Training.... encouragement.... plans for women's events in 2012.... women come together for an afternoon of thinking through the year ahead.
Every age group of women is represented at the Roundtable. Young adults, single moms, married, divorced, widowed.... each one has a valuable insight and ideas for the future.
An excerpt from Summer Latta's Journal March 15, 2009
Summer Joy is a real Role Model and here is just one day in her life recently.
So here we are, back at the Baptist clinic (Senga Bay, Malawi) at night, I sprinted into the Labor Ward and found a laboring woman! WOOHOO! She was 19years old, first pregnancy (Gravida 1 Para 0) and Grace (the midwife) and Chelles (the patient attendant) were with her. Grace said to me, "Yes, we have been managing her labor until you arrived, she is yours now." Oh my heart was full of excitement, FINALLY a woman in labor J!! I ran to the midwife cottage and told the others (Dr. Mary Ann Faucher, Stephanie and Delaine). They came over and we discovered a multiparous woman in early latent phase of labor in the maternity ward. She was resting on a bed under a blue mosquito net with a family member at her side (it will be a while before she delivers). The Labor room was hot and humid with various bugs and creatures clinging to the ceiling fan, fluorescent lights and blinds AHHH!! The stark reality of the situation….here I am in Africa with my first labor patient, sweating, bugs falling on me and I'm trying to keep my cool. Mary Ann said jokingly, "Well, Summer you should be use to this by now!"hahaha
My patient's name is Aina and she was lying on a labor bed with a bright-colored cloth wrapped around her waist…she is so tiny. She was dilated to 7-8cm/100%effaced/+1 station upon my initial exam @ 2150. Contractions were coming 3 in 10minutes, lasting 40-50 seconds and palpating moderate. Her body is beautiful as she moves with each contraction. I am learning important phrases in Chichewa (native language in Malawi) i.e. Dulusomepwayah which means "breathe out" and Ubaysabueno which means "good job." At first, I could tell Aina was anxious and scared especially with all of the "Mazungus" aka White People in the room. Nevertheless, as her labor progressed I continued to remain a constant labor support at the bedside. Her pelvis was small and she began to writhe in pain while lying on top of a trash bag. Her body was drenched in sweat and the trash bag clung to her every move. I fanned her during contractions and she turned onto her tummy. I was shocked, I had never seen someone labor in a prone position.
While she was lying in this position, I was able to massage her lower back and promote counter pressure to her iliac crests in efforts to increase the AP (anterior-posterior) diameter so the baby would descend easier. As I laid my hands on her, they swallowed her hips and I was praying for safe passage and delivery. It was at this moment during the arduous labor, sweat soaking through my scrubs, beads of perspiration running down my face and flies swarming around us, that something significant happened…. The patient was lying on her tummy and she reached around with her left arm and put it around my waist. This was the most powerful and beautiful experience I have ever encountered during labor. This was a huge breakthrough, not just for the labor management process, but this was when the trust-bond was established between Aina and I. I got chills when this occurred, and despite the language barrier, cultural differences and the hot insect-infested environment, I felt the presence of God so strongly….for it was at this moment a midwife was birthed!
I realized that God had totally orchestrated this moment, for nothing comes without a price. True joy…for it was the joy that was set before Him that He endured the cross. I felt that I was in a labor process….as I had anticipated, longed for and desired birthing new life....I was born. The birthing of a midwife took place on the very continent where I was created. Oh Father, You saw my unformed body, all of my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began. Now was the time! I held back the tears as Aina clung to me. I could feel the pleasure of God as I stepped into my true identity as a midwife. WOW!! There are no words to adequately portray the emotions that I felt or the birthing process that took place inside of me. For it was at this very moment, I knew…this is what I was created to do! Here in Malawi (which means Flames of Fire) I was birthed.
As Mary Ann and Stephanie looked on, they witnessed this significant event. Later Mary Ann told me she was glad that I insisted we spend the night again (although she was exhausted) she was glad I pushed her J She said, "Summer, tonight I witnessed the birth of a midwife." WOW! I was overwhelmed for this is exactly what happened….
During the labor, it was as if I was one with my patient and I could feel exactly what she needed this was the Holy Spirit guiding my hands, as I truly embraced the heart of midwifery by being "with women." When Aina became complete (10cm dilated) @ 0205 we were all a little concerned if she would be able to deliver vaginally. There was fetal caput/molding felt on my exam. She began to push with all of her might! No meds, all natural, the veins in her face and chest were popping out! I've never seen someone push like she did. Grace was still skeptical and went to get Aina's family. All of the sudden we heard loud shouting outside of the labor room and Aina, stopped pushing in order to listen. I was alarmed by this yelling and asked Grace what was going on. She replied, "Oh, Summer, you see Aina's family is telling her to push this baby out or the baby will be born dead." I was shocked! Shortly after the berating screams, Aina delivered a beautiful baby girl at 0305 weighing 3000grams with lots of caput/molding. I was able to catch this beautiful Malawian baby and I was so ECSTATIC!! This was my first "catch" in Africa, what a life-changing monumental experience and Aina didn't tear, Praise the Lord!! As I held this gorgeous African daughter in my hands, I spoke blessings over her life. Shortly thereafter, the other patient delivered and I was able to catch her baby at 0355, the birth of another precious baby girl J Delaine and Stephanie did a wonderful job tending to the babies, while Mary Ann and I finished caring for the mothers.
Once we got the mothers settled under their blue mosquito nets and the babies nestled at their breasts, we called it a night. I expressed my deep gratitude to Grace for being such an amazing midwife and for allowing me to have this opportunity. We all went to bed at 0500… God you are so faithful!
Young teens require the leadership of ladies to help them learn how to become true Christian girls. Their questions can be answered by their mothers, yet their eyes watch other women and they learn by seeing women work together, respect each other, love God and walk through life supporting one another. In this world there are many distractions, temptations and potholes - a wise Role Model puts her daughter in the midst of other Role Models so she can watch, practice learning values and receive a training on how to become a woman of honor. In todays world of lax morals, zero commitments, and false belief systems young women certainly need the guidance of women of character to help them not make mistakes in their own futures.
And little girls raised within the framework and values of Role Models of America - have such an advantage of growing up using their talents, expressing themselves creatively, and learning how to be a leader from an early age. What an awesome start to life they get!
And young moms receive guidance, inspiration and support from the older Role Models to help them know what to do in life. All of their questions, actions and decisions can receive steady support and comfort in their fast paced days of babies, jobs. marriages and personal lives by being a part.
So RMA touches every life and every age... for the good of all.
It is important for women and girls to understand etiquette and perfect lady manners even more so in this modern world. Being feminine is almost a lost art these days! It's a wonderful way to help females grow into ladies. Make no mistake all ladies are women, but not all women are ladies.
So women are to mentor the young to encourage genteel behavior and educate the next generation on the arts of womanhood.
To be cultured and well mannered requires self discipline and focus. And also in this fast paced world of me me me ...... someone needs to speak up and remind women and girls we have a higher place to dwell in. Not in the dregs of society with the rude and uncaring, but rather to attain to a place of honor and respect.
To bring women to a place of acceptance and healing by helping them to see themselves that God sees them. RMA is committed to helping women to discover and develop the gifts inside of them and using those gifts in the Kingdom. It is a ministry that teaches women how to use the Word of God to balance their emotions, family responsibilities and careers by putting God first in everything they do. It is a ministry of empowerment; empowering women, our children, each other and our future generation. It seeks to meet the need of the hurting and broken with the message of salvation and hope through Jesus Christ.
My name is Jasmine.
RMA is a women's ministry aimed at bringing up Godly women: who are able to reach out to others in their personal lives, in their communities, and through out the world. Women who will be a beacon of Christ's light so that others can and will follow. A generation of God fearing women who uses Proverbs 31 as their example to bring up our nation's next generation of females. Women who will be a pillar of strength that will impact our homes and communities in a positive Godly format by utilizing their personal known/unknown gifts, skills and talents. My name is Jessica.
Role Models of America is a Christian Organization, founded by Gayla Holley. It is a group of Ladies that is compiled of twelve Leaders and each Leader has twelve Women under their direction. We reach out to our Community locally as well as internationally, by providing families with food, clothing, school supplies, training classes and support groups. The Direction and Vision of Role Models of America, is to reach other Women and lead them to Christ. We have events throughout the year, and with each event , we represent Christ and minister to other Women, as we serve them as Christ served. As we serve and reach out to Women that include young and old, we are therefore reaching many generations, that will have an impact on many lives for years to come. My name is Carolyn.
Role Models of America is a group of ladies who reach out to communities planting seeds of love and showing them the love the Lord has for them. Using a variety of events and activities to strengthen others through their tough times, and growing their relationship with Jesus. They encourage women letting them know they are not alone in their struggles. My name is Pam.
I am hoping to draw all women and children to God. Help them to understand the way God would like us to do, to love, give love, show kindness to others, no matter what they do or are. We are to give what ever they need, food, clothes, an ear to listen, advise and if they just need a hug, a helping hand. We are there for them. Show them God is in Everyone and Everything. My name is Carol.
Our goal is to comfort the hurting, establish family values, empower women and share the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the world. My name is Heather.
Role Models of America is an organization made up of women from all walks of life. Each Role Model has a deep heart felt desire to touch and change the lives of women all over the world by modeling the love of God and by being a living example of how God brings each of us through every trial and tribulation that we experience in our lives as women. A Role Model extends a hand to meet the needs of women all over the world, in our own community and our nation whether it is spiritual, physical or emotional through disaster relief, feeding and clothing the poor and needy and spiritual counsel giving emotional support and encouragement from the word of God. My name is Walterene.
Role Models of America encourages women to look upward at who God is as they discover Him in a new and deeper way. To look inward as they discover who they are in Christ, and to look outward as they discover God's plan for their lives in helping their community and our world. We are commissioned by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to help the hurting, mend the broken, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked. RMA has many arms that do these acts of kindness around the corner and around the world. My name is Angela. Role Models of America (RMA) is a ministry that is comprised of many different facets. Each aspect is uniquely designed to improve the quality of life for every individual. This is a ministry that mirrors the relationship of Jesus and his twelve disciples. A leader inputs wisdom and knowledge into twelve other leaders. In turn, these twelve leaders impact their world. As Role Models, we are to teach and train the younger generation. Each leader, has experienced situations and circumstances that she has had to overcome. The wisdom and knowledge she has gained; then can be passed on to others as a source of strength. Creating a safe place where a woman can grow and mature in Christ. True, sincere and deep relationships are developed during this mentoring process. With Godly wisdom, knowledge and instructions, we are transforming our sphere’s of influence with a greater vision of transforming our World. My name is Deborah. Role Models of America is a group of Christian women that desire to impact the world around them in positive ways. Modeling ourselves after the Proverbs 31 women and other Godly women of the Bible. Established on Godly principles and family values, we desire to impact the next generation with a legacy of inspiration to follow as modern examples to our families and communities. Offering avenues to share, develop and grow our strengths, talents, gifting and callings as women in our private and public lives. To offer positive solutions to handle the hardships that we face in today’s world and still remain the hands of Christ in the earth. Some of the many programs that we support include but are not limited to: · feeding the hungry · clothing the poor and needy · supporting the orphans and widows Providing classes and support groups: · Twelve step programs for those with hurts, habits and hang-ups · Marriage classes · Divorce care classes · Grief classes · Parenting classes My name is Rhonda. Role Models of America is a group of ladies who are dedicated to serving the Lord diligently by promoting love and unity with various activities, raising money through different projects, helping those in need both physically and spiritually. And personally maintaining a strong relationship with God through daily Bible reading, prayer and devotion, thus being a living example for those who follow. My name is Gladys.
