Midwifery and Missions

I love Ecclesiastes.... It and James are 2 of my favorite Bible books (and the list spirals on from there ;p). For the last year, I've been prayerfully pondering Ecclesiastes 3.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end....I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11, 14 ~

Truly, there is a time for every season under the sun, and this is one of them... Many of you have asked if I'm planning to go back to the Philippines, and there was a time that I hoped to in 2015 for a while--using my midwifery studies as an excuse, but last Fall, God removed the "have-to", and unlike my past trips, hasn't put that pressing burden on my heart.

As most of you know, I never felt God leading me to pursue midwifery in the States as a career--it was only ever a ministry to me--one that I felt specifically called to use in the Philippines, as a way to minister to the women there, and also share God's love and the Hope we have because of the Gospel.

This last year has been a weird transition for me in so many ways....the thought of not returning to the Philippines has been hard, and yet, I truly don't believe that my last trip was 'good bye forever'. However, I do know that God hasn't clearly directed me to go back any time in the near future.

Thus, I'm starting to wrap up those loose strings, and one of them is re-conditioning my blog... For memories' sake (and so I don't forget ;D), I am copying below my midwifery and mission testimony from my old 'About Me' page, laying aside, learning from, and treasuring the past, and looking forward to the future of the vision God has given me to carry out.

Truly, I believe that wherever God has me is my mission field, though I have a much harder time remembering that sometimes in the States). It's so easy to take life for granted--unlike the Philippines, where all I have is God...where it's so easy to share the Gospel, and take the time for each person who crosses your path.. Where life seems more fragile and in some ways, more important.

My lifelong vision and calling is to disciple those God brings into my life, whether for a short time or for longer lengths, and live my life in light of eternity. I am so grateful for all of you who were my prayer warriors while I served in the Philippines.

James 5:16b says:

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

I could feel those prayers working, guiding, and hovering over me, and I am so humbled and grateful for them. I would ask you to again partner with me, as God lays me on your hearts, to pray for me as I endeavor to continue serving God.
Satan is so crafty to try to snare us in any ways we allow idols or lies into our lives--even more so in the century we live in, but by God's grace and wisdom, I want to continue overcoming those traps to be able to live in freedom, purity, and truth before God and man.

My Midwifery Mission Testimony:

Age 4

At my birth (my mother's first home birth), the midwives 'prophesied' over me that I was cut out to be a midwife, as I had long fingers and my water bag 'baptized' them as I was born. At age 6, I informed my mom that I felt God was calling me to be a midwife (wisely she refrained from telling me about my birth story until years after my resolution, so as not to 'bias' me one way or another).

Age 11

At 12, I believe God called me to the mission field as a missionary midwife. It was at that time, my dear friend-Jordan Ruseler and I stumbled upon the Newlife School of Midwifery (MMC) website, which is the largest charity-based (also Christian) midwifery clinic in the Philippines.

In 2011, with our parents' blessing, I and my friend - Jordan went and served God in Southern Philippines. Before going, I had witnessed quite a few (human) births, but after serving in Davao and in the Bukid (mountains) for 3 months, I had the privilege to deliver 10 babies, help with around 40 births, and conduct well over 120 prenatals.

In 2012, I went back for another 4 months to work both at the Mercy Clinic and in the mountains, discipling girls, evangelizing, serving them, doing prenatals, and delivering babies, bringing my count up to 25 deliveries, 80 births assisted, and well over 200 prenatals.

My interests have been to become equipped in the following lines of study: Midwifery, EMT, Nutrition, Veterinary, and Doula, so I can better serve those around me, whether here on the homefront or on foreign fields.

I am currently a Nationally Certified EMT and have enjoyed immensely the opportunities that training has brought me, and where it may bring me in the future.

I have also attended the following the courses/workshops:
A 14-hour Bradley Method Course
A 3-day Birth Doula Workshop
A 6-day Intensive Midwifery Skills Training Course 
I also serve as the "veterinarian assistant" on our 50-acre ranch, with experience helping various kinds of animals (alpacas, horses, goats, sheep, llamas, cats, etc.) deliver dystocia births, suturing, ultrasounding, uterine prolapse, uterine torsion, dissecting, etc.

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

~ Romans 12:9-13 ~

New Year's Eve Update

There is so much I want to write about, however, time is short, and I fear it shall have to wait until I return.... Let me just say that I saw God move mightily in the Passion and Purpose Retreat last weekend....not only in my life, but in others as well.  We had some precious fellowship, incredible praise and worship, and blessed time with our Saviour, King, and Redeemer!!

Unfortunately, this is one of the only photos I have of the retreat--talk about lame, I know...
But at least we have something!!!

It was so neat to be able to spend time with other believers discovering truths that truly set the captives free!! What a precious thing for brothers and sisters in Christ to do!

A beautiful (slightly enhanced ;) sunset

Sunday afternoon, after church, we all crashed, and I do believe we would have slept straight through until Monday morning if we didn't have a special commitment that night--my grandparent's just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary!!! What an incredible legacy in this age of divorce and unfaithfulness... We truly are blessed!

Yesterday, Rachel and I scrambled around getting everything packed in time for the packing party at church last night... I am happy to say I got everything packed, and now just have some final details to wrap up (leaving time to blog of course.. ;p)

We really have a blessed team going down there--we all love God, and really want to take responsibility for our part, which will make it easier on all of us.

I would appreciate prayers--for me personally.. Yesterday, I came across my Filipino phone, with all my messages from a year gone by...
One year ago, I was in the Philippines--looking forward to 2 more months of ministry in the Jungle. I was celebrating the new year with friends, when my medical emergency happened, and in a whirlwind of events, I found myself on a flight headed home, instead of heading up North to the Bukid..

Just over 1 year ago....

I realized yesterday, that as much as I am anticipating serving the Belizean people, it's also hard, as my heart is really longing to be with "my people" - those on the island of Mindanao. This last weekend, I found myself speaking in Visayan and writing the same, and memories are just pouring back.

Right after giving out Christmas Dinner, gifts, and the Gospel to over 200 kids in Southern Cotabato

God really has helped me cultivate a heart of contentment (not that I don't struggle sometimes!), and I know He has a perfect plan, and I do believe that my time serving the Filipinos is not over. However, I would appreciate prayer that I would be able to completely embrace every aspect of my time in Belize, with a whole heart, nothing wavering.  I don't want ANYTHING holding me back from serving God down there, and being a part of the team -- no matter what my other mission experiences have been like.
It seems so weird to just be bringing various medical supplies, and leaving my beloved doppler, fetoscope, midwifery books, scrubs, and all of my supplies with me... So much of what I will be bringing was loved on in the Philippines--it is so different not to be going back there...

Praise God for His never-ending and always enduring mercy!!!

Na hidlaw sa ko imo, akong Pilipinas!!!

A few of us were practicing last night for a special number to be played in Belize, and the words ministered deeply:

With my whole heart I humbly seek You

Now use my life, O Lord, I pray

I yield my stubborn will completely

May your commandments light my way.

Your Word has promised me the vict'ry

And all I need to do is claim

Your strength, to soar with wings as eagles

To walk, to run, and not to faint.

My life is Yours to control

I give You my heart and my soul

I'll seek Your will, never mine

Rich treasure to find.

Give wisdom to choices I make

Along ev'ry path that I take

So when I complete life's race

"Well done" You will say.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

~ Isaiah 52:7 ~

Summer Fun

We have had a crazy, fun summer thus far... With new company weekly (mostly family, and also some of my friends from Chicago!), including overlaps, since the time we got back from Mexico, there has been a lot of visiting and wonderful fellowship, and we actually got quite a bit of work done too!!

This is a random quote, but it struck me, and is so true....
how often we don't understand this!!

One of my cousins got engaged, and we hosted their engagement party, which was a blast!! I guess it's that time of life! So many of my friends (including those younger than me), are now either getting married, or are already married with children... I'm so happy for them!

Just love this... :) (what is it about girls and romantical ideas?)

The McNeil family, who runs the Mercy Maternity Clinic in Davao, Philippines spent the some time with us during their furlough in the US, which not only was very uplifting, but brought the Philippines new and fresh to mind... How I miss that land!! All in God's good time..

Also, a chiropractor friend from Mexico spent some time here training us how to do chiropractic adjustments and test each other on supplements. Besides all the work that was accomplished, we had a LOT of fun, including all the ideas my brothers got for creating things!!

We slaughtered our steer -- "Sammy" last week, and the boys are planning on brain-tanning his hide. SO looking forward to eating fresh Hamburger again!!! Amazing how fast we go through that stuff...

We also had the Bible Bee get-together BBQ last weekend, following a full day at the local Maxwell Conference -- SO good!! I am so thankful my brothers and sisters and I are truly best friends!!

Tomorrow, we have our Client Appreciation Banquet for my dad's Financial Planning company-Pinkerton Retirement Specialists, for which I am supposed to play about 2 hours of piano...that should be interesting!! =)
And, in 2 weeks, we have 2 weddings (back-to-back, but NOT ours ;p) at our house, which we are busy preparing for--mostly yard work...so looking forward to them!!

Anyway, that is our summer, and that isn't including our blooming, gorgeous garden; swimming in the lake often; and rafting down the Spokane River. =) And, of course sewing... :) I am loving getting back into it!! And, it is now cria season!!! We've had 4 born so far, and another 10+ due in the next few months...

My little guy-Independence was born on July 4th...he sure is a bugger!!

Recently, I have been participating in a local college-age Bible Study hosted by a friend of mine, and we are currently going through Jill Briscoe's book '8 Choices That Will Change a Woman's Life'. I am really enjoying it, and God has specifically given me a young women to encourage in her search for the Truth regarding Lies and Fears she has been believing. Praise God, He is giving her victory!!! I am so blessed to be able to serve God here in the US, and not just in other countries...hard as it can sometimes be to not want to be out 'there' serving, instead of in my home State.
I would love to share these principles with anyone...they are life changing!! Please feel free to contact me!!

God is so good, and He has been teaching me SO much. He has given me much to think about this summer, and a furthered vision for the future (more on that later).

The Scripture passage I am trying to apply this month is Psalms 15...
LORD, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?
He that:
- walketh uprightly
- worketh righteousness
- speaketh the truth in his heart
- backbiteth not with his tongue
- doeth no evil to his neighbour
- taketh not up a reproach against his neighbour
- a vile person is contemned {despised} in his eyes
- honoureth them that fear the LORD
- sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not
- putteth not out his money to usury
- taketh not reward against the innocent

 He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Very thought-provoking.... How often do we look inwards--at our heart--and do some 'heart-circumcision'?? Something I am doing again... I pray this is an encouragement for you as well.

Filipino Memoirs

I post this in May, but the following is what God showed me in February:
Time has passed, and looking back, there have been moments that I had to ask God "What did you accomplish through me in the Philippines? I didn't finish my time there...I didn't accomplish what I went to do in the first place--serve the Bukid people.."

In the last few weeks, God has given me insights into what He did there....
In total, I spent 2.5 months at Mercy Maternity Center, where God allowed me enough practice in midwifery and complications in prenatals and delivery, that I felt completely comfortable delivering a baby without a supervisor, in the Bukid (hours away from hospital help), and also allowed me to share the Gospel to different women and encourage others in their walks with God.

While there, I delivered 15 babies (bringing my total to 25); assisted with over 30 births (bringing my total to over 80); and performed over 70 prenatals (bringing my total to around 200). At one point, I delivered 7 babies in a mere 2.5 weeks, and twice, I delivered 2 babies within 4 hours of each other, on one shift!! That was an interesting experience!!

One Crazy Shift!!

With such short hours of sleep, God again reminded me that it was HE I could rely on for my energy, strength, patience, and wisdom.... Praise Him!!!!

Originally, I was supposed to spend 3 months in the mountains, but because God called me back early, I ended up only spending 2 weeks there, at the end of November. My time in the Bukid was definitely the most challenging of all, not only because I (the only white person there) lived with the tribal people, who spoke almost no English (and I only knew coherent Visayan), but I also had some major adventures relationally-wise with the pastor's wife I stayed with, which created a lot of learning, praying, and growing experiences. I was quickly forced to learn more fluent Visayan, God gave me the patience and oversight to just 'go with the flow'.

Some of the people I discipled/stayed with.

While there, I did a prenatal on a patient, that had I stayed, I would have delivered her baby in late January; helped clean up after Bagio Pablo (Typhoon Bopha, which I lived through); did much discipleship with the girls there; and helped lead Bible Studies and church meetings.... God grew me so much, and we had precious, sweet fellowship.

Ruins of Bagio Pablo

My Filipino Teammates

The remainder of my time in the Philippines (6 weeks), was spent in South Cotabato in Koronadal City (Marbel), with the Serisola family, helping my dear Filipino "sister" prepare for her wedding, get married, and then get moved to her new home (North in Cagayan de Oro), followed by my time in the Bukid before coming back for Christmas Break at their family home.

Kuya Jim Harris ug Ateh Sylvette ug ako--sila bridesmaid. ;p

Truly, it wasn't until I got home that I realized why God had me spend so much time there: Not only did I learn so much spiritually while there, but I also learned the Filipino culture intimately, and invested and experienced their Holiday customs/giving season. God also used me to help transition their family from having an oldest single daughter to having a married daughter, who had her own 'family' now that she was married.

Funny "Family" Picture :-)

That is just the tip of the ice berg of ways God used me, and I am so grateful that He allowed to spend the 7 months He did serving Him in the Philippines.

Truly, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth Salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except the be sent? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. 

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

~ Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:11-15a, 17-18 ~

My Last Filipino Days

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!!"

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.

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. 

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.

The wall they were building too, and a view of their resourceful ladder (using old wood pieces nailed together)

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.

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!!

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).

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!!!

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 ~

New Year's Beach Party

Here is the last bike the boys made--completely finished..definitely an odds and ends bike!! :)

On New Years' Day, we had the last official outing before I went home (more on that later), and Jim Harris and Sylvette went back up North to their home.

We left after lunch, for a 3+ hr. drive to the coast...utterly beautiful!! After being turned down at a bunch of private beaches, we found one that wasn't full, however to enter, we'd have to spend the night (which not everyone had prepared for!!) That was a LOT of fun!!!! We returned home the following day.

One very full car!!! 3 in the front and 6 in the trunk!! (Plus all the food, etc. etc.)

3 of us in the back (Estoy, Ezra and I)...the other 3 haven't gotten in yet. XD

Making the fire to cook the fish.

The other side---preparing the fish.

Lunch t

3 silly fishermen... ;p

5 beautiful siblings

Starfish!!!

That night, we had a lot of fun making sand vehicles..there was quite the conglomeration of different types of vehicles!!

Boys will be boys! (And men will be men!)...where ever they are, it is quite fascinating to see the inborn desire and fascination with manly things (including vehicular type objects ;p)

This picture tickles me...Not only did we bury Nanay, but Tatay's 'serious' expression so completely fits this picture, even though that was quite the opposite expression he had a moment before. ;)

Part of our sleeping arrangements (between the motorcar, my hammock, and the little open air shack we rented.)

My dear Nanay and I...

 I love their garbage list....quite extensive!!

Tatay took me on a picture excursion, and these were a few of the shots...

Bringing out the kid in me??

A similar shack to what we slept in, except this was an information booth.

The precious newlyweds: Jim Harris and Sylvette

We really had a marvelous, relaxing time of fellowship there at the beach. We made lots of memories, and I very much enjoyed our moonlight swim...the water was perfect!!!! Even way out!!

Definitely a perfect ending to a wonderful, adventurous year, and a perfect start for the next!!

Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, even of Thy holy temple. By terrible things in righteousness wilt Thou answer us, O God of our salvation; Who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:....

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: Thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: Thou preparest them corn, when Thou hast so provided it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: Thou settlest the furrows thereof: Thou makest it soft with showers: Thou blessest the springing thereof.

Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness; and Thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.

~Psalms 65:4-5, 9-13 ~