Coming full circle....God has such a sense of humor!

Wow!! what an emotional and spiritual journey this has been!. Years of pruning and purifying, tears and fears are all being molded into an incredible vessel. The potter illustration is my favorite, I always saw my story as the pot that was cracked and worped and used to repair other vessels but not really a complete vessel made for an independent purpose.

{{{Amazing Love should play about now.. and Mercy Came running too..}}

Man was I wrong! and God is faithful to answer us and heal us when we ask Him. Until then He just places things in our lives to get our attention and to comfort us and draw us to Him. He is great about bring people into my life that have no idea about the questions, fears and wounds standing before them and they offer a verse or an encouragement that is simply Divine intervention, and without a doubt I know that God has Spoken!! I kind of feal like Israel sometimes...

Well, God is at work in my educational pursuits and my personal growth in major ways. I am more fear and anxiety than witt and knowledge sometimes and I am as cautious and inquizitive as a toddler who is just learning to walk. {Wobble, Wobble, step hard... goofy and entertaining to watch as they discover things}. Well, back in the early days before having Charles, my desire was to be a Nurse, and then reality of the cost of school and the difficulty of working fulltime and going to school, close friends illness and recovery and just fear of the unknown caused me to postpone my pursuit of nursing. I worked in the medical field as a billing clerk and coder and patient care rep in the urgent care centers to get me close to the action and allow me to do some of the work I wanted to do, but provided the safety net I also wanted. All the while I still had the desire for more, but did not know how to get it. Life is funny how things just happen, right??? NO!!! God has designed everything from the way your hair is in the morning to the crazy craving you have at 3:00 pm!. Every job I had, at some point the questions came-- "why aren't you nursing you are clearly supposed to be in the nursing profession".. HMMMM!

Well, time went on... Life continued.. Charles came... and I stopped progressing. The desire was still there but medical issues and family responsibilities kept me busy. Finally in 2000 Chris got his big shot at his career and we were moving to North Carolina! {{{{WHAT!!!!!----My life, my career is here????}}}}} well God has been patient and loving with me since then and slowly worked things for the good of our family. I started school, saw the path things were going well and then in true hollywood fashion---BAMM!!!! things unraveled fast!!! I was blacking out and dizzy as a ding bat.. terrible migraine for 3 days with no relief, that endup putting me in the hospital. Missed alot of school but made it up. Neurologist ran a bunch of tests in the hospital and found the reasons for my headaches that had plagued me for years. Things were looking up!. Then 6 months later I was withdrawing from the program to begin to Homeschool. {{{{WHat!! ME TEACH!!! you have got to be kidding!.. (oops! Sorry Lord I know you are omnipetient and know the plans you have, but do you remember what I am capable of???, oh you do.. Okay I will do this, but.....}}}}}} Well, Five years pass.. struggles with reading bring us the our knees several times, Humbleness is not an issue.. knowledge, wisdom and logistics (money and time) are, but God saw us through the pursuit of help and lead us to testing, diagnosis and PUBLIC SCHOOL!!! {{{UH.... Are you sure this is the best idea...and MIDDLE SCHOOL TO BOOT????}}}} I tested the idea to everyone that would listen, I protested, argued, threatened, begged, pleaded and finally submitted and God prevailed... this was the best year ever!!! Our struggling reader can read!!! He improved 2 grade levels, His writing skills are on grade level and he is a joy to be around!! Still does not have a prision record, no bad habits, and NO GIRL FRIEND :)!. {{AHH... okay God I am getting the hint..}}}

My schooling took several up and down around and around and many sleepless nights asking "Why am I doing this"???? "Is this really what I am called to do??" Doors flung open and information came rushing to me that I was close but on the wrong path. We straighten things out and Tomorrow is the first step on the new path, back in to the Medical Assisting program that I wanted so much back in 2002, what I was doing when God showed us we need to care for our son, we obeyed and now God is working things to bring me to the things I need to be equipped to do that which I was designed to do. {I SEE!!!, but know that I may not always SEE the point and the direction but that is why I have God on my Right hand, (the same hand I use to take pulses, draw blood and record information with). In order to get into the classes in the fall semester I need to take Anatomy and Physiology over again because it has been so long. The instructor I have this summer is the same instructor I had my first semester when I took the higher level A&P (nursing level) class in 2001, I struggled so much but passed with a D, (would have had to retake it to get credit for either nursing or Medical assisting, so I chose to take the lower level course and made a B in that class).

God's timing is perfect. The Medical Assisting field has undergone alot of changes, the program has more opportunities now and I am so excited to be back at the door that I was at 13 years ago, about to embark on my journey to becoming a Professional helper with credentials and opportunities to help those that need and want it. The experience I have from working in various medical offices, being a patient in just about every medical discipline, receiving dreaded and scarry diagnosis with little or no compassion or explanation and having to research and cope with the prognosis alone will be enhancements to my education and make me a better caregiver with enhanced knowledge and expanded resources that will make someone elses experience much better and I will have more time to show the love of Jesus, the Physician that I work under :).

Romans 8:28 "And We KNOW that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"

Jeremiah 29:11,12 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Grades are in….

Well the grades are in!!! All but one class's grade is in and I am very happy to report I made "Honor Roll".

****UPDATE!!!!! The final grade is in..... 91%!!! A (Whoa hoo!!! I feel every point of this one!!!) That makes straight A's across the board!!!! Well, the sememster was definitely a time of learning, much to my disliking, much of it was about myself and the "Truth" about my abilities and my poor view of myself. Unanimous conclusion of my classmates and instructors was that I stress and worry too much, and do not give myself enough credit (oh hush... yes many of my family members and friends said the same thing, but... Well, they just did not understand because they had "IT" going on and well I don't. So, I have my little project for Winter break. (haha, yes I am always working on something).

Minds are a terrible thing to waste, I choose to work mine into a cloud of smoke. Effort counts for something. What goes in effects what comes out. Our minds are facinating organs that also process other chemicals and data from other parts of the body and the outcome is speech, written communication and Behavior. You can really get to know someone by watching their behaviors and reading things they have written, looking at the books they have read, {especially if the read academically and highlight or note in the margins :) } Behavior and thought processing has always intriged me, and will be the bulk of what I deal with in counseling. Oh, finally confirmation that I am finally "walking a path that is going somewhere" (hopefully past a rainbow, (ha ha).

Abnormal Psychology- made the A without the final!!! With 12 points to spare.. J

Human Services Issues (Ethics)---- A

Working with Diversity -----A

Group Process ----------A

Intro to Human Services grade is not posted yet, but it is either an A (XX) or B. I did get a B+ on the final paper, much improved from the horrible midterm that received a graceful C.

All in all things went very well J. Testing and writing assignments are my struggles, but seems like we have found a winning formula!!! Thank you Stylewriter.com!!!! If only I found you sooner.

I wonder if Master will get me the I phone ????? as my reward J

Now I can focus on "lighter" and more fun things for the next 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Registration Time for Dot's Next Semester....

Well, it is that time... Registration time for next semester. Time of anxiety and worry, so few classes offered and such a schedule to keep to be able to graduate on time.

Oh, yea of little faith and of so much anxiousness.

Well, I had been told the first day of registration is a mad house and you had to get there early. Classes fill fast and when you do not have many classes that you need it can be very tricky getting a full load of classes in your curriculum. EEEEEE!!!!

okay, so I got myself situated. I arranged for Chris to take care of getting Charles to school. I trucked over to Franklin campus (Louisburg) got there about 7:45, it was too cold to have to stand outside. I arrived and there was a line of about 50 people, I was calm though. Hoping that most of these people were taking the other classes I do not need. Within about 20 minutes all the stressing and anxiety was over!!! click, click, click, enter.

Okay, here you go! I was like that's it??? The registering clerk was like, yep, when you come early it is pretty easy. Semester 1 down, semester 2 is in the system!!! 2 more and I will be done. XX

I got my classes!!! 4 On-line and 1 traditional, totaling 15 credit hours.

I will be taking:
Developmental Psychology, Interviewing Techn., Advocacy, Counceling, and Intro to Sociology.
The Interviewing Techn. is the traditional class, and the instructor is my Advisor and the same teacher I have 3 classes with this semester so I am all set, I know what he expects, I know when and how to reach him with issues (not that I "expect" to have any, just encase). I like to be prepared and know what the process is before I need to use it. :)

So I am feeling a little better about things, classes are winding down and only 1 paper to write and one presentation. (Still be praying these are considerable chunks of my grade). I think I have crossed the bridge to managing the anxiety of speaking in front of people, and I have finally tackled the emotional outbursts when in a "hostile or heated discussion" {PRAISE!!!! :) , that was very stressful, embarrassing and counter productive, but one flaw that just would not go away}

So now after this semester, I will have 13 credits off of my degree, which leaves 38 credits left to earn. The break down for my degree is :

Credits required for degree: 70
Credits earned in MA program: 19
Starting balance in 2008- 51
Credits earned Fall 2008 13
Credits expected Spring 2009 15
Credits expected Summer 2009 15
Credits expected Fall 2009 8

Graduation!!! (Ceremony) would be in May of 2010. If all goes well, I will be well established working in the field and working on my Bachelor's by then. XX :)

First Report Card!!! Charles Almost Made Honor Roll

Huge Praise!!!
Charles Finished the First Nine Weeks with good marks!!!

Our First Franklin County Public School Report was good!

Check out the details on our Homeschool Blog.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Dotwigg/615701

It took alot of work, a few boxes of kleenex, many phone calls, and lots of prayer but we have finally crossed the canyon and are on our way on solid ground, toward academic success. Charles has turned the page and is moving along beautifully and things are looking bright. If you want to send him a congratulatory note his email is CharlesLWiggins@nc.rr.com. Or you can comment here and I will print them and give them to him.

Dot's School Update......
My grades are still mostly A's I have one that is probably going to be a B, but I still have a few weeks and exams, papers, and a presentation to go. Big prayer request is my Presentation that I have to do on December 10th. I do not do well with presentations, I hate getting in front of people and usually blow it, but hopefully I can plan and practice so that it goes well. We are scheduling for next sememster, and hopefully I will get the classes I am selecting which will be perfect!!! 4 online and 2 traditional classes. This first semester has been very interesting and a huge growth experience. I am finally settling in and enjoying it. I will post my final grades and the results of the Grade Competition when my semester ends.

School Update... We are making the grades!!!

Well, we are in Week 6 now for Charles and he is doing great. The teachers have all commented on his diligence in class and his eagerness to learn. His progress reports were very good and he had not had his extra help yet, so we are expecting him to really do well on his report card. His favorite class is Science, and he is joining the Science club for an extra curricular activity. He is a different child, and it is great to see him reading,learning independently, and happy.

It has been 7 weeks for me, and my transition has been good from At-home and Homeschooling to Full-time student and constantly running from book to paper to computer. I have finally found a rythmn and have a routine for getting my studying (which takes awhile) classwork, papers and computer work done, the house chores, picking Charles up, help him with his homework, and finding time to exercise. My classes are going better. I have learned the fine art of debating (no meltdowns :)! ) and being able to express my opinions without worrying about them not being popular or accepted. The paper writing was my biggest concern and it is working out fine. Grades are good. It is funny I have learned alot in the classes but in two of my classes the lesson was more personal and was quite enlightening. The perspective post has alot to do with the revelation and the way I have found to remind myself to check my perspective when things are looking strained and dark. It has been great to have an outlet for my research and reading to be utilized. Alot of the experiences I have had when I worked in the medical field are finally being used too.

I will be so thrilled in 3 more semesters to have completed something that means alot to me. It is not a stopping point, I will still have to acquire my Masters someday to be able to counsel in many areas but there are lots of possibilities to work within the field that I am most drawn. The biggest thing is I will finally have my college degree and be able to apply for many more positions that I have been turned down for before, because I did not have it. I have started looking for selective opportunities for work in the field and things are looking promising.

We will keep you posted on the major happenings.. I do not know if I will be able to do a weekly report, but feel free to email me or comment here and I will answer your questions, when I receive them.

Update and summary of First Two weeks of classes

Well, it has been two weeks since I have started school. My classes are very interesting but, I am flying blind in three of them because we do not have a book, the instructor just freely lectures and we do not really have an idea of what he is going to talk about and it is stressing me out terribly. But, I have two online classes and another traditional class to keep me buzy and trying to keep those ahead. My most challenging class is Abnormal Psychology, it has been very difficult getting acclamated to the online setting and get all the assignments figured out, chapters read, essay written and everything in on time. Luckly it is the first week of classes and the instructor was very flexible, but this week will have to be more on schedule. My most challenging aspect of school is by far the vast ideas and viewpoints that have to be entertained and the discussion that we have in some of the classes are really "academia gone wild" just talking to talk with no purpose or definition. You know the kind of conversation: "This is what I say it is because I think it is (no explanation of why or how I got to this conclusion, just IT IS SO) and no one can tell me I am wrong, and even if someone did tell me I would not listen to them". The lack of definition and of any authority or discernable right or wrong makes diagnosing problems and even discussing treatment is hard because, Why do you need to treat something that is not wrong or harmful to anyone but the person who enjoys the activity or behavior? These kind of circular, hostile at times discussion are on my short list of things I truly dislike. But, as one of my classmates pointed out "This is the way our clients think and therefore where their behaviors will stem from, so we have to focus on that and not the arrogance and ignorance" Understanding why does help try to understand these behaviors but it is still so hard to listen to the disrespectful and majorly ignorant talk about God, because they consider that religious and hence, hypocracy. But, the more and more you talk to people the less and less you hear comments that are spoken in an understanding and true belief of God and His love, because it does not fit into our "known and accepted ways" and it does not make sense that things are this bad and getting worse. Ethics really puts a huge loop in many things and causes alot of unnecessary confusion and debate. It is amazing that people will fight that the right to do what they want is more important than the effect that they have on their family, the fact that their life is severely impacted because of their choices. It is baffling as a professional that the guidelines and laws are written that you cannot do what is best and what needs to be done because you will infridge on someones rights. Even though they came to you and asked you for help, and are free to leave anytime they do not like what is said or suggested. What happened to the clear cut moral and family values? What happened to the clear line between right and wrong? We have more technology and less productivity, less quality of life, and less satisfaction.

Officially Enrolled

Charles took my picture outside South Campus of Vance Granville Community College. I am not as big as it appears, I am standing on steps and Charles is pointing the camera up. Thanks, Son.

He added the money to the picture, since I was paying my tuition bill.

Well, I am registered, paid up for this semester, permitted to park, issued a Student ID. I went to the book store to get my books, but they are not in yet, and for 3 of my classes I do not need a book. (Errrr, how am I supposed to get ahead in the reading ???) I was told to just go to class the first day and check with the instructor to see if we need books or not.

Oh, I hate not being prepared, but.... I met a classsmate and she said most of the time you do not need your book for the first classes and that our instructor is super and is very understanding the first week. So... I am going to go on our camping trip and have a good time this weekend and look forward to my first day of class, Tuesday August 19th.

Perseverance has paid off!!!! :)

When I found out I could not qualify for grants, I wrote letters and applied for any financial assistance available. I asked the school to consider me for scholarships that they award and today I received a letter congradulating me on receiving an Academic Achievement scholarship.

Yeah!!! my grades from when I attended classes before were good and qualified me for this scholarship.

A bright spot in the gray clouds that have been hovering over me lately. Hopefully some of the other scholarships will come in also (Fingers crossed).

They have an awards ceremony in October and pictures will be in the school news paper I will post it later. But for now just wanted to share the good news :).