Ready. Set. Go.

We made it through the 8 hr. drive that actually took us about 11 hrs. and finally arrived at the ship on Monday at around 5:30pm! Despite the long trip, curvy, hilly roads the scenery was absolutely beautiful and gave us some great time to take in this beautiful country. It was hard getting pictures with the bus moving but here are a couple.

Packing up to leave.

It was surreal pulling up and seeing the ship for the first time. I'm not really sure how else to describe it but absolutely incredible. Volunteers across the entire ship are ready to go but there is still some "setting" to do. There is some preparation of the wards that can really only be done once the ship is docked. Also, there is a lot of hospital orientation that has to be done. We have nurses from all over the world that come from a variety of different types of hospital so there is a lot of education that needs to be done to ensure the patients receive the same care from each nurse. It is so interesting to hear about how nurses from different countries work and let me tell you there are a lot more ways to pronounce different medical terms and refer to medical equipment than I expected lol.

You would not believe how much preparation goes into this operation. I'm completely blown away by how many people are involved from different areas and how well they all work together. You really have to be flexible in this kind of environment but within all of the changes this organization works together and keeps moving forward. It goes to show that a body of people that keep Jesus at the center of everything and are in one accord, striving for the same goal and purpose can truly accomplish great things. I'm kind of speechless that I get to witness this all unfolding and play just a small part in this organization.

Patients arrive on Monday with the first surgery scheduled on Tuesday. We have some more work to do to get the Obestric fistual clinic prepared but more updates on that soon.

Finally, a huge thank you to everybody that donated financial support. I officialy have all of my monthly crew fees covered!! I can not thank you all enough for the financial support, words of love, and encouragement! If you wish to give I would suggest continuing to research Mercy Ships and all the great things they are accomplishing and ways to financially support them!

Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned as this journey continues to unfold!

                     View from deck 8 of the ship. 

              OBF clinic nurses helping out the deck crew! We are certainly a multitalented group :) 

Although I am currently serving with Mercy Ships, everything communicated here strictly reflects my personal opinions and is neither reviewed nor endorsed by Mercy Ships. Opinions, conclusions and other information expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercy Ships