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Babies 

Five Years, 1,436 Babies Later

Where has the time gone?! Glory Reborn Clinic has now been serving the mothers of Cebu City for five years. We could think of no better way to celebrate our five years of existence than to have a reunion party for our mothers and babies. We were thrilled to see that our babies are growing up healthy and happy. From baby number 2 to baby number 1432 it was a party for all ages. It was even harder to believe that some of Glory Reborn’s babies started kindergarten this year. For David and I it was a day of awe and thanks for all that God has done. As I looked out at nearly 400 smiling moms and growing babies and toddlers my heart overflowed. It started with a simple vision to help one mother who had no where to delivery her baby. The one turned into 100 and the 100 turned into 1,000 until I found myself in a crowd of so many special mothers and babies, each with their own story to tell. Stories of miraculous births, stories of twin deliveries, stories of finding hope and peace, stories of finding a safe place to deliver their little miracle, stories of hope for this generation, stories of the faithfulness of Jesus evident in each big and little life. Stories that beat the odds of the country for maternal and infant deaths. And a story that is more than just a story….Life through a God that knows each of these little names and faces. The story of believing there is still hope for the mothers and babies of Cebu; for this generation.

Thanks to each of you that have believed together with us for the families of Cebu. Enjoy the pictures below and know that these are the faces of your dollars.
Here is a Collage of the Event:

Glory Reborn turns 5! We could think of no better way to celebrate then to have a party for the 1445 babies delivered at the clinic. So with a city permit to close the street of Cabreros and three large tents, we packed in nearly 400 moms, babies and dads for a celebration! It was a party complete with singing, games, a clown, balloons, food, testimonials and of course a raffle. We had so much fun and it was hard to believe some of our first little ones were already starting kindergarten. So from baby #2 to the baby delivered that very day a great time was had by all. (Especially our visitors who were very surprised to see so many wonderful patient’s of Glory Reborn!) Thank you all for helping to give these mothers and babies a safe entry into this world. These are the faces of your generous dollars! Happy Anniversary Glory Reborn!

Well, let me thank each of you for reading the news from the Philippines! This week I have a real treat for you! The other night, I (David) had just pulled up to the clinic, and had in my hands all the salary envelopes of the staff. It was around 6 in the evening, and it had been a long day. As I walked from my car to the clinic, I noticed a Tricycle pulling up. (A tricycle is a common form of transportation here, there are two types the Trike: a motorcycle with a side car add-on that can hold up to 4 people, then the “Trisikad” a bmx bike with a side care for 2 people.) This Tricycle was the Trisikad version and I noticed that a lot of kids on the street were gathering around it. Still nothing too abnormal for a night in the Philippines.

(more…)

Many of you know that “I am still NOT a midwife”, but that does not answer the burning question in most of your minds, “What Does David Do At the Clinic?!?”

Today is your lucky day. Below you will have a glimpse (and frankly a frightening glimpse) into my life at the clinic. You have been warned.

Obviously, poverty plays a critical role in the development of a nation. Here at Glory Reborn, our patients are affected by poverty on a daily basis. I will also admit that Glory Reborn’s decisions are affected by poverty. For example, if we have a patient who has borderline risks during her labor, we are faced with tough decisions. “Should we take her to the public hospital?” “We know that the public hospital will not do anything more than we are doing, but are we risking too much?” “We want to take this woman to the public hospital, but the doctor there will not accept her!” These are just a few thoughts that we face every week, and the situation seems to be worsening. Hilary met with the Consulting OB/GYN of the public hospital, who informed us that they (the only public hospital of Cebu City, mandated to provide free care for the general public): do not have a working fetal monitor; do not have a working doppler; have an anesthesiologist; the anesthesiologist only works Monday – Friday from 8 a.m – 5 p.m.; have not received their budget for this year due to mismanagement of funds last year.

These are the situations that planted the dream of Glory Reborn in our hearts, to help the people who suffer from these facts. Glory Reborn is doing this on a “micro” or “individual” level for every patient we have, but we are also trying to foster development on a “macro” level by advocating for human rights in healthcare. We ask for your continuing assistance in doing so, and your thoughts and prayer as we face these challenges daily!

(Although impossible to explain the poverty that grips the Philippines, I have posted some pictures that will give you a glimpse.)

Well Glory Reborn has just completed the first half of its inaugural year as a 501(c)(3) organization. (I know its confusing and you are wondering how we have been here nearly 4 years. Well when we first started in 2003, we did not have a US organization, only the organization in the Philippines.) Now that we are moving along, I just wanted to share some exciting graphs and charts with you. (Hey I am an Economist, that is what I do!)

Glory Reborn’s Allocation of Expenses:

Hilary and I are so thankful for all the support that you have given, and continue to give. It is also our goal to ensure that the largest amount possible goes directly to our programs and to the population groups that we are targeting. This year we are operating on a budget of $60,000.00, but as the need continues to grow so must we! Stay tuned for more information (with graphs) about our plans for 2008!

Well another month has passed here in Cebu, which means that our favorite time of the month is here: Baby Party! It was a great party, we had around 25 moms and babies attend, and they all shared about their experiences! We had a health teaching for the moms, and all the babies received immunizations! It was a great day.

To see the photos of the day, visit: July 2007 Baby Party.

Well as many of you know, the Philippines has gained some increasing notoriety recently for a prison video. If you have not seen it, please view it. There are actually a collection of videos and dances that the prisoners, who are in a correction facility here in Cebu, perform. Philippine Prison Video

On top of the dancing, one thing that has always drawn our attention is the names that people are given here. You may have heard stories, but we just love the creativity here. All names in the Philippines are very unique! Here is a list of a few that we have had this year. Enjoy!

Precious Faith,
Precious Deborah Leian,
Ice Angel,
Heman,
Lord Jaderick,
Lord Elgein,
Iniegee,
Belteshazzar,
Ahl,
Regsxan,
Princess Kelly,
John Ckackie,
Keith Ho Well,
Kilsey Queen,
Nash Zharel,
Wincy,
Barbie Gayle,
Edchel,
Zhinamae Ruana,
Rapunzel,
Hua Ze Lei,
Myrrh Felicity,
Risen Jenmary,
Dhenveir,
Sofia Dave (Baby Girl),
Euzeka Nicole,
Mary Madonna,
Cromwell,
Herbie,
Irish

Well in case you are wondering, Hilary and Eve work at the clinic regularly, but earlier this year we had twins born at the clinic, and the mom named them after Hilary and Eve. Hilda came to the clinic in labor, and had been closely monitored her entire pregnancy since she was having twins. One of our supervisors, Eve (Evelyn Yu) was there to help as was Hilary. After delivering one of the twins normally, the other twin was having difficulties. We made a decision to immediately transport her to our OB, who delivered the second twin without problems. In doing so, Hilary & Eve saved the second twin and Hilda! She was so grateful that she decided to name her two girls after them. I happened to be at the clinic yesterday, and Hilda came by with the two beautiful girls!

(left to right: Eve, baby Eve, Hilary, baby Hilary & Sharon Walker!)

We just had the April Baby Party today, and it was a great success. We celebrated each precious one’s birth, and we were able to see Baby Jeremei (our 1,000th baby again). All of the little ones are healthy and growing. Please visit our Photos and see all the babies for yourself.