Tuesday, February 28, 2012

accepted.

          So--it's official. I'm moving to the Philippines in the Fall to volunteer as a missionary while learning how to be a midwife through an US-based school, Newlife International School of Midwifery (NISM). I am so beyond excited for everything that is to come! There is a list a mile long of things I need to begin preparing for the big move--not to mention all the things that come along with finishing up my last semester at Martin and graduating! Oh what a wonderful journey this is about to be! What an incredible journey that is about to wrap up here as well!
          Here's a little more about the program I will be enrolled in:
Newlife International School of Midwifery is a Christian school for direct-entry midwife students. The program operates on a U.S. curriculum and standards outlined by the National College of Midwifery with the entire training actually done in the Philippines. NISM is operated as an extension of a birthing center which is the largest charity-based birthing clinic in the Philippines serving almost 20,000 patients (prenatal exams) annually. Families living in severe poverty conditions that cannot afford quality health care comprise the primary target group. All services provided at the clinic are free of charge as it is the desire of the clinic to show women God's mercy and kindness in a practical way as Jesus taught. The hands-on and deeply relational skill of midwifery is proven to be a powerful avenue to bring God's love and kindness to suffering people. NISM is unique in that student tuition fees go directly to fund the clinic. The clinic is self-supported and funded by the tuition of students enrolled in the school. Each student actually functions as a missionary while they are studying at the school that is located on the mission field. Basically, students can earn a degree while serving the poor in addition to learning how to be a missionary. For more information, feel free to check out the website.
          There are so many things to be thankful for at this point in my life. And almost as many things to be anxious about as I prepare to leave and trust in the Lord to prepare me financially and spiritually. I am constantly comforted by the Lord through friends, family, and His Word. A quote from missionary Amy Carmichael continues to speak truth into the beginning stages of this journey. "It is a safe thing to trust Him to fulfill the desires which He creates."
          I will be updating soon I'm sure as I receive more information and details! 

Monday, February 20, 2012

the call.

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word
And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry
I'll come back when you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never been this way before
All you can do is try to know who your friends are
As you head off to the war
Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light
You'll come back when it's over
No need to say goodbye
You'll come back when it's over
No need to say goodbye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget
Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes
You'll come back when they call you
No need to say goodbye
You'll come back when they call you
No need to say goodbye
-Regina Spektor

This song has spoken volumes into my life as I am in such a transition and waiting period. I am between worlds right now. I have a little over two months left of college. It is the weirdest feeling in world to even think about leaving Martin. God has shown his faithfulness over and over and over again by placing me here, and I couldn't be more grateful that He has. He changed my heart through serving overseas in the Philippines for two summers, and now I am ready to be back! The lyrics of this song depict exactly what is going on amidst the two worlds that capture my heart. I am waiting right now for the confirmation of that initial feeling to turn into a battle cry as I await notice of acceptance into a midwifery program overseas. I should know any day now--even though I have been saying that for the past two weeks. I'm praying the the Lord renews in me a patient spirit as I trust in His timing in the overall picture of a will centered around His glory.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
   for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
   for to you I entrust my life.
 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD,
   for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
   for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
   lead me on level ground.
-Psalm 143:8-10