Hard to believe

The seven of us on St. Patrick's day during our first year of grad school! We were already inseparable.

Today marks 4 weeks until the end of the semester. While we are beyond ourselves with excitement, we're also beginning to wonder what it will be like to move on from this "black hole" we've been stuck in for so long. These 6 people have become my closest friends. They've been with me through literally everything; they are my biggest support system, and the only people who truly know what my last 3 years has been like. And believe me, it's been hard. I can't wait to move on and see what life holds. Still, it's hard to believe our 3 years is over. Going forward with 4 of these people missing is going to be strange. Luckily, 3 of us are staying in Dalls, and the 7 of us will be required to have monthly chats during our externship. Darn! ;-)

Hike Update

Hey guys!

If you haven't had a chance to donate to my hike (or if you're feeling rich and want to give again) today is a great day to do it! I have raised almost $5000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. What a cool accomplishment! For any donations I recieve today, Friday, March 28th, I will be entered in a drawing to win a sweet prize. Any amount works, so even $5 gets me a ticket!

Training is going great. I love getting to hike every Saturday, and our team is really fun. See if you can spot me in the picture we took at Lake Grapevine a few weeks ago. (I love the sky in this picture.) The weather has been great, too. Much better than during July & August last year! Check out my website to see the progress and to make a donation!!

http://www.active.com/donate/hfdntx/hfdLButler2

Tough times

Aunt Peggy
Mama Dara

The last few weeks have been super hard for me. Two of my 2nd moms have gone to be with Jesus. While I celebrate their victories and cherish their lives, these 2 tiny people have left a big hole in my heart. It is hard to believe this has really happened.

I've also found out that my favorite teacher (Dr. Northrup) has lung cancer. You can read about her at www.caringbridge.org/visit/brisynorthrup. She has taken me to Panama twice and these have been amazing trips!

On a happier note, I have 31 days until I finish classes. Then I will start my externship May 12th, at Callier. I've also had some exciting adventures over the past few weeks, which I will post when I have all the pictures uploaded.

Until then...

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.