and now it's been 3.5 months...

Okay, I have to be honest, life after residency seems.... uh... very... similar.

A close friend had warned me about that years ago, but of course I shook off the thought of it... especially since my expectations of life after residency were literally carrying me - at times - through the experiences of residency.

But to be honest, I feel certain that much of our survival during residency was possible because of our faith. I had an incredibly optimistic view of life. Maybe it was a way for me to be compelled to pray, to be humble, to seek strength from God, and to move forward in faith. Lately many of my friends have started questioning our faith. Because of all that I have been through with the Savior during the last five years of residency and fellowship, I feel more certainty than ever.

So, would I want to go through it all over again?

Yes, definitely.

Could I have done it without my faith and hope in and love for my Savior?

No, definitely not.

There are a lot of questions about the LDS faith. This is a thoughtful explanation about garments worn by some Latter-day Saints. There is so much meaning and depth in thoughtful, regular worship. I cannot imagine going without all of those moments of introspection and supplication to the Lord, contemplation on scriptural teachings, and feelings of peace, strength, love, hope that I received during the darkest and loneliest moments.

But, I am grateful it is over?

Yes.

Definitely.