Engbers Update

Last Friday, I took advantage of an open offer from my research mentor to watch a surgery. I arrived at the OR at 7 AM rather uncertain about what to expect as I wasn't given too much information about what I was going to be watching. While the residents and nurses were busy preparing the patient for surgery, I learned that patient had an inner ear tumor, which had caused a sudden hearing loss. My mentor does research on this type of tumor (a different project than I am working on), and he said that I would be able to take the tumor back to the lab after it was removed - LATER THAT AFTERNOON!! I was mildly excited about watching a surgery, but expected to be in the operating room for maybe two hours. As it turns out, I spent the next 6 hours watching two residents take turns exposing a tumor lying deep inside the patient's head. And in fact, the first 3-4 hours were pretty fascinating. After a 2 hour lull in activity, the attending surgeon came into the operating room and removed the tumor in about half an hour. All said, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the OR, but I am still as confused as ever about what kind of doctor I want to be.

We spent Saturday morning helping set up for vacation Bible school at our church. We put up about 10-15 tents outside that will serve as various shops in the town of Galilee. Erin and I will be manning the toymaking shop and helping the kids make dreidels. Look for pictures in the next few days. Also, please pray for cool temperatures, little wind, and no rain for Iowa City over the next week.

Last night, we went to the new Harry Potter movie. We both actually really enjoyed it. The movie differs from the book in a number of ways, and they left out a few things that I wish they had not, but overall it was very entertaining and true to the story. Erin and I (and Nick) are anxiously awaiting the 7th and final Harry Potter book that comes out next Saturday - perfect timing for a good read at the lake :)