Back from the Bukid

Let me start by saying, THANK-YOU to all those who have kept up on reading our blog and updates and emails. We are so blessed by a community of caring people.

Ever hear the term: boondocks?

Wikipedia defines it as: a remote, usually brushy rural area

I learned that this term is actually from the Visayan word: bukid.

This past week I and 3 other missionary volunteers here in Davao went to the bukid (pronounced BOO-kid), Visayan word for mountains.

We had the opportunity to serve alongside 2 Filipina midwives from the Manobo tribe, who serve people in the rural mountain villages here.

I will post way more details later, but here's a few pictures to peak your interest!

Just a glimpse of God's beautiful handiwork in these lush, thriving mountains.

Me in front of the swelling river (full from the recent rains).

View from Ate Mary Jean's home (in Tagpopoot)

Thanks for reading...

A coming deadline...

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.

My inspiration today...

A missed lunch.

My time spent labor watching and supporting an active first-time mom.

Momma tired from a long night of no sleep the day before and vomiting.

Simple words and gestures given...

Rubbing her back during a contraction, giving her water, telling her "you are strong...you are amazing".

From 4 cm dilated to 8 cm in seven hours.

Amazing strength and pain tolerance despite her exhaustion.

But wait, it gets better.

Side note: I love my 'job'...yes being 'with a woman' throughout her pregnancy, labor and delivery pulls & tugs at me on all levels (physically, emotionally, spiritually)...I feel so privileged to be attaining this knowledge. And more times than not, my pregnant momma is the teacher. :)

So, how could the strength of a momma in labor get better?

And now, introducing...

new blog content!

That's right. Long ago we started preparing a new section to our blog. You may have noticed the links above that say "Recipes Home" and "Recipes Search". If you checked them out before, you saw that it would be coming soon. Well, the time has arrived!

Clicking on the recipes links above will now take you to the recipe section of our blog. There you will find local recipes we have learned (Tinolang Manok), breads we have learned to make (Honey & Oats Bread) as well as old favorites (Vietnam Fried Rice).

Almost all of the recipes have pictures! We hope to be adding more recipes as we learn more or find new favorites. So check it out now and check back often!

Just found out

All I can say is God is:

Source

Mortgage payment + adequate income = no worries :)

Now, factor in quitting your job to travel many miles overseas and renting your house to cover the mortgage. A good remedy until you need to find new renters. Right?!

'tis the season

Hmm, the title sounds like it should be around Christmas.

Filipino summertime (school summer break of April & May) has just ended and a new school year is starting. At the same time, US schools are winding down their school year and our summer is upon us.

Summer = volunteer breaks.

Summer + volunteer breaks = influx of summer intern volunteers.

The opportunity to meet a whole lotta people from around the world (well this time mainly the US), it's exciting but also involves a lot of talking/teaching/sharing. And yes, overcoming my shyness. I don't particularly jump at the chance to meet a bunch of people I don't know. Actually, I kinda get nervous, dread it etc. But, in encountering Filipino women in prenatals and the birthroom it's different. I feel I have a purpose, we can small talk but I am striving to relate to them & help with their well-being & their baby.

So, if you're chuckling (that's understandable) because many people may think me as outgoing and a people person...But it's true I have these 'discomforts'. Once I know you and feel comfortable, well it's a little different.

Anniversary Celebration

So last month we celebrated three years of marriage. To celebrate, we took a trip to a resort on Samal Island. We had visited Ilihan Beach Resort, and we decided it would be worth the difficulties of getting there. Overall, it was not very difficult, but it definitely was a new experience for us. And generally speaking, I do not like "new" experiences when I am in charge, yet at the mercy of others (or dependent on them). So it was challenging and stretching, but absolutely worth it!