Life, Drills, and More

Besides my recording my life and adventures in the Philippines, I'm not sure I have blogged so fully or consistently until we went to Europe...thus, I hope you can excuse the last few weeks of silence as not only did I need the reprieve, but life has been so full I simply have not had much opportunity for any internet time!

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of photos on hand to show the happenings of the last few weeks, but following my last post, I spent the weekend nannying 'my precious little family' of 4 amazing kids for the weekend, ages 8 - 22 months...that included loading them up and taking them to a music rehearsal with me, playing at the Kroc, and living life with them while trying to direct Esther (back home) via phone how to deliver Katydid's malpresenting goat kid!! It was amazing and crazy, but all's well that ends well!

This week also, I had the opportunity to babysit some other friends of mine (6 kids this time - 13 - 1.5) for a day. The thing I love about babysitting/nannying Christian families is that each time I glean new ideas, learn new things, and get to practice my patience, creativity, and love. The question keeps coming to my head, "Do I have the skills, character, and especially selflessness it takes to be a mom?" And I think my answer is, "Yes, by God's grace I shall!"

I've also been busy with my part-time job at my dad's financial firm, Bible Study, spending time with friends (many of whom I have been sorely neglecting in the last few months), spending time with my Jesus, working on the ranch, correcting and sewing a ewe up with a prolapsed uterus, and many other various activities...

One of which, I want to specifically highlight today.... Yesterday, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a 'victim' for the Coeur d'Alene Disaster Drill, which was a 2-day drill done with Kootenai Health practicing how the Medical system would work if say, there was a blizzard and roofs started caving in causing multiple injuries... How would triage work? How would Incident Command be set up, and would it work smoothly with the City Departments, citizens, hospitals, and Emergency Personnel?

Everyone agreed it went much smoother than last year's drill, though a few kinks are still being worked out.

Corn Syrup and Red Food dye makes excellent blood (however, it doesn't dry fast!) :)

It all started when Selah asked me to volunteer with her (as her Nurse grandma had asked her to help)... I *of course* said yes!! :) Medical anything--especially with the ER is AWESOME! This is my life! Arriving at 6:15am, we signed in and got all 'moulaged' for our parts. I was asked to act as a 'hysterical' 32 week pregnant, 20 y/o female, who hearing the ceiling cracking started running from the building, but fell on the ice and had a occipital laceration, broken wrist, hip and lower leg bruising and injuries, and was in possible premature labor. :)

Saran wrap makes an excellent wrap for holding your "baby" in and keeping shape

Grandma S., Selah, and I (baking soda makes great sheet rock dust)

 Grandma S. had a C-Spine injury causing paralysis from her waist down and minor contusions, and Selah had a fractured pelvis among other things.

I think the baby is wanting to come.... :)

Charcoal makes nice bruising, along with liquid foundation and red spray paint as needed.

I guess they picked the right person, as I had a whole bunch of people come up asking when I was due, if it was a boy or girl, and if it was my first... Some thought it was awesome that they were able to find a pregnant woman to fill a role! Goodness....it was so funny!

After we finished the drill and debrief, Selah and I met up with Luke (my dear cousin, and Selah's hubby ;D), and went out for coffee....well, actually, we walked...as we were... Oh the looks were priceless!!! I still looked all pregnant too...crazy, I know! You should have seen the faces when we walked into the coffee shop! It was priceless....and we acted completely oblivious. Of course we told those who asked. :)

One of these days, maybe this will be my reality... :)

I shall blog more as time allows...
Looking Forward, we are leaving for Texas to see the Grand Canyon and ultimately for a homeschool conference next week, where I will be teaching young women-ages 12-15 for the week. After that, one of my big priorities is working to downsize our alpaca herd and organizing my life, so if you don't hear from me much, just know that I'm busy working, serving, or something like that. :)

"As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

~ Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 ~

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

~ 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ~

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 ~

EU: Scotland Tour

3/2 Note: Due to photo and computer technical difficulties, I wasn't able to get almost any photos posted before flying to London...so please review the post again! :) Thanks to David for most of the shots...

Quick Note: I found out this morning that we are actually only 8 hours different instead of 9.. so, when it is 7am there, it is actually 3pm here :)...I guess we went back in time. :)

Kilconquhar Castle (Pro. Kin-AH-cur)

George MacDonald trees!!!

With an unexpected turn of events, Daniel came down with the stomach flu 100% last night (he had mostly skipped it last week), so he ended up having to miss all of today's adventures...which was a terrible blow for all of us... :/

5 of our strapping men (yes, I'm biased... ;P)

Meanwhile, the men went off early to St. Andrews where they didn't golf but did walk the course and beach.

St. Andrews Golf Course

We girls slept in a tad more and leisurely got ready, before joining them to walk the sea shore, where Eric Liddell (pro. Li-'il) ran in real life... And, I found some seashells to scrapbook. :)

Happy Birthday Esther!!! (and yes, she IS the tallest female in our family!)
In front of Kilconquhar Castle

All of us, except Daniel and David

It is truly spectacular here!! There is nothing like water, and a vast sky!! What color contrasts too!

From there, our private mini-bus took us to the Glamis Castle (pro. Glaumz), where we had the honor of meeting the actual Earl, have tea, a private tour, and luncheon. This day might possibly be the best day of memories for all of us!! Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother (current Queen Elizabeth's mother), and holds tons of history....

It fascinates me hearing the history of these castles, as they truly evolved over time, starting from just  a shack on the hunting ground, to an L shape tower (in the middle), to what it is today! And, it has been in the family for over 18 generations!

Talk about secluded and peaceful!!

We were greeted by a piper who piped at our entrance  and also before tea and luncheon.

What an honor to meet the Earl!

David and Samuel gave him one of their FirePower Pens, made of Cocabolla wood, gold, and bullet pieces, which he seemed to enjoy.. What a very nice man!

Having Tea (English Breakfast) in what used to be the kitchen fireplace! (Big enough to roast a large ox in, with the huge stone chimney going up above!)

Part of the old kitchen.

A lot of things were put into perspective.... I grew up loving the Millie Keith and Elsie Dinsmore series, but always laughed at Horace 's demanding Elsie to not run barefooted on the rug before the maid had lit the fire....well, there is a reason! Those castles and large mansions are drafty things!! Even with triple layers, I was chilly!

This doorway was just right for me!! Just a few inches over my head.....thus,
I'm a little teapot, short and stout.... :)

The Dining Hall (expandable to up 36 people...the family who was building the castle had 11 children--talk about fun..and work!)

The (drafty) drawing room upstairs...it takes 4 hours to heat this room up to any nice temperature at all.

Their 15' Billiards Table, which was gotten hundreds of years ago by that same man for his children...
During the WWI, their castle was used for a hospital and refuge for the soldiers...so there are marks and remembrances from those times in this room as well!

What a gorgeous piano this is! And it actually belonged to the queen mother, though it be out of tune!
PS...Rachel played this piano, while I played the piano in 2 pictures above....it was good to play piano again!)

Also, heard some awesome 'ghost stories', and some interesting superstitions from the earlier time periods... Their beds are shorter than ours now, which makes you feel quite sorry for any tall individuals sleeping in them... Well, they slept sitting up, for 'laying down is the form of a dead person, and who knows when the Devil might fly past and seeing you laying like a corpse mistake you for being one, and take your soul with him??!' ;)

The late Queen Mother's private quarters

Another one, is that they always turned their shoes upside-down, as 'the Devil might come stand in your shoes in the night, and when you put them on in the morning, some of his evil might possess you.' :)

Both kind of funny...but truly, it makes me sad to think about all the fears so many people had and still have... or that kings of old would accuse incredible healing women as witches, because they didn't like them...like poor Janet Douglas...and who was to go against the king??

The story goes that she still occupies a chair in the back of their private family chapel. :)

This room is amazing!! Lots of history here...including the family china--actually made in China hundreds of years ago, and it took 6 years to receive the order (in parts)...with 25% breakage expected during shipping (thus extra pieces)...
Also, the tapestries on the walls are actually hangings for a canopy bed, which were hand embroidered by the mother of those 11 children over a 14 year period after her marriage.... Wow!

How would you like this to be your "throne"?? Talk about a toilet!!

This was just a silly photo of the 3 of us, showing what camera angles and crouching can do... :)

 Luncheon time...the food was delicious--very Scottish too....

 HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY ESTHER!!!

You are growing up to be such an amazing young woman who loves the Lord with all your heart!! Thank you for your servant's heart, willingness, and sensitivity! I love you!

Take a look at that gorgeous fondant!!

Another shot of those gorgeous "George MacDonald trees" (as I call them)...

We ended up spending so much time there, that we didn't stop by any other castles, but went straight to the Pinkerton Barony...  I guess I didn't really mention why Scotland is beloved to us Pinkertons in my post yesterday....but, it is because 'Pinkerton' is Scottish....and those roots go quite deep...to the Pinkerton valley, outside of Dunbar.

I think the "Little" fits us just fine! :D

Standing in front of the Pinkerton Barony.....and I guess it looks exactly the way it did when my grandparents visited years ago!!

It started to rain...and we had a beautiful rainbow!! Look at that view!
Talk about ocean front!! (Without all the commotion or expense!)

You can't see the end of this rainbow...but I'm sure there is a pot of gold at the other end...
Any one wanna volunteer to help me find it?! :)

We had one dedicated bus driver--thank you Kevin!! (talk about tall...at 6'7"!)

My grandfather is very much into our genealogy, and it was so special to be able to go back to the actual area we Pinkertons come from!! What rich heritage, be it from 400 years ago... The folks staying there were so precious too...

A look at the land...their 17 year old daughter bundled all these...

Just for kicks...reminds me of The Wizard of Oz....

And, a factory down the hill from them...isn't the ocean beautiful (be it cold!)?!

Some interesting things I noticed about Scotland:
 - Mailmen actually deliver packages to the door slots!!
 - Toilets actually have handles on the wall, on the toilet side.
 - Rabbits are plentiful (and cute!)
 - Ring-necked Pheasants are also plentiful.
 - Scotland reminds us a lot of Virginia...rolling hills, many trees, moderate climate...it is gorgeous here! The biggest difference is that they have almost all roundabouts, and drive on the left side of the road.
 - They have hairy cows here!!!

Other notes of interest:
 - Samuel tried black (blood) pudding today, and decided he didn't like it... (I had something similar in the Philippines, and though it is tolerable, it is also downright disgusting...)

The Black Pudding is the dark disk just above...

 - We had the 'amazing' Irn Bru (pro. I-ren Brew), and it is truly delicious...much better than Old-Fashioned Orange Cream Sodas (which is the comparable American version), and up there with Root Beer and Ginger Ale.
 - Rachel and I are sharing a room, and found the bed's setup interesting... Especially upon hearing that our married grandparents slept like this for their entire married lives! I took a poll, and my siblings and I agreed that it is a tradition we shall not carry into our marriages...how would you like to have 10" separating you from your hubby every night? Nope...no way.

Looking forward: Tomorrow, we have to leave at 4am to fly to London, where we'll be be on our feet running for 2 days, before heading to Paris.. Hopefully we'll have internet at our lodgings, but if not, I shall post when possible.

Thoughts from today's devotions:
"Stop judging and evaluating yourself, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.
Don't look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people.  The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. I see you radiant in My robes of righteousness. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace."

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of Salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, a as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

~ Psalms 61:10 ~

Bring Me all your prayers and petitions with thanksgiving, saying: "Thank you, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more." Though the lessons of trust that I send to you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost.
Well-developed trust will bring you many blessings, not the least of which is My Peace.  I have promised to keep you in perfect Peace to the extent that you trust in Me.
The world has it backwards--teaching that peace is the result of having enough money, possessions, insurance, and security systems.  My Peace, however, is such an all-encompassing gift, that it is independent of all circumstances.

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true...honest...just...pure...lovely....of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

~ Philippians 4:6-8 ~