The title of this blog is killing me! Maybe that gives you just a glimpse of how I feel about leaving. Somewhere inside of me, I know it's time. I know that the Lord has brought me here for this time and that now I have to (sob) move on to a new adventure. Being here has been such a life changing experience and has taught me so much. I guess that's part of why I don't want to leave. I'm so in love with this ministry and all that it is doing for these families! In the past month, it's been so lovely to see more than ever a lot of growth in my relationships with the midwives!!! They have been the most lovely teachers, not only in midwifery but in life lessons as well! I'm so going to miss this huge irreplaceable filipino family! The whole spirit of this place is so loving and welcoming! I love the work being done here, it is so important! Another huge reason why it is really hard for me to leave is the Gustafson family! They have also taught me so much about life, family, and mission work. They have shown me how free and beautiful life can be. I have been so loved, cared for and mentored by their family! I cherish my relationship with each one of them! I am so going to miss this lovely and friendly culture. I'm going to miss the traffic, the jeepneys, trikes, horns, and busy streets! I'll also be missing the market, mangos, bargaining, and coconut trees! The market is so fun; I'm going to miss walking down the hill and buying fresh fruits and vegetables for the week with just a few cents! Thank you everyone for all you have given me and blessed me with! I know God will continue to use this experience in my life to teach and change me! I am forever grateful! Thank you God for choosing me for this experience, I am so unworthy and blessed!!!
Filipino food and cooking
Filipino streets
Jeepney ride
Walking down the hill towards the market
Despite how much hard work it is I miss hand washing!
Sweet midwives' babies: thank you for sharing your moms and the birthing home with me! I love and miss you all! Thank you for befriending me and letting me be your Ate.
Oh sweet newborn babies!!! How I love and miss you so! You are so tiny and beautiful! I feel like I don't deserve to have had this precious experience with you! Thank you for blessing me, just by being you!!! I have been changed from being able to experience your first moments of life! God has created each and every one of you so perfectly and I can't even explain my awe over you! You are truly God's most precious treasures!
Oh dear boys: I miss you, especially hanging out and playing soccer and cards with you! I'm praying for you! I know you will continue to be creative, full of life, and tons of fun to be with!
Good bye Auden, I miss you a lot! Especially when you put rubber bands on your face and make me laugh! I love you! Continue being your loving, creative, happy self!!!
My sweet, lovely Bernadette: I miss you terribly just as I knew I would! Thank you so much for loving me, accepting me, and being my very wonderful friend!!! You are beautiful, imaginative, and so full of joy! I don't know what the Philippines would have been for me without you!!! <3 I love you with all of my heart!
Deborah, thank you for mentoring me, being my confidant, and my very good friend! Your family truly blessed me! Continue in your beautiful work, the Lord is so pleased with you. Both you and Darren have blessed me so much, thank you for sharing your lives with me!
Good bye Philippines!
