Extremists We Love

This fall, and particularly this thanksgiving, I'm trying to spend a lot of time focusing on the things I'm thankful for. There is so much in life to be grateful for, I think that focusing on life's small gifts helps to remind me that I'm *too blessed to stress.* In a nod towards that, I present you with my first installment of Extremists We Love. This will be a recurring post theme, in which I pay homage to the extreme people in my life who inspire me, and keep me moving forward.

So today, ladies and gentlemen, on this Thanksgiving Holiday, I present to you, Nancy Haensch, APRN,NP. Right now we're sitting at the kitchen table, she's rolling out a pie crust and reminiscing about her journey to Malawi. In the summer of 2008, she set out alone on a six week trip to the warm heart of Africa, with a threefold mission: build relationships, offer love and companionship, and minister nursing and health education, Malawi style.



This trip was a major departure from her comfort zone, evidenced by her frequent pre-departure phone calls to me, to the tune of "Noooooo, don't make me do this!" But she went, she saw, and she conquered. She went armed not only with her professional skills a nurse (skills invaluable in this region of the world where illness is rampant, and healthcare is scarce), but more importantly her skills as a careful listener and nurturer. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she forged connections with women across the world.

Now, we're baking pies, and scheming about stuffing, so I feel inclined to say, I'm thankful to you, Mama, for doing things that scare you, leaving me with no excuses not to do the same.

Now about that jalapeno chipotle cranberry sauce...

<3 A