The Birth of a Midwife

I have decided to add my journey into midwifery to my blog.  It is and will be a big part of our life as a family.   The first time I felt "called" into midwifery was 14 years ago when our twins were babies.  I had recovered from a c-section infection and we knew we wanted more children.  In my studying about birth, home birth really caught my attention and I felt "called", even though I had not yet had a home birth myself.  In my Bible next to Isaiah 41:8-9, I have written "Midwifery?  1-96"   Since then I have gone on to have six babies at home.  I was also waiting for the right time to pursue this calling.  Obviously, since I was still having babies of my own, it wasn't the right time.   Two years ago, when our youngest was one, I decided that maybe I should forgo midwifery and be doula.  That way I would still be involved with helping women through childbirth and yet it wouldn't put so much pressure on my and my family.  I did an online course and helped two mom's with births.  One and unassisted birth at home where I really did nothing but put some water in the birth pool, the other a hospital birth with an amazing first time mom!    It felt right to be in the business of helping birthing moms, and yet I knew this wasn't "it".  So, Chris and I talked about it and decided that someday, when we had enough money, I would enroll in Ancient Art Midwifery Institute.  This is the school I had been looking at for all these years.  But, we needed $4500 to enroll.  Three or four weeks after we discussed this and prayed about it, Chris got a card in the mail from his parents for Father's Day.  He opened it and found a check for $5,000!!   So, I was at a crossroads.  Do I ask for it?  Do I remind him of what we had talked about?  He asked "What should we do with this money?"  I was silent.  It was HIS money, how could I ask him for most of it?  He went out to mow and I prayed and prayed.  I prayed that he would see it as an answer to our prayer about my schooling.  I also prayed that if he decided to buy something or put it into his business, I wouldn't be upset or bitter.  "God, YOU take this and let me be at peace with whatever YOU decide."   Chris came in, we watched a movie, not a word was said about the money.  I thought he forgot about the school.  Then at bedtime, he said "Well, I guess you better enroll in that school!"  I almost fell off the bed!   I was SO happy!  And, so amazed at my generous husband.   And, feeling this was God's way of saying "Now is the time, Vicki."   I have more to write about this journey, you can be sure I will add to my story later.