Heart Of Faith: When Beliefs Are Tested

Fans of the Hallmark series When Calls the Heart have been concerned about the future of Andrea Brooks' character, Faith Carter, on the show. Faith's storyline in season 7 revolved around her decision to attend medical school in Chicago, which would require her to leave Hope Valley. This, coupled with Brooks' busy schedule and recent maternity leave, led to speculation that she might be exiting the show. However, Hallmark confirmed that Brooks would not be leaving the series, and Faith's absence was due to the actress's maternity leave.

Faith Carter's decision to attend medical school in Chicago

While Faith was excited about the opportunity to further her education and achieve her dream of becoming a doctor, she was also torn about leaving her community in Hope Valley. She had established strong connections and a supportive network in the town, including her relationship with Carson. The prospect of relocating to Chicago and starting anew was daunting, and she grappled with the decision, knowing that it would mean leaving her loved ones behind.

Ultimately, Faith's ambition and the encouragement from Carson prevailed, and she decided to embark on her medical school journey. She understood that it was a risk worth taking and an opportunity that might not present itself again. Although it was a difficult choice, she recognized the value of pursuing her passion and the potential impact it could have on her future career. Faith's decision to attend medical school in Chicago marked a significant turning point in her life, allowing her to grow both personally and professionally.

During her time in Chicago, Faith worked hard to complete her medical studies and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a doctor. She faced challenges and obstacles, but her dedication and perseverance drove her to succeed. While she missed her friends and family back in Hope Valley, she also formed new connections and forged friendships with classmates and colleagues in Chicago, creating a supportive network during her time away from home.

Upon completing her medical school education, Faith returned to Hope Valley, eager to apply her newfound knowledge and skills as a doctor. Her time in Chicago had shaped her both personally and professionally, and she was ready to put her learning into practice. Faith's decision to pursue medical school in Chicago ultimately empowered her to achieve her dreams and make a positive impact on the lives of those in her community.

Faith's relationship with Carson Shepherd

Faith Carter and Carson Shepherd's relationship in the Hallmark series "When Calls the Heart" has been a fan favourite. The two characters first met when Carson arrived in Hope Valley to work on the railroad. Carson got injured and started working at Abigail's Cafe, where he met local nurse Faith. They soon began working together at the infirmary and fell in love.

Faith was initially reluctant to pursue a romantic relationship with Carson, as they were coworkers. However, after Carson confessed his feelings for her, they began dating and even kept their relationship a secret for a while. Eventually, they went public with their romance and shared a kiss in the middle of town. Carson even helped Faith reconnect with her estranged father, David Carter, whom she had not spoken to in years due to their disagreement about her becoming a nurse.

As their relationship progressed, Carson considered proposing to Faith. However, their future together was thrown into question when Faith decided to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. She left for Chicago to attend medical school, creating a long-distance relationship dynamic between the couple. Upon her return, they rekindled their love, but their relationship was once again tested when Carson received an offer for a prestigious surgical fellowship in Baltimore.

Carson ultimately chose to pursue his career aspirations and bid Faith and Hope Valley an emotional farewell. He decided to take the fellowship at Johns Hopkins, leaving Faith behind. Faith was relieved that he didn't propose and was confident in her decision to stay in Hope Valley.

Faith's father's illness

Faith's father, David Carter, fell ill in Season 6 of When Calls the Heart. Faith, a nurse, left Hope Valley to take care of him after he suffered a heart attack. This was particularly fitting, as David had opposed Faith's decision to become a nurse due to the death of her mother, who was also a nurse and died of a disease caught from a patient.

Before David's illness, Faith and her father had not spoken for years due to their disagreement about her career choice. However, her boyfriend at the time, Carson Shepherd, encouraged her to reconnect with him, and they began rebuilding their relationship. After David's heart attack, Faith visited him and helped with his medical care while getting him set up at her brother's house.

While Faith was away, Carson took the opportunity to ask Fiona to look up David's phone number, and Faith and her father talked on the phone for the first time. This helped to strengthen their relationship, and after David's illness, Faith went to Hamilton to spend time with him.

Faith's career as a nurse

Faith Carter's career as a nurse began in Hamilton, where she worked in a hospital. She was introduced in Season 2 of When Calls the Heart as a nurse caring for Jack Thornton's brother, Tom Thornton, after an accident. Jack and Faith struck up a friendship, but lost touch when Jack and Elizabeth left Hamilton.

Faith's decision to become a nurse was influenced by her mother, who was also a nurse but died of typhoid fever when Faith was just 10 years old. Despite their close relationship, Faith's choice to follow in her mother's footsteps caused a rift between her and her father, David Carter, and they didn't speak for years.

After her time in Hamilton, Faith worked as a nurse in Union City for Dr. Burns. She was then sent to Hope Valley to care for Lee Coulter, who had injured his foot in a workplace accident. She decided to stay in Hope Valley, turning down her wealthy banker fiancé, Peter Filmore, who wanted her to stop working as a nurse.

In Hope Valley, Faith ran the infirmary with the assistance of Molly. She worked closely with Dr. Carson Shepherd, and they developed feelings for each other. They eventually started a romantic relationship, but it was complicated by their status as coworkers.

Faith's skills as a nurse were evident in her diagnosis of Cody's appendicitis, which was instrumental in saving his life. She also assisted Dr. Shepherd in performing appendectomy surgery.

Dr. Shepherd encouraged Faith to pursue further education and supported her decision to attend medical school. She was accepted to the University of Chicago and left town to pursue her studies.

Faith's romantic feelings for Nathan

Faith Carter, a nurse from Hamilton, joined the cast of When Calls the Heart in Season 2. She is played by Andrea Brooks.

Faith began to develop romantic feelings for Nathan Grant, a new Mountie of the RNWMP (Royal North-West Mounted Police), who joined the show in Season 6. However, she felt conflicted about acting on her feelings due to their doctor-patient relationship.

At the end of Season 9, Faith had encouraged Mei Sou, a pharmacist, to pursue Nathan romantically, without recognizing her own feelings for him. In Season 10, Faith and Nathan's relationship is strained, and they are seen avoiding each other. In one episode, Faith confronts Nathan, telling him:

> "Nathan, it doesn’t really help to just avoid things. I’m not… since you ended things," he replied. She then assured him that nothing happened between them. "But for the record, I didn’t end anything. You know why? Because there was nothing to end!"

Despite the tension between them, it is unclear if anything romantic will develop between Faith and Nathan.

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