It's really interesting...

... I have days here when I can't possibly imagine being here another 8 months. On those particular days (by the way, yesterday was really the first I've had so far), I long for the slow pace of my life back home, a life that I once thought was completely hectic and crazy. And in it's own way, it was completely hectic and crazy, but predictable. I think more than anything I long for...familiarity....in the face of a loved one, in a place I've been to hundred's of times. I now realize I took for granted being smack dab in the middle of the city and then only having to drive 10 minutes to escape to the slow, steady pace of the country-side.

That was yesterday though. Today, I love being here because I think for the first time I realized in my heart something so completely right in front of my face, I can't believe I missed it. My Creator, the One most familiar to me and with me, didn't stay behind in my life back home. He really does exist here in the Philippines, and I can see him everywhere I go... in the hungry eyes of the little girl begging for money on the sidewalk of Agdao Market, in the beacon of light shining from Mercy Maternity Center. I hear Him too... in the song of the Filipina midwives, passionately worshipping God at the top of their lungs, in the quiet murmur of "Yes, Lord" from a malnourished buntis (pregnant woman) as I pray for her husband to get work everyday, so she can eat enough to nourish the baby growing inside of her. He is here, in this overcrowded, polluted city. He brings comfort, peace and joy, in the midst of sorrow, pain, and suffering. And through these people, He reminds me of why I'm really here. Not for my own comfort and security, but so that He might use this broken vessel to pour out His mercy, love and grace on those who haven't experienced Him. That's why what we do here counts, as Matt said at care group tonight.

I had great prenatals today. I was pretty much on my own, and I'm starting to feel more competent in my skills and abilities. I'm really trying to learn Visayan, as the language barrier frustrates me more than anything in the whole world. I even used some of the new Visayan phrases I taught myself during my prenatals. Oh, and Jenn told me I'll be doing one of the health teachings next month. I'm not sure if it will be fetal development, nutrition, labor/birth, postpartum, or breastfeeding, but I'm pretty much really nervous about it. There will be a Visayan translator working along-side me to translate what I'm saying from English to Visayan. I'll keep you posted on how that turns out...

Tomorrow I work day shift at the birth center, so I should be getting to bed soon. So far, I've observed 4 births, and I'm hoping to see more tomorrow. Okay, I'm off to bed. Love you all!!!

Love,

Briana