Before I ever left to go to the Philippines for the second time, both my mentor and my dad told me that if for some reason I needed to come home in the middle of the trip, instead of staying for the full 6 months, that I should not feel guilty for not staying the whole time I had planned.
I didn't think too much about those words, but the thought did come back to me in mid-December, and I thought, "Sure...what could possibly happen that would prevent me from staying my intended length? God would have to do something outstanding for me to return to the US before March!!"
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| While I was busy that week, the men started revamping the lean-to, to make the roof an extension of the house...that was pretty fascinating, seeing how their creativity, and how they went about accomplishing it. |
The plan was that I would finish out the weekend with the Serisolas, and then head back up on Monday to spend the next 2.5 months in the Bukid (mountain villages), serving, discipling, doing prenatals, and delivering my client's baby up there, outside Butuan.
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| A good view of the construction site, after demolition was mostly complete. |
However, January 2nd (Wednesday), on our way back from the beach, I started experiencing excruciating abdominal pain, with varying intensity, from 3-8 (on a scale from 1-10) that started on my right side and then shifted to the center of my core, followed by my left side. It continued all day and all night, worrying all of us.
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| They used a Tricee to carry their lumber, which was kind of fun to see!! What creativity! |
Thursday, when it persisted, I got convinced to go get it checked out, since some of my symptoms mimicked early appendicitis. After spending most of Thursday and Friday at the the doctor's office/hospital having all sorts of tests done (that was an experience all in its own!!), the doctor couldn't limit out appendicitis, and after worsening symptoms (including exhaustion after any exertion and pain on lifting things), much prayer, tears, and consulting with my parents, it was decided Friday night that it would be best for me to fly home to the US ASAP for further examination and treatment.
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| The wall they were building too, and a view of their resourceful ladder (using old wood pieces nailed together) |
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| Getting the basic roof structure up, which unfortunately, I was never able to see to completion. (Love their serious faces) |
As it was, there was no way I could be effective in the Bukid, and not knowing what was going on not only put a stress on everyone around me, but also, if it was truly early appendicitis and surgery needed to happen, I would be a burden on my caretakers for 6 weeks, which wasn't feasible or considerate.
I really wanted to delay a week, and see how things progressed, but with over 24 hours air travel home, that was not prudent.
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| My precious "3rd family" made me my favorite dinner before I left--Chicken Adobo...thank you Inday, akong igsoon ng babae--Ate´Sylvette!! Those memories will never be forgotten. |
So, Saturday morning, I took the 4 hour bus to Davao City, packed all my stuff up (leaving some things to be shipped in Butuan), and flew home Sunday morning... Talk about a quick turn around!!
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| Waiting in the Davao airport to fly to Manila, Canada, and Spokane.... |
It was more than hard for me...in fact, that was one of the hardest things to do--leave my post (including a soon-to-due patient and much girls' discipleship), to come home, for something that might turn out to be 'nothing' (in my mind)...however, God gave me absolute peace, and I knew that no matter how stupid it may seem, God had greater things in store for me (and looking back, I know He did).
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| A fun Filipino map of our flight to Davao |
After 24 more hours of (painful) travel, I arrived home, safe and sound. After much more extensive testing, it proved not to be appendicitis, but other things that still needed taking care of, and looking back, I have to laugh, because Appendicitis really is possibly almost the only thing that would have made me go home..and God knew that. His creativity is ingenious!!!
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| My welcoming home dinner with my precious family... |
Even though I didn't understand all the whys, even then, I knew God had a bigger, better plan....which, if I had stayed wouldn't have happened as it did, and those blessings are still being unfolded... (as of today -- 5/6/2013)
I praise God for the family He has given me, and for parents (and siblings!) who have not only wholeheartedly supported me in following my dreams and passions, but have always been there with me through the thin and thick of it.
Thank you all who prayed for me during this time, and during the rest of my missions trip...those prayers were felt, and though there are many things I feel could have been done better, God taught me so much, and used me so much... I praise Him for the support team I had back home!! Your letters were priceless!! (Especially my dear Oma--the President of my Fan Club <3)
Moral of the story:
- Never underestimate the creativity of God!!
- Trust God to work through your authorities, parents, rhemas, and you for His ultimate good.
- Even when we don't understand, God has a plan, and we can TRUST HIM!!!!
Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul. I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But, verily, God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me.
~ Psalms 66:16-20 ~
