Filipino

So, there used to around 70 languages in the Philippines due to the influence of other coutries and islands nearby. Finally, American and Filipino were labeled the official language. So, I am trying to teach myself some words before I go. I definately hope to find more, but these are some I came across...

hello mabuhay (mah-boo-hay)
how are you? kumusta ka? (koo moos tah kah)
yes oo (oh-oo)
no hindi (hin dih)
please paki (pah kee)
thank you salamat (sa lah mat)

Good morning Magandang umaga
I don't know hindi ko alam

The Philippines

Sunday afternoon I walked down to the library to find some books on the Philippines. I left with a whole bag full. I will tell you a little of what I have learned so far.

The Philippines are what is called an archipegalo of 7,107 islands, 880 being inhabited. It is the world's longest broken coastline. It has gulfs, lakes, waterfalls, and volcanos. There are three regions: upper, central, and lower. I will fly into the capital, Manila, which is in the upper region. From there, I fly to the city I will be living. I will live in Davao City (pronounced Dah-baw) situated in the lowest region called Mindanano. Davao is in the third largest city in the Philippines.

There are two seasons in the Philippines- wet and dry. I happen to be there during wet season which is when the typhoons come. I am thinking that Charleston is good preperation for this, huh? Humidity and hurricanes, though I like the fact you can escape inland with hurricanes.

I am delighted that rice is the main food in the Philippines! And I am especially hopeful that the food takes after the name as Davao City is "little Japan!" As for Adobo that you mentioned I eat, it is a favorite among Filipinos. It is chicken and pork cooked with garlic and soy sauce. Sounds yummy, especially if it is with rice, which is likely.

I read more- history, politics, culture, lifestyle, religion, language. Nothing is like being in a place, but I figured this was a head start. Still not fully sure of what to expect, but getting excited!

Oh, Sissy

So, it has been a grueling week. I was tired before I got called in yesterday. But, what do you do, right? So, I was here and choosing to be glad. I told myself this is much more fun than playing games or watching a movie. We did what we do. Not as long of a night as it could have been. Then, I had to clean while the midwife made a trip to the hospital. I was to pick her up. Done with cleaning. Still waiting. Home. Went to sleep. Called in an hour to go pick up the midwife. Drove across town to the hospital. Picked her up. Dropped her off. Then, the icing on the cake. I dropped my stinkin phone in what I thought was an empty cup in the cup holder in my car. It starts making a strange noise and blinking. I realize it is wet and was relieved that it still appeared to be working. Then, as I get into the bed... it stops working. I do NOT want to get called in again and I do NOT want to be dealing with this.

So, back out of bed to drive to the birth center to call the midwife to let her know that I do not have a working phone and if we get a call to ring my doorbell and I will come. No calls. Wake up. I decide to go to church and then go to the Verizon store afterward. First, devotions. I was thinking I should read the one from yesterday again. It was one difficulties. No, I will read the one today. It said not to say, "we can't afford it" but to remember God as our provider. What a good message for my day.

Not sure if my phone will be salvaged or if I will get a new one. But, today at church Hannah let me borrow her phone while I am on call and trying to fix my broken one. The beginning of provision!

Some of the wise may stumble,
so that they may be refined,
purified and made spotless
until the time of the end,
for it will still come at the appointed time.

Daniel 11:35

Fourty Nine

So, did you notice the birth count to the right? I had my 49th management earlier this morning. One more to go! Hard to believe. So much hard work over the years. It is strange to be in the place of almost there. I am wondering how that birth will be. Easy? Long and hard?

This birth was a first time Mom. She was so tired and had not slept. She started saying she couldn't do it and didn't want to anymore. For hours she did this. She mentioned the hospital. We encouraged her. She found the strength. Beautiful baby boy born in the water this morning after a long night of laboring with us and a long day before of contractions. And he is the "spitting image" of his father:). And I am a sleepy midwife!