Just to let you know...

A few people have asked how we are doing following last week's earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We have had no effects here in Davao City that I am aware of. I read from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology that the largest unusual wave recorded on Friday was only 70cm. So as far as I can tell there wasn't much impact on the Philippines. The city here is very protected. The mountains protect it from bad typhoons (usually only affected by lots of rain, not the fierce winds). Samal and Talikud Islands protect the waterfront from significant waves and such. There is some flooding with any heavy rains, but not anything like what has happened in Japan.

So here's a quote I heard at church on Sunday that defines love, from the senior pastor of the church (I believe he is in Manila):

"Love is a commitment directed towards imperfect people to seek their highest good which often requires sacrifice."

Random Photos, and a video

Here are some more random photos that I've taken from around the city (with my phone, so the quality is not that great).

Gifts on display for Chinese New Year (arguably as big, if not bigger, than Christmas here)

Work in progress

Chorus:

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

Repeat Chorus

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don't judge him yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands

Repeat Chorus

In the mirror of His word
Reflections that I see
Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me
But He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the potter; I'm the clay

Do you know this song?!?...well right now it could be my life motto...

God's faithfulness..& Baby # 17,000 born at Mercy!

February 4, 2011 baby #17,000 was born at Mercy Maternity Center!

Baby girl Samantha is shown below with her momma and the midwives/volunteers on shift.

I got to take care of this momma and baby during their continued postpartum period.

First handle of 2011!

Handle #7

Baby girl Ahleyha

01/09/2011 at 2:57 pm

The happy foursome at a baby check!

It's fun for them to get a family photo taken, I print them a copy and I love seeing them all together.

Babies, What a Blessing!

This is a long time in coming... but here's an update on some new babies that have entered this crazy, amazing world. Enjoy!

She was born 'in caul' meaning her water didn't break, we opened it right after her head was out. That was a first for me, fun and exciting!

Handle #6 12/29/10 at 5:06 am

Marylie

Random Photos

Here are some random photos that I took using my cell phone. Some are from a few months ago. Today I finally transferred them to the computer. Enjoy!

Here is a bird's-eye view of the Agdao Market. The aisles are quite narrow in places.