Steps of faith
Status Change!! We just found out we are now full-term “Career” missionaries! I know some of you might be thinking “aren’t you already?” But technically, we started with WorldVenture as mid-term missionaries only committed for two years on the field. We have always told most people we are mid-term missionaries with a long term (career) focus, but it was becoming more clear that we needed to make the change. We knew our mid-term status was hindering instead of equipping us for longevity on the field, and so we started the process. We are excited to announce that we are now officially official! Testimony of Provision. As Danielle is finally pursuing her dream and call to become a midwife, we must share how God is in control. We sought much discernment, praying about what route she should take in schooling and Mercy in Action (based in the Philippines) was our clear choice. With MIA, she was able to do a distance academic learning program, a program that provided intensive modules that she could complete at her own pace, and an internship at the maternity center in the Phillipines. Trusting that this was the road that God lead us down, it was difficult but not tragic to learn of a few hurdles on this route. We soon learned with MIA, Danielle could become a certified Midwife, but would not have a degree nor be licensed in California, which meant she would not be able practice in the states. While it took some time to process some of these realizations, we trusted God was preparing us to get past some of the worldly titles, and had a plan. Well, things got worse….. Legislation was starting to change the role of midwives in the States. And a bigger problem was brewing that stopped Danielle’s schooling in its tracks. International midwifery clinics have been open for internships for US midwives for some time, but unfortunately there hasn’t been much accountability of medical malpractice and abuse happening in many sites around the world. While we were visiting “Heartline ministries” in Haiti, it was voted on by the National Midwifery Board that they would close all international sites for accreditation for schools such as MIA. To say this was a difficult time for Danielle would be an understatement. It was like the carpet was ripped out from under her feet leaving her lost and confused as to why God lead us down this road. As Danielle was alongside amazing midwives in Haiti, seeking to model some of there practices, she found herself in tears wondering if this road would ever open back up. But the power of prayer works… In Haiti, those cry sessions turned into prayer sessions, and continued to reassure Danielle that God will make all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our Madagascar team partner, Alissa Shattenberg, got on the phone once we got home to see what options there are for this impossible situation. And long story short (J/k)…the door has opened for Danielle to change schools to a MEAC accredited school with the National College of Midwifery. This opportunity not only allows Danielle to get a degree and possibility to practice in the states, but she still gets credit for all the work she has done thus far! (Praise God) And Alissa is becoming Danielle’s preceptor, which means Danielle can learn and practice in the very place she will serve!!! We might not have all the answers, but when we trust in...
Read MorePutting the pieces together
Much like putting together a puzzle, we have the full picture to guide us, strategy on how to accomplish it, but some parts fall into place and others come with time. When our family is working on a puzzle, people wander in and out to work on it, and they normally bring a fresh set of eyes that boost the progress. Over time many come in to contribute a few pieces or maybe a whole section. As the picture nears the finish most hang around to see the last pieces put into place to reveal that great picture accomplished. This has been our journey to Missions. We feel the momentum of departure on the horizon, but we don’t exactly know when or how it will all come together. We have the pieces in hand, we’re just not sure how they fit. We are blessed by so many who have supported us, you have boosted our momentum and we are ever closer to serving on the field. We trust that it will happen in His time and as we tell most people, “we are still plugging away at it.” We had a goal for December 31st to be 60% of our monthly budget. Being 60% meant that we would be eligible to attend our second to last training called Pre-Departure Training held at WorldVenture’s headquarters in Colorado. We knew we were close and were absolutely humbled to learn that, as of Dec 31st, we were 61.89%!! So, in the middle of January, off to Colorado we went for 3 days of training. The first two days were essentially a look back on where we’ve been and the last day was a look to where we are headed these next few (prayerfully) months; emotionally, physically and spiritually. We talked a lot about transition and walked a fine line between being so excited to be calling Madagascar home and realizing that we are and will soon be facing a lot of grieving. We have already begun the process of saying our “good byes” to our things as we’ve been sorting, organizing, packing, tossing, and selling. But the reality of truly beginning to say our goodbyes was hard. It was difficult to show any emotion while talking about this process for fear of seeming weak in faith or emotionally unstable or to feel like others might question whether we are “doing the right thing” but the truth of the matter is that His calling on our lives, on our family for reconciling Madagascar was never in question. He has gone before us, He has prepared our path, He is still right beside us and sometimes obedience is hard. We know He is shaping and molding us for the Malagasy life. Nine days after we got back from Colorado, I (Danielle) packed up with Jolie and my girlfriend Emily, and headed to New York for a Midwife Assistant Skills Workshop hosted by my current school. We went from a nice, California 70 degrees to a FREEZING -10 degrees with a windchill that was absolutely shocking! We did have a high of 12 degrees on day 2, a fact that made us laugh out loud in disbelief. Burr! The workshop was great! We learned some hands-on skills that will help me through the years to come. One of the mentors, Vicki Penwell encouraged us to start “reading braille” not literally but by way of doing everything with our fingertips. It was an amazing workshop and to learn from women who have caught thousands of babies and have years of...
Read Morea glimpse through Haiti
Madagascar Team in Haiti. When we talk about learning from the model of a ministry, it is one thing to email, write and talk about the type of practices you want to learn about, but it is a different world to see the ministry living and breathing in its element. Creating a community of support that lifts “the least of these” out of poverty and oppression is something we saw and hope to create ourselves. A young, single 16 year old girl who was a “street kid” became pregnant after being taken in by an older, married man. After finding Heartline through some contacts, she was welcomed into the program with loving arms. She soon found that she had some complications with this pregnancy called pre-eclampsia which later turned into HELLP syndrome, which is basically a multi-system complication derived from high blood pressure. These complications threw her into preterm labor, a life threatening situation for her and baby. After the delivery of a 3lb baby girl (Jenika), she was rushed to a hospital and admitted to the ICU. While mom stays hospitalized, her baby is embraced by the maternity center, where this small community of women bond together to take turns pumping and breastfeeding this little one to a healthy weight. Jenika, is now thriving among the support of these women, gaining a pound each week. This is one of the many stories we saw first hand… There is no manual or protocol for situations like this. Although, if we were to share their successful model, it would simply be Christ-centered love in action. THANK-YOU PATHWAY for donating so many supplies that we were able to deliver to Heartline! They were so excited to restock some of the shelves that were getting low. They were blessed by your gracious offering of love. THANK-YOU Katie and Stan for donating all that Starbucks! It became that special touch of home that keeps this crew going strong. It was great to meet up with our semi-Haitian tour guides, Rick and Evan. We had an awesome time visiting and touring different ministries throughout Haiti with them. May God continue to bless this Eden Projects team as they seek to help restore Haiti’s land and lives. And its always fun when your trip becomes an adventure! After navigating some rough terrain, we were bound to get a flat tire at some point. And THANK YOU- THANK YOU- Beth and John for graciously opening your home, ministries, and lives to us. It served to be an invaluable trip on many levels! We were honored to get a glimpse into your hearts and see the sacrificial love you pour into people. We hope we can one day be used to bring a legacy of hope and restoration in Madagascar as you have in Haiti. We had an amazing trip to say the least. We were inspired and encouraged to see amazing things being done in Haiti. We cried and prayed and laughed and gave Him the glory. We can not wait to serve His people in Madagascar and are so grateful for each of you for serving them along with...
Read MoreDetour to Madagascar
An amazing opportunity to veer off course a bit. Well… let me back up. We have the opportunity to “kill three birds with one stone” so to speak. Haiti is not exactly on the way to Madagascar but surprisingly has a lot in common with it. The main reason for us taking this adventure is to visit the “Heartline Ministries” maternity center. They are a thriving Women’s Center that have made huge strides in meeting the needs of the Haitian people. We are headed there to learn from their model program and hopefully implement some of their successful practices at the Sarobidy Maternity Center in Madagascar. This is such an honor, such a blessing, such an amazing opportunity for which we are so grateful! Eden Reforestation Projects also just started a program there in Haiti with Ric Harroll (who is heading up the site). We are hoping to see some of the new approaches of reforesting where they are working through the schools. The third advantage (mainly an interesting coincidence) is we have a Compassion International child who we support that happens to live in the same area. We hope to visit him or at least bring a care package for him. And we get to go with our field partners, Jamie and Alissa Shattenberg! (While they are still stateside ) If we could ask you to be praying for this upcoming journey for our families. This quick 5-day trip is just the adults (+Jolie as she can’t be away from mama for that long yet). We fly off Nov 4th through the 9th. We are also thrilled to announce that we are over 50% funded for our monthly support. Praise God! We are overjoyed by all you who have welcomed us into your living rooms, kitchens, and local Starbucks. We have been honored to share God’s new vision for our family, and we are humbled by the love and support of so many of you. Thank...
Read Morea call to prayer for a heartbroken mother
We have been heartbroken over the news we recently received. This is Liva (pictured above) and she is already intricately involved in our family of 5. A recent missionary family left the field whom Liva worked for and because of their departure she was going to be out of work. Even though we are not on the field yet, we learned of Liva’s situation and hired her so that we could support her and welcome her as a part of our family when we get there. A large part of my trip there in June was to organize those type of arrangements. Liva will help us with our day to day survival in Madagascar. She is a faithful christian with a servants heart, and will be helping us with everything from navigating the shopping in the markets to loving on our kids. She is great with kids as she raised three boys of her own. Liva has entered into an incredibly difficult time as a mother. About 9 days ago, one of her sons (22 yrs old) went fishing in the deep ocean on a small outrigger canoe with 6 other guys. There was report of a storm that approached around that time. The unfathomable reality of which any mother fears to accept is the loss of a child. But each day with no word or sign of any of those men begins to tear at that fleeting hope. Our hearts break with Liva as she struggles to bear the overwhelming emotions and grief. As her worries and concerns for this son grew, another son became increasingly ill. After examination with a doctor, the boy was diagnosed with appendicitis. A potentially life threatning complication if the appendix is not surgically removed as soon as possible. Reality is that in Madagascar, any treatment (surgery) needs to be paid in full before they will treat any patient. Liva was at a complete loss, as most malagasy cannot afford the unexpected cost of a surgery (especially with little to no insurance plans there). We can’t imagine the burdens she been facing these last two weeks. We Praise God that she did get the money to have the surgery for her son! The surgery went well and he is now recuperating. But there is still no word about her other son. I spoke with her a little the other day and we are still waiting for more updates. Please join us in praying for Liva and her family. We are burdened to cover her in prayer as she walks this incredibly hard road. It is difficult for us not to be there to console, comfort, or hug her during this time. But we trust our God can give her more peace and support than anything we can physically do as He is the only one who can truly meet her where she is. May we embrace her in prayer. ...
Read MoreThrough Hands and Dirt…
In Madagascar this past June I was able to be apart of a truly incredible moment. The “Hands in Dirt” nursery has done amazing work since it opened, planting over 50 species of hard-wood trees and starting one of the first successful reforesting sites in the dry-dicidious forest. But the moment I was able to share with the workers at the nursery was just a glimpse at the amazing things God is doing through their work. The team has worked hard at collecting seeds from all over Madagascar to restore what once was. More than a year ago the team went to a national forest (area not deforested) to collect seeds and asked to partner with the forest administration for the common goal of restoring Madagascar’s forest’s. Their response to such a partnership was a swift no, as they could not associate with such a small start up nursery run by the poor, uneducated malagasy youth (but they could collect some rotten seeds this time). Madagascar is commonly known for the “Baobab” tree. People say “God uprooted the tree and stuck it in the ground upside down.” Six of the Eight Baobab species are endemic (only found there) in Madagascar. Unfortunetly because of the vast deforestation, some of these Baobabs are on the brink of extinction. One of the endangered species of Baobab’s (Adansonia Madagascariensis Boensis) was in this nearby National forest the team collected seeds from. This specific Baobab trio (pictured below) is the last known fruiting (seed bearing) Baobabs of this species in the world. Some believe that the tree has become endangered because whatever lemur or bat that would eat it’s fruit and “propagate” the tree, has probably become extinct. The team collected as many pods (which looked to be all rotted) as they could. They took the seeds back to the nursery, planted them, watered them, and waited, but nothing grew. A season went by and the faithful nursery crew continued to tend to those pods and watered them by the bucket full, pulled by hand, from a 40ft well. And when I went to visit… They had sprouted!!!!!! Around 40 seeds sprouted and became mature seedlings. The humble “Hands in Dirt” nursery probably has a percentage of the population of the most rare baobabs in the world. As soon as word got out to the National forest that the little nursery had some of these seedlings, they quickly called to partner (as nobody has ever been able to propagate this tree). My great joy was to see this awesome crew replant the very first Baobab seedling in the Sarobidy Maternity Center’s Garden. God has truly blessed their work. And may He continue to show them the fruit of their labor as their lives and land are reconciled back to...
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