Learning to Belong
Scroll all the way down for my update :)
Baby boy that I helped welcome into the world
The 6 of us students. From Left to Right: Brittany, me, Bess, Julie, SarahBeth, Scarlet
Locally grown coffee beans
Abundant Grace of God sign by the main road
Some of the Filipina midwives eating fresh coconut with us "newbies"
Learning how to do a prenatal on one of our pregnant midwives
Brittany, SarahBeth, and I helping lead youth group
Breathtaking sunset
1 Corinthians 9:19-23: "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings"
Today marks one month since I arrived at Abundant Grace of God Maternity Center in Tabuk, Philippines. This past month has involved language studies, cultural classes, learning how to ride a tricey, figuring out how to communicate while in town, endless laughs (mostly at ourselves for being clueless or using the wrong Ilocano word), lots of rice, and endless sweating. This past week has been high 80's and sunny (sorry everyone in Northern NY). I'm slowly starting to get used to giant cockroaches jumping out at me when I use the bathroom in the middle of the night, geckos EVERYWHERE, dogs barking at all hours of the day (and night), and rats scurrying around.
The second year ladies showed us the church they attend, Blessed Eternal Hope Church, and I've never seen anything so genuine and welcoming. Pastor Rod and his wife AteCheryl have been a huge blessing to us. They have welcomed us warmly and helped us get involved in the church community. I jumped into helping the other ladies with children's ministry on Sunday mornings, and a few of us help with the youth group on Friday nights. I'm really enjoying building relationships with the kids/teenagers and showing them what God has done in my own life.
One thing that I've loved is how everyone here is ready and willing to help. Something as simple as asking where to put the eggs, to something more complicated like how to bucket flush or bathe, there is always someone around who is willing to teach you. 3 of the ladies who are in their second year here and who are graduating in August have been extremely helpful with giving us tips on how to live as a female in a foreign country. I'm thankful for the memories I get to make with them before they leave, as well as the bonds that are forming between me and the amazing Filipina staff.
While we were in Baguio with a long-term missionary having our cultural studies, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 really stuck out to me. It reminded me that although this isn't easy, it's rewarding. It reminded me that although this pushes me way out of my comfort zone (I mean, having a rat in my bedroom isn't my ideal living situation), it's not about me at all. It points me back to my main reason for being here: to share the love of Christ with women and their families by providing adequate and holistic midwifery care. Again and again this passage reminds me that when I take the time to really try to understand the amazing Filipino people and not be quick to do it the "American way," that I can build bonds that help me affectively share the Gospel.
Slowly I'm learning grace. Slowly I'm learning how to be joyful in all circumstances. Slowly I'm learning that my main focus isn't to just survive, but that it's to thrive. Slowly the Lord is teaching me to give up myself, take up my cross, and follow Him...because only His plan can truly fulfill me. Thank you for partnering with me and making this amazing Faith Adventure possible. I look forward to seeing how the Lord continues to use me as I continue to settle into the Filipino culture.