And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
We are thankful and relieved to finally know where we will be and what Mark will be doing when he grows up! The last 14 months have been full of unexpected events and a time of waiting. For 2 years, Mark planned for a career in ophthalmology. Then, he didn't get a residency position. Plan B was to reapply for a 5-year general surgery program, and perhaps repeat this intern year. In the last 6 weeks, God opened doors that we didn't even realize where there! We found out about limited advanced placement ("CA-1") positions in anesthesiology programs with the application process outside of the regular match system. Mark applied to UT Southwestern, UT San Antonio, and UTMB 10 days ago. He was immediately offered an interview in San Antonio for Tuesday. After the interview, they offered him the last of only 2 CA-1 spots! Mark called me, and we both felt like we shouldn't wait to hear from the other programs. He liked the program, his good friend from medical school is in the program, San Antonio is a fine place to live, and most importantly- we were ready to be done with waiting! So, Mark took the position, signed the agreement, and drove home to Dallas! Asher and I greeted Daddy wearing boots, cowboy hats, and a stick pony (thanks to the birthday theme!). We had Texas chili and twice baked potatoes on the table. We will miss Dallas but are excited to live in the Hill Country!
Mark will finish his surgery internship in Dallas in June, then he'll begin a 3-year residency in anesthesiology at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio on July 1st!
Mark never even considered anesthesiology in medical school. I think he will love it and make a wonderful anesthesiologist! He is especially excited that he gets to wear pajamas to work every day.
This last year has been tough, and I did question how these events would work together for our good. I had a different idea of what was good for us. I will make a list of the blessings:
- Asher- a perfect gift and a complete joy
- A home with our parents in College Station when we lost ours
- Time with our parents, especially for Asher, and an abundance of love, support, help, and encouragement
- An extra easy and fun 4th year of medical school
- A great surgery internship in Dallas
- A fabulous apartment in a fabulous part of Dallas
- Friends and family in Dallas to spend time with
- Knowing and raising my little boy- something that I could have given up
- An opportunity to trust our living God and see Him direct our paths
- A reminder to continue to believe Romans 8:28
