HAPPY Birthday to youuu..

I was able to the wed.sept.24th oFF for the both of us (unknowingly to bk) and we hIT Canibad Beach- a remote resort on the other side of Samal Island. There was only 2 others on the beach at that night, and of course, our night watchman who put a kerosene lantern under a palm near where we slept in our hammocks as a night light (super sweet!). This pic is of us on the ferry, crossing to the island. We just spent a lot of time floatinggg in the water, reminiscing slash remembering certain people (family and friends)...mmm, sUCH a good time!

We arrived just after lunch in time for Brianna's language class, and then went out for dinner at the Swiss Deli. The girls made maNGO FLOat for dessert, and then we were able to connect with ma on skype so she could watch brie open the package she sent in the maIL. YEAH, chocolate! hahaa thEN we hung with some filipino friends, which is ALways a good time. So here is to BRianna- now 21 and aLL grown up teaching gIRLs how to handle pregnancies, labours, and deliveries! WHere does the time go... lOVE ya sis <3

YES! We are alive!! AS always, though, LIFE gets in the way of blogging..

Brianna's actually hard at work right now (in language class) but I'm certain she'll have something to say when she gets home..although, it could be in a different language! So many new and exciting things are happening around here, it's hard to keep up with everything. Not only do I have more than 5 (that I can remember) patients ready to begin their labour at this time, our neonatal resuscitation course is coming up next week. I've been preparing for that one, as well as the class that I will tEACH! Yes! I've been asked to teach the A&P (anatomy and physiology) class to both classes. How exciting is that?! Actually, it'll be pretty easy because the last teacher did such an excellent job on powerpoint presentations, questions/answers, activities, and exams that anyone could teach it. But, i'm throwing in a few things, making it as exciting as learning about our bodies sHOULD be! I'm looking forward to starting classes...they'll start the end of October, for 2 weeks.

The PREnatal OUTreach to Paquibato is fast approaching, also! And preparations are basically finished. THe team from Mercy consists of myself, Medea (2nd yr NISM, RN), Beatrice (1st yr NISM, RN), and Sabrina (intern midwife from the states here for 2 months). We've stocked up on iron supplements for the women out in the mountains, plus have ample paracetamol, cough syrup, and mabendazole (de-wormer) for the children. We head out early morning October 8 and will return Sunday afternoon, October 12, 2008. During this 5-day retreat, we will perform regular prenatal exams, plus routine check-ups for both mother and child/baby. We're are going in association with the Foursquare I work with on thursdays (Agdao Clinic). The church will be having a pastor's conference while we focus on health exams and education. Also, YWAM is sending just under 10 people, some from Davao, and some just here on a missions trip from the states, to help in ministering both the children and the adults of the tribes. THEREfore, a lot (as in a lot) is happening on this outreach...i'm so looking forward to getting out of the city, being able to sleep at 8, wake up at dawn, bathe in the river, etc...and aLSO to meet the families out there! PLease be in prayer for this- for safety, and fun, and the chance to make a difference somehOW.

Let's see...wHAT ELSE?! hahaha, it's BK's 21st BDAY on WED!! YEEEE...more on thaT later, i'm sure there will be a pic or two ;p
Also, there's a cross-channel swim again on Saturday. I've done this twice before, we swim from the mainland of Davao, across the channel, to the island of Samal. Hopefully, there'll be no itchy rashes this time round!!

BK @ work.. BK @ prenatals.. BK & assignmentS!

And this adorable little (17 year old) filipino is my most current continuity, ALmost ready to POP! I'm very excited for her birth- it's her first baby!