Spring Break! Back in the Bay

Oh hello. I almost didn't see you there. I was too busy getting my fill of vitamin D.

One of many things I can't get in Iowa

Hot dogs or legs?

Great Highway strolling

I met up with my friend D today. As he exclaimed, "Welcome home!" with a big hug, he also said, "Everything you put on Facebook is about how much you hate Iowa and how much you love California!"

That took me by surprise, because my intention was never to hate on Iowa. At the core, I desperately want to love and make Iowa my home because I'm rooted there for the next 3 (!!) years. Even my #iowadiscoveries tags are in jest, and my classmates tell me that they find it endearing and hilarious. I mostly post them to remind myself of my growing pains and subsequent small gains.

Like it or not, I want to use this opportunity to learn as much as I can while adventuring in unknown lands and cultures (yes, the Midwest has its own culture). In a time where many of my friends are deciding on next steps for graduate and professional schools, all I can say is, "There are no wrong choices. Just go." I should also add, "And then tell me stories about what you've learned."

As much as I complain about med school (and extoll the virtues of the Bay Area), I know that God has something in store for me that can only be received by being fully present in Iowa. As much as I despair over what I think are big things--there are no Chinese people here. I had to get an Iowa license, and now I'm stuck in Iowa forever. Med school is exactly like high school. I don't have close girlfriends here--I know that it will all work together for my good. California will always hold my heart, but I'm learning how to fly away for now. And it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.