Run To The Father
SarahBeth and I at lunch after church
Holding baby Cheo at 24 hours old
Wearing traditional Kalinga fabric
Baby ChrisMarie at her 6 week checkup
Baby Javin during one of his postpartum checks
SarahBeth and I at Talama, the lookout over the city
SarahBeth, Hanani, Me, and Sherrin in Baguio
Me, Pastor David, his wife Christine, their daughter Jendee, and SarahBeth out to lunch while in Baguio
Our last 2019 baby...Franzine Eowyn
SarahBeth, Pastor Robin, Me, and Brittany after his ordination
Baby ReyJon at 3 days old
"Come as you are, said He. "But I will not let you stay there. I will move you, and it will hurt, but I promise I wont leave you."
-Sum. C.
The Lord whispers this to my heart as I lay awake late at night, replaying the events of January over and over again in my head. I think back on how my life was a year ago, and I wonder what happened to all the goals and dreams I had for 2019. As January comes to an end, I'm reminded that goals and dreams don't have to just start on January 1st...but that we can run to the father, regardless of how put together we are, and He will help us become the person we were created to be.
January started off loudly...quite literally. A dear midwife friend delivered a baby girl at 11:45pm on New Years Eve, which made welcoming a new baby into the world the last thing that I did in 2019...and I have to say, that's the best way to end a year and start a new chapter. The fireworks around town were loud, people and parties everywhere, but when this sweet baby girl took her first breath, it's almost as if the outside world stopped and was silent before celebrating the arrival of a new year, and a new baby.
As I write this, the clock tics softly in the background, the fans whirling above my head, reminding me that, 1. there are a lot of mosquitoes, and 2. that it is 3:20am. Darkness surrounds me as I hear the sounds of sleeping patients, new babies, and dogs barking outside. I am wrapped in a blanket, wishing I had brought socks and a jacket, as it is only 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside, but with a 91% humidity, it will make for a hot day. This month has been filled with all sorts of adventures.
SarahBeth and I decided to spend a few days in the city of Baguio with some friends who were returning there for university. It was a lot of fun. Late nights, laughs, bonding, food, new experiences, and in true Kayla fashion, having the stomach bus on the 12 hour bus ride back to Tabuk. Thankfully, I was not alone on this trip, and everyone took great care of me while I was sick.
I've welcomed quite a few babies into the world this month, and I keep reflecting on what a special place this is. The Lord continues to be faithful to our small clinic, and always provides just what we need. There have been many prayers echoed inside these walls, and many exclamations of praise as we continue to work together towards our calling.
There are two births that stick out in my mind from this month, and both were special in their own way. The first one was that of a very young couple, extremely excited, and anxious to meet their baby boy. I had done a few of her prenatals, as she always came in on my Friday morning shifts, and so I had gotten to know her quite well. The amount of support and love that she received from her family, friends, and boyfriend was breathtaking, and I honestly believe that the support she received was what helped her continue when the days were long and she was overwhelmed with the idea of becoming a parent at such a young age. I was honored to be able to be there for the birth of their precious baby boy, Cheo, and see the tears of joy running down her face when she embraced her son for the first time. Watching the father embrace them and tell them how beautiful and strong they are is a moment that I will never forget.
The other birth that I remember clearly was that of another first-time mom, and she too was excited to welcome her baby boy into the world. Everything started off great, and we encouraged the mother to take deep breaths and trust her body. Eventually, she started feeling pushy, and so she pushed her baby out very slowly, allowing time for the head to mold and fit through the birth canal. Once the baby was born, the cord was unwrapped from around his body, and he was placed on his mothers chest. We waited in anticipation for him to start crying, but instead he just lay there, blue and not crying. The supervisor immediately started doing PPV (positive pressure ventilation...giving the baby breaths through a bag and mask) and trying to stimulate baby to cry. It felt like it went on forever, and the mother started to become frantic, asking why her baby wasn't crying. We were all so focused on the baby and stimulating him, and I said to her, "Talk to your baby. Tell him that you are here. He just needs a little bit of help breathing on his own", and she started talking to him, calming her fears as the supervisor continued giving breaths. It was an intense minute of waiting and praying out loud. Baby coughed, then started screaming, and we all breathed sighs of relief as he snuggled into his mothers chest. It's births like both of these that remind me why I'm here. It is such an honor to be a part of something so vulnerable, so special, and so holy.
A dear friend of ours, Pastor Robin, was ordinated as Bishop this month, and we had the honor of being invited to his ordination and celebration of 53 years in ministry. It was a special time of praise and fellowship as we rejoiced over the faithfulness of the Lord in his life, and the work that He has done through Pastor Robin.
I will be going to the state of Washington for 6 weeks around April as part of my 10 home birth requirement. Please pray for peace and wisdom during that time, and that I will be able to reach my requirement in the allotted timeframe.
I just finished my postpartum assignment, and we are practicing suturing now. It is hard to believe that we have come this far, and that we are over a year in. I love The future seems scary and unpredictable, as we still have so much to learn, but I look back on all that we have learned thus far, and I am amazed at how quickly this place has become home. Thank you to everyone who continues to invest in me, and the work that God is doing here in Tabuk City!!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! God Bless!
Psalm 5:7-8
Because of Your unfailing love, I can enter Your House; I will worship at Your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make Your way plain for me to follow.