May 22

Today, May 22, marks four months here in the Phils! I would say on the day that I arrived I could never, ever have guessed where I would be today or what would have all happened in between, but I guess I could barely remember my name after all the travel that got me here in January! In some ways the months have flown past, in other ways I can't believe it's only been four months.
I marked the date today with vision screening on the dumpsite, which was remarkably cooler than our previous location, being on the ocean will do that for you! But the breeze also reminds you that you are indeed on a dump, (and a quick look reminds you that people are living there). I don't know if you can imagine the scene that is here. I don't think you probably want to! But if ANYONE reading this is thinking "gee, I have money (or) time to pray just floating around waiting for some direction", well if you are thinking that you MUST comment or email me and I will be sure to tell you how you could use those gifts to give to some of the poorest people the world has ever known! If you contact me I can tell you about the opportunities to help.
Well, four months in - friends, 7 more to go!

Big Change

Forgive me for not posting in an inordinately long time, I've been contemplating a lot and facing a big decision. And all of it has had me quite preoccupied. But now the decision is made and I'm facing big changes.
With a lot of prayer and heart-searching I decided that I won't be finishing my program with the school I'm with. I am still passionate to become a midwife, to serve the poor and especially to care for women and children. But I really feel strongly that this wasn't the right path for me. I am wishing them well, and it is so sad to move away from the family I have been a part of here in Pingkian. I have had some of beautiful experiences in the last couple months, and these people really matter to me. This has been a tough choice.
But now I'm in the process of moving, both from my house and ministry. I will be volunteering here in the Philippines with a Christian development and social work foundation, and I will continue to study midwifery on my own. Later on this year I hope to re-enter midwifery training and ministry, and am really trusting God to lead that and put me in the right place at the right time.
I thank you - my friends for your love, support and prayers for me! This is as unexpected for you as it is for me. But I want you to know that I am trusting God, I feel safe in this choice, and feel like I'm being obedient to what He has put inside me. There is peace and joy!

The 4-1-1 on Financial Support

For those of you who are looking for the details on cheques and moolah - the best way to give support is to write your cheques out to myself, (Kim Hughes), and get them to me through my church mailbox, or on a Sunday morning.
Because of charity regulations the church is unable to accept donations for me. The downside is that I am not able to provide you with tax receipts for your gifts. I know that for some of you that isn't a big deal. But for others of you that might be an issue. If you are unable to give without a receipt I fully understand - I wish I could get them for you!
If you are planning on giving each month, you can choose to give a bunch of post-dated cheques which will be deposited each month, or you give them individually - whichever works for you.
And if you are planning on giving - well, Thank You, so much! I hope I can have time to talk with each of you, and I look forward to sharing with you the fruits of your giving!