Reflections on the Mission Field

I closed my eyes to recall the picturesque scene of a village made up of thatched roof huts. Outside one of them, a group of people had gathered around a missionary who wore a big smile, and carried a large black Bible. The faces of each of the observers were intent, drinking in every word that the missionary had to say. The next scene unfolds, as the missionary’s wife, who also wore a big smile, was handing out food and articles of clothing to the grateful villagers. Most of the village came to know the Lord, and the missionaries were great hero’s of the faith, who lived in harmony with all men...

To a large degree, this was how I use to envision foreign missions. The biographies I read were usually stories that had a brilliant ending. And the sunday school pictures of mud huts somehow made them seem quaint.

Instead, I’ve discovered the mission field is like any other place: a place of reality. The missionary doesn’t escape the things that he struggled with in his homeland. Nor does sharing the love of Jesus become suddenly easier when entering a foreign mission field. And just like at home, people are not always receptive to the Word. The idea of “giving to the needy” becomes less appealing when the gifts become expected. We are all alike, in the sense that our flesh is never satisfied. 

The nostalgic picture I once carried in my mind doesn’t allow for the reality of a missionary who is burnt out, or who struggles with language barrier. Or perhaps the difficulties of living on a mission compound, where certain characters are forced to constantly live and work together. Culture clashes will never become extinct, and continue to create questions, misunderstandings and frustration for both parties involved. 

When it comes to foreign missions, I still feel I have much to learn and understand. Yet, the little I have had the privilege to observe, has given me a new and greater appreciation for those involved. For beyond the painted version of a missionary is a man or woman who struggles just like anyone else. But who is willing to answer the call to leave it all behind. To forever give up the comfort of knowing where “home” is, and face the unknown. They are the hero on furlough, but have learned what it means to be lonely and the forgotten one at home. 

So most missionaries don’t lead the heroic lifestyle many may think. Their everyday work involves the nitty gritty, boring, dirty stuff as well. But for those who simply go in Jesus name, their work of sacrifice will not go unnoticed by Him. For it’s not the glamorous work we often think He’s most impressed by. It’s the cup of cold water given in His name...

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25: 34-40

For Everything He Gives

Happy belated Canada Day from Africa! Today I am reminded how blessed I am to call such an amazing country my home! Every country has its issues, and Canada is no exception. However, there is no question that God has blessed it in many ways. I miss it tremendously when I am away, but I thoroughly enjoy discovering a new culture and its unique beauty. Sometimes amidst poverty and pain, beauty can be concealed. It’s easy to focus on “what’s wrong” instead of what God has given. This week I particularly attempted to steer my focus on the countless gifts He has given. Below I have composed a little poem expressing my thanks to God for some of the special moments that I have enjoyed here. It made me realize how much I have to be thankful for!

 

For the dirty little hand that slipped into mine.

Belonging to a sweet little girl I didn’t even know.

For the man with leprosy, giving glory and praise to our Lord,

Though his body bears the scars, and his sight is no more

For the patient who said “I missed you this morning,”

Just when you were beginning to think they didn’t even care

For the thoughtful messages from family and friends back home,

Who probably didn’t know how much it actually really meant

For that word of encouragement after a long, difficult day,

Spurring me on, just when I thought I couldn’t go on

For the smiles and giggles of all the little boys and girls,

Who really don’t have much, but are happy just the same

For the little preterm baby who was lovingly named after me,

Even though, poor thing, he happened to be a wee little boy

For the amazing privilege to be apart of the miracle of life,

When sometimes I wonder how this could be considered a job

For the encouraging times when Emma and I sat down for tea

And talked about our joys and struggles, and oh so much more

For the incredible hospitality and friendship that Tanis provides

Her door is never closed, in fact, we never actually knock

For the good humor and calmness that Doctor Gayle displays,

Even though we can’t understand her Irish, we love her just the same

For JR, and her abundant medical knowledge she gracefully imparts,

Not to mention her example of what it means to have a servant’s heart

For the chance to get to know someone who for years has been an outcast

Just because his face is disfigured, reveals nothing of who he really is.

For the amazing African sunsets that colors the evening sky,

Reminding us of His faithfulness, the gift of another day

For all those who have prayed for me through this chapter in life,

It wasn’t just a kind gesture; it was the power that brought me through

So for all these incredible blessings, and so many more,

I give YOU the praise and thanks, My Savior and my Lord.

A time to mourn and a time to dance

Another beautiful African baby was born at Chitokoloki. It was a hard labour, but the mother barely made a sound. Although her husband is not present with her at the birth, he may be nearby and must not hear her scream. I placed the crying baby on her, but she barely looked at him. Her emotions, which had been pent up for sometime now, continued in their seclusion. Instead, a sense of satisfaction and relief rested on her face. The Zambian nurses looked at me with anticipation. Why was I placing the baby on the mother? Normally they take the baby immediately away to weigh and dress him. The midwife inside of me resisted. I couldn’t imagine the stark transition a baby must make from his cozy world in the womb, to a loud cool environment. It only makes sense to allow the baby to feel his mother’s presence, if at all possible. But I’m slowly learning that just because sometime makes sense, it doesn’t make it an absolute. I reluctantly gave in, and handed the baby over to the nurse. The mother looked relieved, and I had to smile at myself, realizing I had much to learn with this new culture.

Several minutes later she jumped off the bed, as if she had never given birth! And then came my favorite part of the whole childbirth experience here in Zambia: the Granny Dance! As soon as we walked into the main maternity ward with the new baby, the granny’s and relatives began their celebration dance! I think they get a good laugh at my sorry attempt to join in! I love how much joy it brings to the whole experience. It’s a good reminder to me that in the midst of a sorrow, loss and pain, He also gives moments of joy. And one day, when time and seasons have past, these moments will turn into Everlasting Joy!

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to uproot. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to mourn and a time to dance, – Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4

A few snapshots

Welcome to Zambia

View of Chitokoloki

Baby Sarah- the Preterm Baby

Baby Sarah- the Preterm Baby

Post C-Section

Author of Life

I had just arrived at Chitokoloki and was unpacking my thing, when I heard Tanis calling my name. She was heading to the hospital to see a preterm baby boy that had just been born, and wondered if I wanted to go with.

He was so tiny, weighing only 1.3kg. In his current condition, we didn’t think he would make it. However, the next day when I went back to the hospital, his breathing had improved tremendously. I was beginning to think there was hope. For several days I went in and spent some time with him and his sweet mother. The third morning when I arrived, the Zambian nurse on duty asked me what my name was. She than proceeded to write “baby Sarah” on his chart. I was so touched, but had to smile at the thought of a boy being named Sarah. I’m assuming that will be there first and last! J The next day, God took this precious baby home to be with Himself. I went immediately over to the hospital, and we just sat in silence and cried together.

Later that day I was called to deliver a baby. I had just finished the delivery, and another one came in. Two hours, and two births later, I was finishing up a few things when a nurse came running into the maternity ward. “Midwife, we need a midwife.” She thrust the emergency bag into my hands, and I- somewhat bewildered- grabbed a few essential things before jumping into emergency vehicle. I had no clue what was happening, but soon figured out that we were heading to a village 45 kilometers away. Someone had contacted the hospital saying there was a labour that needed assistance. I tried to mentally prepare myself for whatever was coming, but it was a little hard having given no further information. We sped along as quickly as possible down the rough, sand paths, and finally arrived an hour later. But the wrong message had been given. Instead of a woman in labour, there was a man who was in critical condition. I could feel my heart beat faster. What could I do- I’m a midwife, not a doctor or even nurse! I went into the crowded room where the young man was laying on the ground. I found his faint pulse, and he was still breathing. But, it was too late- he soon slipped away. Several minutes later I walked out of the room, with the crowd wailing around me. I cried almost the whole way home… It was my first encounter with an adult death, and I had to wonder- where was his soul?

I remember talking to a man back home, who claimed He didn’t believe God existed. He argued that if there was a God and He was good, how could He create evil and pain. But his belief still left him with many unanswered questioned. “Does believing in God allow you to have it all figured out?” he had asked.

As I bounced along in the emergency vehicle that day, many unanswered questions came to mind. The reality of death and poverty was overwhelming. But through it all, as I looked up into the deep blue sky, I knew I still served a living God. And He is good.

Last night I was called to a complicated birth. It was the hardest birth I’ve ever had to attend. The woman had a condition that caused her to begin seizuring, which can be life threatening.  Thankfully she remained in stable condition. We finally got the baby delivered, and began resuscitation that lasted for over an hour. But it was to no avail. I held her close and listened as the heart beat slowly ceased… Her life here ended before it scarcely had begun. But in reality, she is experiencing true life: Eternal life. My heart aches for her dear mother and family. She will always hold a place in their hearts…

So yes, I still have many questions that have no answers. Pain and suffering is real, and there is a very delicate balance between life and death. This may deter many from believing in the existence of God, or the belief that He is good. For me, this reality only serves to increase my faith in Him. For I know He promises to one day return and take His Children Home, where there is joy and peace forever more. Until then, I know I can trust the Author of life with all my unanswered questions.

“Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason WHY.”

Arrivals & Departures

I jolted awake as the plane touched down at Lusaka Airport. After four layovers and 24 hours of traveling from Belgium, I had finally made it to Zambia!

After successfully making it through immigration and gathering my luggage, I followed the advice given, and immediate found a taxi driver. I’ll never forget that ride, as I experienced Africa for the first time (while driving on the opposite side of the road).  A mix of excitement and nervousness ran through me as I thought of this crazy, new adventure that lay ahead. Little did I realize what I would be heading into…

After arriving at the guesthouse, I was warmly welcomed by some missionaries. A little while later, Jay showed up in his pilot uniform after having waited several hours at the airport for me. Apparently there had been some miscommunication, and I felt horrible that he had waited so long for no reason! But he took it well, and just smiled! Jay, Henry (mechanic at Chitokoloki) and I then sat down to an amazing dinner that had been prepared for us. Dr McAdams also joined us, as he was on His way back to the States for a much needed break. The four of us sat and talked for a few hours, and I remember feeling exhausted but not wanting to leave the interesting conversation we had engaged in. JR, a UK midwife working fulltime at Chitokoloki, showed up later with her beautiful smile! She had just finished writing the exam to obtain her Zambian license as a midwife, and was ready to return to the mission hospital.

The next morning the four of us (Jay, Henry, JR and myself) headed back to the airport, and loaded up the four-seater mission plane ready to embark on the 2 ½ hour flight to Chitokoloki. It was a beautiful day, and we had fun conversing with each other through headsets. I could tell Jay enjoyed teaching, as he explained a lot about flying and the landmarks we were flying over. About 45 min from Chitokoloki he asked us if he could practice a mock emergency landing. We agreed, so he cut down the engine, and we descended (slower then I thought) as he went through all the proper procedures that normally would be done. We didn’t actually land in the field he had chosen, but came pretty close to it before swooping back up into the sky. We then flew pretty low to the ground. “I want to give you an idea of how far we are in the bush,” he had explained with a smile. “But let me know if you start feeling nauseous. I don’t like to keep people in agony!” I thought I was tough, but it didn’t take too long before I felt like I was going to lose my breakfast. Henry looked over at me, and I knew by his expression that I was probably as white as a ghost. However, without incident we finally arrived at the Chitokoloki Mission compound. Emma and a few other missionaries with their kids were waiting for us by the landing strip. It didn’t take me very long to figure out who Jay’s wife was- her big smile gave her away! No doubt she was excited to see him after a few days of being apart.

After being shown to the little house where I would be staying with Emma and another girl Rose, we went to Tanis’ place (the main nurse- practically doctor ;)) for lunch. Several hours later, Jay came to the house to pick up another missionary who needed transport to another mission compound a half hour flight away. Katrina, his wife, went with seeing as she hadn’t left the compound since their arrival in February.

They successfully accomplished their mission, but never made it back to the station here. Instead, God took them both home to be with Him- their final destination. The next few hours were a blur, and we still didn’t know if they had escaped the plane that had crashed into the Zambazi River. Finally our fears were confirmed. It was so painful to look into the faces of their two little girls who were both clueless as to what had happened. Where was God, and how could this happen? For a moment, feelings of resentment and confusion swelled up inside of me. But His presence could be felt, even through the dark cloud of sorrow that hung over us. Many tears were shed, but none overlooked. The Man of Sorrows is well acquainted with grief. He sees, He understands. And because of Him, death has no victory over those who are called by His name!

Zambia: Another short Chapter :)

It’s been over a year now since my chapter in the Philippines came to a close. Now that God has me on this new adventure in Zambia for next two months, I thought it would be a good opportunity to remove the virtual dust and begin blogging again.  I will do my best to post weekly updates on here, but I won’t make any promises! I usually like to keep my posts short for easier reading, but please bare with me though the first few posts, as there is so much on my mind and heart.  

Life in the Philippines

A short video I put together of my life in the Philippines...
Dedicated: To the Creator of life, Who led me to this place. To my family and friends who through their prayers and support made this experience possible. To my midwife sisters, for making the most challenging experience (yet ;)) of my life one of the most beautiful.
For: Those who care to share in the memory of this journey. And to those interested in NISM- as I recall the days when I searched high and low for any bits and pieces of information I could get on this program! :)
Enjoy

Another Chapter

It's my first time to blog as an official CPM (Certified Professional Midwife), and boy does is sure feel good! :)
I've wondered whether or not I should continue to blog. After all, it's called "The Philippines: A New Chapter" and that chapter has closed. Yet in many ways I feel as though the past several months are still very much connected to that phase of my life. So I'll continue to write, dedicating this next part to not only those who can relate with the experiences that reverse culture shock/adjustments may bring, but also to anyone who cares to share in this part of my journey...If for anything, I write this for my own record, seeing as I fail at keeping a journal! :)
If hadn't believed in reverse culture shock before, I certainly do now. And for those who claim it is "stranger" than culture shock, I now understand what they are talking about; simply because it is strange!

When I first came home, I was thrilled to be reunited with family and friends; experiencing their love and affection made me wonder how I had ever left! :) And than things started settling down, and I realized I needed to "get back into the swing of life here." And that's when the feeling of loneliness arrived. I was HOME- a place where I should easily fit back into, but I didn't really feel like I did so well. It wasn't just that so much had changed here in the span of two years, but I had changed as well. I know change, if it's for the better, is a healthy part of life, but for me it is also one of the most difficult parts.

I remember the first time I was alone at the Windmill, I had a good cry. It was probably the first time I had been left alone in past two years! I couldn't explain why I was crying, but if sure felt good! :)

I didn't wait long before I threw myself back into work and Church activities. My fellow midwife friends had all advised me to take a long enough break before starting work, but I figured it would help me find my place here again. To a certain degree it did, however, I really should have listened to them! ;) I reckon you live and learn...

To be honest with you, the transition was smoother than I had expected. It didn't take too long before this place felt like home again- except in a new way. It's hard when people you love move on, but God has given so much grace, and has been so patient with me as I once again learn to accept another chapter. I often tend to hang onto the past, yet He calls us to go forward- pressing towards the mark of the high calling. So I'll continue to go on with joy, fully trusting the One who is holding my hand...

The closing of a Chapter

July 24:
The bags are packed, the closet is empty, and the desk is cleared off. Was that two years? Yes, even though time flies, its been two full years of experiences and lessons I could never completely express in words. How I will miss this place...
As I walk around the city, I realize how familiarized I've become with this place which was once so strange and overwhelming. The crazy traffic no longer fazes me, nor do I wonder what is around the next corner. In many ways the Filipino culture has become a normal way of life.
Yesterday I worked my last shift- it was a sad day. It's amazing how much a place can change with experience and time. I remember in the beginning feeling very overwhelmed and quite incapable of ever becoming a confident midwife. Being someone who didn't even know how to take a blood pressure, I had a long way to go. But God was so faithful and has brought me so far. I'm excited to continue this process of learning... I love being a midwife!

But this place has taught me so much more than just becoming a midwife. It has changed my outlook on life, and has touched my heart in ways I could have never imagined. I know I'll never be the same again, and I only hope and pray that God will never let me forget what He has taught me in this chapter of life.
I think one of the hardest parts of life is saying goodbye. I felt this reality once again as I hugged so many people goodbye, unsure of whether I will ever see them again on this side of heaven. Then there were my midwife sisters; girls who have been there with me through many laughter and tears. I will miss them 'somethin fierce!' :) I was so privileged and blessed to be apart of this class. I have a feeling I'll see them all again at some point or another, but I know leaving means we will lose something special we had- something I can only give to God seeing His plans are perfect.
I know leaving also means I will be back home to my family and friends who I love beyond words. So with very mixed emotions I come to the close of this chapter. It has been an amazing journey, an experience I will always cherish. And now, who knows what the next chapter will hold... but that's the exiting part of life! Especially when we can trust the Author and Finisher of our faith!

To God be the glory

Primary Health Care Outreaches with Cathy

I'm not sure if I wrote earlier in this blog about the primary health classes and outreaches we've been doing for the past month or so. Cathy, who is a missionary PA and has her masters in Primary Health, has been our amazing teacher and instructor! We've been having two classes a week, and then on Saturdays we go out and do medical outreaches to put into practice what we've learned. We would contact churches in the extremely poor areas of town, and would then set up a clinic there for anyone needing medical attention or for anyone with complaints or concerns. As students, we would get the patients history, do a physical examination and attempt to diagnosis the problem. Cathy would then evaluate our assessment. For certain complications we had a pharmacy set up that we could dispense medication for treatment. Otherwise we would either talk to them about lifestyle changes or inform them that their problem was beyond our scope of care. It was definitely a good challenging and often quite overwhelming- but we learned so much! At one clinic we saw around 200 patients!
Here are a few of the pictures from some of the outreaches....

On our first outreach, one of the first patients happened to be a little boy that I had delivered last year! What a a surprise!!! :)
Lots and lots of people! :)
The amazing Cathy!! :)
Caring for a baby with Impetigo
Our little pharmacy we took turns running :) We gave away free meds after the person was prayed for by Filipino Christians from the church there
Subjective-Objective-Assessment-Plan :) :)
The most important/essential part of the outreaches

Celebration!!!!!!!

YEEHAW!!!! We wrote the final exam here, and all passed!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!! We have to write the board exam in the States yet, and then we'll be completely finished with our CPM's!!!! :) :) :)
So now we have one week left here to finish up our shifts, pack up our life here, and say the dreaded goodbyes!! I delivered a baby boy this morning, and wondered if he may be my last delivery for awhile... Sad thought actually!
But I'm MORE than excited about coming home!!!
Just thought I'd quickly give you the latest and greatest update! :)
You haven't heard the last from me yet on this blog. There are still a few more pages left to write.

THANK YOU all for your prayers!!!!

Till next time
SH

Crunch time!!

I remember last year watching the senior students preparing for their final exam and thinking "I'm SO glad it's not me!" And now, ready or not it's my turn! This past week I feel like pretty much every spare moment has gone into studying, and the more I study the more I figure out I don't know! :) Yesterday I had rare full day off, so Kinshasa and I took off to the beach with some text books and study material. I'm sure we were an unusual sight, sitting on the sand with our text books and notes, but since our time is limited we figured we'd kill two birds with one stone. It was actually an ideal location to study, with the soft breeze and relaxing atmosphere. Today I have yet to study as I had clinic, two classes and cooking duty. I had a rather painful and embarrassing accident at the market today. Being on a mission and in a hurry, I didn't pay close enough attention to where I was walking, and my one leg slipped- or more like scraped- into a drainage hole right up to my knee. At first I was completely discussed as I felt "stuff" enclose around my foot. I looked up, and noticed the people around me trying to look away- the Filipino way of "hiding my shame." But at the particular moment, I didn't care too much about shame, so I hobbled over to a vegetable stand to ask for some water. Then I started realizing how painful and swollen my leg was getting... Now I have a huge, swollen bruise, reminding me to at least spend enough time to look where I'm going! And I'm sure I gave a few people at the market a good laugh, seeing a white girl fall into a drain! :)
Well, this was my study break, so back to the books! Please pray that God would give me wisdom to know what to study, how to study, and the ability to retain it all. And that I won't hyperventilate! :) :) :) Okay, okay, I'm procrastinating! Off I go...

Taiwan

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Taipei. Thank you for flying with Philippine Airline, I hope you enjoy your stay." After a hop, skip, and jump I had arrived. As I headed out the plane and through the airport, an older woman noticed me (being one of the only other white people off our flight) and came over to ask where I was going. I soon discovered she was from Holland, and so we switched over our conversation into dutch- something which I didn't expect to use in Taiwan! I didn't talk to her for too long before Adelle came, and we exchanged our first hug in two years! :)
She gave instructions to the taxi driver which I didn't understand- it was all Chinese to me- and off we went. I kept commenting on how clean and nice everything was, and Adelle had to laugh at me. It wouldn't be what people from back home would note, however, coming from the Philippines...
We had a great weekend together, zipping around the city on her scooter. I was there from Saturday till Tuesday, and we got a lot packed into that time. Adelle took me out of the city to a high point were we could see the mountains and water- it was beautiful. I especially enjoyed the weather. I was good to step out of this humidity box and enjoy the fresh, cool air.
We ate out pretty much the whole time, as it is very inexpensive and the options are endless. I almost made the mistake of tipping the cook. Adelle saved me and quickly explained that tipping anyone was inappropriate seeing it was money they had not worked for... Oh the joys of learning different cultures! :) I immediately wanted to learn the Chinese word for thank you, "Shay shay." I figured if I at least knew that one I would be safe. :) Adelle also took me to see a Buddhist temple (AMAZING work of art!); a tourist place where they sell jewelery and pottery; and downtown Taipei. On the Sunday morning I had the privilege of meeting with her church family, many of which were ironically Filipino. On Monday I was able to watch her teach both of her classes, and meet her adorable students. In order to practice their English, Adelle got each of her kindergarten kids to say something nice to me. "SaRAH--you--are--eCELlent!" :)It doesn't surprise me how attached Adelle is with them- they are so precious! I asked one little girl how she was doing, and without cracking a smile she said, "I--am--happy!" :) :) I was so glad to see that key part of Adelle's life in Taiwan.
Well, like everything in life, my trip to Taiwan came to an end. Before I knew it, we were hugging goodbye at the airport. Thank you Jesus, that one day His children will never have to say goodbye again. As our plane touched down in Davao, my mind raced with everything I need to finish up here, the biggest being the final exam. I pray to God that I will finish well. He's been with me all along and has brought me this far, I know He will remain faithful till the end.

Just another little tidbit of my life. :)
"Till next Time"
SH

A day in the life of Sarah Heikoop :)

It's almost midnight and I probably should go to bed. But instead I sign onto my blog. I usually find it the easiest to write down my thoughts at this time of the day, but I'm not sure about tonight- my brain is almost shutting down. It's been another long day... Here's a little of what a day in my life here can look like:

This morning I had prenatals, where I saw around thirteen patients. We typically see between 40-100 women on a prenatal morning with 5-6 midwives on the shift. I enjoy prenatals, but they can be mentally draining due to the high volume of patients that come through. You want to be quick but thorough. If you make a mistake or miss something on the evaluation or chart, it could be serious... you are dealing with a life- two for that matter! Also being sensitive to the needs and cares of each woman is so important, and really the main reason we are here. Prenatals is also a time where you see again and again how financially deprived most of the women. This morning I had a woman who didn't get her 60 cent lab because she couldn't afford it. I could see she was telling me the truth...her reality.
After prenatals I had just enough time to come home to have lunch and check my e-mails before running back to the clinic to write a review test. We then usually go over it to discuss each answer, which usually leads to interesting debates! :)
After the test I had ten minutes to run home to grab my water bottle and notebook before heading to class.
We then have a 2 1/2 hour Primary Health Teaching class, taught by Cathy- a missionary PA from the States who has an amazing gift for teaching. She has spent many years on the mission field, the last few being in Sudan. She volunteered to put a class together to teach us about general primary health that can be used out on the mission field. We have two classes a week, and then starting this Saturday, we will be going out into different areas of the city to put into practise what we've learned. So far the classes have been incredible!!
After supper I managed to write another book report: Twenty-four down, one more to go! YEA! :)
And then there is of course the fast approaching exams to look forward to! :) It's definitely a challenge to focus on studying with so many exciting things going on, as well as attempting to wrap things up here... MY OH MY!!

Well, I think I'll call it a day! :)

God be with you all...
"Till next time!"
SH

Pictures of My last Trip in the Bukid

-Please Click on Picture to Open Album-

The little pick-up truck sped down the road through banana fields and palm tree jungles, carrying us further and further away from the city. Julie (my class-mate) and I sat in the back of the truck, lavishly inhaling the fresh country air and admiring the beauty around us. We were heading on our way to a little village in the mountains for nine days to lead a Daily Vacation Bible School. My heart beat with excitement and anticipation for the adventure ahead of us. Somehow I knew it was going to be a challenging yet amazing week, as these trips in the bukid (mountains) usually were. At one point during the ride, we were stopped at an intersection and an old semi-truck came barreling up behind us to a VERY screeching stop just a few inches from our truck. My heart did a skydive into my stomach from the close call of becoming part of his bumper...Praise God no such thing happened!
Once we arrived in a town near the base of the mountains, we met up with the rest of our team- there were nine of us in total. Besides Julie and myself, there were seven others who had all grown up in nearby bukid villages. Once introductions had been made, and correct pronunciation of names discovered, we packed up our belonging onto three motorbikes and headed up through the mountains. About an hour later we reached our destination, a little village on the peak of the mountain. The little hut we stayed in belonged to Orie, the former mayor's wife. Her husband had been stabbed and shot to death during a tribal war a few years ago, after which she completed his term. She is an incredible Christian women, whose face bares the lines of suffering yet shines with the joy of the Lord. We couldn't talk much together as she didn't know any English, yet she taught me so much through her example.
Sunday morning was a grand start to a beautiful week. We walked over to the thatched roof church which was overflowing with villagers who were dancing and praising God. It was one of the most beautiful, pure, simplistic form of worship to God I had ever witnessed. They had nothing, yet they joyfully gave Him everything. At the front was a table decked with small bags of rice and vegetables they were offering to the Lord. I watched in aw as they joyfully threw their pesos into a little basket. It reminded me of the story of the widow giving her only mite. I couldn't understand what was going on, as everything was in Manobo, yet the presence of the Lord was inevitable.

The DVBS was an incredible experience for me; so unlike any I had experienced back home. Each morning the kids (a daily average of 120) would gather themselves together and eagerly wait for us to arrive. The age range was suppose to be from 7-15y.o, however, many brought their younger siblings. My favorite part of the program was watching the children sing. You never had to coax them, as they would always sang their little hearts out! After the singing they split into two age groups for a Bible lesson, after which they would color a picture. Although most times there were more children than crayons, they never pulled a fuss. I remember one little boy happily coloring away his whole picture with a white crayon… In many ways, these children touched my heart and opened my eyes.

Each afternoon I would tell them a missionary story with the help of a translator. The story was geared towards American Children, describing the life of a poor boy in a small village who was trapped in constant fear of the evil spirits. For the children I was teaching, this was reality.

After the story we would go to the basket ball court (always the center of the village) to play games, with the rest of the village watching close by. It was very entertaining to teach them new games with the language barrier. The one game, British bulldog, took over ½ hour to explain. At one try, instead of simply running across the basketball court, the children kept running and running… I thought they were going to run clear off the mountain!

In the evenings, our group would get together for devotions, prayer, and daily evaluation. These were special times of the week- times when I felt God’s presence in a new way.

This trip also taught me much on the simplicity of life, and the work many people go through just to meet their daily survival needs. With no electricity or running water, we would hike down a steep little path to get to the stream for water. We would bathe and wash our clothes there, and then water would be hauled up to the village for all other purposes. After 6pm, kerosene lamps would be lit to break the darkness of the night. I love this type of simplistic lifestyle- yet I’m sure it too can lose its novelty. We take for granted the fact that we can simply turn on the faucet and liberally utilize the flow of water at your own dispense. However, I found that one of the biggest advantages to this rustic lifestyle is the quantity and quality of time available amongst families and villagers. Its something that technology and our demanding lifestyles have sadly deprived us of…

You know your getting use to a certain way of life when you walk into the hut to discover a turkey walking around, and it takes a few minutes to register that he shouldn't be inside. :) When I was there, I also took part in slaughtering and preparing a chicken!!! Much to my delight, I got over any apprehensions I had, and actually enjoyed it. Less than 2 hours later, I was enjoying it with the rest of my supper- which of course included rice! =)

There is so much more I could write about of my adventure in the mountains. My purpose for this trip was to assist in teaching the children, yet in many ways I felt like I was the one being taught. Because of the language barrier, these lessons never came in words. Instead the Lord again used children as an example, and it was as if He whispered to me, "Look, observe, and learn...unless you become like one of these little children..."

heading out bright and early on a 9-day outreach into the beautiful moutains. Going to enjoy the fresh country air and their simplistic "wireless" lifestyle! :) Staying in a little village to help out with a VBS, offer some medical care, and share with them life's greatest Gift! Please pray that God`s Spirit would move in the hearts of the villagers we will meet and spend these next nine days with...nothing is more powerful than prayer!!

Grad Pictures

Excited? You bet! :) All the pictures above were taken by Tim Stewart
Brie and I with some of our lovely Filipino Supervisors
Ate Elsa and I... :) Man, I love that lady!

Our Class with the directors

Some of the Filipino midwives doing a beautiful dance for us! :)

Class of 2011 did a skit and sang a song for us... so special

Group hug with the directors! :)

Our class with the Filipino midwives and supervisors

Ate Elai...love her to bits! :) amazing midwife!

Class of 2010 and 2011

At last! :) :) (certificates postdated until we pass our exam here in July) :)

THANK YOU LORD!