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! 

2 comments:

  1. I am so excited for you. This sounds like an amazing opportunity on your spirtual journey. To be so young and so in tune with what is important in life is wonderful. Wishing you the best and hope to see more updates on this journey you are on.
    Kristi

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  2. Wow, what an amazing opportunity the Lord is placing before you. This will be quite a change, as you won't be coming back Tennessee after the Summer or nearly as much. But, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Lean on Him, and He will give you strength to walk in His plan; He never fails, and He works everything together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), whereas leaning on our ways seems right but ends in death (Proverbs 14:12).
    I'll be definitely praying for you as you make this transition, following the Lord's leading! Trust in Him, lean not on what you understanding... He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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