Home in the Phils

After a few long days of travel, I finally made it back to Tabuk! And I am so thrilled to be back.
Jet lag is currently taking over and I am seeing hours of the morning that I only wish to see when there is the promise of a new baby, but I am sure in a couple days my body will settle into normal routine here again. I am loving the familiarity of the heat, reliance on a fan, the sound of Filipino tv shows, and the excitement that the first of the month brings faster internet.:)

It is often surreal thinking about being back for second year, and that the next time I come home, I will be finished this program. Crazy! Last year flew by, and everyone says second year goes by even faster. While the appeal of home (of the Canadian kind) makes me wish the time will fly, my love for this place begs for the time to stand still. After a couple years of constant countdowns it seems, I've decided that this will be a year of no countdowns. I even deleted my countdown app ;) I intend to enjoy this year in it's fullness, making the most of the time and experiences I have here knowing that God has brought me here for a purpose. I can't wait to share the stories of second year with you!

As I write this, the sun has just risen on August 1st. The day my next set of clinic fees are due. As it stands I am still $1,500 away from meeting that goal. A daunting number maybe, especially considering the day. However, it's not an impossible number. There is nothing impossible about this. I have seen that to be true time after time, and I know that provision and faithfulness will continue. Will you pray with me to see that provision?

Before I go, I'd like to explain to you a little bit about these clinic fees. Tuition comes along with being a student, right? Not here. Instead, our "tuition" is in the form of clinic fees. These fees that are paid on Aug 1st and Feb 1st of every year in the program go towards sustaining the clinic that I volunteer and am trained at. It's actually pretty cool how it works. Each time a birth happens, I am able to see these finances at work. These fees help the clinic to run smoothly and ensure that we can continue to provide excellent midwifery care to the women of Tabuk and surrounding areas, while practically sharing the love of Christ with them.

I'd love if you would prayerfully consider partnering with me in this! That can be done by clicking the Donate button to the right, or, if you have questions about alternate donation methods please e-mail me at pagnucco.alexandra@gmail.com. Your monthly or one-time donation, whether $30 or $300 goes far towards seeing these goals met!


Thanks for reading!
A

Almost there...

5 days till I get to jump on a plane to a place I've been missing lots!
Until then, I am enjoying my last few visits with some pretty amazing people :)

My recent 30 hour drive west to Calgary (my last stop in Canada) gave me some much needed time think about the year ahead. While I am in a much different place heading back as I was when I first went, there are some things that are still fresh on my mind. Last year I stepped into this completely green in so many ways. I had never seen a birth. I had never been around a laboring woman. I had never lived in a foreign country. I had never needed to trust God so much to provide financially. I felt ill-equipped and empty handed. You'd think I'd be done with feeling that as I step into my second year, but apparently that isn't the case. What has changed though, is the perspective that God has given me in regards to that. I had the chance to share a bit of this perspective when I was back in Kamloops, but haven't spoken much of it since. Bear with me as I explain.

I have had the joy of learning over the past year, that no matter how ill-equipped or empty handed I am, God never sees me as such. When thinking about this, the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 came to mind. When you read this story in John 6 it talks about how Philip, when Jesus asks him "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?", responds rather incredulously that "it would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!". He's feeling pretty empty handed at this point I'm guessing. Then Andrew pipes up to say "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?". They are not even close to equipped to handle this crowd. But you know what is really awesome? Jesus never looked at this situation and felt empty handed. He is the one who fills the hands. He is the one who equips. All he asked is that his disciples would be obedient in following him and in that, they became part of a freakin awesome miracle. He filled my hands and equipped me to get through my first year, and as I go into this second year, I know he will continue to do so. I find a lot of encouragement, and quite honestly, relief in this fact! Maybe you will too...


Before I began my trip home 8 weeks ago, I was in the position of needing $8,000 in clinic fees and very minimal expenses to continue working and training in the Philippines for the next 6 months. The clinic fees go directly towards ensuring that our patients can receive excellent midwifery care while also being shown the love of God by practically being his hands and feet in their time of need. Practically loving women through midwifery care has a greater impact than I ever could have imagined, and it is such a privilege to be a part of this. I am now in the final stretches, needing only $1,930 more to meet the goal! Seeing this provision is something that constantly amazes me. I know that God is faithful and that he will provide, but it doesn't take away the awe of it when it actually happens.
If you are interested in partnering with me in this, you can click the Donate button to the right. Whether monthly or one-time support, every bit makes a huge difference! Please contact me if you have any questions!

Much love,
A

It's that time again...

The goodbyes have started, quite sadly.

Besides saying goodbye to my wonderful friends in Kamloops, the past few days marked the start of the hugs, the tears, the "see you later's", and "the time will go by so fast!". I know the time will go by so fast. It already has. Yet, there is still a sting in having to say goodbye to friends and family. In the same breath, the closer I get to being back in my own bed in the Philippines, the more excited I am. It's a strange thing having so much of your heart in two very different places.

Over the past couple weeks, it has been absolutely amazing to see provision of finances continually come. There are few words to say besides, God is so good and Thank you! To the people who have supported me, whether prayerfully or financially, I am beyond appreciative. It is because of your generosity that I am able to continue the work and training in the wonderful little place of Tabuk. I am so excited to be able to go back, connect with my past patients, and care for new ones!

Just two weeks ago I was still in the position of needing about $6,000 to return to the Philippines. I am now only needing $3,100!! Pretty crazy if you ask me! While I often find support raising to be the hardest part of this whole journey, it is also very exciting. Every day I live in the reality that God's provision is so great. I will continue to trust that the remainder will be provided, and again that the last set of fees in Feb will also be provided. He is faithful :)

If you are interested in supporting my work as a missionary midwife in the Philippines, you can click the donate button to the right.
OR
You can also go to the GoFundMe page set up by my wonderful Aunt!
 http://www.gofundme.com/b28avs.

AND
If you would like to read a great story about a birth I had the privilege of being a part of, check out www.gthemidwife.com


Until next time,
A

Unswervingly, but not.

Over the past week, I feel as though I have somehow been brought back to the place I was in last time this year. Last year, when I was preparing to move to the Philippines and start this journey, I was so excited, hopeful, and invested in the road ahead, but I also struggled with quite a bit of doubt. I had $15,000 to raise in 3 months. A task that seemed impossible. I often felt very overwhelmed by that number and it was a challenge to live in faith that this would come to fruition. I am again feeling very challenged by this task, even though the number is now a smaller $6,500 left to raise for this semester. I wish I could say that I always trust completely that I will again see provision and will be able to go back to finish this task, but honestly, I don't. I'm human. My faith falters. Doubt creeps in. Distrust overwhelms.

As I was driving into the Soo from my sister's house 20 minutes outside of town the other day, I was hit with the idea of “what if I can't go back?”. My heart broke and I sobbed as I drove. That was a thought I hadn't faced in a long time, yet it was still hiding somewhere deep in my mind. After the tears and hysterics dried up (thankfully before I got into town and looked like the crazy crying lady in my car), I was able to come to peace in the fact that whatever reality I face in the next few months, it does not change who God is. Doesn't change that he is faithful. Doesn't change that he provides. Doesn't change that he is in control. Doesn't change that I can trust him. The only thing that changes is that I, again and again, learn to live in surrender knowing that his plan is greater.

Daily I am challenged to trust that provision will come. I am always facing my own kind of impossible. It's not comfortable, and it sure isn't fun. But it is stretching, it's character building, and it is so darn amazing when the “impossible” is proven wrong. I woke up this morning determined to live in the possibility rather than not and came across this verse:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Unswervingly can be an intense word. I feel a lot more swervingly than un. However, I can hold to the fact that he who promised is faithful. Unswerving means to remain constant and steady. Constant and steady, regardless of the uncertainty surrounding me. Challenging? yes. But through Christ and him alone - possible.

 

I have always promised myself that in walking this journey of support raising, living in the Philippines, serving God on the mission field he has placed me in, and learning to practically share the love of Christ through midwifery care, that I would be honest and transparent. This is what that looks like. I'm not always together, my faith isn't always strong, life isn't perfect - surprise surprise :) But, it is GOOD, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Where it's at:
In order to go back to the Philippines to continue serving and finish my training, I need to raise $6,500 still. That is $1,500 down from my semester goal of $8,000. This is due on Aug 1st. The next fees, of $8,000 again, will be due on Feb 1, 2015. It's a long road ahead, and I know that. But every cent has been provided before and I am believing it will again.
If you are interested in partnering with me, any amount goes a long way! Just click the donate button to the right and let me know if you have any questions. If you would like to chat more about the work being done, I would be more than happy to do so!


Thanks for reading, friends!

A

Culture Shock - sort of

Hi Friends,

These blogs are usually written from my cozy bunk in the Philippines, often after a long day when I feel the desire to unload some stories and catch my Canadian friends and family up. This one is being written from the comfort of my Mom's kitchen. Very different, yet equally special places. I have been back in Canada for 17 days, and have loved every one of them. It is surreal, yet normal to be home. My weeks have been filled with visits, coffee, good food, and lots of travel. I have covered a good bit of Canada in the past 17 days and I am very thankful to have the freedom to do so.

People have asked often how I am dealing with culture shock. To be honest - I'm not. Truly through the grace of God, the adjustment home has been pretty easy. There are some things that shock me a bit, and there may or may not have been a minor meltdown over $6 Greek yogurt at Superstore, but other than that, it is just really great to be here. In preparing to come home I was praying a lot about a smooth transition. While on my long flight home, God spoke to my heart about expectations. I think that has made things so much easier. Canada is not the Philippines and the Philippines is not Canada. Each are beautiful in their own right, and I love them both for that. Things can be appreciated much more when not in constant comparison to something else. More than just with culture shock, that has been a good reminder for me in many areas of my life.

Fundraising:
I am so excited to update that I have now raised $1500 towards my goal of $8000 this semester. Through the generosity of three people, I now only have $6500 left to raise. The remainder of my funds is due August 1st. That date is fast approaching and while my tendency is to stress and worry, somehow I have felt such peace about it. I have so many stories of God's faithfulness to look back on and I know that he will keep adding to those stories.

Will you considering partnering with me over this next year? Your support goes towards the clinic fees that I pay to be there. The clinic fees go directly towards ensuring that our patients can receive excellent midwifery care while also being shown the love of God by practically being his hands and feet in their time of need. Practically loving women through midwifery care has a greater impact than I ever could have imagined, and it is such a privilege to be a part of this.

Your support, whether monthly or one-time, $20 or $2,000, goes so far and is always received with immense gratefulness. You can simply click the "Donate" button to your right, or talk to me if you have any questions at all!

Below is a video that I think does a great job of explaining more about the importance of midwives... It's 3 minutes well spent! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxbL6bF5vxU

Much love,
A

Home Soil

I'm HOME! Sort of.

After a very long, close to three days of travel, I have touched down in beautiful Canada. The unfortunate thing is that I touched down slightly (almost 3 hours) behind schedule which resulted in missing my flight to Kamloops. So here I sit, in the Vancouver airport, with a belly full of a twelve-grain toasted bagel with plain cream cheese, trying to embrace the fact that my trip has not ended as planned. However, it is just an addition to the adventure and after a few meltdowns and more tears in public than I am proud of, I decided I should probably use this time productively (in the hopes that it will go by faster!)!

It's crazy to think that I am actually home... for me anyway. May flew by so quickly and it didn't leave much time to process what it would be like to be here again. Though even if I had the time, I don't know that I would have been any more prepared. I'm sure in a couple days I won't feel like the crazy person sitting here thinking "there are white people everywhere!!!!!".

Since I am going to be seeing most of you wonderful people who read this blog within the next couple months, I don't want to over talk you... but instead would like to share a couple of memorable times from the month of May.

The first was the birth of this adorable girl, Mae Diane. She captured my heart quickly, as well as everyone else around. Despite the cleft lip, she was breastfeeding within minutes, which we were all thrilled to see! I had the chance to visit her and her mom at home last week and was very happy to see how well she was doing. She is gaining weight well, eating like a champ, and looking cute as ever. They are currently moving towards surgery to correct the cleft lip. Prayers for provision regarding this surgery would be so appreciated!

Second was the birth of this other cutie! They named her Alexis Francine. "In remembrance of you ma'am" is what I was told when I asked the name. Such an honor. The birth of Alexis came after a long labor watch. Her mom came in labor around 10:30 of Wednesday morning, and Alexis finally made her appearance at 8:51 of Thursday morning. Her mom was quiet amazing and there were many time that I wondered if she was going to get to the place where she wasn't smiling continually. She did, but not for long. The smiles came back so quick after Alexis was born.

 

 

And last, but not least, little Dan. Or not so little Dan. He is one healthy boy! Everyone spent so much time admiring his baby rolls. We love the chubby babies! His beautiful mother, Mercy, was one of my continuity patients who we ended up having to transport due to PROM and mec staining. Dan was delivered by CS, and as you can see is doing so well! This was his 6 week check and I was so thrilled to be able to see them before I left. During their visit, Mercy asked me if I would like to be one of Dan's Godparents : ) It is truly such a special thing to be a little part of this time in someones life, and to see that continue even past their 6 week check. It's an honor.

 

 

 

 

I love looking back over all the babies and mothers I have met in the past year and am excited for what the coming year holds. The miraculous provision that has occurred through out my time so far in the Philippines has amazed and humbled me. I am so grateful for everyone who generously support this time. I am excited to let you know that so far, $1,000 has been raised toward my goal for the next semester. That means there is only $7,000 to go! I'm sure "only" might not be the word that comes to mind, and it isn't naturally the word for me either. However, what is a huge sum to me is pennies to God. He has been so faithful, and he will continue to be faithful. Of that, I am sure!

 

Your continued prayers for provision would be so appreciated. If you would like to support in anyway, you can click the "Donate" button, or just ask me and we can figure out what is easiest.

 

Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this!

 

Much love,

A

 

 





Countdowns

25 days friends! But who's counting ;)
In a very short while I get to jump on a plane home to see family and friends, drink coffee, meet my niece, celebrate a wedding, wear scarves, eat the food I've been missing, etc (these are not listed in order of importance). I'm sad to leave my home here for two months, but am certainly grateful for the blessing of a break.

Since booking my flights home for the summer, there has been this unwritten list of "big things" that were happening before I came home. It included things like how many assignments were left, going to Davao, going to Sta Ana, visitors coming up from Davao, and last but certainly not least, Edolbina (my fellow first year and dear friend) having her baby. Well, that last one has happened!! On April 29th, in the wee hours of the morning, I had the immense privilege of helping to welcome baby Ariel to the world. The story is Edol's to share, but I will say that I am so thankful to have been a small part of this moment in her life. I am thrilled for her and Andrew and their new addition. So thrilled, in fact, that I must share a picture.

Ari - 2 days old

With home being on the mind, there are a couple prayer requests to include:

• I plan to be in the Soo for about one month (June 16th - July 15th), and then in St. Catharine's for the couple weeks following, before I head back. Some travel plans may be changing and while I was supposed to have a vehicle for those weeks, that may no longer be possible. While I understand that it is a lot to ask, I also know that it never hurts to ask as God is a God of details and this is one he can take care of! :) If you are able to help out in this, or know of someone who may be able to, please let me know! And in the meantime, can you please pray with me that these details would work out?

• Finances for the next semester. As I talked about in my last blog, I am needing to raise $8,000 for the next portion of my time here (Aug 1-Feb 1). This amount goes towards my clinic fees, as well as a very small amount for living expenses. My clinic fees go directly towards ensuring that Abundant (the clinic I work, live, and train at) can continue to provide exceptional midwifery care to the women of Tabuk and surrounding villages. For more information, click here. Every $ counts. When broken down, my goal could be reached if just 200 people donated $40! Would you consider being one of those people?

• As time goes on and financial deadlines come up again, doubt creeps into my mind more than I'd like to admit. I have absolutely no reason to doubt that God will provide everything, as he has time and time again. I have no reason to doubt his faithfulness. Yet, there are days when I look at what needs to happen and feel completely overwhelmed. So, I'm asking for your prayer in that. Please pray that doubt would not be a factor, that there would be complete assurance in his provision, and that I would feel encouraged instead of overwhelmed.

• Pray for the midwives here at Abundant. I am going to miss these amazing women while I am home! My first year here would not have been the positive experience it has been if it were not for every one of them. They have blessed my life so much! They are each incredibly skilled midwives, they have such patience with teaching, and they graciously welcome new people into their home quite often. They are also just a blast to hang out with! Please pray for continued blessing over each of their lives : )

Thank you for your prayers, your support, and for taking the time to read this. It means a lot!

Much love,
A