Bye Phils! Hello America!

Today was my last day volunteering. I had prenatals until about 12:45. Everything went smoothly and I was glad to leave on a good note. After prenatals I got a text asking if I could cover a shift for one of the students. Turns out four girls at the other house are sick and have a fever. I ran home and grabbed scrubs so I could make it back for swing shift at 2pm. There was one labor waiting for as I found out I was first up to catch. This would make #10! Unfortunately my patient was transferred to the hospital. She was fully dilated but exhausted. The head had trouble making it past the pubic bone and once it did our mom just didn't have enough strength to push. She was twenty years old and it was her first baby. For some reason she just did not have the urge to push or the energy. After we transported the rest of the shift was dead.

A few days ago I finally found out how this country operates! I have been so confused how everyone is so poor and then a few are not. There were no big companies I could think of that would actually allow people to make good money and be able to live highly in this country. Even people with a college degree can barely provide for their families. For two months I have seen these 'rich' Filipinos walking around the mall in nice clothes, hair done, and whitened skin. Yes, they use whitening lotion. Most Filipinos think lighter skin is better. Turns out most families who have money have just inherited it. On this island of 3 million plus, only 25 families own everything. From the electricity company to renting some jeepneys and taxis. This island is a huge monopoly that leaves too many with nothing. There is no way to work up the ladder. Even those with a college degree do not even get paid as good as a minimum wage job in the U.S. What a frustrating environment to grow up in.

Tomorrow night my plane leaves at 10pm. I cannot wait to get back and see my family and friends! Thank you so much for the prayers, support, and encouraging notes. See you soon! I can't believe I am saying that! It has gone by so fast!

Love you all!
-Kelsey

ITS BEEN REAL

ITS BEEN FUN

ITS BEEN REAL FUN!