Greetings from Paris!
All went well with my first flight from JFK! My bag was checked smoothly with the weight being fine and I made it through all security checks pretty quickly with no problems.
It is a rainy day here in Paris but I'm just hanging out in the airport now waiting for my next flight to Madagascar at 11:30am Paris time. This next flight is 10.5 hours so pray that it goes well and that my bag meets me in Madagascar :)
Stay tuned for more updates!
Deborah
AFM
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Ready Or Not Here I Come
I don't think Africa is ready for me. Well, actually I don't think I'm ready for Africa :) It is kind of surreal to think that this is actually happening. This idea of volunteering with Mercy Ships has been in the back of my mind for so long. Part of me thought it would probably never happen. That it just wouldn't work out or that I would never make the final commitment. Well here I am only hours away from flying out. I'm excited, nervous, hoping that I packed enough underwear and that I haven't forgotten anything else important. In reality, I think I am as prepared as I am going to be. I mean I have had an extra two weeks to contemplate it all, eat all my favorite foods, go to a wedding I wasn't even supposed to attend and see so many family and friends. It has been a great two weeks but perhaps I'm ready to find out what God has in store in Madagascar.
Christine Caine so perfectly states in her book Unstoppable "Keep running, confident that God will train you as you run. Pray and reach for the next baton- and watch how God shapes you into an unstoppable runner as he coaches and challenges you on the run." I may not feel ready for the challenges of living in a foreign country or providing nursing care with limited resources in an unfamiliar environment where I don't even know the language but I'm confident that as long as I keep running towards Christ He will guide and direct me and be with me every step of the way.
Once again I can not thank you enough for all of your kind words, encouragement, cards, love and hugs. It means so much to me knowing that you are thinking about me and covering me with your prayers and love. I thank you in advance for prayers for safe travel, that my luggage arrives safely and that all goes smoothly with the flights! I also ask that you pray for Mercy Ships as a whole and that God would use each volunteer to be His hands and feet. Pray for the people of Madagascar that their hearts would be prepared and opened to all that God has in store.
Bear with me as I arrive in Madagascar, get settled and figure out the Wi-Fi situation but hopefully I will get to update you all soon.
Much love,
Deborah
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
1 Week Countdown
Is the anticipation killing you all? We have had cakes. We have celebrated and I'm pretty sure everybody is thinking, "Would she just leave already" ;)
Well as of now everything is still set for me to fly out on Wednesday August 26th and arrive to the ship on August 28th. The ship is actually due to arrive two days prior to the volunteers on the 26th and as far as I know they are still on schedule for that arrival date.
Some of you asked about possibly mailing letters and cards which you can to the following address:
[Full Crew Member Name]
Mercy Ships AFM
Crew Mail
P.O. Box 2020
Lindale, TX 75771-2020 USA
I was told that it may take several weeks for any mail to reach the ship but I would definitely love to receive any kind of letters or cards.
I'm anxious to get to Madagascar and get started but I truly have been enjoying this time of relaxation and spending time with family and friends. I have started the process of packing and right now I have everything in one bag that is only 40lbs which is great!
This waiting game has been interesting. I feel like this year in general seems to be bringing a lot of waiting for me. There will probably be more seasons of waiting in my life that seem useless but I know that in the end it will produce a harvest of great things. All in good time I will arrive in Madagascar ready to hit the ground running and I know this waiting period will have prepared me for everything in store.
"Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." Joyce Meyer
Thanks again for all of the love and support and stay tuned!
Deborah
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
Well as of now everything is still set for me to fly out on Wednesday August 26th and arrive to the ship on August 28th. The ship is actually due to arrive two days prior to the volunteers on the 26th and as far as I know they are still on schedule for that arrival date.
Some of you asked about possibly mailing letters and cards which you can to the following address:
[Full Crew Member Name]
Mercy Ships AFM
Crew Mail
P.O. Box 2020
Lindale, TX 75771-2020 USA
I was told that it may take several weeks for any mail to reach the ship but I would definitely love to receive any kind of letters or cards.
I'm anxious to get to Madagascar and get started but I truly have been enjoying this time of relaxation and spending time with family and friends. I have started the process of packing and right now I have everything in one bag that is only 40lbs which is great!
This waiting game has been interesting. I feel like this year in general seems to be bringing a lot of waiting for me. There will probably be more seasons of waiting in my life that seem useless but I know that in the end it will produce a harvest of great things. All in good time I will arrive in Madagascar ready to hit the ground running and I know this waiting period will have prepared me for everything in store.
"Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." Joyce Meyer
Thanks again for all of the love and support and stay tuned!
Deborah
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
Friday, August 7, 2015
Just Kidding I'm Not Leaving Yet
Surprise......I'm sticking around for another couple of weeks!
It turns out that while the ship was dry docked in South Africa getting prepared to make its way to
Madagascar they ran into some unexpected repairs that needed to be taken care of. These repairs aren't as bad as they originally expected which is great but this will still delay the ships arrival to Madagascar by 2 weeks. Therefore, it looks like I will now be flying out on August 26th and arriving in Madagascar on August 27th! I was told that my departure date from Madagascar of Nov. 28th will not change which people are most thankful for :) Thankfully, the fee for changing the flights was slightly reduced due to these circumstances that were out of our control.
I had already said all my goodbyes at work and was mentally preparing for a long week of packing, finishing up last minute details and running around to see family and friends. In reality, this is not the worst thing that could happen. It certainly wasn't in my plan or something I anticipated but I'm learning more and more not to doubt God's timing and that as always He makes ALL things work together for my good.
I'm going to take this as a hint to spend the next 2 weeks slowing down, finishing up last minute details and spending quality time with family and friends.
Keep following as I take this journey that will eventually lead me to Madagascar :)
Deborah
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
It turns out that while the ship was dry docked in South Africa getting prepared to make its way to
Madagascar they ran into some unexpected repairs that needed to be taken care of. These repairs aren't as bad as they originally expected which is great but this will still delay the ships arrival to Madagascar by 2 weeks. Therefore, it looks like I will now be flying out on August 26th and arriving in Madagascar on August 27th! I was told that my departure date from Madagascar of Nov. 28th will not change which people are most thankful for :) Thankfully, the fee for changing the flights was slightly reduced due to these circumstances that were out of our control.
I had already said all my goodbyes at work and was mentally preparing for a long week of packing, finishing up last minute details and running around to see family and friends. In reality, this is not the worst thing that could happen. It certainly wasn't in my plan or something I anticipated but I'm learning more and more not to doubt God's timing and that as always He makes ALL things work together for my good.
I'm going to take this as a hint to spend the next 2 weeks slowing down, finishing up last minute details and spending quality time with family and friends.
Keep following as I take this journey that will eventually lead me to Madagascar :)
Deborah
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
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Official
Flights are officially booked! Mercy Ships gave a couple suggestions of travel agencies to use so I decided to do that rather than try to book flights on my own. There is something that makes it all feel so finalized when you see those confirmed flights. A feeling of no turning back. A feeling of reality setting in and a feeling of excitement!
I will leave on August 10th from New York to Paris which will be about 7.5 hrs. and then from Paris directly to Madagascar which will take about 10.5 hrs. The traveling doesn't stop there though. Once I arrive in Madagascar I will stay over night and the next day take an 8 hr. bus ride to the actual ship. I will basically be traveling for 2 days which I'm sure will be incredibly exhausting but all worth it in the end!
One of the craziest things about this trip is that I found out that one of my friends that I went to nursing school with is actually volunteering with Mercy Ships at the same exact time! We could have never planned this if we tried and we both had to agree that it was all part of God's timing and plan. We won't be flying together but hopefully we will be able to meet up for the 8 hr. bus ride.
In these past weeks I have also started the process of packing. I mean where does one even begin to start packing for 3 months in a foreign country?!? I was getting worried about it but I already did some shopping for clothes, toiletries, luggage etc. and feel so much more relieved about actually starting to pack and getting myself together.
The goodbyes are slowly starting to begin with friends and some co-workers which of course is so very bittersweet. It makes me think that the goodbyes aren't going to get any easier the closer I get to my departure date. However, as I say goodbye I feel so encouraged from all the support I'm receiving that I actually feel at peace. I'm at peace knowing that the time apart will be short and that it is more like "see you later" and not so much like a final "goodbye."
Believe me when I think about certain aspects of this trip like packing, not eating pizza, being out of my comfort zone and the amount of insects, spiders, beetles and flies I'm about to encounter I get worried. The what if's and the questions surface. In general though I'm quiet calm about this adventure.
Perhaps it's the calm before the storm. Maybe I'm completely unaware of what I have gotten myself into. I believe that this inner peace is ultimately from God who I know so wisely and lovingly opened this door for me and promised to walk with me wherever I go as long as I keep my eyes fixed on Him. The author, perfecter and finisher of my faith.
Much love and thanks for reading!
Deborah
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
I will leave on August 10th from New York to Paris which will be about 7.5 hrs. and then from Paris directly to Madagascar which will take about 10.5 hrs. The traveling doesn't stop there though. Once I arrive in Madagascar I will stay over night and the next day take an 8 hr. bus ride to the actual ship. I will basically be traveling for 2 days which I'm sure will be incredibly exhausting but all worth it in the end!
One of the craziest things about this trip is that I found out that one of my friends that I went to nursing school with is actually volunteering with Mercy Ships at the same exact time! We could have never planned this if we tried and we both had to agree that it was all part of God's timing and plan. We won't be flying together but hopefully we will be able to meet up for the 8 hr. bus ride.
In these past weeks I have also started the process of packing. I mean where does one even begin to start packing for 3 months in a foreign country?!? I was getting worried about it but I already did some shopping for clothes, toiletries, luggage etc. and feel so much more relieved about actually starting to pack and getting myself together.
The goodbyes are slowly starting to begin with friends and some co-workers which of course is so very bittersweet. It makes me think that the goodbyes aren't going to get any easier the closer I get to my departure date. However, as I say goodbye I feel so encouraged from all the support I'm receiving that I actually feel at peace. I'm at peace knowing that the time apart will be short and that it is more like "see you later" and not so much like a final "goodbye."
Believe me when I think about certain aspects of this trip like packing, not eating pizza, being out of my comfort zone and the amount of insects, spiders, beetles and flies I'm about to encounter I get worried. The what if's and the questions surface. In general though I'm quiet calm about this adventure.
Perhaps it's the calm before the storm. Maybe I'm completely unaware of what I have gotten myself into. I believe that this inner peace is ultimately from God who I know so wisely and lovingly opened this door for me and promised to walk with me wherever I go as long as I keep my eyes fixed on Him. The author, perfecter and finisher of my faith.
Much love and thanks for reading!
Deborah
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
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Thankful
I am so incredibly thankful for the support and encouragement that family and friends are showing me! It is at times overwhelming. Overwhelming in a good way. Overwhelming to think about how strong my support system is and how hard it will be to leave all of you wonderful people for a short time but the support keeps me going. It reminds me why I want to do this. So many of you have poured your wisdom, love, encouragement, laughter and life into mine that I can't help but want to pass it all along to somebody else. Isn't that what this life is partly about? Learning and growing and then passing that wisdom onto somebody else to empower and encourage them to live life how God has called them to live. Life filled with hope, peace, joy, a calling and a purpose.
Some of you have asked if I am doing any fundraising to help with some of the costs for this service trip. Mercy Ships takes a leap of faith by asking volunteers to not only donate their time and service but also some of their finances to ensure that the people of Africa receive all of their medical services completely free. For further details about donating check out this page
http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/DeborahMascia
I am grateful for any donations but more than anything I cherish your words of kindness, support, encouragement and love. Thanks for reading!
Much Love,
Deborah
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
Some of you have asked if I am doing any fundraising to help with some of the costs for this service trip. Mercy Ships takes a leap of faith by asking volunteers to not only donate their time and service but also some of their finances to ensure that the people of Africa receive all of their medical services completely free. For further details about donating check out this page
http://mercyships-us.donorpages.com/crewmates/DeborahMascia
I am grateful for any donations but more than anything I cherish your words of kindness, support, encouragement and love. Thanks for reading!
Much Love,
Deborah
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
Thursday, July 2, 2015
The Beauty Of Nursing
Some of you have been surprised to hear that I will be working in a women's health clinic. I'll be honest so I was I haha! Women's health has never been my first choice. Give me somebody that has unstable chest pain, an intubated patient, a good respiratory failure patient or even a classic CHF patient and I am good to go! Tell me that I might be working with a women that is pregnant or has just had a baby and I get a little nervous. What is so awesome about nursing though is that there are so many different fields and specialties that you can try out and with each one you learn a new set of skills and gain more knowledge. The art of nursing and the basics are integrated into each specialty you just have to make some adjustments along the way. I think my fellow nurses would agree that nursing is a lot about being flexible, making adjustments and being willing to learn something new everyday.
When I originally put my application in for Mercy Ships it was for a position as an ICU nurse. They made sure to tell me when I applied that sometimes they don't have critically ill patients that need an ICU nurse so I would at times be needed in the regular adult wards. I was totally comfortable with that. I was prepared for that position. I really think God has a sense of humor though because of course the position that they offered me was nothing what I expected or even originally applied for haha! After reviewing the requirements and information about the women's health clinic I was confident that it would be a good fit and a great change of pace for me. Check out this short video to get a glimpse of what the women's health clinic at Mercy Ships is all about!
Thanks for taking the time to read and stay tuned for more updates!
Deborah
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.
When I originally put my application in for Mercy Ships it was for a position as an ICU nurse. They made sure to tell me when I applied that sometimes they don't have critically ill patients that need an ICU nurse so I would at times be needed in the regular adult wards. I was totally comfortable with that. I was prepared for that position. I really think God has a sense of humor though because of course the position that they offered me was nothing what I expected or even originally applied for haha! After reviewing the requirements and information about the women's health clinic I was confident that it would be a good fit and a great change of pace for me. Check out this short video to get a glimpse of what the women's health clinic at Mercy Ships is all about!
Women's Health Program from Mercy Ships on Vimeo.
Thanks for taking the time to read and stay tuned for more updates!
Deborah
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.
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