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Finding joy in the little things

April 25, 2018

With about a month left here, I am torn between wanting to go home and being sad about leaving this awesome place. I feel as though I have finally settled into life on the ship. Things that I once found unnatural seem like the norm. I know it may be a little bit of a shock when I land back in the States and realize I can take a shower that's longer than two minutes, sleep in my own room, and not have 400 people around me at all times. I wish you could all experience life on the ship, if even for a short time. It's hard to put into words the life-changing experience I have had here. Over the past couple weeks I have been trying to really take in everything I am seeing here, enjoying the small moments, and finding time to reflect on the past two months. I want to start with two patient stories-two little nuggets that have really benefited from Mercy Ships, and all the "behind-the-scenes" work that takes place here. The first patient is this little baby boy. He came to

Halfway Point

April 11, 2018

I cannot believe that I am writing this blog-halfway done with my field service here. I'm sure you can tell by my lack of blog posts that life on the AFM (Africa Mercy) is busy. There is always something going on here, which makes time fly. I've been here for 45 days now, and in those 45 days my life has certainly changed from life on this ship. It hasn't always been easy. Living with 400 other people on a daily basis has its challenges. The silence I'm sure will be deafening when I return home. However, I have been challenged mentally as well as spiritually and feel as though I will leave here changed. Life on the ship has become normal to me now, and days like today are my favorite. I am working evening shift tonight, so I have the whole morning to read, write, drink my coffee and reflect on the past few days. I may even head up to our little pool on the top of the ship. There isn't a ton of down time, but maybe I feel that way because there are always people a

Adventures big and small

March 25, 2018

I wanted to send out a little blog update, just because a lot has been happening these last few days! I don't want to forget anything so I hope I remember to update you on all that has been going on here on the ship and beyond. First up: celebration of sight. All I can say is-INCREDIBLE. There are many patients here in Cameroon (and all of Africa) who suffer from cataracts. If you know anything about cataracts, you know they can be treated by pretty simple surgery. However, Cameroonians do not have that luxury. They suffer from cataracts as a kid, or young teen and are not treated promptly-which results in blindness or very poor vision. As this is incredibly life-altering for those people suffering, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing-literally helping the blind to see. Now, of course we have modern technology, but I couldn't help but think back to times when Jesus healed the blind. I thought of those stories the whole time patients were sharing their stories. One young man s

His mercies are new every morning.

March 19, 2018

I finally have had a chance to sit down and catch you all up on a bit that has been going on here on the ship, as well as some of my adventures I've taken on my days off! I cannot believe that after this week I will already have been here for a month..with only two months remaining. I really can't say enough about this ship and the people who are here. Someone put it into perspective for me. Everyone who is here has sacrificed something, so they put their heart and soul into their work. I mean after all-these are some of the most hard working people I have ever worked alongside, and we are doing it all for free! Everyone still holds each other to a very high standard of nursing practice and care. It's nice to be working in this atmosphere. So first up, I will talk about a few of my patients who touched my heart over the past two weeks. The first up is this man. You can see his before and after picture below. He has had this tumor growing for years and had the opportunit

They're Stronger Than Us.

March 03, 2018

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." Psalm 47:1 My first week here has come to a close, and what a whirlwind it has been. Meeting scores of brand new people, coworkers and friends-as well as learning how to navigate my new unit. All I can say for sure is that this place is special-and to my family and friends that have donated, you have literally no idea the impact you are making on these people here. A few things have stuck out to me this week that I will share with you-but just know that these patients are so very grateful for the love and healing they receive here. Community soccer game on the dock I think I'm in heaven! So I have only had one day off so far, and have had a few shifts on orientation (pretty much following another nurse around to learn the unit). And already I am off and running on my own. It's much different than what I am used to and I have to admit it's pushed me out of my comfort zone. Coming from a c

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