Thank you family, friends and caring people (I've yet to meet in person), our hearts are overflowing with gratefulness at the generous gifts of time, money and prayers on our behalf.
This post is a recap of where Josh and I have come in this journey in the Philippines, what our current needs are and more so what's pressing on our hearts right now.
Pull up a chair, grab a glass of meadow tea and sit a spell with me...oh and maybe grab some tissues.
It all started two years ago when a dream was planted in our hearts to travel (a crazy distance across the globe) to Davao, Philippines, so I could serve and train as a midwife.
A midwife, huh what's that?!
Oh, I'm SO glad you asked.
Midwives are partners with women in the provision of health care, engaging in a dynamic reevaluation of each woman's unique health needs.
Midwives desire to nurture a woman's progress with hands-on care rather than diagnose her problems from afar,
...listen rather than lecture,
...teach health prevention rather than treat an illness,
...empower a woman to be an active participate in her health care,
...urge a woman to speak for herself rather than to be her advocate,
...instill a woman with trust in her body rather than demonstrate a midwife's technical proficiency,
although midwives will do all these things when necessary.
~Adapted from Varney's midwifery
Why the Philippines?
So I can receive quality midwifery training in a cross-cultural setting, nestled in a developing country.
My goal and desire: To be equipped to empower pregnant women in other under-served areas; improve their access to safe, affordable & quality health care and to do my part to reduce maternal mortality (death). But more so, to fulfill Christ's command: “...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
~Matthew 25:40
~Matthew 25:40
Remember the story of the starfish?
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August 1 marks the DEADLINE for my 2011 semester tuition fees and our annual insurance. | Financial Needs | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,977.50 |
| Insurance | $3,690.00 |
| Total | $12,667.50 |
Every penny of my tuition paid to Newlife International School of Midwifery goes to fund the Mercy Maternity Clinic.
You give money → we pay our tuition → tuition funds the clinic → pregnant women receive free prenatal, labor/birth care in a Christ-centered environment→ maternal and newborn death is reduced→ families physical needs are met, opening the door to the truth of Christ. It's a beautiful cycle.
So, you have the desire to give money but lack the funds.
Here are some ideas, but I'm sure you can think of many more:
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-Make crafts and sell them. Hold a fundraiser meal or sell subs or homemade cookie dough.
-Make a quilt and sell it.
-Sacrifice your $5 coffee drink and donate the funds instead.
Dare I say, give till it hurts?!
But more importantly, give because this is what you believe God is calling you to. I'm not here to judge you on your checkbook balance, what your entertainment budget is, where and what you spend on your vacation and how all that compares to what you give to God.
Nope, I'm writing this uncomfortable blog in an effort to be transparent about our needs and how we have been faithful with your funds so far.
Word of encouragement to you:
Give out of the abundance of your heart. “Each man (woman & child) should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
So, you can:
- Donate via snail mail to:
The Second Tunic
314 Clay Road
Lititz, PA 17543
(Clearly marked for us)
314 Clay Road
Lititz, PA 17543
(Clearly marked for us)
Stay informed:
sign-up for our newsletter, subscribe or 'follow' our blog to stay up-to-date on the current happenings.
Prayer: Commit to praying for us; designate a day or time of day to do that. We definitely feel the presence of your prayers during this crazy, stretching chapter of our lives.
We are clinging to these promises:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Well, I'm going...won't you come too?!
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