the end of one "if"

I have been meaning to post for a few days about the recent "match" we had on Thursday. I think it has been difficult to find words.
So for those of you who don't know at the end of medical school they have a day that is set aside for students to find out where they have "matched" for residency. Towards the end of 3rd year students fill out applications and have have their resumes (personal statement, test scores, activities, etc...) sent to their favorite programs. Then those programs invite potential residents to come and interview. Once the interview process has been completed students and programs rank their choices in numerical order. Then on one day the students receive news of the program where they will go. Sometimes students get their first choice and sometimes their last. It depends on the program, how many applied, and if they even like you.
David ranked DMC's internal medicine and pediatric medicine program 1st and the same program in Phoenix 2nd, 3rd was a family residency program in Denver. David matched in Detroit. So there's the background to this post.

Coming to Detroit has been a process. You can read many of the posts I have had about this process by clicking each of "here" tabs. They are in chronological order, starting at the BOTTOM.
here
here
here
here
here
here
here

All of our discussions on future plans up until this point have been full of "ifs"- If we go back to Arizona we will.... If we stay in Detroit we will.... If you match here or there we can do....
We haven't been able to make any future decisions because we just didn't know where we would be. Thursday brought one of our greatest ifs to an end.
Even though I am happy that David got his first choice- and it was something we picked together- I feel sort of overwhelmed. Firstly, I can't believe we chose Detroit first. I can't believe God brought us here and broke our hearts for this city and we are actually staying. For years my desire has been to return to Arizona. And if i wasn't a Christian I am sure we would have looked into other cities... meaning we wouldn't feel the conviction to live among the poor probably. The weight of our decision is starting to set in. I will say that I am soooo thankful our parents are supportive now. It took them awhile, but by the time match day came around we had support from all. Now that we have matched, we can start renovating the house where we will live. I feel overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be done- it needs everything. We are hiring a contractor, and David tells me not to worry- but sometimes I do anyway. I am reminded of a popularly used proverb that reminds me to trust in the Lord and not lean on my own understanding as I do life. It's a good thing that God reminds me through His word and with His people that I need not worry- and that God's agenda is so far from what the world values because I frequently forget. I have no idea how He got us here and how He managed to get us to choose to stay- but He did. And even though I am a little overwhelmed today, I am definitely excited to see what He has in store for us tomorrow. It has been a good journey walking with the Lord and I think as we grow closer to Him it will only get better. So join us in CELEBRATING the journey ahead. Get ready to see lots of posts on life in the "D"- from the process of renovating an abandoned house to the first fruits of our community garden- to getting more acquainted with people in the community- it's gonna be a lot of fun!


Proverbs 3
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.[b]

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.

32 For the LORD detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.

And here's a picture I took right after writing all that. :)