Day 4: Visit to Agdao Market

Well, all of us girls (Stephanie, Chantal, Terry, Lydia & Annie, Jordan, & me) went to Agdao Market to check out Produce prices, & get a feel for what it's like there, so that we can go back tomorrow, after we get our weekly Ration's Money from MMC.

Our transportation (regal indeed :D) was the Pedi-Cad

Lydia & Annie with their driver

Stephanie, Chantal, & Terry with their driver

Jordan & my driver

When we were almost to the Market, (stopped at one of the few stoplights), a little boy (in red) walked in front of our cad, & accosted me with a big smile on his face, & his pointer finger up (like a number 1).

At first, I thought he was begging for money, but the driver right next to us (Barnett's driver) said 'Camera' (I had been taking pictures of the other girls' cads). So then, I thought he was asking to take a picture of us (but who would give a Filipino kid your camera???). He made some hand motions, & I finally figured out that he wanted me to take a picture of him!!!!

Just then another little boy ran out & joined in for the picture. Of course, I had no problem taking the picture of them (below), before they ran happily off. One of the other girls told me later, that once she realized they wanted their picture taken, she wondered what would happen later...would they want me to pay them for taking their picture?!?! :D

Pictures of Market:

There was this one woman (below) who kept begging for money, it was quite an interesting experience.

We hailed down a Tricei-Cad on our way back, and low & behold, another Trici-Cad driver came up, & started arguing with the other driver, trying to convince us to come with him too!!!

We asked the driver if he thought we'd all (7 of us) fit in his Trici-Cad, & he said we would, so we tried: 3 in the front (4 total) & 4 in the back (I sat on Stephanie & Lydia's laps, & I think they did some of that in the back too. :D).

Here we are, turning onto our street, facing oncoming traffic for 50 feet!!!

All safe & sound back at our place.

Here's a gecko we found on our wall inside this morning, & a toad I found outside last night.

Day 4: 1st Night Shift

Well, if you have read Jordan's last post, you already know that her Swing Shift was "dead" for the first 4 hours, & then boom, they had 3 gals come in, who had 3 babies (2 boys, 1 girl), one of which delivered within 5 minutes of arriving!!! Talk about exciting!!!

Lydia, Kamerie, Stephanie, & I went on Night Shift at 10 pm, after all the excitement had calmed down. There wasn't really anything to do then, & so we eventually all sprawled out on the couches & went to sleep.

Here are 2 pictures I took when I woke up around 4 am, of the Filipino midwives (Lornie & Lydia) & we interns sleeping. :D

Counter-Clockwise: Stephanie, Lydia, & Kamerie

Counter-Clockwise: Kamerie, Lornie, Lydia, & Stephanie

We finally, 45 minutes before our shift ended had something to do, as we needed to check vitals on moms & babies. I was asked to take b/p, respirations, pulses, temps, etc., which was a lot of fun. It's been quite a while since I've needed to any of that, so I was a little slow, & needed some direction/reminders, but isn't that what I'm here for? To learn???

We girls are planning on going shopping this morning for some necessities & food supplies...

I am on for Night Shift tonight as well.

Day 3: 1st Day in Davao

Praise the Lord, this morning, I woke up at 4:15am, after a wonderfully long & deep sleep. For the next few hours, I spent my time reading the 'Welcome/Orientation Book', & then also started reading 'Peace Child' by Don Christiansen (very good).

We had Orientation with Krys(tina) at 9am, which was SO extremely helpful.

Our internet is very scarce at our house right now, so we've been 'borrowing' the Orange House's (another Dorm) internet via outside. :D They're supposed to get it fixed either Monday or Tuesday.

Here we are, contacting our families...

Joy took us out in the MMC Ambulance, & showed us where all the markets/malls are. We're hoping to go shopping tomorrow, for necessities, & more food. (The girls bought enough food to last us for a couple days, but we're running out...)

Some of the girls (including Jordan) are scheduled for the Swing Shift from 2-10pm, & I am scheduled for Night Shift from 10pm-6am tonight....I'll let you if anything happens...

Day 2: Korea to Philippines

As I wrote in my last post, the Flight Attendants have the cutest outfits!!

Jordan being asked what beverage she wanted, on our flight to Manila.

Finding our luggage in Manila

Waiting for the bus...

On the bus....what a happy lot!!! (The rest of the people were such good sports, including the Asian man who volunteered to take our picture!!)

Jordan next to a 'Jordan' Vehicle :D

Getting our luggage together after our airport transfer

Our travels had gone perfectly....until we changed airlines in Manila. Our Travel Agent had assured us that we could bring 2 check-ons & 2 carry-ons, with a limit of 50 lbs. each, & that all the airlines would be okay with that....

That was all good & true...until Manila. :D

At the Manila Airport (Philippine Air), they only allow a certain weight (still not sure what that is...but approximately 35-45 lbs/bag), otherwise they charge you an arm & a leg in 'excess baggage fees'. Then, they only allow 1 carry-on (the other has to be checked), & they cannot weigh more than 7 kg/15 lbs (though they seemed more lenient there...or maybe it was just the lady).

Anyway, I think once it was all said & done, we paid between $80 & $90/bag more, & who knows how much for the extra carry-on...equalling a little less than $200.

We appealed to the higher authorities, & even called MMC, but there was no other available option...oh well!! I think some of it may have had to do with the tickets we got (they were 'cheaper' I guess. ;D)

Anyway, we still had 2+ hrs. left after we got everything figured out, & all of us agreed that the whole ordeal brought us SO much closer. Just imagine 6 girls (ages 18-24), who have been traveling for 3 days, don't have enough sleep, haven't taken showers for ages, & are hot, stinky, & sweaty, with all their hormones/emotions to boot PLUS they're all studying to be midwives....... We had SO much fun!!!

Guess what???? I got to fly on a Boeing 747 on our way to Davao!!!!! I have always wanted to fly in one (I guess I did a long time ago, but I don't remember that), & so this was SO exciting.

We got in around 6pm or so, got our luggage together, & walked out to be greeted by Krys(tina) McNeil & Joy. After packing all of our luggage inside the van & the MMC 'Ambulance', we all piled in after it. Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures. :(

There were quite a few young Filipinos gathered by the vans, laughing, talking, waving, etc. & so Jordan and I (amongst others) started waving, saying "Hi", etc. While pulling away, we were yelling 'Bye' back & forth, & were quite tickled when one of the teen guys semi-shouted "Love You!!!"

None of us were sure who he was saying it to, or if he was just saying it generally, but of course, there was a chorus of laughter from us girls as soon as he said it...

And so, that was our welcome to the Philippines!!!

Unfortunately (for my family :D), as soon as I landed in the Philippines, something inside me said "I think I've come home!" I don't know what God has planned for me in the future, but whatever it is, I know that at least for the next 3 months, I am completely in the center of His will.

Day 2: LA/Korea Airport!!!

Well, this is kinda awkward!!! I slept thru Thursday!!! (All 3 hrs. of it :D) It is officially Friday, 5/27/2011, at 5:46 am as I type write now.

Unfortunately, we didn't have Internet access in LA, & my computer was almost dead anyway....but we arrived safely in Seoul, South Korea around 4:30 this morning.

The flight to LA, California was really good, though the 2.5 hr. flight did feel kinda long. None of us girls were able to sit together, except Chantal & Stephanie. I sat between an Asian guy (:D) & a Californian girl, who is interested in possibly becoming a doula. All of us girls had some interesting/fun conversations. :D

The flight to Seoul was fabulous. Julie Sheplay & her husband joined our group in LA (Jordan & I met Julie at the Midwifery Skills Class last October), & so we now have a man in our group. :D

I have to comment that I absolutely love Korean Air. All the staff are Asian, & have the most adorable outfits. The service is A+, & the meals are absolutely delicious. Jordan & I sat together, as did Annie & Lydia, which was really fun, since we had a 13 hour flight.

I slept deeply thru 3/4 of it (Even when Jordan--when trying to get out--sat in my lap accidentally!! :D)

It almost felt like I was drugged!! I remember waking up when Jordan was eating a delicious dinner, & thinking "I'm too tired to even try to eat....(.......asleep)":D

e.g. to show how sweet the Asian flight attendants: I woke up at 7:30 am (PST) after sleeping all night long, & only a little bit after, one of the attendants came up to me & said with her Asian accent: "You were asleep last night during the dinner service. Would you like me to bring your food right now?"

I ordered the amazing 'Vegetable Dinner', which included:

TOP: Hot Pickles (scrumptious!), Orange Slices, water, (empty container)

BOTTOM: Rice (with sesame oil & Hot Pepper Paste on top), Vegetables & Ground Meat (zucchini, sprouts, spinach?, etc.) & Seaweed Soup (my favorite!!)

Breakfast was served 1.5-2 hrs. later. I ordered the 'Omelet Meal', which included:

TOP: Pineapple, (empty cup), Yogurt, Water

BOTTOM: Blueberry Muffin (my favorite!!), & the 'Omelet' (potatoes, eggs, & ham).

Jordan ordered the 'porridge meal'....turned out to be quite 'interesting', & if she hadn't just eaten my eggs (of which I'm allergic to), & I hadn't just eaten dinner as well, we both would have chowed it all down...... LOL

Here are some pictures of the Seoul, South Korean airport at the 'ungodly hour' of 3:30am. :D

Here are most of us using time until our flight many hours later....

ABOVE: Me BELOW: Jordan

Lydia & Annie Barnett

Stephanie Reid

Julie & Anthony Sheplay

Day 1: Pictures

Here are the pics of Day 1. Next post coming soon. :D

Annie Barnett & Audrey sleeping on the drive down to Seattle.

Loren & Lydia...such troopers!!

Our driver-Mr. Barnett...thank you for so much for all your support!!!

Jordan & Terry Rogers guarding our bags in Seattle. (Loren is blurry....going to join Lydia :D)

Barnetts & Loren going over the flight schedule

Loren, Lydia, Annie, Audrey & Mr Barnett-in the Security line.

Jordan & Chantal, waiting the rest of us to come

Jordan & Me at the Seattle Airport...waiting...

Day 1: - SEATAC Airport

Well, my trip actually started on Tuesday (5/24), when we went to the Barnett's home for dinner, before staying the night, to make it easy for our departure this morning, at 4 am.

The drive over went well. We had 7 people in the van-Mr. Barnett & Lydia & Annie, Terri Rogers, Loren (Lydia's fiance), & Audrey (Loren's sister) & me.

We arrived at the SeaTac airport at 10 am, with at least 4 hours to kill. (Our flight leaves at 4pm). We met Jordan & Stephanie in the Check-in area at 11:45am (they flew over from Spokane), & checked in our baggage.

Due to some complications, I'm am in the process of trying to upload some photos....

Until then!!! We're boarding for LA!!

Grad Pictures!!!

NOTICE: 

I have added the ability for you to sign up to get my blog updates via email. If that makes it easier for you to follow my time in the Philippines, just know it's on the right hand side!!

It's amazing how time flies.....almost unreal that we only have 12 days left until I fly to the Philippines...

I can honestly say that May 2011 is the busiest month of my life thus far. Besides packing, I am graduating on May 20th at our church, with 5 other teens.
Here are some group pictures of us:

Noah, Elizabeth P., MaryBeth, Elizabeth R., Me, & Caleb

MaryBeth, Noah, Me, Elizabeth P., Elizabeth R., & Caleb

At the Cd'A Airport acting "Oh So Official!" :D
(Thank you Cd'A A. for letting us use your planes as props!!)

Goofing Off at the Hayden Super 1 Parking Lot

Rosetta Stone Sale!!

I just got an email from Sonlight Curriculum, saying that they're having a BIG sale on the Rosetta Stone Language Program. I would highly encourage you to look at it....the savings go up to $290!! Please see their website (link above) for details.

Get Together Luncheon

A few of us girls that are going to the Philippines got together today, to meet, chat, & get a better idea in regards to our packing lists. We got a lot accomplished, & had a lot of fun in the meantime.

Here is a picture of the 4 of us afterwards:

Stephanie (going for 2 mo.), Julianne (going for 2 yrs), Jordan & me (going for 3 months)

1 Month Left!!!

It's been a while, I know...& I realize I didn't finish our Hawaiian trip's pictures, but time was spent more importantly elsewhere....

Since then, Rachel & I went to the Journey of the Heart in Hinsdale (outside Chicago, IL) at the IBLP Headquarters & in the Northwoods of Michigan for 10 days. It was wonderful, inspirational, & amazing. I would highly encourage any & all of you to go to one!! There is one for mothers, fathers, sons & daughters!!

Most of my Team & I

Now, I am extremely busy trying to graduate, preparing for my 3 months in the Philippines, training my siblings to take my spot on the ranch, & do what all else needs to be done.

I will try to keep you better updated from here on out. Happy Belated Easter!!

Day 6: Hawaii-Snorkeling!!

We agreed unanimously that today was the most fun of all of the days....snorkeling...

Got up at 6am, & arrived at the Snorkel place a little after 8am. Got all our gear fitted properly, & got in the mini-yacht--all 18 of us, plus 6 crew members. Every single one of us went snorkeling, some for shorter, but most of us for longer. Those of us that were nervous about it (not me), got over our fears, & had a lot of fun.

Our first stop, was one of the dolphin's favorite swimming spots. The water was a clear blue, & if you looked hard, you could see the ocean floor way below you. The dolphins were so much fun, they'd pop up all of a sudden---at least a few dozen of them, including moms & babies--& jump up & down...it was SO precious!!!

Our second stop was at a coral reef. There wasn't much activity in the water, but we did get to take turns holding a live Sea Urchin (after it gets settled on your hand, it'll start moving around...kinda tickles!!). I saw some eels (which I stayed away from), & Jeff (the owner) gave me some Sea Urchin skeletons he found at the bottom.

I actually remember thinking "maybe I should quit midwifery, & take up marine biology"!!! So I suppose that joins my 'dream list' that includes becoming a pilot, an EMS, a policeman, a soldier, etc. LOL (I know, you're probably thinking "Sarah!! You, a policeman????") Oh well, what can I say!!!

Who knows, maybe I'll be able to get my EMT & Pilot's license...you know that being a Pilot runs in my blood!!! My grampaw was a pilot in AK for ages, & my uncles got their licenses. My dad helped fly too....If only it wasn't for my ears...but who knows! LOL

Unfortunately, we didn't snap hardly any pictures, but I'll share a couple good ones. The Crew did take a video of the whole event, which we ordered...that has some fantastic footage....

Day 5: Hawaii-Swam & Burned

Today, we swam & burned...lots of fun actually!!!
Lindsey, Rachel, & I had a bunch of fun goofing off in the pool, trying not to get our hair wet, but of course, that didn't go very far.... :D

Tonight, was the 'big' LPL function.  (In my opinion, it was not as well done as in past years, but then the economy has been sluggish...) They brought in 'Chris Isaac's' live, which is not the kind of music we listen to, & unfortunately, it was RIGHT outside our window!!

Overall, today was a good day, & relaxing for the most part.... No more crias yet!

Here are some pictures, I thought you'd enjoy: David & Daniel took them over the past few days:

One of the boys' favorite things to do, is to go gecko hunting. One time, they were gecko hunting, & the gecko crawled up on Daniel's Canon, so David grabbed his Canon, & snapped a photo of him!! Dy'a see his tongue sticking out??

Giant Sea Turtles napping on the beach