It’s April--- how did that happen?
We have been living fast and furious this spring and have
been adjusting to our new normal. Phoebe Kate struggled with this change in
schedule and me being away for longer hours but thank goodness for our village
who has stepped in to fill the gap! You know who you are and I know I don’t
tell you often enough that we could never do this without you. Our village has
been Jesus with skin on to us.
As for me, the transition to midwifery clincials has been
challenging but everything I hoped it would be and more! Naturally the change
in schedule has been difficult but I am learning so much and truly enjoying my
time learning from the nurse midwives at Ochsner. I’m still working per diem at
Lafayette General taking care of the beautiful women of Acadiana on the
weekends --- so along with Phoebe Kate’s school schedule, soccer practices
& games, French tutoring, and the happenings of life… our days are full. Even
in the midst of the chaos and crazy, I have a deep sense of knowing that we are
exactly where we are supposed to be in this season. Phoebe seems to be settling
in as well, which puts my mama’s heart at ease. We have so much to be thankful
for!
Phoebe and I made a quick trip to Haiti over the first week
of March--- to say that this visit was good for our souls is an understatement!
Just to be with dear friends, soak our feet in the Caribbean Sea, driving
through the mountains that feel so much like home, visiting family, and
dreaming about our upcoming move was exactly what we needed! We have both been
sacrificing and working hard for this dream to return to serve families in
Haiti, so to have a little piece of what we are working so hard for was great.
There is not a shortage of need for my skills as a nurse
midwife on the little island with a big discrepancy in maternal health ---
there is no possibility to choose a location with a lack of need. We have been
praying and seeking God to show us where He would have us to serve. As of now,
I have been in an active dialogue with 2 incredible missions/organizations who
are looking to add a midwife to their practice. While we were in Haiti, I met
with both of them and am looking forward to doing a trial period with each
organization to see what is the best fit.
It is possible that I could end up working with both of them.
Thankfully, they both understand that Phoebe is my priority and they seem to be
willing to work with me. Will you join us in prayer that as we do a trial
period with each of these organizations/missions that God will make it clear in
the way we should go? We are excited about these opportunities and look forward
to working alongside of some amazing advocates for maternal health in Haiti!
I was also able to attend the birth symposium while in
country (for the 2nd year in a row!!) and was so encouraged by the
efforts being made by Haitians and expats alike to improve maternal
health. It is an exciting time to be joining
this fight on the little island that has our hearts! All of the connections
made at this yearly meeting continues to affirm that this is the right move for
us. We thank God for continually proving Himself faithful even when I find
myself doubting or lacking faith.
Fundraising update:
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Friends, family, and even total strangers have
generously donated $4,095 towards our getting there costs. I find myself
constantly overwhelmed by the generosity of others!
-
We have $20,905 to raise by the end of July! That’s
15 weeks ---- eeeeek!!!
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Also, we are praying for people to join us
monthly in prayer and support as we return to love+ live in Haiti. If you are
interested in joining us, feel free to reach out! I would be happy to answer
any questions that you have about our life and what your support would be going
towards.
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WE WANT
TO SHARE OUR VISION WITH YOU!!!! If you, a small group, your church, or a group
of friends would be willing to hear about the beautiful people and country of
Haiti, we would love to meet with you!
We would also love for you to join us in prayer as we
continue to live+ love where we are right now in Lafayette, Louisiana. And also
as we prepare to make Haiti home again. Here are some specifics:
-
Pray for my Phoebe’s heart. Tuesday’s are
difficult all around for her. Thankfully this seems to be improving but would
you please pray for her focus and strength to mentally be where she is when I
have to be away for clinicals?
-
April & May are super busy months for me now
that I have added my last didactic course to my clinical workload.
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Pray for us as we continue to seek wisdom and
guidance as we prepare to transition to Haiti in August.
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Pray for us as we raise the remaining $20, 905
in “Getting There” costs and grow a team of monthly partners who believe in the
work that we will devote our lives to in Haiti. I trust that God provides the
resources for the work that He calls us to and that it’s all His anyways :) We
just get to be good stewards of it!
Jessica & Phoebe Kate
