Come along for the adventure...

We Need These!

2008-07-02T06:31:00.003-06:00

They have these signs posted all over the pediatric ward at the hospital. Wonder what it will take to get our hospitals to have these placed everywhere?

Hospital Visit

2008-07-02T06:16:00.003-06:00

Last night, before I was to start the night shift (which was completely dead, by the way, so don't expect a post), Christy, Medea (a student midwife here) and I went to the hospital to visit some patients. Christy and I needed to go and see Sharene and Jean and Madea had a continuity whose baby is 3 weeks old. Meldrine has been in the hospital since birth and is suffering from hydrocephilus. They are waiting for a specialist to see him, but are not sure when that is going to happen. We are all afraid he is going to die in the mean time.

When we walked in the room, we were happy to see that Meldrine and Jean were placed next to one another. We spent about an hour sitting and talking with both moms. Medea had gathered a special bag for her continuity from the donations I brought along. I had already given one to Sharene the night before at the birth. Medea's patient was giddy with excitement over the gifts. We helped her place Meldrine in the sling, hoping that with some more skin to skin bonding, he might try to nurse. At this point, I am not sure he is getting anything more than is in his IV. He has lost a lot of weight and does not look good.

Sharene would not say much. She was stand offish in the birth as well. She is only 20 and her bana is 38. He has another family and was not at the hospital last night. I encouraged her to try and get Jean to suck, but Sharene was not interested in nursing her. I am very worried for them both. Without Jean nursing or sucking at all, I am not sure how she is going to get nutrients. Sharene is responsible for feeding her at the hospital - there are no meals/formula brought in for patients.

The hospital is just as I remember it - nothing is different or shocking, but yet, it still rocks me to my core. The people deserve more than this and yet, they are still so grateful. We prayed with both families and left them with food, but it really feels so small in the grand scheme of things. I know God is the God of Miracles and they definitely need one.

Christy also posted a blog on our trip to the hospital - she seems to do such a better job with words than I do...so feel free to check it out if you are so inclined. http://www.thejourneyofanapprentice.com/

Meldrine and his mommy.

Sharene and Jean.

1st Birth with Christy

2008-07-02T05:54:00.002-06:00

On swing shift on Monday, I caught another baby. Mom, Sharene (whom I learned her name after the birth) walked in the birth center at 2:45 pm and baby Jean was here at 2:46 pm. That's the way to do it if you ask me!

Christy and I have been friends now for close to three years. During that time, our relationship has grown and strengthened. I often call her bounce midwifery related issues off of her and visa versa. She has been a true blessing in my life, but after all this talk, we had never done a birth together - until little Jean's birth. It was wonderful having her there by my side assisting. Now, if I only I could convince her to move to Utah.

I ended up transporting Jean at the end of the postpartum period because she didn't seem to have a suck reflex, therefore had not nursed and was having labored breathing. Please keep her in your prayers as she was still there last night when we went to go visit her.

First Catch!

2008-07-02T05:33:00.003-06:00

After the mom and baby from the taxi birth were moved inside, we did endorsements. I was first up since I hadn't caught a baby here yet. I was endorsed a first time mom who had been laboring outside all morning. Her bana was very supportive and bringing her food and rubbing her back. After a 40 minute pushing phase, little Choleen Faith was born into my hands over an intact perineum. Her mother, Jocelyn did an excellent job and was so strong. Little Choleen was 5 lb 10 oz. I saw both Jocelyn and Choleen yesterday at their one day postpartum visit and both seem to be doing very well. Jocelyn seems to be doing well with her new motherhood and Choleen loves to nurse. I get to see them again for another checkup tomorrow :)

Taxi Birth

2008-07-02T05:19:00.002-06:00

Monday morning I was scheduled to work day and swing shift. I got to the clinic a little early - just in time to see my first taxi birth. We were sitting around in the midwive's area in the birth room getting ready for endorsements when we heard some commotion and everyone started to run outside. A couple of the other midwives jumped in the taxi and caught the already crowning little girl. Baby was born in the taxi and right after mom with baby still attached was wheeled into the birth room to clean up. I am not sure the taxi driver ever got paid either.
Here is the little princess.

Carlie's Big Impression

2008-06-29T03:05:00.003-06:00

Last night (Saturday night), Christy and I went to the mall (hence why we were in the taxi). There we got some birth supplies for cheap at the medical supplies store. Umbilical cord scissors at home start at $30 and go up. I got a pair yesterday for around $3. I am thinking of buying a 10 year supply for that price.

For dinner, we went to a place that Carlie, my mom and I went to a handful of times last year. Immediately, I recognize a couple of the workers, but I assumed that after 10 months, they wouldn't remember me - especially since I did not have Carlie with me. Near the end of the meal, all three came up to us and asked about Carlie and my mom. They referred to her as Sweetie Carlie and one of the servers said she still had Carlie's picture on her phone wallpaper. Isn't that sweet?

Here is a picture with one of them...excuse how horrible I look. :)

Today's Shift - Sunday 6/29/08

2008-06-29T03:00:00.005-06:00

I worked the Day Shift today - from 6 am - 2 pm. We just had one birth today and it was a continuity of student midwife here. I was honored to sit in on the birth. A nice 8 lb baby boy was born at 7:07 am after the mother being at the clinic for a little over an hour. They were both expecting a little girl, but seemed thrilled with their surprise.

Here is the little guy.

Taxi Rides

2008-06-29T02:50:00.002-06:00

For those of you that have never been to the Philippines will probably have a hard time understanding the "rules of the road" here or maybe I should say the lack of "rules of the road." Let me fill you in a bit...the bigger you are, the more of the right of way you have. Therefore, big rigs and buses have right away over jeepnees and jeepnees have right of way over cars, cars over tricycabs and tricycabs over pedicabs and pedicabs over pedestrians. There are not many stop lights, stop signs of street signage at all. You can pick a lane or make your own. Horn honking lets you know to move out of the way or risk getting hit. It is crazy to say the least, but I do have to say the Filippino People have awesome depth perception. I have no idea why you don't see more accidents. They come within inches of hitting one another and yet don't. It blows my mind.

All of that said, I have taken some pretty crazy taxi rides here, but nothing tops last night ride to SM Mall with Christy. Our driver was a middle aged man with some road rage issues. I felt horrible for Christy because it was terrifying. We joked that the plane was NOTHING compared to this. Anyways, I had to catch her expression of fear. I personally think the photo is hilarious. She does not see the humor though.

First Shift & Mystery Solved

2008-06-29T02:43:00.002-06:00

I was scheduled to work on Friday night from 10 pm - 6 am. I was really excited to get back in the swing of things, but about 30 minutes before the start of my shift, I began to feel sick. My stomach was in knots and I was so hot. After visiting the C.R. (comfort room here - restroom to those of you reading) a couple times and then taking some Immodium AD, I was hoping that I could get through the night. During endorsements, I continued to feel sick. The room was spinning, I felt like there was an inferno burning in my body and my stomach was not ok. I ended up needing to go home for the night to try and get better. I was super bummed since there were 4 ladies laboring, but I didn't have any choice.
I woke up in the morning feeling completely normal. I had mentioned to a couple people that it felt like I had eaten a banana - I am allergic to bananas and get violently ill when I eat them, but I knew I hadn't had one.
Late last night, Carmen, a supervisor, came to me, apologizing profusely. She realized she inadvertantly put a banana in a mango smoothie she had made for me - not knowing that I cannot eat bananas. I assured her, I was not mad and just glad to know what the deal was.
I am just glad I am not sick now :)

Trip to the beach...

2008-06-27T22:26:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, we had some free time before I started my first shift at 10 pm, so we decided to take advantage of it and we headed over to Paradise Island. The weather was super mild and absolutely beautiful. We spent the day reading, relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. It was wonderful.

Reuniting with Old Friends

2008-06-27T22:13:00.002-06:00

We arrived early Thursday morning and I had previously made plans to meet with a patient and her family that I served last year for dinner. By the time dinner time rolled around, Christy and I were exhausted. We had been up with very little sleep for close to 48 hours. We met Honey and her husband Andy and their three kids for quick bite at Victoria, a local mall. We ate a Chow King and unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy it much because I was so tired. Regardless of how exhausted we were, it was great to see Honey and Andy again. We have been keeping in contact through email for the past 10 months, but there is nothing like seeing someone in person. I cannot get over how big their kids have gotten. Honey has been busy raising them. Joshua (age 5) is in school for a couple hours a day, but Glaiza (age 2) and Khyle (10 mos) are at home with her. Andy quit his job at a local mall and is now going back to school for computer sciences. I am praying that it opens up more doors for them.

My dinner - sweet and sour pork.

Flights

2008-06-27T18:23:00.004-06:00

Like I said in my previous post - our flights were good - just so long. I am not sure how I did it last year with a 2 year old!

We flew Northwest Airlines from LAX to Tokyo and then Tokyo to Manila. They served us a couple different meals and they were great, at least for airline food and compaired to what we got on Philippine Air last year. The seats were incredibly small and our knees were jammed into the seat in front of us, but we survived. It isn't really fair that they make you walk through first class to see what you are missing. Man, those big seats and leg room looked so nice!

For some reason, my camera erased the pics I took before we got to Tokyo :( I am not sure what happened, but they are gone.

Here are some from Tokyo and Manila.

Christy at take-off. She doesn't think this picture is nearly as funny as I do... Needless to say, she isn't fond of flying.
We held hands for every take-off and landing. I am going to miss having her on the way home. Isn't it nice to have friends?
Look what I used in Tokyo? Probably more than anyone wanted to know, but I had to try it. The other toilets were like ours in the States, only they played a flushing sound to hide the sound of you using the restroom. Helps with privacy, I guess :)
McDonald's in the Tokyo airport. I paid about $8 for a double cheeseburger, fries, coke and apple pie. All but the apple pie were the same as we get in the US. The apple pie was deep fried. It was yummy!

Greasy - just like home!
Waiting in line at Immigration in Manila.

Christy's blog

2008-06-25T23:41:00.001-06:00

Christy is keeping up her blog better than I am. If you are interested in more details from the past 36 hours - check hers out. http://www.thejourneyofanapprentice.blogspot.com/

We're here!!!

2008-06-25T20:09:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let you know we arrived safe and sound in Davao early this morning. Our flights were good - just long. Right now, we are heading to the store to get some supplies. I'll try to update with pics soon!

Leaving

2008-06-23T06:37:00.002-06:00

I am getting ready to leave Utah this morning. I will drive out to So Cal and fly out with Christy tomorrow afternoon.
I haven't felt nervous up until this point, but I have knots in my stomach this morning. I know everyone will be ok, but I won't see them for 3 weeks.
You probably won't see an update from me until I get to Davao and rested. We arrive there on Thursday, early in the morning - which is Wednesday - late evening for us in the United States.
Please keep us in your prayers!

Gift Bags

2008-06-21T18:56:00.007-06:00

I am pretty much done collecting the stuff for the gift bags I am going to give the moms I serve. Overall, I am pretty happy with all that I have collected. I am just waiting on some newborn size cloth diaper covers a friend is giving me tomorrow and then I will be done.

Here is a completed bag, minus the diapers and pads.

All the slings I made. I think there are 9 total.
Drawstring bags to put all the goodies in. I made these too. Who knew I could be so crafty? :)
Baby blankets...
Newborn clothing...
Cloth diapers, disposable diapers and pads...

Thanks to everyone who donated!

Into the single digits!

2008-06-15T09:44:00.002-06:00

I am getting so excited! We leave in 9 days! I have started packing. It seems a lot easier this year - probably because I am going for a shorter period, without a toddler and I know what I will need and use while there. My living room is covered in luggage.
I have also been collecting stuff for little gift bags for each of the women I serve while I am there. In it, I am going to put a baby sling, diapers, pads, receiving blanket, baby clothes, etc. I will see if I can get a picture up here later today.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddies out there! Thanks for all that you do.

Where has the time gone?

2008-06-02T21:52:00.002-06:00

So much has gone on in the past 10 months. I have had quite a few births, some very normal and some not so much.

Not a day has gone by since being home from our trip that I have not thought about the experience. It was one of the hardest - most amazing experiences of my life. I am so grateful I had the chance to go.

So, here is my big update... I am going to be going to Mercy again! This time only for a little over two weeks. I leave 21 days from now and am so excited. I am hoping to reconnect with a continuity I had from last year and seeing a couple other moms I served and have been keeping in contact with over email.

Stay tuned for updates and pics!

Sooo.....

2007-09-09T16:47:00.000-06:00

We have been home now a little over a week. The plane ride home was fantastic. Carlie did so well - not sure if it was because of all the prayers or benedryl, but thank God. I could not have handled two hours of screaming and no sleeping on the way home. There was tons of security to go through. I think we were checked a total of six times before we were allowed to board in Manila. It was a bit much.

This past week has been pretty hard on me emotionally. I think I am dealing with a bit of culture shock being home and just a general feeling of my work not being done at Mercy. The first three weeks were so hard on me emotionally. I was so tired and homesick. If it weren't for my pride, I probably would have come home then. I think that is why it has been so surprising for me to feel a really longing to be back there.

I feel so blessed to have been able to make this trek thousands of miles from home and serve these people, but I have to say, I think I got more out of it then them :)

I am going to be adding some updates from days past...pictures and stories. I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for all your support!

Laura Jean & Lara Jean

2007-08-26T10:40:00.000-06:00

Earlier today, a mom tore really bad while delivering her beautiful little girl. It was more than we could fix here at the clinic, so she was transported to the hospital to be fixed up and her baby stayed back here until she was able to be discharged from our care. During that time, she needed to eat, so I volunteered to nurse her.

It wasn't until she was getting ready to be discharged that we found out, through coincidence entirely, the baby girl was being named Lara Jean.

Small world, hey?

Here is a pic of the two of us...

Answered Prayers

2007-08-26T09:44:00.001-06:00

Today has been amazing. I left the birth room last night after working 16 hours. I had one transport and one patient I had sent home. I was bummed.

I woke up this morning at nearly 10 am. My mom took Carlie and let me sleep in. It was wonderful! I have been up most mornings around 5 am, so this was a nice treat...gotta love the Granny Nanny, as we have affectionately nicknamed her.

So on to answered prayers...

1. I woke up this morning and my sore throat is gone. I feel so much better.

2. My mom, Carlie and I went to go visit the patient I transported yesterday morning. We got to the hospital and found her right away. She was able to have a vaginal birth a little less than an hour after we dropped her off and both mom and baby are healthy! Mary Fe, the mom, was very pleased with the way things turned out and kept thanking me for the support she received during her time at Mercy. We prayed together and then she asked me for my email address. I was surprised to hear that she had email, but was very happy to give mine. I hope that we can keep in touch.

Here is a pic of baby Hector, Mary Fe, Carlie and me.

3. While at the hospital, I also saw, Aris, the 16 year old mom who lost her baby earlier in the week. She looked much better than the other day I had seen her, but I know she is still hurting. I didn't ask for any specifics, just let her know that we were praying for her.

4. Lisa, another intern here, dropped by the house this afternoon and offered me on of her patients who was in active labor. I rushed over to the clinic and took over. A 6 lb 3 oz baby boy was born at 8:27 this evening...he was slow to start, but once we got him going, he has been vigorous and is doing great. Mom lost a good amount of blood with the placenta and had an issue with blood pressure (low), pulse (high) and temp (high), but after we started an IV, she is doing much better.

So, my day was great. As I near the time to leave, I am realizing how much I am going to miss being here. I love the people and they bless me with their welcoming, kind and gentle spirits. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity.

Prenatals

2007-08-25T04:12:00.000-06:00

Since being here, I have typically been on the Tuesday team for my prenatals with a couple Fridays thrown in. I have really enjoyed this time to worship with the women, have a small devotional with the other midwives and get to know the patients prior to the hard work labor entails. I have been so blessed by the Filippinas kind and gentle spirit.

Here are how prenatal clinics run... The women start gathering outside the clinic as early as 6 am to sign in, as they are taken first come first seen. At 8 am, they are taken upstairs to the waiting room where their blood pressure, weight and hemotocrit (if needed) are taken. Then comes joint worship, sometimes the songs are in Visayan and sometimes they are in English. After worship comes Health Teaching. The topics can range from fetal development, breastfeeding, family planning, nutrition, etc. After the Health Teaching, the actual prenatals start. They aren't the one hour appointments we do at home, but they are receiving much superior care here then elsewhere.

Ate Susan doing a Health Teaching - she is amazing!

This is the room we do prenatals in. All the curtains come down for privacy and the air con comes on. It is so nice :)

The banas (husbands/boyfriends) all wait outside for the moms to get done. You can see the tricicabs through the window.

I have been trying to embed this video of worship time, but my connection isn't allowing it. You can see it here though. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTOG-w4Bl10 I just think it is beautiful.

Samal Island Jeepney Tour

2007-08-25T03:11:00.001-06:00

Can you tell I have some extra time during a shift and the internet is actually working on a continual basis? :)

On August 10, my mom, Carlie and I went on a tour of Samal Island, which is only a 5-7 minute boat road from Davao City. We loaded up into this "jeepney" and off we went.

I thought this was such a neat tree. Had to get a picture of it!

When we got off at one of our stops, this man was walking down the dirt road. He has a durian - a type of native fruit - balanced on his head.

About half way through the tour, we stopped at some caves that held the world's largest gathering of bats. There are an estimated 1.3 million bats there. It was unbelievable! Carlie could not be convinced that they were bats, instead she said they were birdies.

A couple more...

2007-08-25T02:50:00.000-06:00

Here is the boat we take over to Paradise Island (beach). I have left my mom and Carlie there a couple times, so now whenever I leave to go anywhere, Carlie thinks I have left on the boat.

I have been pleasantly surprised at the lack of creepy crawly creatures here. I was preparing myself for much worse. I do have to say that this snail is pretty yucky though. The juice boxes here are taller than the boxes in the states, so that will give you an idea how big this sucker was. Snail on steriods, for sure!

There are four people on this one motorcycle...I have seen up to 5, but others say they have seen many more. Don't ask me how they do it! Good thing Filippinos are small people :)

More babies...

2007-08-25T02:20:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of my most recent moms and babies :) Are Filippino babies just gorgeous?

Carlie Pictures

2007-08-25T01:50:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures of Carlie...mainly for Daddy, Katie-mama, Bubba and Maddie :) I know what a kick they got out of the last batch and thought they might like these too!

Spoke too soon...

2007-08-25T00:27:00.000-06:00

I had my first transport today. It was a 3rd time mom who would not progress. We believe the baby's head was too big to enter the pelvis. The ride to the hospital wasn't as scary as the last...not sure if I am used to it or if the guard didn't drive as fast.

When we got to the hospital, we were processed fast. The mom was exhausted and wanted a csection at that point. We are not able to stay with the patient after they are checked in, so we left her there, praying that baby and mom would be safe.

Today, I saw something at the hospital, I hadn't seen last time, but had heard about. In a room, right off of the ER entrance, called the Resuscitation Room, there were 5 or 6 beds, all with patients in them ranging in ages from around 3 to elderly. There were no machines, there were no doctors or nurses, just a family member next to each bed with a resuscitation bag pumping air into their loved ones lungs. They don't have the option to stop because if they do, the patient dies. It was heart breaking and words can't really describe the scene or the emotion. The hospital is everything that had been described to me, but you cannot even begin to get what it is like until you have seen it and been there.

I will go back to the hospital tomorrow and check in on my patient. I am praying that she was able to have the baby vaginally as this is an easier recovery, better for both mom and baby and less expensive, but really, the only thing that matters is that baby and mom are safe and healthy.

My throat is a bit sore today. I am nervous that I might be coming down with strep again. I had some other students pray with me this morning and I am trusting in God's protection over us while we are here.

Please also keep Ben in your prayers. He has been hit with many obstacles in regards to our business while I have been gone. We are still having employee issues and now we are dealing with the IRS in regards to an issue from before we owned the business. It is a bit much for him and I wish I could do more.

I am working a 16 hour shift this afternoon and hope to get some pictures posted. Check back in :)

Long time, no post...

2007-08-24T03:25:00.000-06:00

Wow...it has been a long while. Between my crazy schedule and our internet service not working more times than not, I haven't been able to update as I had hoped. Let's see if I can bring you up to date.

We just completely week four here. In some ways it has gone by so fast and in others I feel like I have been here forever. I am getting used to the way things are done here and really feel like I have become competant with the way things go.

I have handled 8 births thus far and charted or assisted in 10 others. I have had quite a few slow shifts, much more than I anticipated, but it has been good for a time of prayer and reflection.

In those births that I have been apart of, I have been amazed at God's protection over the moms and babies. All have been healthy.

Because I have had all healthy deliveries, I had not had a chance to go on a transport to the local government hospital we bring our moms to if they risk out of our services. So, last night, Elisabeth, one of the students here, was on her way to the hospital with a patient and asked me if I wanted to go with her to experience it. The ride over there was a bit scary and clausterphobic for me. The ambulance windows were closed and we were going so fast. There is no air con in the ambulance, so the air was very thick and humid. We arrived at the hospital and it was just as everyone had described to me. Our mom was quickly brought to a room to be examined and the doctor did a quick over on her. The walls and exam tables were all splattered with blood - and it wasn't from our patient. The labor area of the hospital was out in the open with no curtains and probably about 100 women there. After we got the mom checked in, we prayed with her and then had to leave.

This afternoon after I got off shift, Elisabeth and I went back to the hospital to see mom and baby. When we got there, there was some confusion as to if she was a patient or not, but we found her in a bed in the postpartum unit. Like the Labor Unit, there are about 300 women all in one room, bed after bed with their babies. Everything is very old and very dirty. Immediately when I saw her, I knew something was wrong. She looked to be crying and I could not see a baby. Her neighbor in the next bed motioned that the baby was dead. We just sat and cried and prayed with her. She wasn't really able to speak at all, just layed in bed sobbing. There are no answers here. No one seems to know if baby died before or after the birth and I doubt we or they will ever know. She now has to spend the next 2-3 days in the postpartum ward with all the other moms and babies. My heart just breaks for her. Aris is only 16...so young to have gone through this pregnancy and now death. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

We leave a week from today. I am so excited to see my kids and Ben. 5 weeks is really a long time. I am so thankful for this opportunity though and would do it again. I have been convicted time and time again at how even when life feels tough for us in the US, it is nothing compared to how others live their lives. We have so much to be thankful for.

I hope to add lots more pics soon...pray that the internet works and I find the time! :)

4th Catch

2007-08-12T12:31:00.000-06:00

Here I am with Grace and her baby girl. My fourth catch here in the Philippines. Grace had her baby on August 9th.

Paradise Island

2007-08-12T11:43:00.000-06:00

For 12 Ph pesos (less than .$25), you can take a 5-7 minute boat ride from Davao City to Samal Island. We spent the day there last Thursday at the resort, Paradise Island, after I got off of the night shift and had a blast.

Here are some pics from our day.

Jean and Carlie on the boat ride. Carlie wasn't too sure about the whole thing.

Here is the view of the island from the boat.

Carlie and my mom both had fresh pineapple juice in a pineapple (around $1.40!)

Carlie was surprised at how sweet it was!

Just so you know...

2007-08-09T22:18:00.001-06:00

I am not going to have computer access that much for the next week. So, if you don't see an update from me, I am fine. Just busy.

Thanks again everyone for your kind words of encouragement and prayers. Love you all.

Baby Pictures

2007-08-08T12:28:00.000-06:00

Just caught my third baby. Another healthy mommy and baby. God is so so good. Here are pics of babies 1 and 2. The top three pictures are Axcel Troy (my 2nd catch), his mommy, me and my assistant and then comes Brigitte and her mommy (my first catch). The last picture is of me with one of the Filippina midwives.

Can you tell how hot I get during birth here? That is about the only time the weather and humidity really bother me. I think I must lose at least 5 lbs of water weight with each one! :)

Pictures!!!

2007-08-08T10:19:00.000-06:00

I know you have been waiting for these...so here they are...

This is the house we are staying in. It is two doors down from Mercy Maternity Center.

Here is the view from our balcony.

Street view...

Outside of Birth Center...the top floor houses the Filippina midwives, the middle floor is the prenatal room and the bottom floor is the kitchen and birth center.

This is the ambulance that the center uses for transports.

I have a laboring mom right now that I need to go check. I will add more pics when I get a free second. Hopefully, it won't take me two weeks like it has for these!

2nd Catch

2007-08-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

I just got off of swing shift after doing prenatal clinic today. Man has this been an awesome day. I really feel like I am getting in the swing of things and am not so awkward.

I observed a birth early on in my shift and then went back to my laboring mom. She was a first time mom whose labor had already been going on for 18+ hours. Her labor was different...at times it seemed to stop completely and at other times it was very hard. The mom was a trooper and did awesome. At 6:46 this evening, Axcel Troy was born. He had apgars of 8/9 and is just perfect. Mom has an intact perineum, which doesn't usually happen here - especially for first time moms.

I really felt like I was able to minister to this mom today, regardless of the language barrier. We prayed together when it got really hard and she did amazing.

I am so blessed to be a midwife.

Going ons...

2007-08-06T22:30:00.000-06:00

I can't tell you how many times in the past couple days I have sat down at the computer to send an update and pictures, but I always seem to run out of time. I am working 56-64 hours a week and it is a doozy.

I hit my breaking point the other night. I had assisted in a birth that ended in the transport of the baby for respiratory distress. It was so hard for me to see the mom left behind at the birth center alone with her mother and bana going with the baby. Katie was hospitalized in the NICU when she was first born, so I could really relate to what the mother must have been feeling.

Soon after that assist, I was asked if I was ready to handle my first birth here. I said yes, but honestly, I was just exhausted and emotionally drained. Working here is so much harder than at home. The main issue is the language barrier. I feel so clumsy trying to communicate with them. I wonder if we are really understanding one another and I know that we are both missing some points.

So, after I got the mom checked in, I went into the kitchen and called Ivy, my preceptor and good friend. I poured out my heart and she just listened, validated and helped me work through the feelings. After we hung up, I had to go do my hourly check and mom looked great and labor was progressing nicely. I then went to call Ben and did the same with him as I did with Ivy. I am completely in awe of how wonderful and supportive my husband has been through this whole process. He is so selfless and encouraged me as well.

I had been hoping (and praying) that I would be able to endorse this mom before she had her baby to the next shift at 6 am, but at 5 am, she started vocalizing and I knew baby would be here before my shift was over.

A peace came over me and I knew that it was going to be ok and I would be given the stregnth I needed. At 5:46 a perfectly healthy baby girl was born into my hands. Her apgars were 9/9 and I couldn't have asked for a more uncomplicated, easy birth. God was so graceous and merciful in the whole process.

Since then, I have had a couple more shifts and a day of prenatals. I feel like I am getting into the swing of things here now. I am still missing my kids and Ben so much. I had never anticipated it being as hard as it has been. I definitely feel God's molding on my life. I feel broken and am learning to completely rely on Him.

Thank you all for your prayers, love and encouragement. It means more to me than you know.

We're still alive!!!

2007-08-03T06:45:00.000-06:00

I have gotten quite a few emails wondering if we had fallen off the face of the earth...sorry I haven't updated sooner! Things have been busy, to say the least :)

I am much too tired to give an indepth update, but I have worked 5 birth room shifts since getting here and have observed in 2 births and assisted in another 2. All healthy babies around 7 lbs each. That is big around here!

Carlie is doing better. Still not her completely normal self, but I doubt she will get to be "normal" again until we get home. Living in a house with many other people mean that I give in to her more than if we were at home just to keep her quiet and to keep the peace.

I am pretty sure when we get home, she is never going to want to ride in a carseat. Our main form of transportation is either a taxi (non of which have seatbelts) or a Trici-cab, which is nothing more than a cart attached to a scooter. I am still amazed that you can get 4 people plus the driver on that one scooter! Traffic here is a doozy. I was warned, but until you are in it, you can't really understand it. There are no traffic rules or if there are, they aren't followed. It is every man for himself. I do a lot of praying when we are on the streets :)

The people here are so wonderful. They absolutely adore Carlie and she is soaking it all in. She has the pageant wave down pat.

I promise I will get pictures soon. I work a double shift tomorrow afternoon and night, so maybe I might have a couple minutes to get it done.

Thanks everyone for your love, support and prayers!

First Shift

2007-07-29T08:25:00.000-06:00

I worked the swing shift (2pm-10pm) tonight and it was pretty uneventful. We had two first time moms who labored, but when I left, the babies were still a long time from coming. A little anti-climatic, but it was nice to just be able to sit, get to know the other midwives and the clinic. Hopefully when I work on Tuesday, we will have some action.

Carlie is still having a tough time. She hasn't eaten much at all since we have been here. In the last 24 hours, she has had about 10 crackers, some popcorn and a pb&j sandwich. For anyone that knows her, you know that is not much for her. Please continue your prayers that she adjusts quickly and the least painfully for all involved.

We had an amazing down pour tonight when I was in the clinic. In Utah, the rain isn't usually a good thing because of the business, but here, it is just so beautiful. I felt so refreshed just hearing and smelling it.

I am heading off to bed where I hopefully can get a good night's rest...if Carlie cooperates...

It's amazing...

2007-07-28T16:57:00.000-06:00

how a little bit of sleep helps you deal with life better. Yesterday was pretty hard on me. I had wondered what I had gotten myself into being in a foreign land so far from my family, but this morning, I am feeling much better about life and excited for my shift this afternoon.

Carlie slept pretty well considering the time difference is 14 hours ahead from being at home. She woke up around 11 pm and was hungry, so she had a sandwich and back to bed we went. She woke on and off all night, but I think she is getting used to the time change. We had a power outtage for about 2-3 hours last night, so with no fans going it got a little hot and sticky, but not nearly as bad as I had anticipating it to be.

I think we are going to brave going to the "mall" this afternoon by ourselves. We went yesterday to do a little grocery shopping and to get some flip flops to wear in the house, but I do need to get some more food as Carlie is not accustomed to the food options here. Wish us luck!

We're here!

2007-07-28T00:45:00.000-06:00

I don't have a lot of time to update, but wanted to let you all know we made it safe and sound.

The flight was long and Carlie was not a good traveler at all. I am not looking forward to our trip home with her.

It is beautiful here, but I am already missing the kids.

I start working at the clinic tomorrow, I think.

I will update more later.

Why now?

2007-07-24T16:00:00.000-06:00

So, we spent last night in the E.R. To make a long and painful story (Katie's wording) short, Katie got kicked in the head by a horse last night.
She was a trooper! She needed 3 stitches to the protective tissue around the skull, 2 internal skin stitches and 6 external stitches.

The doctor at the E.R. expected a skull fracture and concussion, but thank God, she just has a nasty gash. It could have been so much worse.

It is mostly on her scalp, so scaring shouldn't be a huge issue. I tried to take a picture, but it didn't come out great because the stitches match her hair.

I was nervous about leaving prior to this and now I am feeling it even more so. I can't imagine something else like this happening when I am on the other side of the world.

So, prayers would be appreciated for my nerves and for Katie's speedy recovery.

Traveling Tips?

2007-07-18T10:30:00.000-06:00

If the flight weren't so long, I wouldn't be concerned at all about taking Carlie on it. She is a really easy going kid and is easily entertained. The thought of it taking approximately 24 hours from the time we get on the first plane to the time we get off the second plane has me a bit worried though.
So, are there any special travel tips you can share with me? I have lots of little quiet toys and I am going to bring lots of special food treats to bribe her, if needed, but beyond that, I have no idea!
Thanks!

Yippee!

2007-07-15T16:29:00.000-06:00

Guess what was in our mailbox this morning....Carlie's passport!!! The agency's website says it is still being processed, so obviously they are not very current with their info. I am so glad I do not have to call tomorrow to deal with that. What an answer to prayer!

As promised, here is the picture. Ben was joking that it looks more like a mugshot than a passport picture. :)

Thoughts...

2007-07-14T11:26:00.000-06:00

The planning for this trip seems to be very much like a pregnancy...the beginning planning stages seemed to go so fast, but the final month before I leave is just dragging on. Days seem to last forever. I just want the 26th to be here already.

I am starting to feel a bit anxious about the trip. Mostly about being gone from my family for so long. 5 weeks is a really long time. I feel so blessed that my dad, gramma and mother-in-law and father-in-law are giving so freely of their time, so that they can be with the kids while Ben works. Childcare has been all figured out and Ben will only have to take 2 days off total while I am gone. It does give me loads of relief to know that the kids will be taken care of from the best people possible, if I can't be there. I am sure they are going to get spoiled! God is so good!

Ben and I were up talking late one night this week and I realized something...I will be arriving in Davao City exactly 4 years to the date from my surgery. I guess this experience is all very surreal and it makes me realize all that I have to be grateful for. Sure, the past three years here in Utah were not what we bargained for, but God has been with us every step of the way. Going through the hard times, it is always so hard to feel and see that, but it is times like this, that it is so obvious.

We leave 12 days from today, but hey, who's counting? :)

Starting to get a little worried...

2007-07-12T08:35:00.000-06:00

Carlie's passport is still not here...The website says it is still being processed.

Please pray that it comes soon and I don't have to deal with calling the Passport Department. When I did that a couple weeks ago, it was practically impossible to talk to a live person.

We leave 2 weeks from today!!! I am so excited.

Reflections

2007-07-07T16:53:00.000-06:00

This time of year always brings back many memories and reminds me of all the blessings in my life.

For those of you that don't know, my Maddie is going to be 4 tomorrow. Four years ago, I was dying from a then unknown softball size mass in my neck. Shortly after she was born, the mass was found. At first the diagnosis was cancer. I was terrified. I was 23 years old and had 3 kids ranging in ages from newborn to not even 4 years old. I was so afraid of leaving them behind and really felt like my life's work had not been done yet. Thankfully, it was not cancer and the Lord used the hands of surgeons to heal me.

So, four years later, the little girl I didn't know if I was going to get to see grow up is turning another year older and I am preparing to fulfill part of my life's work. I can't say that I would want to go through it again, but I am so thankful to be where I am today. We serve such an awesome God!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hop and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Still Waiting...

2007-07-04T21:28:00.000-06:00

Well, my passport came while I was gone. Yay! Still waiting on Carlie's though. It *should* be here any day now. I am praying that I won't have to call again and go through all the mumbo jumbo that involves.

We leave in 3 weeks! I can't believe how fast it is coming.

Passports

2007-06-24T14:44:00.000-06:00

My passport just had to be renewed for the trip since I had my maiden name on it. Yes, I have been married for over 8 years, but since it wasn't something I needed, I just let it be. Carlie had to get her first passport. She didn't cooperate for the picture at all!

I checked the status online on Thursday and was happy to see that mine was being processed and should be here this week sometime. Carlie's though said it was being processed, but I had only requested routine service and to expect it in 10-12 weeks!

After waiting on hold for over 40 minutes with Passport Services, I finally got through to a live person. Thankfully, it was just a website error and hers should be arriving around the same time as mine.

As soon as they come, I will take a picture of Carlie's to share. I am sure she is really going to love it when she gets older. She wouldn't look directly at the camera and had her tongue sticking out. You can tell she is almost 2!

Supply Donations

2007-06-18T23:09:00.000-06:00

For those of you that live locally (or are willing to ship to me) and want to help contribute, I just received a list of things that Mercy Maternity Center is always in need of. I can pick up if you live in Southern Utah up until I leave for my trip in the end of July. I am also going to be in Southern California the week of 6/25 - 6/30 and could arrange pickup there during that time.

Here is what is needed:

receiving blankets
summery baby clothes (year round it is about 85 degrees)
KY Jelly
sterile and non sterile gloves
new, unopened vitamins
white twin fitted sheets
new, unopened analgesics (generic Tylenol and IB Profen are great)
blue surgical towels
digital thermometers
Chux pads
alcohol prep pads
sterile gauze pads

Let me know if you need to arrange a pickup.

Thanks!

It's the little things...

2007-06-18T19:20:00.000-06:00

Since we have started planning this trip, I have been concerned about what to do with the diaper situation and Carlie. Carlie has never worn a disposable and I really didn't want to start now.
Well, I just got word from the clinic that there is a washing machine that will be available to us and we will just hang everything to dry.
I am so relieved not to have to worry about finding another diaper alternatives.
Doesn't take much to make me happy :)

I can't believe it!

2007-06-18T14:47:00.000-06:00

The airline tickets are booked, the passports are being processed and our room and board check has been sent out. I am going to do this for real! I am in shock.
For those of you that don't know, I (along with my mom and Carlie), will be spending 5 weeks in the Philippines this August. I am going to be interning at Mercy Maternity Center in Davao. It is the largest charity based maternity clinic in the Philippines. We will be leaving on July 26th from Las Vegas and returning on August 31st. I am so excited to be able to be able to learn while serving others. I am sure this trip is going to be life changing.
I have been so humbled to see God's working in this whole process. Things that shouldn't have worked out have worked out without a problem. Ben has been so supportive. Not that I would expect him not to be, but I definitely didn't expect him to immediately give his 100% support. I can't say that I would do the same if he asked to go away for 5 weeks with one of the kids to a developing nation.
My mind seems to be running a million different directions the past week or so. I have got a constant list going in my mind of things that need to be packed, bought or gotten together before we leave. It is a bit overwhelming!
I covet your prayers during the next couple of months. We are still trying to figure out how we are going to pay for this trip. It is going to cost over $4,000. Donations have been coming in and for that I am so grateful. I have faith that it is going to be taken care of one way or another. Please pray for safety while we are there and in our travels. Ten years ago, going on a mission trip wouldn't have phased me, but now, taking my 2 year old to the other end of the world and leaving my other three at home, I am apprehensive. I guess that is what happens when you are a mom and wife. Last but not least, pray that God's love would be shown to these women and that I would be able to minister to them - not only physically, but also spiritually.
You can read about Mercy Maternity Center here... http://www.midwifeschool.org/mercy.htm
This woman did the same thing last year. Her blog just amazes me. For those that are interested, you can read about it here... http://www.geocities.com/shiphranita/
Stay tuned for pictures and updates!