Smokey Hills Retreat

Recently, we were given the opportunity to perform at a Valentine's Getaway at the Smokey Hills Christian Retreat Center. While there, we were treated to a delicious dinner, wonderful Christian fellowship, and the chance to share our music with everyone who came. It was a beautiful evening, and we felt truly blessed to be a part of it. Here's how the night played out:

As the dinner began, we were seated at this lovely table, where we were served salads, homemade rolls, prime rib, and tasty vegetables.

And then came dessert, complete with chocolate cheesecake, chocolate mousse, a chocolate fountain, and just about every other chocolate dessert imaginable. It was delicious, to say the least!

When the event was over, we returned to the adorable cabin that the retreat center's caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Valentin, so graciously offered to provide us for the night. It was decorated country-style, with an equestrian theme. (Pictured above are some of the cozy bunkbeds in our cabin.)



We spent the rest of the evening talking, laughing, and watching a great movie on our cabin's plasma screen TV! (Yeah, it's a tough life, but somebody's gotta live it ;-) ) All joking aside, though, I (Amy) truly cherished our time at this delightfully rustic retreat, and encourage all of you to check it out sometime.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

This year, I (Eliza) had a special suprise for Valentine's Day. The twin seven-year-old boys that I babysit came running to my door with a beautiful bouquet of flowers! So sweet!!! I was thrilled. Now I have a little reminder of the spring to come in my bedroom, thanks to the little "gentlemen".

Nursing!

Certified Nursing Assistant

I am finally a CNA! Last semester I started my nursing career by taking a Certified Nursing Assistant course at Northwest Technical College. I had so much fun (most of the time!) working with the other classmates learning our skills. We learned how to transfer, wash, feed, dress, and take vital signs of our residents. At the end of the course we were able to have two 8-hour shifts at a nursing home in town. I was very nervous about working with real patients instead of plastic ones! The first day we were assigned partners and each group was given a resident for the day. The next time, we were on our own with our own residents. I found that it was so rewarding to work with these people and to be able to talk with them.By the end of each day, I was exhausted! In January, I took the state exam to become certified. Half of the exam was a written portion and the other half was 4 random skills that you would perform on a partner. I passed both parts! Thank you to those of you who prayed for me during my testing, I felt your prayers. God helped me remember the important parts that I needed to know.

My certificates

This semester I am continuing on at Northwest Technical College and I have started my Practical Nursing courses to become a LPN. These classes are very challenging but also very rewarding. Please pray for me as I continue these next few years in the nursing program.