On the ground:
We love visiting our patients! Today we journeyed deep into the mountains, an hour by car on rough roads followed by a 40-minute hike, just to reach two incredible women who live truly off the beaten path.
Imagine being 40 weeks pregnant with a couple of little ones in tow, and that’s your daily reality to get anywhere.
Isa shared that she rarely comes into town (the small town I call home, yet still remote enough that I leave monthly for groceries!). In fact, she’s only really come to town during her pregnancies- in her entire life! She’s hesitant to trust the health canter, and add an arduous the journey. Her entire world is nestled right there in these beautiful, yet remote, mountains.
Ma is dear friend who regularly makes the difficult journey to her appointments.
But today, we went to her, finding her just a bit farther up the path. And what a welcome! She had boiled water waiting for us. “I know it’s a hard hike and I always want water by the time I get home!” she said. We offered up a quick prayer that the boiling had been long enough and gratefully accepted her thoughtful gift.
These glimpses into the daily lives of our families are so vital; they help us pray specifically and powerfully with them..
While our clinic allows us to reach more people, the community visits deepen our relationships. It’s why someone like Isa will come to us, even if she doesn’t trust the local health center. Ma’s midwife even shared how impressed she is with the quality of our ultrasounds. Why? Because we take the time, and they feel seen.
Today, we only saw two patients, but for us, quality always matters more than quantity. We truly love our patients, and I believe they can feel it.
I thought you might be interested in:
This past month was a whirlwind of joy and blessings, starting with a quick trip back to the States!
My heart is so full after getting to meet two precious little ones. My niece and a dear friend’s baby were due just two days apart – talk about perfect timing!
Well, almost perfect. One little lady decided to make her grand entrance six weeks early, and the other kept us waiting two weeks late! But oh, the joy of being physically present for the arrival of little Miss Ellawyn was an added bonus I’ll cherish forever.
Amidst all the new baby snuggles, I also had the incredible opportunity to reunite with some of my oldest friends. We had a wonderfully memorable day together, filled with laughter and shared memories, as I got to find the “fluffy white dress”!
Finding “the one” was special, but sharing that moment with friends who have walked through so many seasons of life with me was truly priceless. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to have such steadfast friendships that span a lifetime.
Feeling incredibly grateful for these moments of connection, family, and lifelong friendships. They truly refresh the soul and remind me of the beautiful tapestry God weaves in our lives.
I’ve been encouraged by:
Last week, my home church in the states sent a few folks to check in on their missionaries. What a blessing it was to share my world with dear friends.
During their time, they visited my new church, and came with us for a few home visits in the mountain villages. I was nervous to see how my friends would do coming form quiet, reserved worship to loud dancing worship, but they loved it!
During our family visits, we ladies proceeded with our prenatal appointment in our families’ homes, and the men stayed outside bowing bubbles and playing with the kids.
I loved sharing our families- and even let the reality set in of just how far out they live, and just how limited the resources are.
I can make a thousand videos, write a million posts, but none will come close to coming in person to get to know our community.
Prayer requests:
-Wedding planning, and enjoying the process! So far, the joys exceed the stresses!
-Life planning- far more important, pray for continued conversations building for the future.
-Pray for Central America who has been impacted by a drought these months. We need the rain!!!
