Letters From Students (April 2014)

Carol Horen, from Colorado
I recently took my second level Christian Science nurse’s training at Fern Lodge with Sharon Strong. I liked the level of flexibility. I had taken one part of it earlier on Skype, and almost a year later, I drove to California and took the whole class.
Sharon is very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot. She listened to the students as she taught and even changed the classes to accommodate our numerous questions. We really delved into the metaphysical side of things, and often her answers to our queries started with, “So I just really listened and prayed to say/do the right thing.” Sharon brings a lot of experience and joy to the table.
The Administrator, George Strong, talked to our class a couple of times. It was interesting to see the thought behind the administration. He not only shared a lot, but he also asked us some pretty tough questions. He really made me think, not only what nursing is about, but about where Christian Scientists are going as a Church.
I enjoyed staying at Fern Lodge. I have worked only at Wide Horizon in CO, and it was interesting to see what was different and what was the same. Just to let you know, the food is very good. Thank you Fern Lodge for the learning experience!

Ashley Niles, from Idaho
I had been working to express more grace in my daily activities and towards others. I felt nothing but peace when I decided on attending the Christian Science Nurses training at Fern Lodge. At the time I didn’t know why I was led there over another place, but now coming full circle, as I write this letter, I’m realizing why: I was led by God.
The first thing that stood out to me when I arrived at Fern Lodge was the grace that the staff expressed in their daily activities, whether it be on the nursing floor or in the kitchen. Being surrounded by so many people expressing grace during my Christian Science Nurses training at Fern Lodge really was an answer to my prayers. Love is bountiful!
“…progress lifts mortals to discern the Science of mental formation and find the highway of holiness,” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings 287:15-17.
The Christian Science Nurses training at Fern Lodge continued to support my progress forward on my spiritual adventure. Seeing (spiritually discerning) new ways to think about and execute the activities that needed to get done.
My gratitude overflows for the understanding that might not have been clear at first, but with a desire to progress and think, Truth comes into full bloom!

Gary Bottje, from Illinois
After several months of Internet review classes, followed by working ten days at Fern Lodge, Gary wrote: “My time at Fern Lodge was productive and rewarding. My nurse-mentors regularly and readily shared valuable insights, skills, practical knowledge and metaphysical concepts. I can’t express enough gratitude for the nurses’ selfless love and willingness to share their expertise with me, all under the watchful supervision of Sharon and the staff nurses.
I was also grateful to attend a class session in person while there. This gave me additional insights into proper procedures and methods for resolving issues whenever needed.
I was particularly grateful for my mentors who shared specific metaphysical ideas relating to the care being given for specific patients. These were valuable insights into the process of bringing and maintaining a healing atmosphere in the patients’ rooms and in the entire facility. I also took special note of how well the nurses worked together. The teams of nurses support each other in practical and spiritual ways that blesses all involved. They also readily support decisions related to patient care so the patient experiences a unified and consistent healing approach from the entire staff.
I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to visit Fern Lodge, and learn from such an excellent teacher, and an inspired and dedicated staff of nurses. The experience was invaluable in its blessings for me.