It's been four years, but this summer, I'm heading back to the Philippines again for the month of June. I'll be working with Shiphrah Birthing Home again and am so excited!
When I left in November 2012, I promised myself and the midwives that I would return when I finished nursing school. Well, I'll graduate nursing school in two weeks (Hallelujah! Praise Jesus!), then I'll hopefully take the NCLEX (nurse licensing exam) at the end of May. My tentative departure date for Manila is June 1 and I'll stay until July 12, or so, giving me one week to readjust to North Carolina's time zone before starting my new job in the Emergency Department in Pinehurst. Busy? Yes! Am I excited? You betcha!
I know it's a little last-minute, but I just wanted to make a quick post about how you can get involved. I still need to raise about $2000 and am hoping to do that through my photography. Over the last few years, my business, Rising Dawn Services, has grown and improved so now I am a very good portrait photographer (if I do say so myself... Oh wait, I do...). I don't like to straight-out ask for money, so if you hire me to do your photos, it's a win-win situation. You get the gorgeous photos you've always wanted while I get funds to go back to Shiphrah Birthing Home. I'll be taking photography clients up until the last week of May, or so. Please check out my portfolio and photography information on my website: http://www.risingdawnservices.com/.
Another way you can get involved is to pray. Pray for me, Shiphrah Birthing Home, the amazing midwives and staff there, and for the moms, newborns, and families we care for.
So basically, that's life in a nutshell and it's a busy whirlwind (nursing school...need I say more?!) but I am so excited to see what God has for me in these next few months!
Thanks!
Danielle
danielle_wilson_hm@hotmail.com
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
...So What's Next?
I've now been home for several weeks and have been asked by many people "so what's next?"
That's a really good question.
Teenagers have always told me how much they hated the "what's next" question and I never understood their dread of it until now. I have always had a plan and a goal and knew exactly what I was going to do, but God used the Philippines to show me that's not His plan for me. Having to tell people I don't have a defined answer and time goal really bugs me, but there's not too much I can do about it...
In January, I'm going to take an EMT training course at UNC. It will be every Monday and Wednesday night until April when I will be qualified to take the NC EMT licensing exam and (hopefully) start working on an ambulance. Lord willing, that will enable me to pay my way through college.
College... I never ever wanted to go to college... Now I'm visiting at least four different options. Ugh. I wish there was a way I could just go and take the courses I need for my degree (Bachelor's of Science in Nursing) and be done. But it doesn't work that way. I have to complete prerequisites too (Ugh...).
Currently, my number one choice of schools is Liberty University. I visited them last Wednesday and really liked their atmosphere, attitude, and approach to nursing. (I also really liked that they had a free equestrian center where if you're a Liberty student, you can just show up and borrow a horse, but that's another story...)
What I will probably end up doing (because it's the most economical and will allow me to continue working as an EMT, photographer, and doula) is going to Wake Tech Community College and getting their Associates in Nursing then transferring to Liberty Online's RN to BSN program.
Once I have my BSN, I have to work for a year in the hospital before I can go to a midwifery program to eventually get my CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife). I am also debating becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner at the same time, but we'll see what God would have me do.
So anyway, that's the scoop. I'm just praying God will make it very clear about what He wants me to do so that I don't have to sit here thinking, "I really like this university...and this one...and this one looks good too..." Hopefully sometime I'll be able to post again with more definite plans, but I've learned that it's more about the journey than the destination.
That's a really good question.
Teenagers have always told me how much they hated the "what's next" question and I never understood their dread of it until now. I have always had a plan and a goal and knew exactly what I was going to do, but God used the Philippines to show me that's not His plan for me. Having to tell people I don't have a defined answer and time goal really bugs me, but there's not too much I can do about it...
In January, I'm going to take an EMT training course at UNC. It will be every Monday and Wednesday night until April when I will be qualified to take the NC EMT licensing exam and (hopefully) start working on an ambulance. Lord willing, that will enable me to pay my way through college.
College... I never ever wanted to go to college... Now I'm visiting at least four different options. Ugh. I wish there was a way I could just go and take the courses I need for my degree (Bachelor's of Science in Nursing) and be done. But it doesn't work that way. I have to complete prerequisites too (Ugh...).
Currently, my number one choice of schools is Liberty University. I visited them last Wednesday and really liked their atmosphere, attitude, and approach to nursing. (I also really liked that they had a free equestrian center where if you're a Liberty student, you can just show up and borrow a horse, but that's another story...)
What I will probably end up doing (because it's the most economical and will allow me to continue working as an EMT, photographer, and doula) is going to Wake Tech Community College and getting their Associates in Nursing then transferring to Liberty Online's RN to BSN program.
Once I have my BSN, I have to work for a year in the hospital before I can go to a midwifery program to eventually get my CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife). I am also debating becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner at the same time, but we'll see what God would have me do.
So anyway, that's the scoop. I'm just praying God will make it very clear about what He wants me to do so that I don't have to sit here thinking, "I really like this university...and this one...and this one looks good too..." Hopefully sometime I'll be able to post again with more definite plans, but I've learned that it's more about the journey than the destination.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Trying...Balut!!!
For those who don't know, balut is duck embryo, a delicacy in the Philippines. So of course us Shiphrah interns just *had* to try it. If you forget what it is and ignore the fact that it's crunchy, it tastes just like a hard boiled egg.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Gustafson Family
The Gustafsons help run both Shiphrah Birthing Home and the Little Children's Home. I offered to take their family photos and we set a date to do it. Then one of their kids was sick. So we set it for the next week. But a different kid was sick. So we set it for a few days later. Guess what? Now I was at a birth...
This happened over the course of several weeks until finally it was my very last week in the Philippines so I said, "We need to do this now!" Deborah said we could try for right after prenatals, so the moment prenatals were finished on Tuesday, I raced over to their house with my camera and we did their photos. That was the fastest I have ever processed photos afterward and they had their copy of the photos that night. It was a whirlwind of craziness! But it was fun. :-D
Here are (just a few) of my favorite photos from the shoot. Enjoy! (Also, if you want to schedule a photo shoot with me, please contact me! I'm looking to expand my doula and photography business. For more information: http://risingdawnservices.weebly.com/)
Oh - one more thing - I just looked at the photos after Blogger posted them and Blogger puts some sort of distort on them so they are grainy and fuzzy...Not sure why/how that happened, but the photos are much nicer than Blogger shows! Sorry about that!
Oh - one more thing - I just looked at the photos after Blogger posted them and Blogger puts some sort of distort on them so they are grainy and fuzzy...Not sure why/how that happened, but the photos are much nicer than Blogger shows! Sorry about that!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Home!!!
I am home!
My flight left Manila at 6:30am Thursday morning, so I was supposed to leave Shiphrah at 2:30am to be at the airport by 3:30am. The person supposed to drive me to the airport accidentally set their alarm to 3:30am so at 3:00 I was starting to wonder where in the world they were, knowing we were supposed to have left a half hour before. Racing over to his house, I discovered that he had *just* woken up so we went racing out of the house and to Shiphrah to grab my bags and race to the airport. Thankfully, I had just enough time to wake up Ate Dina (she had asked that I do it) and give her a hug goodbye.
At the airport, I had the fun job of dragging my two suitcases behind me through the long check-in line. I was scared one of my bags might be overweight, but thankfully it was just under. Things went smashingly and I finally got to sit at my gate and wait for the plane.
The woman next to me began to chat and asked me why I was in Manila. I told her briefly about Shiphrah. Her comment was, "So you are able to do cesareans for emergencies?" I explained that we don't do cesareans but transport if there are any problems. "But what about emergencies?" she persisted. Rarely are there emergencies where it's an instant life-and-death situation so birth centers (and homebirths!) are just fine.
Then, the woman proceeded to tell me her birth story. I guess back when she had her daughter (twenty years ago), she made it to fully and then the doctor told her she needed to have a cesarean because the baby wasn't coming down and she wasn't pushing properly. Then after the baby was born, he told her she needed the cesarean because the baby had the cord wrapped around her neck. I don't know the real circumstances of the birth, but a cord wrapped around a baby's neck is really normal. My last three catches (and plenty more before that) all had one coil around their neck and they were all ok. Anyway, I thought it interesting that here I was talking with a perfect stranger and after hearing I'm a midwifery student, she proceeded to tell me all the details of her birth. It's amazing the stories you hear just by telling people you're a midwife. :-D
The flight to Hong Kong was uneventful and I watched "Dogs in the City," a dog training TV show, all the way (and got plenty of good ideas to implement with my dogs! Watch out, Troy and Staal - your time is coming!). However, I had a very tight layover - one hour from when I was supposed to land in Hong Kong until when I took off for JFK. I was pretty nervous and started to prepare myself to miss the plane, all the while praying that I would make it.
After landing (ten minutes late), I waited in line to get off the plane and headed to security (yes, even if you don't leave the airport, you have to go through security again...). The line was fairly long and took me about 20 minutes to get through. Then, I ran through the airport, following signs to gate 4. It turns out gate 4 was on the complete other side of the airport so I finally arrived panting at the gate at the time my ticket said was the absolute latest I could board. A very long line stretched from the gate so I verified I was supposed to be in the line and stood for about 15 minutes until I hit *another* security (where they actually unpack your carry-on, inspect everything, and repack your bag) and *finally* boarded the airplane.
I was one of the last few people to board as soon after I was seated, we took off. All I could think was "Thank You, Jesus! Woohoo! I'm off to America! I made the plane! Thank You, Lord!"
My seat was in the very middle of the plane (middle seat, middle row), so I wasn't overly excited about being sandwiched again (it was like that the flight over). However, I sat down and resigned myself. A stewardess looked at me and asked if I was traveling alone. "Yes, I am." "Well, the daughter of the lady next to you wants to ride next to her mom. She's in the window seat over there. Would you be willing to switch with her?"
Would I?! Of course!!!!
They apologized profusely to making me switch seats but I was thrilled. I got a window seat! Thank You, Jesus! :-D
When I flew Chicago to Manila, I remember thinking the plane ride was very long and uncomfortable and tiring so I was expecting this flight to be the same way. However, I was fairly comfortable and was able to rest, relax, watch movies, and sleep. It was wonderful.
I landed in New York and was so excited to be back on American soil and breathe clean air and feel cold. After wading my way through customs, I stepped into the airport feeling exuberant and free. One of my friends is a flight attendant and she flew to JFK to meet me. I quickly found her and we had a wonderful time catching up on the last five months. It was so refreshing to talk with a friend from home.
Finally, after 20 something hours of traveling, I boarded the flight to North Carolina. I was *so* excited and couldn't believe my five months were completely over! My friend would probably tell you I was giddy. I was crazy. So excited.
Once I was back in Raleigh, I did my best to fly through the airport until I saw my family. Everyone was standing there with Welcome Home signs (which I specifically told them NOT to do) and big hugs. It was so wonderful getting to see my family again and give them all hugs and kisses. I was so happy to be home.
The only downside was I lost my luggage along the way. But it was delivered at midnight when it finally arrived in Raleigh (I think it didn't make the connection from Hong Kong to JFK).
But I was home! (And I still am home!)
One funny thing is that Promise, my sister known for her talkativeness, hasn't been quiet around me since I saw her at the airport. I kinda forgot how much she talks...
Anyway... :-D Pictures will come later, once I download them off my camera.
My flight left Manila at 6:30am Thursday morning, so I was supposed to leave Shiphrah at 2:30am to be at the airport by 3:30am. The person supposed to drive me to the airport accidentally set their alarm to 3:30am so at 3:00 I was starting to wonder where in the world they were, knowing we were supposed to have left a half hour before. Racing over to his house, I discovered that he had *just* woken up so we went racing out of the house and to Shiphrah to grab my bags and race to the airport. Thankfully, I had just enough time to wake up Ate Dina (she had asked that I do it) and give her a hug goodbye.
At the airport, I had the fun job of dragging my two suitcases behind me through the long check-in line. I was scared one of my bags might be overweight, but thankfully it was just under. Things went smashingly and I finally got to sit at my gate and wait for the plane.
The woman next to me began to chat and asked me why I was in Manila. I told her briefly about Shiphrah. Her comment was, "So you are able to do cesareans for emergencies?" I explained that we don't do cesareans but transport if there are any problems. "But what about emergencies?" she persisted. Rarely are there emergencies where it's an instant life-and-death situation so birth centers (and homebirths!) are just fine.
Then, the woman proceeded to tell me her birth story. I guess back when she had her daughter (twenty years ago), she made it to fully and then the doctor told her she needed to have a cesarean because the baby wasn't coming down and she wasn't pushing properly. Then after the baby was born, he told her she needed the cesarean because the baby had the cord wrapped around her neck. I don't know the real circumstances of the birth, but a cord wrapped around a baby's neck is really normal. My last three catches (and plenty more before that) all had one coil around their neck and they were all ok. Anyway, I thought it interesting that here I was talking with a perfect stranger and after hearing I'm a midwifery student, she proceeded to tell me all the details of her birth. It's amazing the stories you hear just by telling people you're a midwife. :-D
The flight to Hong Kong was uneventful and I watched "Dogs in the City," a dog training TV show, all the way (and got plenty of good ideas to implement with my dogs! Watch out, Troy and Staal - your time is coming!). However, I had a very tight layover - one hour from when I was supposed to land in Hong Kong until when I took off for JFK. I was pretty nervous and started to prepare myself to miss the plane, all the while praying that I would make it.
After landing (ten minutes late), I waited in line to get off the plane and headed to security (yes, even if you don't leave the airport, you have to go through security again...). The line was fairly long and took me about 20 minutes to get through. Then, I ran through the airport, following signs to gate 4. It turns out gate 4 was on the complete other side of the airport so I finally arrived panting at the gate at the time my ticket said was the absolute latest I could board. A very long line stretched from the gate so I verified I was supposed to be in the line and stood for about 15 minutes until I hit *another* security (where they actually unpack your carry-on, inspect everything, and repack your bag) and *finally* boarded the airplane.
I was one of the last few people to board as soon after I was seated, we took off. All I could think was "Thank You, Jesus! Woohoo! I'm off to America! I made the plane! Thank You, Lord!"
My seat was in the very middle of the plane (middle seat, middle row), so I wasn't overly excited about being sandwiched again (it was like that the flight over). However, I sat down and resigned myself. A stewardess looked at me and asked if I was traveling alone. "Yes, I am." "Well, the daughter of the lady next to you wants to ride next to her mom. She's in the window seat over there. Would you be willing to switch with her?"
Would I?! Of course!!!!
They apologized profusely to making me switch seats but I was thrilled. I got a window seat! Thank You, Jesus! :-D
When I flew Chicago to Manila, I remember thinking the plane ride was very long and uncomfortable and tiring so I was expecting this flight to be the same way. However, I was fairly comfortable and was able to rest, relax, watch movies, and sleep. It was wonderful.
I landed in New York and was so excited to be back on American soil and breathe clean air and feel cold. After wading my way through customs, I stepped into the airport feeling exuberant and free. One of my friends is a flight attendant and she flew to JFK to meet me. I quickly found her and we had a wonderful time catching up on the last five months. It was so refreshing to talk with a friend from home.
Finally, after 20 something hours of traveling, I boarded the flight to North Carolina. I was *so* excited and couldn't believe my five months were completely over! My friend would probably tell you I was giddy. I was crazy. So excited.
Once I was back in Raleigh, I did my best to fly through the airport until I saw my family. Everyone was standing there with Welcome Home signs (which I specifically told them NOT to do) and big hugs. It was so wonderful getting to see my family again and give them all hugs and kisses. I was so happy to be home.
The only downside was I lost my luggage along the way. But it was delivered at midnight when it finally arrived in Raleigh (I think it didn't make the connection from Hong Kong to JFK).
But I was home! (And I still am home!)
One funny thing is that Promise, my sister known for her talkativeness, hasn't been quiet around me since I saw her at the airport. I kinda forgot how much she talks...
Anyway... :-D Pictures will come later, once I download them off my camera.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
More Pictures!
 |
| This little lady was born via cesarean section because she was legitimately too big to be born vaginally (and trust me, we tried everything to get this kid to come down and out!) - she was a whopping 10lb! |
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| the mother texted me after the baby was born and asked if I'd be the kiddo's godmother. How sweet! |
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| me with Jennifer (the mom) and her baby |
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| isn't this little dude adorable?! He's Jennifer's son |
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| your daily dose of Mimi! |
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| I saw Lloyd and his family again and of course had to take a picture of little David. Isn't he precious? |
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| Lloyd with David |
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| I went to church with Lloyd and his family and afterward he introduced me to everyone he knew. In this picture is a Filipino military commander (don't remember the rank...), a young soldier about to be deployed as a peacekeeper in Israel, Lloyd, and the pastor. |
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| balut! Balut is duck embryo which has been hardboiled and is considered a delicacy. It tastes like a regular hardboiled egg, but it's crunchy! We made a video of us interns trying it which I'll try to upload later. :-D |
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| this is my fiftieth catch here at Shiphrah |
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| getting dried off |
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| isn't he adorable? |
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| me and Mariel |
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| the "gang" - we were goofing off tonight and ended up taking this picture. It was fun. :-D |
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