JULY??? June 26, 2023June 30, 2023 Today marks one month exactly, when we flew out of LAX bound for the Philippines, completely abandoned to the adventure void of any anticipated adjustments.To describe this transition would be lengthy and perhaps unremarkable to some. You’ve heard the song, On a Wing and a Prayer…..to a tee.I am going to inch out on a limb and say, we have begun to adapt to the heat and the humidity. The daily drenching cycle continues but may have lessened a bit. The ABSOLUTE PINNACLE to our day is the hour we retire for sleep in the evening and press the magic “ON” button which takes us to Aircon Heaven while the room temp drops 30 degrees for a delicious night of sleep. ZZZZ….. I am training/working in the birthing center 3 times a week, and going on the “outreach” with the clinic’s social worker weekly. There are three pages of trainings I need to complete before I am trained to “catch babies.” This extensive preparation process reminds of the heavy and crucial level of responsibility midwives carry. So thankful for their expertise and experience. The children. . .because we walk most everywhere, we see lots of children in various living conditions, mostly very poor, but also in areas which pierce the heart. No matter their living plight, they are playing—chasing each other, on a hunt for something, running in circles, staring you down just hoping you will address them. When you say “Hello,” they light up, wave their open palm and say “Hallo” in return. School aged kids are usually walking in no hurry, in twos or threes, usually segregated by gender, chatting, laughing often with arms around each other. They are beautiful to behold.Oh how much we can learn from these mini people.NOTEWORTHY: On to a few benefits to living with heat and high humidity—nails grow, lotion unnecessary—no dry skin, wounds heal faster, no brand of make-up will adhere to your face (SO DON’T BOTHER) to name a few bennies.Oh, did I mention that you can have orthodontics (braces) “installed” for 800 pesos (a whopping $46.78). Maybe I’ll get braces just to take advantage of the dental benefits here locally. Ha!After you read these tidbits, you are booking your ticket, am I right??? Author: Sherry Gregory Uncategorized
So I finally found your blog again and just read all of these posts. Again, what a lovely writer you are bringing alive the sight, sounds, smells, etc of your experience there. Thanks for taking the time to do so. I hope it is helpful? Cathartic? or whatever – maybe just a blessing for you, because it is for me to read.Reply
You are so kind, Hallie. Thank you so much for your incredible support which goes FAR beyond the call of duty! You’re the BEST!!!Reply
Oh sweet Sherry, you always seem to find the positive! I must say the children would be the one sweet spot for me too! Perhaps that’s the desire for childlike faith we seek. Sounds like you are quite busy learning and serving! I pray the Lord will continue to sustain and empower you and Rick. Miss you SOOOO!Reply
YES, JANA!! The children have stolen my heart! There is such a beauty in their simplicity and small pleasures. When walking home via a shortcut through a very poor village, there seem to be many children about (and a plethra of rather under-nourished dogs and cats I might add) staring with little facial expressions–UNTIL I say, “Hi!” They ALL, without exception, bust out with the biggest grin you have seen while waving madly with one of their arms. My heart melts.Reply
My dearest friend Sherry, so glad to see your blog again. I was a little worried after going over 2 weeks from not seeing a post that something was wrong….. was Sherry being over worked? Was she sick? Did Rick take her lap top away from her? Could Sherry possibly be speechless? ALL these things went through my mind (except the last one which would NOT be possible for you 😜). Glad to hear you are “accumulating” to your new environment (with a little help from the magic “ON” button. I am a little curious to hear a little more about the weekly ‘outreach” you mentioned above. What does that look like for you on that day? As always we continue to pray for you guys that God will work through both of you to accomplish His purposes for you both while you are there. Miss you guys ….. especially those game nights with homemade ice cream…😁Reply
Hi Sherry! This is quite the adventure you are on! The appreciation of the simple things; water, cool air and the smiles of children. Glad your wounds are healing! I so enjoy reading your and Rick’s blogs – keep ‘em coming! All good here in the neighborhood 🙂Reply
So good to hear from you, Nolann! It is so deeply meaningful to hear from our “hood!” Pray all is well your way. Thank you so much for your incredible support!Reply