Bryan's Med School Graduation

Today marks the end of Bryan's journey through Medical School, and I'm honored to have been a part of his quest to become a physician. I am so proud of Bryan's perseverance in applying for Medical School year after year and his unwavering desire to serve others by practicing medicine. Bryan is a man who loves God, loves his family, and has a desire to show God's love to others. I'm proud of him for choosing medicine for all of the right reasons.

The past four years have not been easy! We've moved from Houston to College Station to Temple, I've made sacrifices in my career and we often found ourselves apart nearly half of the time so I could work in Houston. We endured years of trials and tribulations trying to start a family. Thankfully God gave us the courage to travel to the other side of the world and bring a beautiful baby boy into our hearts. We are not the same people we were four years ago as so much has changed for the better. God has enriched our lives and shown us his faithfulness in countless ways since July 25, 2005 when Bryan first received his white coat and this journey began.

It still doesn't seem real that Bryan is finally done with school and that we actually made it through! There are times when I still wonder if this high school boyfriend of mine is really a doctor now??? I'm blessed to have walked this road with him and to see God shape his heart, steady his focus and lead him into a career where he will surely be used as a vessel of God's love and compassion. Bryan, I am so proud of you and happy we could celebrate your incredible accomplisment today!

At Bryan's graduation luncheon with family

What Caleb did while Daddy graduated

Bryan is hooded at the graduation ceremony

Bryan receives his diploma

Family photo after the ceremony

Caleb tries on Daddy's silly hat

Bryan with his parents

With the Pickett side of the family

With my parents

With Bryan's godparents. Uncle Dwight is an amazing photographer and captured many of the great shots you see on our blog today!! I am very thankful for his zoom lens as it was the only camera that got good shots of Bryan being hooded! Thank you Dwight!

Thank you to all of our family & friends how have offered their prayers, support and encouragement over the past four years. Bryan and I are both so thankful and blessed beyond measure.

Farewell Party at Bible Study

Last Monday our Christian Medical Association had a 'farewell party' for all of the fourth year med students. This group meets every Monday evening in the home of a resident or staff physician for fellowship, a meal, praise & worship and Bible Study. We have been so blessed by this group of people over the past two years. They have been such a great source of encouragement throughout medical school as it is a group full of people who are sharing the same challenges as us or who have been through them and lived to talk about it!

We have also been incredibly blessed by this group's willingness to pray for us and offer support throughout our adoption journey. From the first time we shared about our plans to adopt, they have shown an enthusiasm and support that has been so uplifting. They have prayed for Caleb by name ever since we knew of him and now welcome him to come to Bible Study every week with us. We have really enjoyed being able to come and spend time with friends, have a great meal, and stay for praise and worship (which Caleb loves!). We usually have to head home during Bible Study since Caleb isn't quiet enough to stay and listen.

During last week's gathering, we just had food & fellowship. Everyone wrote notes of encouragement to the fourth year students who are preparing to move on to residency. Nathan Henson, one of our regular hosts (along with his wife Kristen) offered words of encouragement to all the fourth years and then everyone prayed over them. It was a really special evening that reminded us of how blessed we have been during medical school and how blessed we are to stay here in a community with so much Godly friendship & support!

Our Bible Study group

Just the fourth years + their families

Nathan shares a few words of encouragement

Time of prayer over the fourth year students

In case you are wondering why I have pictures of prayer time... it's because I was off hiding in the other room with baby Caleb who was being rather vocal at the time. :)