Maxwell is 2!

We celebrated Maxwell's 2nd birthday over the weekend at one of his all-time favorite places: the aquarium! And on the way home, we stopped for Japanese food (another Max favorite) which was topped off with tempura ice cream (which, ironically, we had to trick Max into tasting). Today, he & I had some one-on-one time at the park which was followed by a pizza dinner with Grandma & Grandpa and more birthday ice cream (courtesy of Auntie Val). The only favorite thing that was missing was Daddy, whom he did get to talk with on the phone and webcam... and who sent Thomas the Train as his representative! (Can't wait to see you again, Mike!)

Scenes from Max's birthday:



It's hard to believe that my baby son has become a little boy. His personality and unique characteristics and interests have been developing and evolving along with a rapidly expanding vocabulary and unexpected motor skills. I have been especially amazed by his increasing self-confidence and independence. Not that he's doing his own dishes or anything. (Although, I can hardly wait till that day comes!) From the simple task of using the appropriate utensil to move food from his plate to his mouth (without spilling most of it somewhere between), to fearlessly swimming across the pool with nothing but inflatable arm floaters to assist him, to sharing his toys with Maya or cousin Josiah without even being asked... these little things make the infamous "two's" seem not so "terrible".

Early rhythm perception and motor coordination at 1 year old:

Refining his hand-eye coordination at 2 years old:

Here She Is!

Well, she must have inherited Mike's punctuality... or, rather, his admirable habit of being early! Although Daddy had plans to welcome her into the world over Labor Day weekend, our baby girl took the initiative to welcome him home from Kansas. I guess she was so excited to see her daddy, she just couldn't wait for the weekend. ;)

Maya Lourdes Miranda Mercado was born on 8/28/08 at 12:08pm--less than an hour after I walked into the hospital! Weighing in at 6lbs 4oz and measuring 18.5 inches (with APGARs of 8 and 9 for the medically-inclined audience), she made quite an entrance.

The labor that preceded this unexpected delivery was nothing like my experience with Maxwell's birth, hence, the vagueness and my uncertainty of whether or not I was truly in labor! With strong contractions almost every hour starting at around midnight, Maya gave me plenty of warning to tell me she was on her way, but I still wasn't convinced. Even at 6:30am, when the contractions started coming every 8-10 minutes, I kept telling myself "Maybe if I just relax or go for a walk the contractions will slow down." Looking back, I think I was just in denial that I was going to have this baby without my dear husband to coach me through it! Kudos to my beloved mom for taking on the role of coach, camera person, and videographer all at a moment's notice--literally!

As healthy as she was (and has been), Maya unfortunately did have a temperature of 101.6 just a couple hours after birth, which bought her a ticket to the NICU (neonatal ICU) and 5 days of IV antibiotics. As soon as she was discharged from the hospital, we took her straight to the airport with us to bid goodbye to Mike once again. Needless to say, we're looking forward to some quality family time when Mike comes home one last time before he leaves the country.

Here's a glimpse of Maya's first week of life...

His Eye is On the Sparrow

My due date is fast approaching! And although yesterday's OB visit was just the 38-week mark, I left the clinic without a return appointment. Apparently, my cervix has been busy preparing for the arrival of this baby...and is just about ready! For those of you who like the medical details, the cervical exam showed 90% effacement and 3-4cm dilation. Yikes! I hope Mike gets here before the baby does! What a relief and a blessing it is to know that those training in Kansas get to have the 4-day weekend for Labor Day and that I get to give Mike a real live hug this Friday night. :D

All the busyness of transitioning and settling into a new home environment has helped this first month pass fairly quickly, but it's hard not to have moments of doubt and anxiety when thinking about how we're going to survive this separation... or more specifically, how I'm going to survive being a single parent of a toddler and a newborn.

A couple weeks ago, God seemed to speak to me and my worries when someone at church sang the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow," which tells of the hope and peace that comes from knowing of His protection and provision. First of all, this is a song that I've enjoyed hearing Mike sing in the past, and one of the Bible texts that inspired its composition comes from a passage (Matthew 6:25-34) that he and I had used to encourage each other through medical school and residency. Second is how the word "sparrow" is translated in Tagalog -- the main Filipino dialect and the language in which the singer at church performed the second half of the song:

sparrow (English) = maya (Tagalog)

Just before Mike left for deployment, we had decided to name our baby girl Maya. I liked the sound of the name but was having a hard time finding a significant meaning/origin of the name. So when I heard the Tagalog portion of this song, I became teary-eyed. I began to think of our soon-to-arrive daughter and her long-to-be-absent father... and all the concerns I had, especially for their relationship or possible lack thereof. The song reassured me that Maya will be loved and cared for by her earthly father and her Heavenly Father. And that no matter where Mike is, God will be watching over her and providing her every need.

Here's a simple and sweet rendition of the original song:

Look at the birds of the air,

that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not worth much more than they?

Matthew 6:26

Harana

We had the privilege of hosting a harana last Wednesday night in my parents' home. Traditionally, a harana is a serenade performed as a means of courting. However, the term has come to describe any form of music presented with a gift-giving spirit in the setting of a private residence. Alongside fellow church members, relatives, co-workers, and neighbors, we spent the evening enjoying the harmonious blend of ~20 young voices turn our living room into a concert hall! And this musical magic was pulled off by the "Ambassadors", an internationally acclaimed choral ensemble from the Adventist University of the Philippines. They are about 1 month into their 3-month U.S. tour having visited the San Diego and L.A. areas and stopping in Bakersfield for the week before moving on to Fresno, Visalia, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York.


Warming up for the harana


Warai-Warai -- a Tagalog song about a Visayan community known for their "tough chicks"; featuring Carmi Flores




Sabbath performance at Hillcrest SDA Church


During each of these stops, the members of the choir have been hosted by families who have opened up their homes to provide meals and a cozy place to sleep. Carmi Flores & Redeem Ebora are the 2 lovely young ladies who have been staying with us. You might think this would be a bit untimely with us trying to get stuff ready for a new baby, but Carmi and Redeem have actually been quite helpful in keeping Maxwell entertained throughout the day. It's almost as if we inherited instant babysitters! And in between performances, it's been fun to share ordinary (and extraordinary) life with such pleasant company... see the slideshow for some Kodak moments!

On the homefront

Being back in California has definitely softened the blow of being without Mike, especially through the closeness of family and the convenience of having simple luxuries... like Target and Jamba Juice!

Unfortunately, after living in the sheltered world of military healthcare, I am now discovering the woes of health insurance in the civilian world. Between referral authorizations and separate lab test bills, it's no wonder some people avoid dealing with their health and doctors altogether!

On a brighter note, this relocation allowed Max and me to attend my cousin's wedding in Las Vegas where I was able to reconnect with several relatives... What's funny is that the last time I saw most of them, I was pregnant with Max! (I may be making a new reputation for myself!) And since Vegas is "on the way" to Utah, Max was able to hang out with cousin Josiah throughout the wedding weekend--woohoo!

Through The Sand

Yesterday, Mike left for his deployment. I had to part ways with my best friend and confidant to let him fulfill a duty that I have yet to fully comprehend. The proverbial "fork in the road," however, doesn't seem to fit this situation. Because, although we have to be separated physically, we are still undergoing this trial together... as the one that man and woman become when we commit to the sacred union of marriage. And that in itself helps to lift the cloud of alone-ness.

To stay true to the unique experiences that he will be undergoing apart from me and Max, though, Mike will be sharing his side of deployment life at his own blog: Through the Sand. I know I'll be following his every post!



I also praise God for the family whose presence I was immersed in during Mike's departure and throughout that day. The joy of seeing loved ones whom I have been separated from during our year in Guam was a timely blessing that effectively dissipated any feelings of loneliness.

Not Goodbye But See You Later

Being in the military can be bittersweet...often times more bitter than sweet! Gemma can attest to the many times that I often complain and whine about how the "system" is broken, and how it affects the care of my patients. One of the joys of being a family physician is the continuity of care that I can deliver to my patients which leads to a more trusting physician-patient relationship. Military deployments are often the biggest threat to that relationship as physicians are being called to the Middle East for 6 months or longer. In my case, I have been called to serve in Afghanistan for 12 months and will be leaving for 3 months of training this August (actually, in few days). The details of my assignment are a bit hazy at this point, but every time I watch CNN I get a little more nervous. This calling has been a bit of a shock for my family, but the Lord has enabled us to find strength in this time of great trial and uncertainty.

Before we arrived on Guam I could feel the Lord calling our family to this little island in the middle of the Pacific. I wasn't sure what was in store for us, but I prayed that the Lord would use us in a mighty way. He has truly blessed us with "more than we can ever ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20) The opportunity for medical ministry, youth ministry, music ministry, and even radio ministry has unleashed a sense of discipleship that can only be attributed to the changing power of Christ. Thank you, Lord, for Your work in us.

"And we know that all things work together

for good to them that love God,

to them who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

Being in Guam for 1 year has allowed me to care for people who are truly deserving of the highest standards of medical care...our active duty, active duty dependents, retirees, and veterans who have sacrificed much for the good of our country. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your health care provider.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least these,

my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."

Matthew 25:40

Me and Sid working together at the SDA clinic

To my fellow Christian brothers and sisters who have embraced my family from the first day we arrived on island, I thank you. To the radio crew at Joy92 and listeners of Total Health Live, thank you for allowing me the unique opportunity to spread our health message on the air...I will be back!

To the Guam SDA Clinic, thank you for the sacrifice and zeal that you have demonstrated towards the people of Guam, and for the opportunities that you have given to us for medical ministry.

To the precious youth and young adults who have allowed themselves to be teachable and open to the power of Scripture...may we all remain faithful to the finishing of the work. And may that work begin in all of us!

Our final Sabbath potluck on Guam... until next time!

An army of youth!

"The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.

Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest,

that He will send forth labourers into His harvest."

Matthew 9:37, 38

A Change of Plans

Last May, a routine “Are-you-on-your-way-home-from-work-yet?” call to Mike turned my uneventful Tuesday afternoon into a major turning point for the Mercado family’s life.

It’s practically a law of nature that life just doesn’t go as planned… even when it seems a coin toss has already decided your fate. You may recall that last April, Mike was assigned to be an alternate for his colleague who was chosen to deploy to Afghanistan (see “Heads or Tails” for the story). As an alternate, Mike still walked around with the cloud of possible deployment over his head, not convinced that he was in the clear until someone physically left on a plane to Afghanistan. I thought it was just his pessimistic side coming out. But maybe that was God’s way of preparing him, and me, for the news that would eventually push Mike’s cloud to bear precipitation.

Just 2 days before our trip to CA, we learned that there had been a change of circumstances for Mike’s colleague who was now unable to deploy …and we knew it meant that Mike must go in her place. That brief phone conversation on Tuesday opened an emotional floodgate, filling me with disbelief, disappointment, and devastation, especially with Max and the new baby at the forefront of my mind. Praise God for giving us a getaway to CA to absorb the shock!

Since then, I’ve taken advantage of quiet times alone to process my own thoughts and feelings about Mike’s deployment and the implications for each member of our family. Through meditation and journaling, talking with God, and reading His Word, I’ve come to a place of acceptance and peace. It’s also been encouraging to talk with family and friends and be reminded of His sovereignty and His goodness. In fact, the only thing that abates any feelings of anger, doubt, or resentment is knowing that He holds the whole universe in His hands (Psalm 8:3-4) and that things happen for a divine purpose (Romans 8:28).

After much prayer and family discussion, we made the decision to relocate temporarily back to CA while Mike is deployed. I’ll be staying with my parents in Bakersfield and will return to Guam with Max and the baby tentatively by next summer.

So here we go on another Mercado adventure, taking a step in a new direction.

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

--Proverbs 16:9

California Adventures - part 2

After celebrating Sid’s graduation, we proceeded north to Stockton, CA, to enjoy the hometown life with Mike’s side of the family. Grandma Linda and Grandpa Jun had a fantastic time with Max at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they witnessed first-hand Max’s passion for marine life! He also discovered the joys of karaoke, shopping, and the smooth ride of Great-grandma Lourdes’ walker.



Our final week on the mainland was spent at our favorite getaway in Dana Point, CA. And joining us in this place of escape were my grandfather, my parents, and my brothers and their families. With all of us being so busy and separated by distance, time with them is something to be treasured. It was an extra special treat for Max, though, to have 10 whole days with his cousin Josiah (just 5 weeks older than Max) who came all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah! …with George and Barbie, of course. ;)

California Adventures - part 1

After 10 months away from home, we finally made it back to the other side of the Pacific Ocean! We spent 3 weeks soaking in the presence of family and friends… and, of course, eating at our fave restaurants (Mike’s real reason for ever being homesick!).

The timing of our visit was focused on a grand event that took place on the grassy field of our alma mater Loma Linda University in southern CA. On May 25, Mike’s little brother Sidney joined the club of “Dr. Mercado’s”, receiving his Doctorate of Medicine degree as a member of the largest graduating class in the history of LLU’s School of Medicine. Among his classmates were Van Geslani (fellow Guamanian and son of Uncle Bevan Geslani who is the SDA Clinic director). Thanks to all the connections that come out of attending a reputable church-affiliated medical school, we were also delighted to run into old friends who were celebrating other graduates.

It was a nostalgic experience to watch Sid walk across the same stage that we and my brother George did just 4 years ago--the walk that symbolizes all the paths that lead there and those that go forward from it. Sidney has, so far, survived the first month of his Internal Medicine residency at the Harbor UCLA hospital in Torrance, CA. Although intern life is treating him as expected (quite rough!), we’re confident that God is growing his knowledge and character in preparation for the mission field—a desire that we were excited to see evolve and solidify during his visit to Guam. We’re proud of you, Sid!

Click on the picture below to see more:

Sid's Grad

We do owe a huge Si yu’us ma’ase to our faithful friends Merrick and Lynne for providing a comfy and Max-friendly home environment during our stay in Loma Linda. We were also more than grateful for the warm clothing they loaned us to help brave the rain and 53-degree weather which we were totally unprepared for!

Catch-Up

Ahoy mates! These past couple months have whizzed by without much “free time” to tell you all about the latest occurrences… hence, long time no blog. But now that Max is sleeping, and I have no other distractions while I’m sitting on this Amtrak train for the next few hours (more on that later), it’s time to get all you faithful readers up to speed on the Mercado family’s recent journeys.

So as not to overwhelm you (or myself, for that matter), I’ve decided to organize recent events in a series of entries that will be published over the next several days. So stay tuned and tread along with us on a path that has taken us to both peaks and valleys.

Happy Father's Day

This past weekend was Father's Day, and what a better way to spend Father's Day than with Gemma and Max! We enjoyed a wonderful Sunday brunch at one of our favorite dine-in spots, Top O the Mar, which has an excellent view of the Philippine Sea.

The joy that comes from being a father is indescribable! From the first smile to the first hand sign to the first step to the first vocalizations of the word "daddy", I am constantly reminded of the blessing that comes from having a precious son in Max.

Here are just a few snapshots of our "Max and Daddy" adventures ...

If I could be like "Mike"...




The beautiful island of Rota

Talofofo Falls




Max and Daddy at Sea World

The Days of My Youth

I never envisioned that my time spent on Guam would extend beyond the confines of Naval Hospital and the occasional day at the beach. How boring...! Despite having absolutely no experience (and no set of instructions), the Lord showed me a much more exciting endeavor: mentoring young people. These are some of the most energetic, intelligent, passionate, and loving group of kids whose desire to learn about Christ has enabled me to grow exponentially in my own spiritual walk. Each with their own individual personality and life story, but each with a similar desire to have Christ formed within.

Meet the crew...

The key to working with youth is to take them seriously.

...but not too seriously!

Cassi and Lance

Max enjoying his favorite thing...Attention!

"Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity."
- I Timothy 4:12

Round 2

Ding, ding, ding! Well, I guess that since I just can't hide it anymore from my fellow Guamanians, it wouldn't be fair to hide it from our friends and loved ones across the globe...

We're pregnant! Yup, Baby #2 is on the way! We are certainly excited to expand our family a bit and have a playmate to keep Max company. I can't quite tell if Max comprehends this whole "Mommy's having a baby" concept, but whenever little Jasmine Lee is nearby, he seems to want to check in on her and make sure she's okay--as if those big brother instincts are ready to be activated!

So, the Mercado adventures shall soon take on a new dimension. The due date for this little one is September 7, 2008, which means I'm going to have a really hot summer! In the meantime, we're praying that Mike doesn't get called for that deployment to Afghanistan (which would start in August) and thanking God for each moment that God gives us together as a family.

Our first glimpse of the baby's face. In the middle of the dark area are the baby's nose and lips.

Profile shot.

Drum roll please...

It's a girl!!!

Pagat Cave

The adventures just keep getting better! Last Saturday was Sidney's last Sabbath on Guam, so this final hike had to leave a lasting impression. We had no idea what the hike to Pagat Cave would have in store for us, but even people who had never been there said we should go. It wasn't until we met up with the rest of the group that we found out that there was a water component to this journey. That's OK. I can handle wet socks and shoes, I thought to myself, expecting a little wading reminiscent of our Shark Pit hike.

Well, we finally reached the entrance to the cave...

and descended down a rocky and slippery path...

to find this waiting for us:

The rest of our "hike" was by
candlelight,
flashlight,
and glow-sticks!


We were amused and awestruck to discover that the whole point of the Pagat Cave hike is the water! A natural "indoor" freshwater pool (supposedly clean enough to drink!), it was like an oasis from the heat and humidity that weighed on us with every rock and ledge that we overcame on the way to the cave. Kinda funny that everyone else that hiked alongside us knew exactly what was at the end of the trail...no wonder they were so enthusiastic!

There aren't many times in life that what I expect to be a minor inconvenience actually ends up being the very thing I am striving for. It makes me think about how we initially enter a relationship with God (often with a little hesitation), expecting that He's probably going to ask us to change a few things. Maybe give up certain habits or rearrange our priorities. And we anticipate those changes are going to be a burden, an inconvenience. But then, when we come to that point of change, we find ourselves desiring to change... wanting to leave behind the way life was without God. And as we continue to grow in our relationship with Him, that change, that transformation, becomes the very thing we hope for: a manifestation of Christ in us. That's sanctification.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Max: "Am I supposed to be this wet??"

Emerging as survivors, thoroughly refreshed by an indoor swim!

Heads or Tails

Well the "invitation" for Mike to go to Afghanistan for 15 months came around--again. This time the probability was a little less in his favor considering there were only 2 candidates to choose from. It was between Mike and our friend Ericka--fellow Camp Pendleton Residency graduate. And since no one volunteered (duh), the future was decided by a coin toss... literally! There's no such thing as "winning" or "losing" when it comes to watching your friends go through the fire instead of you. But as a wise king once said:

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven...
(see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

After what seemed to Mike the longest airtime a quarter's ever had, Ericka was told that she would be deployed and that Mike would be the alternate. God has been merciful towards us once again. We are, however, coming to realize that if the deployment trend continues as it has been, we as a family need to be prepared for when (not if) Mike does finally get deployed.

It's not easy to be reminded that your husband is "Property of the U.S. Navy", but what a comfort to remember that the real Owner of all created things, all time and space, is the same God that gave Himself to save us from our sins and give us a life that could never compare to anything this world has to offer.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Shark Pit

On the hiking trail again, we decided to pursue something with a more horizontal path. Unlike our last hike at 1000 Steps, however, this one required some "wading" skills. Low tide and cool waters actually made for a very refreshing trail and made me wish for even more water obstacles! The endpoint of the trail was the so-called "Shark Pit" which is an underwater drop-off in the midst of a reef, allegedly a place where sharks were once encountered. Along the way, we came across some intriguing critters who were chosen to exhibit to Max the wonder of God's creative power.

Pre-wading picture

Hermit the Crab

"2 are better than 1"

Tickle, tickle, Mr. Starfish!

"Wade in the water... Wade in the water, children..."

The location of the Shark Pit is indicated by the turquoise blue color
in the midst of the almost clear water.
Lucky Sid has 3 lifeguards supervising his swim!

Mission: Rota 2008

Our very first time leaving the island of Guam was for a higher purpose than pure leisure. We were on a mission--really! As brief as it was, this was our first mission trip as a family. Although it seems ironic that we would be leaving an area that much of the world already sees as a mission field, there are hundreds of tinier islands here in the Marianas that have yet to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Guam's closest neighboring island of Rota is just 47 miles (20 minutes by plane) away and is an island where there is a great work to be done.

In mid-February, medical providers from the SDA Clinic started flying out to the island of Rota every weekend to give a series of lectures about healthy living. Health screenings for blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar were also performed at each meeting and tracked on a progress report for each individual who attended. This allowed people the opportunity to see how those health indicators changed over time as they put the health principles they learned (such as diet, exercise, temperance, etc.) into practice. Throughout the month of March, these health lectures were then supplemented by teachings of Biblical truths via Pastor Tony Moore's series on the travels of the apostle Paul.

I learned that Rota means "peace" in the Chamorro language, and peaceful it was. As soon as we stepped outside the airport, you couldn't help but breathe in a sense of calm and serenity. And the visual beauty that surrounded us during those 3 days paralleled the spiritual experience we partook of that weekend.

We took so many pictures, you'll have to click on the picture below to see them all.

Mission: Rota - March 2008

Here are some highlights:

All aboard!

Come one, come all!

Sunday morning health fair.
Student physician Sid took blood pressures for almost 2 hrs straight!

Mike and I counseled patients on their results of cholesterol and blood sugar testing.

Integrating faith and medicine

"Come, let us reason together..."
Sid discussing beliefs and convictions with a Muslim patient

12 year-old Juanita publicly declares her choice to follow Jesus Christ via baptism...
This is what it's all about.

Pastor and Mrs. Ondap (our gracious hosts!) with Pastor Tony Moore

Our final day together with the people of Rota

Island Easter

A renewed life in Christ is the greatest inspiration to re-new relationships with our fellow man. And even deeper grow the roots of a family tree when we actually take the time to talk and walk with those who should really know us best.

For Easter weekend, we had the privilege of sharing the beauty of Guam with Mike's brother Sidney and my dear cousin Nikki. And of course, like part of the family, we were honored to have Beverly come out from Saipan and visit, too! Max was smothered with love from his aunties and uncle and has enjoyed re-acquainting himself with his inherited guardians. :)

Overlooking Cetti Bay with Uncle Sidney

Auntie Nikki crossed the Philippine Sea (and more) just to see us!

The boys standing watch at the old Spanish Fort Soledad

Grubbin' on kelaguen at Jeff's Pirates Cove...
and awaiting comments from Bev the food critic!

Catching coconuts with Nikki... What a team!

The one-man show!

"Wild" bananas outside Micronesia Mall

Someone to watch over me :)

Now this is a vacation!