More differences

And, alas, there are more! In fact, some were brought to mind by my dear friends who commented on facebook.  They too have been in transition and walked between cultures being changed and molded by the languages, the food, the climates, and the people.  It's all for God's glory to see His intricate handiwork in this world.  Never does the amazement wear off.  So, this list will continue, most likely not to it's end, but just as differences percolate through the grey matter.

7. Pedestrians...to cross the road or not to cross the road?  That is the question.  Actually, it's more a matter of who has the right of way and WHERE to cross the road.  This is a rediculously confusing question.  It became a normal and almost comfortable place to be in the middle of traffic when crossing the road.  And, if all else failed, there was always "the hand" (like a stop sign...it actually did stop traffic).  Cross walks, not so much.  Maybe on a main road, but even then, it's just a suggestion.  So here... oh man, I am a confused road crosser!  What in the world to do? I have an inexplicable sudden drop of self confidence when crossing the road while walking.  Ahhh...it's feeling a little complicated.

8. Cellophane or celofane.  That is a plastic bag, or a plastic cover, depending on the context.  They are used for everything and readily available (and now, they are also biodegradeable).  Of course, here, each bag costs 5 cents, so it's best to plan wisely and bring your own bag, unless your needing more "grocery bags" for random uses in your home.  

9. Keeping to yourself.  It became quickly apparent that the best thing to do on the occasion that I found myself walking alone was to keep my eyes either on the pavement in front of me or to look like I was texting (maybe I really was, but maybe not!).  This was to differ attracting even more attention and stifled many of the would-be-vocal-attention.  But here, now it's awkward.  When passing someone while walking, if in exercise attire and the passer by is also in exercise attire, clearly a greeting is due.  However, if this is the average Joe, well, it's just awkward.  How far away were they when you noticed them?  Did they see you?  Do you smile at them or give them the cold shoulder? Maybe just sort of go with their lead and follow what they do...  haha!  Oh, it's so funny.  At least looking around at the surrounding area doesn't usually illicit too much attention. 

10. Rice.  While there are definitely families here that do eat rice daily, mine has decreased it's consumption a little.  The selection is substantially less in the typical grocery store and people just aren't as concerned with it.  In fact, if a typical American should miss having a meal with rice they don't usually find themselves on a rice hunt so that they are truly satisfied. :)

11. Only whitening toothpaste?  You know the saying, "They grass is always greener on the other side."?  There couldn't be a truer saying for our unhappy, ever comparing human nature.  Dark skinned people want to have light/white skin and white people want to have tan skin.  How is this problem solved by making soap, powder, lotion, and anything else you might imaging with whitening capabilities.  Of course, we "white" people like to tan (cancer free, naturally).  

12. Dusters.  What do you think of when you hear that term?  Some that is used to dust your house, correct?  Not exactly.  Actually, it's a piece of clothing.  Specifically one worn by a woman and might be better recognized as a summer dress or, occasionally, a house dress.

Maybe more later. :) 

Same Same, but Different

This is a phrase I learned from a friend who had traveled in Thailand.  The word they say for the English equivalent of "different" sounds like "same same".  So, it's now a joke and a common phrase in Thailand.  It is also a good analogy for the bigger picture of cultural differences.

As i've spent time immersed in a different culture these last two years.  The most common reaction is to categorize everything as similar or completely opposite, so that it can be tied to something familiar.  Does that make sense?

There are soooo many things that were different initially in the Philppines that have now become common to me, but are definitely different in this culture.  Here's a little list of them.

1. no bowing!  This is used when moving inbetween people talking.  Ideally the passer by will bow low enough that the people talking will not see them, thus not breaking eye contact with one another.

2. Clean up after yourself! Whether dinning in a fast food restaurant or fine dinning, the waiters will always take away the dirty dishes and trash.  So, if you have been a waiter at a fast food joint and found yourself cleaning up after an unthoughtful customer, just think that they may be from another country and not know of their blunder.

3. Pointing ...  Directional gestures are just not as straight forward as one might think.  You see, in the Philippines the acceptable way to point was by making kissy-lips in the desired direction.  In the States this generally makes people feel a little uncomfortable and possible confused why you won't give a little directional help!

4. Attention!  May I have your attention please?  You might think the most logical way to get a person's attention is to yell their name or a general greeting.  This is not so the world over.  I learned to clap for people very far away (yelling is incredibly rude!) or, if closer, to make a kissing sound or a "shhhhht" or "ssssssst" sort of sound.

5. Spoon and maybe a fork: These are the most common utensils aside from hands.  Hands are always available, but maybe not always proper.  Spoons are especially available for everything from noodles to chicken.  And, the spoon is always used to deliver food to the mouth, never the fork, even when using a fork.

6. Individual vs. Community: It's amazing to look back and see just how much my outlook has changed.  This is a pretty common comparison world wide!  Personally, I went from just wanting to go on an errand by myself (in the Philippines) to always enjoying the company of a friend. So, here I am again in the individualistic culture.  Can't imagine the scandal of me walking down the street by myself!  Yet, it is a wonderful freedom to be able to stand "on my own" as a single woman.  Hear me clearly, because I do say that carefully.

Well, that's all for today.  Hopefully blogging will become a little more regular. :)  Kudos to people who blog regularly!  :)

Red Moon Rising

"The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord." - Joel 2:31

Looking for a book to challenge and encourage you?  Red Moon Rising is one such book.  One of the girls I live with handed me a book one day and said, "I think you would like this."  She couldn't have been more right!

Through the weeks of reading and digesting the tail of a willing man who followed God my heart was so challenged!  How often do I put God in a box?  I pick out the people God should use.  I decide where ministry would probably be most effective.  Often, my comfort zone is at the root of all the choices.  Even though seeking His face is a continual longing, sometimes that longing is suspended or overshadowed by my small view of who God is.  

It was so encouraging to read an honest account of the good days and the bad days as God started to call people and from a ministry today known as 24-7 prayer.  They are all across the world!  Prayer is so precious.  Every foreign minister knows the necessity and power of prayer.  If you want some encouragement to press on, you might find a copy.

Fading fantasy

"To the woman He said:“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.” -Gen.3:16

A few friends and I just took a little journey together to, of sorts, to Libera from the comfort of the living room.  We watched a BBC presentation "Toughest Place to be a Midwife" (click to watch on YouTube).  It's fascinating because of the fading fantasy with the beauty of "the natural".

For some reason, it is very common to think that the "closer" to nature we get the more beautiful things become.  This is really an odd thing when one considers that the Scriptures say that creation is groaning under the curse. Of course, i love a holiday in the country, away from the hustle, bustle, and grim of the city, yet there is something to be said for not despising the many blessing we are surrounded with in modern technologies.

This theme is carried through in anthropology, medicine, humanity focused efforts, and many more.  The thought is that the more rustic and "un-touched" by civilization one lives it's more beautiful, peaceful and perfect.  To leave these behind is really the peak of living, so it seems. Unfortunately, this perspective is, in my opinion, skewed through the lens of "plenty".  I'll explain.

The midwife in the presentation volunteers to spend two weeks in a clinic in Liberia, away from her private hospital maternity ward in England.  She talks briefly about her expectations and excitement for "having her world shook up a bit".  The understanding you get (and any midwife can concur) is her desire to see "real" natural birth in contrast to her current job where she happily serves woman to the best of her abilities and available technology while keeping things as natural as possible (and i totally understand her heart in this as it echoes my own!). 

The site that greets her and the many experiences that follow are certainly shaking her world in ways she couldn't have imagined.  Instead of seeing beautiful natural births, a sad reality is uncovered and raw.  Woman are coming to a free clinic because they cannot pay for a hospital; it's not out of the choice of options that they are having a "natural birth" it's just the way it must be.  While the clinic is staffed with very capable midwives and doctors, their supplies often lack due to the deficit in funds and the continuing effects of a war ravaged people.  

Woman die of complications that are a result of poor home care, traditional beliefs/medicines with brutal side effects, or simply lack of available intervention.  And the hands behind the work, well, they are underpaid and probably often under appreciated, yet they are also a glimpse of sunshine because they work purely for the work, not so much for the unpredictable pay.

In this, it becomes clear that "closer to nature" isn't that beautiful, glossy, full color photo of perfect greenery with little flowers of color set against a backdrop of a perfectly blue sky.  It's a reminder, yet again, that this wold is hurting and full of needs.  

Yet, in the midst of being overwhelmed by so many needs the LORD reminded me that He is faithful.  None of this escapes His notice and it's not my place, or any one person, to fix it all, but rather to seek Him and point people to Him right where I am. 

There is no guilt in being born into abundance, for that is the LORD's provision, however, there is great responsibility to use that position (even if it seems small) to His glory for the praise of His name.

Bugnay

There's too much to write and not enough time. :) This is my friend's clinic in Bugnay.  It's a very rural village in the mountains surrounded by rice fields.  Enjoy!

A little sun after riding on top of the jeep and catching some rays on the 3 hours up to the mountains.

This great vantage point is from our perfect, but slightly uncomfortable seat on top of the jeepney...didn't know there was such a thing as "student drivers" here!

See the village?  We walked over to visit some people and see their homes. 

These guys have "free" range.  They are somewhat fenced in by building baby-like gates across the walk ways.  People climb over, but pigs can't.  It's not 100% effective...

Just chillin. Literally, it was cold. 

sorry it's sideways...  This is Crystal, hostess, tour guide and amazing woman!

Walking between the rice fields.

See the bridge?  That's where we're headed!

And, it's a pretty fun bridge.  You can rock it back and forth for a little added excitement. 

Headed home.  A little sun kissed, but filled with joy from an encouraging visit.

Crystal was asking them if the raspberry-like berries were edible...they said they tasted sweet...Hmmmm.

Balut

It appears to be a harmless hard boiled egg except for the lite blue tint in the shell.  This is balut.  A duck egg that has been fertilized and then is cooked before the chick is fully formed.  Sound strange, and it is a little.  It might help if you think of it more like sof-shelled crabs.  

In two years of living here I've successfully avoided eating this delicacy and have, instead, listened to horrorizing tales of first time experiances and how it scars people for life.  This seemed sufficient.  I was a little curious, but not so much so as to subject myself to a potentially unhappy situation.  Although, there was one comment by a chef and foodie who said that it really just tasted like concentrated hard boiled egg.  Curious.

The opportunity finally came.  While visiting some friends here waaay up North.  They were eating balut and said there was some for me, if I wanted it.  So, why not?  

It's really not that bad at all.  Especially with a little vinegar and salt added.  Mmmm.  The flavor is a mix between liver and egg.  You chip a little of the shell away and drink some liquid (don't know what it is and don't care to know. hehe)  Then the rest of the shell can be chipped away as necessary to eat it.  The yolk is super rubbery...over cooked in the world of hard boiled eggs, but just right with balut (i guess).  Vinegar and salt are reapplied as necessary.  

So, overall, the experience was good and will probably be repeated.  Branching out isn't always so bad!

   

Giving when you have nothing.

"for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” (Luke 21:4)

Rice.  To some people it's like gold to other people, they hardly notice it's existence.  I just received a bag of about 2kilos of rice this morning as a gift of appreciation. Wow!  This may not sound amazing, but it is.  It's a gift of the heart and it represents so much more!

The generosity of the "poor" never ceases to amaze and humble me!  They are so giving, not because they have endless resources or live in abundance, but rather because it is an expression of their heart.  They are truly rich in spirit.  They give, not really of the physical, but rather of the not-so-tangible, expression of the heart.  

It's challenging, no?  Maybe it's my "cultural background" that gives me an edge of stinginess, or maybe it's really that my heart isn't always in the right place, therefore there is no expression of really giving myself completely and freely.  

After all, what is a bag of rice?  To someone it's their whole day of food.  Oh, maybe they'll add a couple little dried fish or some soup, but really rice (disregarding nutrition at this point) makes up the majority of a meal.  it's really giving a lot.  The rice that was given to me will require her to buy more rice for her family.  Ponder that a while.  It's quite significant and it reminds me of another gift that is given freely. Jesus.

The Words in a Sunset

This is a beautiful glimpse of a breath taking sunset last night.  The clouds were rolling in and the sun was shining through.  As I drank deeply, scanning the beautiful landscape that spread out before me, standing at the front of the clinic my mind pondered the Lord's heart.  

This was the only break in the clouds where the sun was shining through.  It was just a highlight in the midst of a darkening sky that was covering the earth below in it's shadow.  The scripture says, 

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

And His ears are open to their cry." (Psalm 34:15)

He is not blinded by the dark, His ears are not made deaf by howling wind, rather He is keenly aware of the needs of His people.  He has even made provision for those who dwell with the righteous!  This is seen all the way from the beginning.  This truth is especially vivid in the O.T. when the Israelites were leaving Egypt.  The LORD made provision for the "alien" among them and has continued to do so!  Praise the LORD.  

Rejoice in the glory of the LORD because He has called you forth!  As you see Him poured out before you praise Him.

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Eph. 2:4-10)

Communication in the little things

Imagine playing Bball with that view!  They did this all day long.


It didn't seem like a large difference, really.  Exchanging the "v" for a "b" in pronunciation seems to trivial, especially when it seems to be common in many languages. Don't be fooled, it can be the difference between communicating and not.  Here's a little story to help.
Violet (my friend and roomie) went to the market and made our last stop the egg/chicken lady.  We told her we wanted to buy some eggs.  She quickly replies, "Fibe? Fibe?"  With no needed explanation I knew she was asking, "Five? Five?"  I replied, "Twelve."  "Fibe?" She asked, again.  "No, twelb."  I corrected.  And with this she quickly counted out a dozen eggs.
It's such a small thing.  It's not complicated, no clearly pronunciation is needed, just the awareness of the more commonly pronounced "b" instead of 'v".  It happens all the time, most commonly with number such as, "pipty-pibe" (55) and "seben" (7).  It's all English in the formal sense, but there's a little difference in pronunciation that makes all the difference!

Tabuk!  This is a new adventure.  For three weeks a friend (and roommate) and I will be spending some time at a maternity clinic to visit some missionary volunteers.  It's very rural, hence the rice fields everywhere!  And so pretty.  Life has a whole different pace than in the city.  It's slower and quieter...so much quieter.  There's the occasional radio or tv that can be heard, but overall is quiet.  

Today will be our first full day here after some great rest (16 hours... probably enough sleeping) and we'll head out to explore with a guided tour.  

There are lots of stories from our travels, but those stories will have to wait.  :)

Michelle, the one who remembers

Something about her stayed with me.  Maybe it's that she was a Filipina with some of the longest dreads ever and they were a messy mass, maybe it was the tattoos on her arms and legs, maybe it was the myriad of bracelets and anklets.  Maybe, it was that she told me she would bring me a bracelet when she came back.  Or maybe the LORD just allowed her to remain in my mind.

Everything about her is very counter her culture.  I don' know how she found out about Mercy, but probably the way most of the patients do: word of mouth or they just see the sign.  She is always the last prenatal on her day and she's actively seeking something spiritual to fill her void.  To this end, I did pray for her at the end of her prenatal.  Especially as she said that she would be going to another island (Cebu) for some festival and she and her bana would be selling bracelets, anklets and necklaces.

This prenatal was in December, so through all of January she was on my mind.  What was she doing?  Had she seen the One for who she really searched?  The cough she had that was probably from smoking before she was pregnant, was it a sign of other lung problems?  Would I ever see her again?

The clinic here runs such that there are a team of midwives assigned a particular prenatal day, so we might see patients only once, then again we might see them lots, it just depends.  And, when they come to the birth room they are served by the current shift (unless the woman has become a continuity patient, but that's a different story.)

This past Tuesday I was working on prenatals.  We started just after 9:00am.  There were lots of patients and one by one they were all seen.  Occassionaly I wondered if I would see her...and if I would recognize her (there was one other gal with dreads, which are certainly a defining factor).  We were almost done and i was cleaning up my bed when I hear a teammate behind me say, "Kelly..."  I turn around to Michelle!  She came.  Her dreads, her inked skin and charms galore, she was here! She smiled and said, "Hi Kelly."  What joy flooded me heart.  And she said, "I brought this for you from Cebu."  

This just amazed me.  I don't really know her, she doesn't really know me and why she would remember me when she was on a 3 week vacation is beyond me, but she did and she was true to her word.  Just as she said, she brought back a bracelet.  As she left and said good bye, by name to me and the midwife who had done her prenatal, she promised the other girl a bracelet too.  

Now the bracelet reminds me to pray for her and her searching heart.  She's very dear and had such a bright personality, but there's no doubt of her need for a Savior.  What a joy it is to speak to the King on her behalf that she would know Him.  She's not due for a few more months, so hopefully we run into each other again during prenatals...maybe even her birth!

Fresh Fish

 Our daily vegetables and fruits come from the local market.  On occassiona we also find that we need to buy some meat at the market.  For sure if we buy fish we always buy it at the market.  Everything from shell fish to octipus is available, but you must arrive at the right time.  Either 4:00am or 4:00pm for the freshest catch.  The fish can be scaled and cut or uncut and you buy by the kilo.

These catches were fresh...they were just unloading their trucks and laying out their catches for the buying.  They really looked so gorgeous.  This is the real fishing life.  They really do live from catch to catch!

Uncle Frank.  Ya, he's my favorite.  Especially when cousin Leo joins in.  They are a good team.  If things get real stressful at any point Aunt IV is real quick to jump in and give a boost!  If all else fails and things need a little rest, well, cousin Trendelenburg is a good one.  Everything can be managed better when he's around.

Family reunion?  Not quite.  This is the little picture that made me laugh while thinking through complications in birth.  Frank, well, that's the best kind of breech with the least amount of risk.  Leo...Leopold's maneuvers are used for palpation of the baby in-utero.  IV, well, if you've ever been sick (or surgery) enough to be admitted to the hospital you've most likely experienced one of these. They are wonderful things though that make treatment and care sooo much easier ad quicker.  Trendelenburg, well, it isn't a place, it's a position.  This position puts ones rear end up in with the head down.

Oh, usually birth is ok.  It is a normal process created by God and is usually a moment to praise Him for His creativity and goodness.  Yet, we all know this world is a place of suffering and sometimes things just don't go as planned.  So, one must always prepare for the worst.

Thinking of birth trauma's also makes me think of life.  Sometimes our lives just don't go the way we planned or we're seeking a little respit for healing and refreshment, yet it's just one thing after another.  We know God has a plan.  And, it may be that through the tears, the hurt, the trials, we just hang on and hope in Whom we know we can hope that there is good in store.

There are a couple people serving with us here that are going through some pretty major trials.  We all know them, it seems to be a reminder in the moments that life seems to good that it's not forever and it really isn't good...but we do have a hope of eternity!!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." 1 Peter 1:3-6

Like shattered glass...a broken view

"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—" - Romans 5:12

Come on a journey with me, if you please.  Imagine that you are a health care provider and you've done all you can possibly do, but the situation is not improving.  Stop there for just a minute.  Back up, just a little to remember your heart in what you do.  You've been given a passion for healing, for restoration, for life.  This passion is not just a passing trend, rather it's been passed down to you as a legacy from your Father, a gift, His passion is also life, abundant life.  Back to the current situation. 

Your working hard to preserve two lives.  One seems that it will improve momentarily and it's possible to continue supporting her life.  The other one, the one that is so little and needs so much because, well, it's just arrived and can't help itself, seems to be fading before your eyes.  Yet, there is more help to give and the whole situation becomes joyful in just a moment.  This would be the birth that you just assisted with.  There were a few tention filled moments just after the baby came out, then all was well.  Oh, what an amazing, incredible, miraculous event to witness time and time again.  Life.

Now, continue on through your morning.  You have patients coming back for their postnatal check ups.  This is usually a time of joy as you check over the growing baby, support and encourage the new mother and sometimes the father.  You laugh at some of the cultural traditions and sometimes have to lay down reality in the face of tradition passed on from generations that isn't really helpful for the life of the mother or baby.  Such is life, but it's good.  

This morning that baby check isn't the case.  The mom contacted you the previous night to say that her baby was turning red and blue.  You advise her for home monitoring and to come in as soon as possible or go directly to the hospital as you can only go with what she is texting you.  She arrives early the next morning.  You can hear the baby before you see him and know that something must be done immediately for his blocked, heavily congested airway.  Deep suctioning is performed and you hurry away on a transport to the hospital.  As if  your heart wasn't heavy enough at watching this little life fail, it's about to get heavier.

What you find makes your heart break.  In the very place where you have gone to seek help to sustain life you find apathy and death.  You carry this precious, struggling little life in your arms only to walk by sickness that eats away at people's very life leaving them corpses of hopelessness.

That was my dear friend this morning.  She is a midwife.  Sometimes there are midwives who don't like hospitals, but in truth, there is a place for them and the care they offer.  We have disagreements, just like every field of medicine (have you asked how a surgeon would deal with a situation versus a therapist?  Ya, pretty different!), but we do rely on them in a healthy chain of giving the best care to patients.  Unfortunately, what she was met with this morning was overwhelming.  She was absolutely overcome with the severity of death, especially where it seems there should be healing.

My friend took her precious, gasping baby to the hospital and was overcome by the struggling, and occasionally lifeless bodies around her and the apparent lack of concern from the staff or even just available staff (please know, i'm sure that they care and are probably often overcome by the pure volume and the difficulties they have in trying to meet demand...imagine daily triage, so NO disrespect to them at all.)

The feeling that comes is utter helplessness and a reminder of the reality that this life is filled with death. Oh, sometimes we can see death as a sort of poetic doorway and be comforted that for those walking the path of Life it is only the beginning, but often there is nothing beautiful or poetic about it and it may be filled with hopelessness if they don't know He who gives Life.  It's a hard path to walk when those who you have sought for further help aren't sufficient.

Praise the Lamb for the life He gives, oh share it freely!  And, if you know people in the health care profession pray for them.  Lift up their patients (even though you may not know them) to the Great Physician.  Life is precious and not just this life here and now, but the life to come!

Of Justice and Birth

Hello!  Oh, it's been a while since there's been an entry on here. Sorry, no that your sitting on the edge of your seat for the next post, but maybe it's a little hard to keep up with someone when they never post.  True that!

Today, on the way to shift my friend said she was just, "writing a blog in her head."  This actually came up because I had texted her when her car drove by instead of stopping to pick me up!  She graciously and quickly turned around and did give me a lift.  haha.  We were laughing and she was just saying how she was writing a blog post in her head, and thus lost in thought and driving auto-pilot.  That made me think....blogging.  Hmmm, that's a fun thing to do, in fact i used to do that!  So, here's the blog post that is a little story of today and a window into the daily life.

This morning shift was crazy!  There were three of us on shift who could catch.  We go in order depending on your last birth, so I was third up.  Initially it was rather quiet.  We had postpartum patients in various stages of postpartum.  Some waiting to pay and go home, some needing a baby bath, then go home...yup, various stages.

Then, Salem, my friend who was talking about the blog, she got a labor!  Woo-hoo.  She checked her in and found out she was fully and her patient gave birth shortly there after!! :) That was just the start to the shift...then Brenda got a patient, then I got a patient, then Brenda caught a baby who was almost born in a taxi, then...well, it was just so busy.  In summation: Salem caught 2 babies, Brenda caught 1 and had a labor, and I had 2 labors.

What does justice have to do with this?  Well, sometimes woman are positively wonderful to work with and be with during their labor, some woman are just, well, it can be a character polishing experience...and some, they are just trying.  That "trying" patient for me is usually the one that challenges my ability.  Yes, they make me wonder if I know what in the world I've learned or seen!

Today I had one such patient (the first one who was there the longest!)  She was almost fully dilated, but was not dilating symmetrically, so she labored in hands and knees.  The difficulty was what i felt was an inability to communicate with her and how hard it was to read her.  The contractions are apparent, but she wanted to push so early on, which was expected, but so hard as the midwife to know how best to support her and when to really support her to push when her baby really needed to descend a while. ("a while" that's a very Filipino phrase...our English is greatly effected here.)

Here's where the justice comes in.  Towards the end of shift she was becoming progressively more pushy, but was tired and had a small potential for being transported.  In preparation for the next shift and to help her with tiredness (before it became exhaustion) I inserted an IV.  At this point it was apparent that the bana (husband...boyfriend) was a little frustrated that she hadn't delivered yet.  Oh, it was slight, so slight, but it opened up in me a well that poured forth a need for justice  I looked at him and said, "YOU must support her.  Her work is hard.  She is working so hard and is progressing normally, so YOU must support her." Oh, what used to be a slight frustration with my patient became such a passion for her justice that she would receive the support, encouragement, and love she deserved as a laboring woman.  She really was doing excellent.

Justice hasn't been something that has always been on my heart, well, maybe in the negative.  We can all think about personal and inpersonal situations of injustice, probably especially within the "Justice System".  Hmmm, but there is positive justice.  In fact, it is an attribute of our Heavenly Father.  He cares for justice.  When we want justice, though sometimes it's our injured ego, often it is a reflection of our desire for the perfection that can only come from God.  Know Him.  Seek after Him and seek His justice.

"He loves righteousness and justice;

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."

Psalm 33:5

"For the Lord loves justice,

And does not forsake His saints;

They are preserved forever,

But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off."

Psalm 37:28

"A bruised reed He will not break,

And smoking flax He will not quench,

Till He sends forth justice to victory;"

Matthew 12:20

P.S. this patient did deliver shortly after the swing shift came on...haven't heard the whole story yet, but no doubt it will be good!

Happy Birthday to Justine Kurt!!  3450 g (7lbs. 10oz) and 54cm long.  He's pretty cute!

His parents were great all throughout labor!  It was a great 1st catch to start off this new year!  Thank you Jesus.

The new year has begun!  Once again, the LORD gave me much favor throughout my travels.  What initially appeared as a hassle with my bag being overweight (actually our fault for mis-reading the website) in the end was a blessing.  In Manila they only allow 7k for the carry on bag.  We almost packed it with 20 lbs more due to the weight in the very beginning.  However, we didn't and it worked perfectly in the end!  God's hand.


My flights, though each was slightly delayed went smoothly.  Only one was completely full.  In fact, on  one flight the entire row was empty, so I slept very well on that flight!  :D  It rained the whole way and continues to be a little rainy here, but no complaints considering that is keeping things a little cooler.


It's great to be back for sure.  Yet, my heart was sad to leave my dear family and friends.  My heart was also troubled with fears of this upcoming year,  "What if it's too much?  Will I burn out?  What about failure?"  (just the inevitable thoughts after leaving such a different world) So, my heart was turned to pouring out to my dear LORD.  He reminded me of His faithfulness and goodness, that my expectation is in Him (Ps. 62:5-8), and of all His clear working for me to be here.  "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." -Philippians 1:6 (also 1 Thess. 5:24).  Praise the LORD.  


And, the LORD gave me one more verse to remind me, again, and humble me, also again!  

"There are four things which are little on the earth,

But they are exceedingly wise:

²⁵ 

The ants are a people not strong,

Yet they prepare their food in the summer;

²⁶ 

The rock badgers are a feeble folk,

Yet they make their homes in the crags;

²⁷ 

The locusts have no king,

Yet they all advance in ranks;

²⁸ 

The spider skillfully grasps with its hands,

And it is in kings’ palaces."

-Proverbs 30:24-28

He gives gifts and has a different value and view than we, in our human weakness place on things.  He's my strength, and my joy and my song!  Amen? We are each created for a purpose and we will certainly fulfill it because of Him.

That's the summary for the moment.  The first shift I will work in on Thursday for an outreach (Talikala to the prostitutes).  Lovely.  In the meantime, there is much adjustment back into the Philipines.  The culture, standing out as a "puti" or white person, time difference, food differences....  and yet, it's all familiar.  There was no need to change money, it was relatively easy to speak with the taxi driver, settling in before bed only required unpacking a suitcase, not setting up shop!  (and of course, i'll have to watch some Olympics online!)

On this year shall go with Yaweh Nissi, the LORD is my banner!  And all ya'all for my support with many prayers and great encouragement.  

Blessings to you all!

Hello!

Oh, my.  Time has really flown.  If you've heard or read it once, then you know just how true Eccelesiastes 3 is.  To everything there really is a time.  This is true, even with this month almost over (and it's so hard to believe) everything has had it's place and it's season.  Some planned and some unplanned.

For those of you with whom we crossed paths, it was WONDERFUL. (even phone calls)  For those of you that it didn't work out this time, next year.  :)   All in good time.

This time has been filled with so much conversation of the Lord's work.  He is always at work among His people.  He is jealous for His name and displays His glory in so many ways in both foreign fields and home fronts.  What an inexplicable life that we live to know God and be loved by Him.

To summarize this past year in writing, it's been challenging for sure, yet, these challenges have allowed for new vision and to deepening my Faith.  The LORD clearly is watching over the needs of the fatherless as many of the mothers we see are single, or are having a child with their boyfriend, who is currently present, but the future is unknown.  Working 4 shifts a week is a new physical challenge, but it's doable, especially when we can all encourage one another.  So good.

Anyway, here's a few points of prayer for this upcoming Year, 2012-2013:
- Continued Language Learning (Visayan)
- There is a NEW team coming in!
- For the work at the clinic; especially recognizing postpartum depression
- Continued health through this next year
- Continued capacity to be ready to learn new things
- Always being ready to share Christ in word (even if another language) and deed
- Higher clinical expectations

And, there never was a list of things that I would be refilling on  (sorry), but for future reference (Holiday Season....  :))  if you want some ideas:
- Baby clothes (hats, blankets, mittens, and booties)
- Chocolate (dark is the best! nuts and dried fruits are ok too)
- Letters and Cards
- anything that's just plum fun! :)  (Desi can be a good resource too!)

Blessings to you all!!

Hello!

It is so amazing and weird to be back in the United States.  Reverses Culture shock, as it's been called, is a whole new ball of wax. Wow.  It can certainly blind side one.  None the less, other than a funny incident.

The bathrooms here.  Well, you must understand.  In the Philippines, it is totally normal to have one urinal in the woman's bathroom.  Don't ask why, I don't know.  Anyway, at the airport in Detroit, while waiting for the plane it seemed prudent to avail of a CR (they are called restrooms here) before boarding.  So, i walked passed the men's entrance and walked into the woman's entrance which was much further passed the first entrance.  I glanced at the sign which both said "woman" and showed the supporting picture of a female stick figure.  Yeah, that's what I saw.

Walking into the said restroom, i noticed that infront of me was a urinal, but I honestly couldn't remember if that was normal or not.  So, i slowly walked into the stall while glancing back at the mirror to see who would walk out of a different stall.  The poor man...he affirmed this was indeed the men's room.  Gracious sakes.

One down for culture shock!  haha.  Thankfully, we didn't run into each other again.  :D  Whew.


This is some of what is such a shock:
- Tall people, especially guys
- White people, well, summer tans, but obviously white
- Space between the houses
- Open roads that are well kept up
- we are NOT close to the equator
- everyone speaks English...amazing
- There are trees everywhere, like tall, full leaves, no palm trees
- People, well, they just shout to each other in public!

Yup, that's a little taste of what's hitting the senses.  It's been super relaxing thus far too!  Living in A.C., being cooked for, laughing loads, sleeping pretty much whenever, just soaking up each day.  Ahhh.

Hopefully in a couple days, there will be a little list of some "re-stock" to take back to the Philippines.  For now, as mentioned, i'm just soaking up the each day.  It's sooo lovely.

Departure Day!

Good morning (at least here in the Philippines!)

It's 7:31am and in about 2 hours i'll be at the airport.  Which means, TODAY is the day to begin traveling back Stateside.  wow.  Here's some info on the trip, so you can just pray however the Lord leads you.

"Fun Facts"
- MD has no power currently (no pun intended)
- Flying there will take approximately 38 hours
- One night hotel stay in Manila
- Longest flight is from Tokyo to Atlanta
- It's probably the coldest morning in the Philippines and the hottest in MD

That's the basics!  God is so gracious for this opportunity to just relax and even to enjoy the flights.

Blessings!


"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." - Psalm 23:6