"For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." 2 Corinthinans 2:11-12

Learning to trust God more and more and to give Him all my hopes and plans. How amazing that he puts His Spirit inside of us so that we can understand how much He loves us!

Busy kaayo (very busy)!! Looking back over the last month, I am amazed at what God has done. I have learned so much and grown so much closer to Jesus. I am so weak, but my Savior is so strong and He has been my strength and will always be.

We finished our first assignment and took our first exam on the 9th, but have not heard the results yet. Still learning Visayan with Ate Bee-Bee, and I feel like it is coming a little easier now. I finished my observes, and have started charting births. On Thursday night we had six births and I charted for three. I am so grateful for all the senior students and staff who are so patient and willing to teach, they are amazing. The pictures are of Miranda and I with baby Josh. God is so good. Amber taught me a new song last night:

There is an endless song, echoes in my heart, I hear the music ring,

And though the storms may come, I am holding on,

And to the Rock I cling.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?

How can I ever say enough? How amazing is Your love!

How can I keep from shouting Your name?

I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.

I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives,

I will walk with You, knowing You'll see me through,

Ang I'll sing the songs You give

I can sing in the troubled times,

I can sing when I win,

I can sing when I lose my step, and fall down again,

I can sing cause You pick me up,

I can sing cause You're there

I can sing cause You hear me Lord, when I call to You in prayer

And I know I will sing with the angels and the saints around Your throne

Had my first shift yesterday (day shift), and it was super busy which was really fun. We had six babies born while I was there. All the midwives and interns are really kind and so good at teaching as they work and letting me help with little things so I can start learning. I got to hold a baby for a while while his mother got cleaned up and moved to the postpartum room, and I was thinking what an awesome God we serve and how privileged I am to get to witness His miracle of life.

Felt lonely this morning, but Jesus reminded me that He loves me just as I am and He is my friend. thank you Lord!

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

We got back on Tuesday from 2 days at the beach for more orientation. Wow, a lot of heavy information about the culture and some of the bondage here, but I am so thankful for Matt and Krys' heart to serve the people and for the time the put into preparing us for some of the things we will encounter. What a blessing to learn from people who love the Lord so much. It was great being at the beach so we could swim and play in between orientation sessions--super fun! We got to see some awesome birds and hold a big snake (forget what kind). Also found some giant spikey starfish. Pictures are: me with snake, (l-r) Jenna, me, Amber, Mary, and Miranda with snake, and starfish.

Some pics of the clinic orange dorm

The first day we arrived in Davao (6:30am) we went for a walk, more to stay awake than anything else, and we ended up going to a little restaurant to try our first filippino food. We had pig face (called crispy mascara here) and some other strange things which were good for the most part. this picture is (l-r) Miranda & Tiara.

Jenna and Lizzie (my class) and Sarah and Nelly (2nd yr + her sister visiting) went to the beach yesterday and swam for a few hours. Jenna and I went and looked at coral and found some really cool bright purple starfish. We even saw a lionfish! It was so nice to realax and excercise so I could concentrate better on Visayan study when I got home. We get our first assignment when we get back from Paradise Island (more orientation at the beach). Night before last we went out to the park after dark (gets dark at 6pm year round here and light at 6am) with some of the 2nd yrs. and had sooo much fun dunking each other in the fountains. Afterward we went to try halo halo which is shaved ice w/ sweetened condensed milk, all colored jello, huge red tapioca balls, super sweet tofu chunks, young coconut goo, 3 different kinds of beans, and a bright purple mash made from a kind of root --you're supposed to mix it all up before eating it of course. I don't recommend it, but it was fun. today we go to church with the McNeils and have the afternoon free. I am reading "Peace Child" right now, a story about missionaries to the Sawi people in New Guinea who were headhunters and Cannibals.

"Hear o Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever." Ps 30:10-12

I prayed so much before I left that God would provide just one spot for me to get away with him in this city, and he answered my prayer. There is a little balcony off the second story where our rooms are where you can look down and see the buntis (pregnant mamas) walking or being peddaled or motored (trycicad) to the clinic. The other morning I went out there and was singing, and it started to rain. At home I always used the rain as a reminder to praise God when i was outside because it reminded me of His grace. when it rained out on the balcony, it was like God said, "it's the same hand that sends rain here in Davao as it is in Logsden, I'm right beside you and i rejoice in your praise." How blessed we are to serve Him!