A Time For Everything

When I think of Spring, I think of new life, spring cleaning, garden planting, light baby colors, graduations, and weddings... Summer is vibrant -- filled with brilliantly colored flowers, summer jobs, more weddings, and... TIME!! Time to scrapbook, serve others, have summer fun, picnics...mmmm!

And then Autumn comes.... *happy, thoughtful sigh*
I love Autumn..not only is it my "Color", but with it, comes a whole new spectrum of intense, rich, and deep, but muted  colors; scarves, sweaters, and creativity. A whole new start of things..School, harvest, spice, AND color!!

Ahhh, I love how God has put such creativity and diversity into the seasons. Not only with their colors, and many roles and structures, but how there is a time for everything. It reminds me of Ecclesiastes:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which has is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

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 ~

Balik sa Marbel

Originally, we had planned to spend Sunday night at the boarding house in Las Nieves, but since we got there at 7pm, we decided we might as well spend it at the BOOST, since I needed to pack up my stuff there anyway (though I left my medical gear there, and anything else I knew I wouldn't need over Christmas break), which would make us able to head out earlier Monday morning.

The house we stay in at the BOOST when we spend the nigh

Looking down from our house at the BOOST, to the rest of the buildings/property 

The goats and rabbits are raised in 2 sheds like this, right past our house.

The medical clinic at the BOOST

Our Church Building at the BOOST..isn't it a gorgeous area??!

We all got a fairly good night sleep, and after a quick snack, took the motorcycle in, dropped it off at  our host church, and then ate breakfast at an eatery (typical rice, chicken, eggs, and gulay), before settling onto the bus for a 7 hour drive to Davao City.

Originally, we had planned that I would go on Christmas break around December 21st, but Bong and Jemil had to go to Davao for his sister's wedding, and so asked if it would be okay if I left the Bukid early, for traveling sake. The Serisolas (Sylvette's family, who I spent Christmas with) were happy to have me an extra week, and it was settled.

On the route we  took (Southeastern), we saw some of the more damaged areas of the island (though still not so bad as the Davao Oriental area), pictures of which I showed here.

I got an unexpected but delightful call on my cellphone from my family in the States, wondering how I was doing. We had made arrangements for me to skype then when I got into Davao tonight, but somehow, in the communication, they thought it was last night, and so started trying to track me down, since they hadn't heard from me since the night before the Bagio hit.

Flooded rice fields on my way to Koronodal,  in Davao del Sur area.

He emailed a lot of my friends, and anyone he thought might have heard from me, including one organization he thought might be connected with Nehemiah Teams. Well, they in turn decided to contact the International Mission Board (IMB), who sent emails out to a lot of the directors in my area, and my friends and I started getting phone calls and texts wondering about me...

A house surrounded by it's flooded rice fields..amazing how that little 'island' isn't!!

It was actually pretty funny how widely it got spread, but praise God, I was just fine... The thing I love about my dad, is that while he was waiting to hear back on answers, he was already looking up tickets to fly over and find me.. Sure, some people would think that is ridiculous--I'd only been out of contact for 6 days...but my daddy loves me, and I'm his princess... I know I can count on him at any hour, to move heaven and earth to help me, and I love him for it...there is a security in it..a security that a lot of girls don't have, and I count myself SO very blessed to have a father who trusts God explicitly for my safety, but also takes his responsibility seriously as being my gatekeeper and protector!!! :)

A homestead..

Anyway, we arrived in Davao around 4:30pm, and after saying goodbye until the New Year to Bong and Jemil, I walked the 2 km to my dorm, dumped my stuff, and then rushed off to the Visa Extension office. Since I wasn't sure when I would exactly get back to Davao, I decided to process my next Visa Extension before I left, as my previous Extension expired January 9th. It's great, because with the agency I use, I can get in and out of there in about 10 minutes!!

However, I felt a little pressured, because I couldn't remember if they closed at 5 or 6 pm. Thankfully, they closed at 6. While I was out, I decided to get some 'Pasalubong' (gifts) or Christmas presents for the kids up in Butuan, and also got some stuff for my special family down in Koronodal...

Another picture or beautiful South Cotabato

I spent my evening wrapping presents, repacking my stuff for Koronodal, skyping my blood family and my 2nd family, which ended up leaving me with less than 3 hours of sleep before leaving for Marbel, but it was worth it!!!

I love South Cotabato!!

I took the 5:30am bus to Marbel, and I remember asking God for safety on our trip over... Later I got a few texts saying they were praying for my safety as well, and I guess I needed it, because we were all kind of sleeping, when we were almost involved in a collision. There was a semi on our right (I was seated on the left side), and we literally got within 6 inches of each other (about 3 feet forward of where I was sitting), before the driver was able to get out of it..it was so close, and the rest of the trip, everyone got edgy anytime we got within close proximity of another large vehicle. :)

An elementary school in South Cotabato

I arrived in Marbel in good time, and was picked up by one of my kuyas..boy was it good to see them all again!!!

In Seattle

Well, I'm in Seattle now... My last flight was uneventful, and my seatmate was a young guy in the AirForce on his way with some buddies to get 'Pressurized' for Free-Fall Training. We had some great discussions.

Papa took me to the airport this morning..which was really special. Here I am before checking into GEG Airport, with everything I'm taking: 6 months worth of clothes/medical equipment.

My flight leaves at 2:30pm... I'll be Davao tomorrow morning (PST). That's all for now!!

For we walk by faith, not by sight: We are confident, I say, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

~ 2 Corinthians 5:7-9 ~

Summer Update

Wow...it's been a long time since I've written... As everyone knows, the Waldo Canyon fire is long since been under control, and in it's place, the usual summertime fires all around our nation have occurred... Thank God for those who have sacrificed, sometimes everything to protect us...
This last month has been very, very busy for us... Not only did 'cria season' come in full blast, with 11 crias born thus far, 3 of which have been either brown or black (my favorite), but we are only half done... talk about fun!!

Also, instead of spending 3 weeks in the Midwest like originally planned, our family decided to spend those 3 weeks in North Idaho, visiting friends and family, camping, swimming, rafting, huckleberry and u-picking, and then finally sending Rachel off to Singapore for 2 months, where she'll be helping to teach student leadership to college-age kids there.

This week marked the first full week of being 'back' from Vacation, and boy, has it been busy!! I'm back to work as a nanny, house cleaner, and also (and most importantly) helper on the ranch...and now almost have the minimum funds needed to serve in the Philippines for 6 months.

Now down to 26 days until departure, the days are starting to fly by fast, and though there doesn't seem to be much to really do to prepare for leaving, I have realized that most everything I do relates to it in some odd way or another.

I would ask your prayers for Rachel as she serves in Singapore...I am so excited to see what God does through her willing, serving and humble heart over there.

For Thou, LORD, hast made me glad through Thy work: I will triumph in the works of Thy hands. O LORD, how great are Thy works! and Thy thoughts are very deep.

~ Psalms 92:4-5 ~

Goodbye Daniel!!!

In October, Daniel, David, & Samuel went to Journey of the Heart (something I would highly recommend to any person who wants an even closer relationship with God..talk about an intense 10-day long Biblical discipleship!)  One thing with the "Journeys" is that you long to do it again (as I feel as well ;D)....and so this time was Daniel's 2nd Journey.

Best Brother....

2003 - BK: David, Rachel, Daniel, Sarah FRT: Esther, Rebekah, Samuel

2005 - Our Rite of Passage

FYI, Journey of the Heart is an offshoot of IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles), which was founded by Dr. Bill Gothard in 1961.

Last year, while at the Journey, Daniel had the opportunity to send in an application for different ministry opportunities, including serving at the IBLP Headquarters in Oakbrook, Illinois. Though he didn't apply at that time, God kept working in his heart about possibly doing so in the future. That next summer (2010), our family spent 2.5 months traveling around the country in 3 different trips (AK; CO; and TN, AR, MO, IL, OH, KY). A large part of the last trip was spent in Illinois with our dear friends the Hogans and then also at the IBLP HQ. At that time, Mr. Gothard brought up the possibility of Daniel serving at HQ, but our business needed him badly (he worked as a Paraplanner and Research Analyst), and so he declined the offer at that time as well. 

Graduation 2010

This time at Journey, God laid the desire even stronger on Daniel's heart about the possibility of serving at HQ, and after much prayer and consideration with our parents, he applied to IBLP for a year long stint, and was accepted, to begin serving there in the 2nd week of January '12.

A Man with a Vision

Papa and Daniel decided to drive his Audi back to Oakbrook in early December with everything he'd need (which wasn't very much) for a year in Chicago and possible mission trips to other countries as well. They drove through the Midwest on their way there, participated in the IBLP Christmas Party and then flew back home a few days later. 

In the Badlands! 

Since when do they mile mark every .1 of each mile???? (In the Midwest??)

The night before his departure, we had a going away party for him during our Wednesday night Bible Study, and then some of us as a group prayed for him as well. What a huge blessing prayer is!!

Me & My Brother (Photo by Alyssa Gaul)

(Photo by Alyssa Gaul)

Daniel actually left Thursday, January 12th, 2012. To start out with, he is staying at the Drake Hotel there in Oakbrook (which IBLP just purchased and is now renovating),  and will be helping with renovations there, as well as working as an IT and Research assistant and various things under the direction of Ken Krause. He is learning a lot of new skills, like being a cook and a song leader.  He will also probably work with Mr. Hogan in Springfield at times.

Leaving at 4am

We are really excited for Daniel as he serves God in a new capacity, and is discipled in a whole new way. Please keep him in your prayers though, as it will be challenging at times.

The Drake Hotel in Oakbrook which Daniel is currently helping to remodel

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

~ Matthew 28: 19-20 ~

He is Faithful

This last weekend was tough for me......we had 3 alpacas die in a matter of 2 days...for various reasons.
One cria didn't have the stamina to survive the winter because his mom was really sick (she humanely euthanized later), and supplementation for a male cria who isn't 'worth' the $300 to give a plasma transfer to is difficult.

After doing what we could for him this last week to try to perk him up, he died Saturday morning. Then, Friday afternoon, I found my prized cria-Khinah, hypothermic for no apparent reason, and doing everything short of giving her an IV (which I was about to do), she died Saturday afternoon.

In that alone, I was at peace. What did Job (1:20-21) say after he had lost all of his (10) children??

"Then Job arose.....and worshipped (God), and said, "...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

(Notice that he worshipped God...looking at the original Hebrew text, we find that that means he knelt down all the way to the ground in reverence to God. What an motivating response to an tremendous trial.)

Of course, living on a ranch, these things are bound to happen, and you learn to accept them as part of life, and are comforted, knowing that God is walking with you during it all.

Though I was at peace with all that happened, it brought up past memories....memories of finding out my first horse-Molly had a neurological disease and making the extremely difficult decision to donate her to WSU for research.

Memories of then, after finding the horse of my dreams-Raphya (meaning "healer") and later breeding her to the perfect stallion for an unmatchable foal, I lost both Raphya and her unborn filly-Ruhamah (meaning "having obtained mercy") (and $3500 down-the-drain ;p), suddenly without any known cause.

Ruhamah - my dream

Memories of alpaca crias, like Snowflake, who was born 3 weeks early, and would have most assuredly died if I hadn't spent the first 2 days of her life out there in the barn, stimulating and tube feeding her (which proved to be necessary) to keep her alive, and even eating and sleeping out there with her. After 4 months of investing all my energies and money into my 'baby' (I was literally her mom), she suddenly died (waiting to die in my arms), without any explanation.

Memories of what were once my specialty....my Nubians....like Mercy, who born in frigid January, got pneumonia, and was literally house-raised...and to this day, is the only goat who has ever slept in my bed (in our house) with me. Because of her ailing lungs and wracking cough, she couldn't get any sleep at night (and neither could I ;p), unless her head was on my head touching my face. Then she was fine. Unfortunately, a person who was feeding her one morning, accidentally got it in her lungs, which proved fatal, even though we tried thorough CPR on her (in every way, besides the AED/Defibrilator ;p).

After 2 years since Raphya's death (the newest and in some ways hardest), I thought I was over it all. But the bittersweet memories are still there, and since memories will never leave (usually ;p), there will be tender feelings at times.

Suddenly, feelings arose that hadn't raised their ugly heads for nearly 2 years.....why did God let Raphya die? Why after He gave me such promises of what Ruhamah was going to be...my dream...for roping, riding, ranching, etc. suddenly go down the drain? Why did my horse allergies have to get so bad after we got out of horses, so that when I ride a horse, I get asthma so bad that I'm out of commission for months? Why didn't he allow me to get another horse when they were once my passion?

Silently and sometimes subconsciously fighting all these feelings, God overwhelmed my spirit with peace. Look what He has given me!?! He has directed my paths to something different for the time being....having a horse wouldn't fit in with medical studies and mission work at this point in time. He also divulged to me that though that is not what He has in His plans for me right now, that does not necessarily mean that I will not live my dream of raising horses and cattle, sometime in the future.

Through all this, He directed my eyes to Him. He wants me to gaze on His face and not be distracted with worldly goods. I am His...His Pure Princess Full of Hope (oh Father, let it be!! Make me to know what that really means to You!!).

Most of this I didn't even fully realize was going on until last night, when I was talking to a dear friend of mine (what Paul called an 'aged woman'--in Titus 2:3--which in in Hebrew also literally means 'ambassador' [which according to the 1812 Dictionary means: "An official messenger and representative"]...what a wonderful thing!), who I look up to as my personal mentor, and was so very encouraged in the Lord through her. Praise God for His goodness.

As usual, God brought these verses to mind/in my personal devotions, and what a fortification they are!

Yet the LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my Rock, "Why hast Thou forgotten me? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" 

As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, 'Where is thy God?' Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? 

Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

~ Psalms 42:8-11 ~

The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. I will praise Thee: for Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. 

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.

~ Psalms 118:14, 21, 23-24, 28-29 ~

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

~ Psalms 121:1-2, 8 ~

He also brought the following 2 songs to mind:

Maker of this heart of mine, You know me very well

You understand my deepest thought, more than I know myself

So when I face the darkness, when I need to find my way

I trust in You, Shepherd of my heart

Keeper of this heart of mine, Your patience has no end

You've loved me back into Your arms, time and time again

So if I start to wander, like the lamb that goes astray

I'll trust in You, Shepherd of my heart

You're the beacon of my night, You're the sunlight of my days

I can rest within Your arms, I can know Your loving ways

So let the cold winds blow and let the storms range all around

I trust in You, Shepherd of my heart

Giver of this life in me, You're what I'm living for

For all my deepest gratitude You love me even more

So as I walk through darkness, listening for the Master's call

I'll trust in You, Shepherd of my heart

I have a shelter in the storm when troubles pour upon me

Though fears are rising like a flood my soul can rest securely

O Jesus, I will hide in You--my place of peace and solace

No trial is deeper than Your love that comforts all my sorrows

I have a shelter in the storm when all my sins accuse me

Though justice charges me with guilt, Your grace will not refuse me

O Jesus, I will hide in You--who bore my condemnation

I find my refuge in Your wounds, for there I find salvation

I have a shelter in the storm when constant winds would break me

For in my weakness, I have learned Your strength will not forsake me

O Jesus, I will hide in You--the One who bears my burdens

With faithful hands that cannot fail, You'll bring me home to heaven

I pray this post is as much a blessing to you reading it (if you could get through it all ;p), as it was to me writing it. OUR GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!!!! IT IS OVERWHELMING!!! Come before Him this Thanksgiving with hearts of praise.

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD, He is God: it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 

Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.

~ Psalms 100 ~