It is our final full day in the Philippines today. It is almost strange to think of going back to reality and normality of life in NZ but tomorrow we are getting on the plane to head back after 3 months away.
Work
Clinic has continued to be great with lots of new experiences and things to see and learn. Dermatology, definitely a weak point for me has had lots of learning opportunities. I saw my first case of measles which is currently sweeping the community here in Antipolo. The level of vaccination here is no where near what it is in NZ and the effects are definitely seen.
In the last week I have also had the opportunity to spend some time at the birthing home down the road. One area that I have had very little experience in is obstetrics and the birthing process. Having only seen one natural birth before it was definitely an area I feel very unconfident in. Over the 3 days I got to assist in 2 deliveries, great hands on experience for me. The midwives were all so keen to get me involved and show me how to do things which was great.
Today I had to say my final goodbyes to the staff. I don't like goodbyes and these were harder as I have enjoyed so much my time with this wonderful people. I also had the opportunity to share my testimony in front of the patients at clinic today which was a great experience and I was glad to be able to share what Christ has done in me with them.
Chris
Chris has continued to work on some small projects with Juan including rebuilding compost boxes, plumbing a tank and building some dividers for the classrooms they use for tutoring upstairs. Both Juan and Chris really enjoy working together and have plenty of challenging times and some laughs due the language barrier.
Weekend away
Last weekend we got the opportunity to travel down to Tagaytay with Dr Scott, Cindy and a visiting Canadian doctor, Helen. Tagaytay is a beautiful volcanic area with the main town overlooking a lake which has many mountainous islands in it. One of these is Taal which is a tourist destination we visited. It involved getting a boat across the lake to an island and then trekking up the hill to the top of the volcano. The views from walking right to the top were spectacular. This particular volcano is famous for having a lake inside it with an island in the lake ( making it an island in a lake in an island in a lake on an island in the sea). It was nice to see a bit more of the Philippines and a nice change from the crowded city areas. That night we got to try some really great Filipino food and then stayed overnight at one of the local orphanages before heading back to Manila the next day.
Final days
The final days have really brought mixed feeling for me. I'm excited to get home, catch up with friends and family and settle back into life in NZ, but at the same time I'm sad to be leaving this place and these people. I have really enjoyed the clinic here and all that I have been able to learn. The people have definitely been a highlight. The staff at the clinic have been amazing- not only knowledgable but so friendly and good to me. They have been so patient translating for me, showing me new things I haven't seen before and helping me with unfamiliar treatment plans. There have been so many neat people we have met along the way, visiting doctors from Germany,Canada and Australia, and so many other missionaries working here and the fellowship has been so good. The Filipino people themselves are really special. They are so welcoming and friendly to us as foreigners and have infectious smiles. And of course Scott and Cindy have been so good to us having us stay for 6 weeks, always happy to help out where they can, bringing us treats, entertaining us for many evenings. Scott has been a patient teacher for me and they both have been great hosts.
So tomorrow we will be on our way out of the tropics and back to what sounds like a typical cool end of NZ summer!
Prayer and praise points:
- Prayer for safe travels back to NZ
- Praise for such a beneficial and fun time for me in my training and for the great connections and friendships made
- Prayer that we will settle back into life in NZ well after the time away.
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