thankful.

Well happy thanksgiving to the waking world!
Instead of turkey this year I indulged myself on a bowl full of rice, and little pork bits... and an assortment of veggies. I am not sure why I was not motivated to cook a feast for 400 this year (jk.. only like 20)... but maybe last year did me in... but I think it was moreso the last couple of days...

There has been MUCH going on this past week and a bit. I will tell a bit here now... :D

Last Sunday I had the AMAZING opportunity to jump on the local transportation with three other charming gals, and head toward the less-populated... and ABsoluteLY beautiful "Province" (the name of the mountainous, indigenous areas outside of the big centers here).

THE WEEK IN THE MOUNTAINS WAS AMAZING. Four of us gals from the clinic had the opportunity to follow around this grand local midwife named Ate Mary Jane. She took us (on the back of motorbikes through sketchy roads I might add!!) to the villages in which she provides immunizations, simple health care, and prenatal and infant check-ups. It was awesome for me to see how the health care system functions out there... and what it means to be a bushwhacking midwife, in a developing country.

We also happened upon the opportunity to watch some tubal ligations one day at the local health care center... quite the interesting experience! Quite disturbing too. Hummm, don't think I'm up for that ever! haha.

I got back to Davao on Thursday... having had the time of my little life... and having a very sore butt. I was welcomed back by a house FULL of girls doing homework... and was glad to see them (that's for certain...), but the house was SO FULL... and I was a little overwhelmed! The next few days were full of crazy happenings at the clinic, frustrating conversations, sleepless nights... just being tired in general... and well, I must admit, the odd bad attitude as well. Quite the jump start into this new semester and school year!

All that said though, I am glad to be here doing what I do. I have had the great privilege and opportunity to catch two babies this week... and be seriously blessed by these new families. On shift yesterday I was totally tired and exhausted, but the sweet aroma of Joy filled the birth room all morning long, and I know the HIS peace and joy and love were being poured out on each and every one present there.

This is really what life is about, and what this ministry here is about. Knowing his love and sufficiency in aLL things... and passing that on to those HE brings into our life. What opportunities I have to share HIS love. It is my prayer that this continues to be at the forefront of my mind, and that the frustrations of each day will always fade in light of His glory and grace.

So I am thankful today. Not because I have had the best week of my life, and am busting with joy about how everything is working out so great for me right now (because I would be lying to you if I said that it was...). BUT I AM THANKFUL today because He is enough, He blessed us when times are rough, and HE gives all joy, even when life's tough.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face...
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim...
In the light of His glory and grace."