before her baptism

I am so thankful God gave me a friend like Jamie on the island. Not only is she crazy like me, she loves food as much as I do, loves to be lazy like me, loves to talk about how fat we both are and is a great friend all-round.



On the dock after our final 3rd semester - notice the bags under my eyes!

Most importantly - Jamie loves the Lord and has found a better version of herself while she's been on the island. We've shared similar journey's while on Dominica. We both found a desperation for Christ unlike any other time in our lives. She has sought His voice and drawn closer to God on her Christian walk while in Dominica.


At her birthday dinner

I love that she struggled with her purpose God has for her in the short time I've known her. Why? Because I've seen how she turned TO Him for answers, looked for strength through scripture, and stepped outside her comfort zone to profess her faith and be a testimony for others around her.

She was raised in a Christian home but truly experienced God's grace while at Ross. She was baptised today by the pastor at RCF. I am so proud of her decision to get baptised. I know that this is just the beginning of her journey and feel so blessed to be a part of her life. (there's a video below of her testimony!)

We're going to have an awesome time in Miami (that is if we don't kill each other - we're living together and do ALL our rotations together!!) and I know she is a friend I will have for life and a Sister in Christ I'll have for eternity!


I LOVE YOU, JAMIE!!!!

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!!!

I have officially 25 days - as of today - until my last day on the island...God willing I pass all my exams (I have 7 tests left - YES - 7!!!)

I've decided to post something everyday as a countdown. It'll be my top 25 reasons I enjoyed my time on the island, a good memory I have, something that kept me motivated during my time here, etc. For those closest to me, you hear lots of moaning, complaining, tears, etc. about living on the island. So now - I hope you'll enjoy seeing the wonderful things God has provided for me and graciously given me. I am so unworthy of His love and grace but I am so thankful He loves me as much as He does.

#25 - Ross Christian Fellowhip - RCF (for short) is my church here at school. I wasn't sure if I would find a church here or be around any believers while I was at school. Medicine is about science but I KNOW the ultimate Healer is our Lord and Savior.
RCF surrounds me with fellow Christians that experience the same struggles as me. Some are more blessed than others with amazing intellect and smarts (I unfortunately lack lots of the smarts part!!) but we are all facing the same challenges. We look to Christ everyday - every moment- for our strength.

I am thankful for the group of people within RCF that have kept my spirits up and have brought me out of the depths of depression and hopelessness I've felt here in Dominica. This can be a lonely place. Loneliness + anxiety = disaster!!! Luckily (or should it be faithfully), I found RCF and through it - I found my way closer to God.

Sorry ya'll!!!!

The view on my walks :-)

Ok - so - this med school thing is totally getting in the way of my blogging. Not a lot has happened since I last blogged but I'll be happy to ramble....

I had another test least Monday. I did pretty well except for Pharmacology. I'm not the best at drugs and don't enjoy learning about them. But, to my future patients, have no fear, I did ok just not as well as I did in my other classes.

I officially have 30 days until I am done in Dominica. God willing I pass the semester - I'll be in U. S. and A. in about a MONTH!!

Wholly guacomole...I am super duper excited! I can't wait to be back in America and only be a 2 hour flight away from home versus a 2 day trip to Dallas.

Jamie and I are excited to be living in Miami in the nicest condo EVER! We decided this is probably the nicest place we'll ever live in. Visit the main site at http://theloftdowntown.com/

If you want to visit - I will be in Miami til August 12th! Since Jamie and I will be so busy studying - we'd be happy to have visitors to cook for us :-)

We have a furnished place complete with stainless steel appliances....woo hoo!!!!

Craig and I are incredibly blessed to have had another visit this past weekend. I was actually home in Dallas for the weekend. It was just a short visit but I was able to see Craig and my nieces and nephews. I missed my 4th semester banquet here in Dominica but Craig made up for it by taking me out to a super nice dinner, getting my hair did and shopping for dresses and shoes!! How wonderful is my hubby!

Craig and I before dinner. Me and Maddie Sofia and Maddie