Life in Olongapo

Dear Friends and Family,                                                                         February 9, 2014

           

            It has taken me a couple of weeks to transition from disaster relief effort in to a routine of some normalcy in Olongapo. I apologize for the delay in getting this letter to you. First and foremost, I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for your investment of prayer and support over the past two months, especially since I was out of contact for the majority of that time. I know that I was protected and empowered with grace because of the prayer covering of those interceding. I cannot thank you enough for your faithfulness. Our outreach had significant impact for the individuals affected by the disaster in that area. These are Mercy In Action's grand totals during our disaster response to Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda from November 28, 2013 through January 31, 2014: 

- Total Deliveries: 116

- Primary Health and Wound Care: 1,532

- Total Breastfeeding women fed in ongoing feeding program: 648

- Total pregnant women examined and fed in ongoing prenatal care: 367

- Total Documented Medical Encounters: 3,616 patients in 65 days!

            I am now in Olongapo, Philippines as a volunteer nurse with Mercy In Action. I love it and my heart is at home here. I am so grateful for the blessing of being able to serve during this season. I have been involved with Mercy In Action at various levels since just before my initial trip to the Philippines last April and I have been so blessed by their heart and ministry. I have personally witnessed them walk through various situations with genuine grace, love and integrity. I am so happy to work along side of these people as they operate as the hands and feet of Jesus to the poorest of the poor in this area, making this verse a reality: “Open your mouth for those who are unable to speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9

My life here is very simple, although I have been keeping busy and always have something to do. I have my own living space, known as “Sky Lodge” on Mercy Land. After six months of community living and 2 months of camping, Sky Lodge has been a place of recharge for me. The Mercy In Action clinic is less than a mile away and I love the walk to work. People are so friendly and converse readily. I have been trying to learn Tagalog by practicing a new word or phrase everyday, although most everyone also speaks English so I tend to default to the familiar. I am learning how to get around on the local transportation – tricies and jeepnies. I took a bus to Manila recently to learn the routine of picking up interns. We always have between two to four interns living at the clinic and they rotate through every few weeks. The clinic is home to several Mercy In Action Filipina midwives. I have a lot of fun hanging out and working with both the midwives and the interns. I have also been deeply blessed with the friendship and family that I have found with the Penwells and the community that exists here – meek people walking in radical simple obedience.

           

            I am reading a book by Brennan Manning called “Ruthless Trust”. I love his description of becoming a trusting disciple. “The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future…the life of a pilgrim leaves what is nailed down, obvious, and secure and walks into the unknown without any rational explanation to justify the decision or guarantee the future. Why? Because God has signaled the movement and offered it His presence and promise.” I launched out on this road with some trepidation and anticipation of many unknowns but with personal instruction from the Lord to “Do it afraid”. It is not always an easy path, but He has proven His faithfulness over and over again and I am so grateful. 

            Thank you for investing in my journey and into the lives of the people I touch. I am doing this with you and know that I am praying for your personal journey as well. Now that I have internet, I will occasionally post pictures and updates at www.hereandnow79.blogspot.com.

With Love and Thankfulness, 

Jenny