Welcome to the Philippines!

After months of planning and weeks of packing and saying goodbye I find myself at my destination: Davao City, Philippines, or more specifically Newlife International School of Midwifery. I look around me at this new place, new country, new culture, new calling, and new climate (I have to add that one :)), and am amazed at how unique and unexpected this path is that God has chosen for me to take. I was the girl who had decided postsecondary school was not for me, had no intentions of going to a far mission field, or even leave Canada and the family for that matter. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the LORD.” So here I am in this strange new place, excited and thrilled at this opportunity not only to become a midwife, but also to abound in the work of the Lord, for we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord!
Well here I am! After a few hops, skips, and jumps I arrived at this side of the planet. Wow! The group I traveled with (ten of us, and one from Switzerland who met us here) will be my new classmates. For two years we will live, eat, sleep, work, cry, laugh, and study together…. So yes, you can feel sorry for them! :) They really are a wonderful group, and I’m very excited to get to know each one of them! The staff, directors, and second year students who met us here are really a great bunch as well! I am blessed to be apart of this crew here! They are being very patient with us as we begin to experience this new culture! And it definitely has been an experience thus far!
The Climate! The first thing that welcomed me and reminded me I was somewhere near the equator! And it continues to remind me, even when I’m half asleep and unaware of where I am! :) They tell me you get use to it- I sure can’t wait!
Davao City! Crazy and crowded are two good words to describe it! Far cry from my little village, Mt Pleasant! It’s a different mix of malls, shacks, coffee shops, and markets! Traffic is insane- really! The main public transportations are jeepneys and motorbikes. I’ll be sure to post pictures of both!
The Orange Dorm: My home!:) It’s continually buzzing with 15 girls (the rest are in the green dorm beside us)! It’s one big community! I’m sure at times it will house many different moods!:) My roommates are Jordan, Joy and Kinshawsa – three great girls! Two are also from families of twelve, and the other is a fellow Canadian!
Meals: Water, water and more water! Yes, we survive the humidity with lots of water! Breakfast and lunch are self-provided, and suppers are taken care of by designated teams each week. Fresh fruit, especially mangos, are simply delicious and come in abundance...and rice is the staple food. Oh, and Sarah has learned not to touch the tiny red pepper found in little dishes at some restaurants- an embarrassing and dramatic experience! Ask me if you really want the story!
Shopping: A whole new experience! One thing you learn fast in this culture is that it’s a shame to be alone anywhere! If you go into the store alone, they will surround you to “protect your shame of being alone!” The first day we were here, Krys (the director) took us shopping at the mall. I never knew that checking out your goods could be a whole event! They heat-seal, tape and staple your bags! While we were at the cash, a song came on and all the employees stopped what they were doing and started dancing! Hey, I think the Windmill should do that too! ;o)
School and Clinical: So far we’ve been given time to get over the trip and get settled in! Monday and Tuesday we started orientation at resort nearby. In between sessions we were able to go swimming and snorkeling! Very spoiled I must say! Today we started language (Visayon) lessons, and will finish our orientation tonight. Clinical will start Monday, and school will start the week after that. So, I still have much to experience and see! Sorry for the lengthy post! I don’t think you’ll be seeing many more that are this long- we shall see! I will keep you posted though, and will try to get pictures up ASAP.
I sure miss everyone back at home!! You guys are never far from my heart and mind! Keep me updated- hearing from home is what helps to keep me going! :o) Till next time!
With much love, Sarah