Rice and Beans of Life: Scarred for Life

Celebrating CR Mother's Day

It was a simple question. One in my field of expertise that came with an easy answer. My assessment felt natural, non-invasive and this vocabulary from my second language flowed easily as if it were my mother tongue. Our interaction began with familiarity as I gathered the necessary information, oggled and googled over the precious wee one accompanying her, and began my simple physical assessment.

The question:

"Why do I have pain, a burning pain, on this side of my C-Section scar?"

The ache this question left in the core of my being brought a surprising flood of emotion. As I shared my advice and walked out of the room, feelings of lament that have been hidden in my depths began to surface ... I left the best job in the world. It began like an old film reel ... The first birth I witnessed, the last God ordained birth I labored with. The affirmation from my L/D instructor that this is what I was created for. Flashes of the Ones I "caught", the Ones I missed, the Ones I handed over to Jesus. Scenes from the multitude of tears we shared ... tears of exhaustion, joy, apprehension, unconditional love, pain, sorrow, nervous energy, death. Then, the mix of emotion as I 'viewed' the 4 births and 2 deaths of our 6 Mighty men. And finally, Father gently cupping my face and letting me cry as I said goodbye to labor and delivery.

Life will always carry with it those circumstances that evoke strong emotions and memories. I don't think I will ever look at a pregnant lady without wanting to know her story. There will always be a longing to share those breathless moments awaiting a newborn's first cry. However, my role as an L/D nurse has changed. I've been given me the privilege to share life with the women of El Nido and all that grace the path to Casa VidaNet. I currently hashtag (hashtag - rolling my eyes) myself as a Wife, Mom, Nurse, Hospitality Coordinator, Counselor, Missionary and Lover of Jesus. All encompassing ... I'm a "Bringer of Life". As said Bringer of life, what I've been challenged with is simply this ... What is my response if someone "interrupts" my concentration? Are my meditations pleasing to Him if that one more person needs one more thing taxing my last ounce of patience? When my path is graced with a lost and wandering soul, what is my response? Do these circumstances evoke those same strong emotions that make me long to know their story and wait with breathless anticipation as they take their first breath as a new born follower of Jesus?

Scarred for, Passionate about, Bringer of ... LIFE

Life on the Mountain

It's time to catch our breath ... a little. Leadership retreat, reviewing our vision and dreaming for more. Praying and sending off our students on an L10 experience ... then rejoicing with them as they shared their stories of God's provision and favor. Walking through the ups, downs, joys, trials and life with El Nido. Taxes are ready??!!!! Family evenings at home, Futbol, Field trips, school activities including the CR Mother's day celebration and the gift of sleeping in on a rainy Saturday morning ... Finding life in CR.

Praises

Safety for students on L10

Healing from all the colds, virus and 'stuff'

Date night to share our hearts ... reevaluating how we listen and react

A new phone

Remembering the precious life of our son, Elijah Zachary ... 8/11/11

Prayers

Vida220 Graduation, Friday 8/17 ... Pray for them as they go out from Casa VidaNet

Clarity and direction for their futures

Martha, as life is desperately hard these days

Healing for Gloria's foot

Safety for our travel to VidaNet Growth banquets in PA and OH