The Month Of March Is Marching On......

Humor me friends with the title of this blog. I'm well aware of how terrible it is. The month of March has really flown by though. During this month we have had a couple special guests visit the ship to see how the organization runs and meet some of the leadership and crew members here on the ship. If you haven't heard the Fox news anchor Dana Perino visited the ship a couple weeks ago and did a short piece about Mercy Ships on her show The Five. You probably won't see me in the video though I was a little camera shy ;)

The highlight of the month is that the women's health program is in full swing bringing in lots of lovely ladies, nail painting sessions, and late night bedtimes for the patients in which it feels like a slumber party on the ward. We have had women come in with not only obstetric fistulas but large uterine fibroids, and uterine and bladder prolapses. If you have read any of my previous blogs I might have mentioned how women's health was never an area of nursing that I was particularly interested in or ever thought I would do. This year I have felt very comfortable taking care of the obstetric fistula patients but of course I am expanding my knowledge and skill set with the other gynecological problems that we have been seeing. Lets just say I'm most thankful for the nurses that I work with that have women's health experience.

We have had two dress ceremonies to celebrate with eight ladies who have had successful surgery and are no longer leaking urine from their fistulas. Check out this previous post for more details about what happens at a dress ceremony:  https://onestepawayfromsurrender.blogspot.com/2015/10/first-dress-ceremony.html

It is basically one big party in which we sing, dance and praise the Lord for healing these ladies. The ladies often give a word of praise or share their testimony and receive some special gifts including a beautiful new dress, and jewelry. It is really interesting to hear the ladies perspectives of the process of coming to the ship and having surgery. One lady described how when she was previously at a local hospital she laid in bed for 3 weeks. One day after her surgery here on the ship we had her up, out of bed and walking in the hallways. She said she thought to herself I don't know if this is going to work. I think the nurses laughed the loudest at this because we all know how difficult it is sometimes to coax them to get up and moving. It usually involves nurses and daycrew starting to sing, clap and dance to get them out of bed. Even more uplifting and joyous was to hear each lady say how they were leaving with a new sense of confidence, that they never thought the day would come in which they would be dry or standing in front of a group of people testifying about God's healing for them. Needless to say, there were a lot of tears of joy from both the patients and crew members. This dress ceremony just reminded me why I love walking with these ladies on this sometimes rocky journey towards physical, spiritual and emotional healing. It reminded me of why I am here. He doesn't need me to take care of these ladies. He holds each one them in the palm of His hand. He knows them by name, He sees them, and walks with them long after this floating hospital ship leaves. On the days that are hard and even on the joyous days I take great comfort in knowing that God loves each one of these patients more than I ever could and yet He allows me to walk with them on this journey for a short time. For that I am truly grateful. The same goes for all of you reading this. God sees you. He loves you. He walks with you. He is for you. And as much I miss each one of you there is a peace I have knowing that one that is greater than me goes before you, watches over you and loves you more than anybody else.

Lots of joy, and laughter.

Nurses, doctors and surgeons with our beautiful patients.

I also wanted to share with you some before and after pictures of the goiter patients that I took care of in February. The general surgeon that was here noted that not only is the surgery very complex and time consuming but that these goiters compress the trachea (airway) so much that it is almost as if the patients are breathing out of a straw. It always amazes me how the body compensates and how strong these patients are to continue to walk around with such a life threatening goiter. Truly a testament to God's provision and protection over their lives. You see the physical change in them so immediately and it was a pleasure to care for these patients. 

 She said, " When I say I was not free, I mean that I could not move around as I wanted, I could not travel far from home, and I did not have the strength to carry anything on my head... so I couldn't work." After 30 years this lady is goiter free! 

With a couple more months of surgery to go please continue to pray for strength and perseverance for the crew and day crew aboard the Africa Mercy! Pray for quick healing for all of our patients and please keep the country of Madagascar in your prayers. They are recently recovering from a hurricane that flooded areas and destroyed many homes. Madagascar is near and dear to many people as the Africa Mercy spent two field services their recently.

Thank you for your steadfast prayers, love and support!

Deborah

P.S. If you want to read more about whats happening on the Africa Mercy check out a recent update that my good friend Anne wrote: http://us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2c413cacd69905839dcd3d3cd&id=3980e59c0e&e=6ea57e5e76




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

Before And After

A picture is truly worth a thousand words. I love looking at before and after pictures of our patients here on the Africa Mercy. I think it is the satisfaction of seeing such a drastic change so instantly. There is always something different in the after picture besides the obvious physical change. Eyes full of joy, laughter, wide tooth showing smiles, and a renewed sense of confidence.

What before and after pictures don't show you is everything in between that allows the patient to get to that after picture.Those pictures don't show the hours that these patients travel to get to the ship, the families and occupations they leave behind, the hours of surgery, multiple dressing and cast changes, and painful rehab and exercises that have to happen before that glowing, joyous after photo is a reality.

Just like at home patients have to come in prior to surgery to get tests and labs drawn so that surgeons and nurses can make a plan of care and make sure the patient is fit for surgery. The hospital has a fully functioning lab, CT scan and X-ray machine. 

 Even with all of these tests, highly skilled doctors, nurses and translators we never underestimate the power of prayer. One of my favorite parts of working on this floating hospital ship. 

         

              

 

  

People often comment to me how fantastic the people of Mercy Ships must be and how wonderful I am for doing this but in reality I'm on a similar journey as these patients. I can't tell you how often I wish that I could forget about the before things, skip all the middle ground and just go straight to the place in my life where everything is settled, all my questions are answered and my fears calmed. I would love to skip the challenging days, the places and people that make me feel vulnerable, the moments that test my patience and faith just so that I can finally get to that after state. Time and time again I forget that God uses that middle ground to shape me into who he wants me to be. One day when I am in heaven I will be the most perfect and complete after picture. However, I can't rush through the in between days anymore than these patients can rush through rehab, exercises or the healing process. God is taking me on a journey and I don't think he's so much worried about the after part as much as who I become in the process. Similarly, these patients are on a journey towards physical healing but it doesn't stop there. We pray that the spiritual and emotional healing and hope that they have received will far outlast and outweigh any physical healing that they have received.

"His priority, his work in us, is to continually transform our ability to love God and love our neighbor to an even greater level from whatever level of ability we have at the moment." Christine Caine

I'm thankful for these patients, their bravery, courage and various ways that they teach me everyday. I'm thankful that during this time God does not choose to keep us in a state of brokenness but continues to mold, shape and transform both the patient and caregiver in more ways than one.

The women's health program will start in a couple weeks and I'm getting excited for that. If you want to read more about OBF (obstetric fistula) surgery refer to these previous blogs: Beauty Of Nursing and Least Of These. For those of you praying continue to pray for good health and strength for the crew members, fast and smooth healing for our patients, and a good transition and start to the women's health program!



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. 

Beginnings In Benin

Somebody once told me that the emotions you go through during your time on the Africa Mercy can go a little like this...... 

Best. Day. Ever. and then the next minute what am I doing?!? Needless to say this first month in Benin has been an adjustment. Same ship, different country, different port, some familiar faces and many new faces. When I stepped onto the ship it all did feel very familiar. It was almost like I had never left and yet I was home for 10 months. Hard to explain but in the end it felt right. And as we prayed during change of shift and before my patient went to the operating room I remembered why I was drawn back to this place and why I love working with people that are of like mind and of one accord. I never thought I would do Mercy Ships at all and now I have the opportunity a second time and I don't take that lightly or for granted at all.

I have been caring for general surgery patients but will hopefully care for the OBF ladies once the program starts at the end of February. General surgery patients consist of both adults and children with surgeries for hernia repairs, goiter removal, untreated congenital abnormalities and a host of different kinds surgical problems. I will also get the opportunity to care for the maxofacial, and plastics reconstruction patients because they often overflow and get moved to beds in the general surgery unit. So far I have taken care of more kids and babies than I have in my whole career. I love children and all but when they are sick and require nursing care I'm a little lost haha. Big hand clap for all the parents and health care professionals taking care of sick children out there. I have to say the little ones are slowly growing on me though :) and I have had lots of support from my co-workers which has been great. It's just another way to advance and stretch my nursing skills which I am grateful for. 

So far I have been able to get off the ship and see the surrounding area which has been great. It looks and feels very different from Madagascar but I'm slowly learning more about the culture and ways of Benin. I also took the opportunity to go to a couple orphanages with Mercy Ministries. If you don't remember Mercy Ministries partners with local ministries to coordinate outreaches where all crew members can get involved and spend time at these places. Most of the time during these outreaches we do a bible story, craft, sing and play games with the children. We don't do anything really medical during these outreaches which is one of the things I like about it. I try to get out of my medical brain and just spend time with the kids and love on them. One was a girls orphanage and the second a boy and girls orphanage about two hours away from the ship. The second orphanage is called Arbre de via which means Tree of Life. I was truly impressed by the staff there and how they have all dedicated their lives to these kids. Really made me happy to hear the stories of how they each followed God's call to Benin. The following is the link if you are interested in more information: Treeoflifeusa.org

Once again I'm just amazed by the people I have met so far. Seasoned nurses that have decided to spend some of the latter days of their career in service to the people of Benin and to the community on the Africa Mercy. Retired couples, young couples with children, middle age and every age you can think of all from different backgrounds, nations and professions reminding me that I'm not so crazy for leaving my home to serve on this floating hospital ship. The patients, crew members and day crew on this ship never cease to amaze me with their strength, wisdom, faith and love.  

I have been in Benin for about month but the Africa Mercy has been docked here in Cotonou since August 2016. Here are some pictures of what has been going on around here.

Our orthopedic kids have a very long recovery with lots of physical therapy and multiple cast changes. They are doing great though and mom and kiddos are all smiles about their new, straight legs! 

The plastics reconstruction program is also going pretty strong right now. This isn't the type of plastic surgery that is preformed at home though. Patients often lose mobility in their arms, fingers or legs from skin contractures that form after having a severe burn that wasn't treated properly. The surgeon releases those contractures and grafts new skin onto the site to restore their range of motion. These patients also have a long recovery with many dressing changes. They truly are brave and strong individuals!   

The eye clinic is also up and running this month. They mostly perform cataract removal surgeries which is a great need here in Benin. Most of these patients have had cataracts for many years causing varying degrees of vision loss. The surgery is simple and quick but truly life changing for the patient. 

The ponseti clinic has been working hard since August. Ponseti is a technique that can correct clubfeet through a series of casts. Mercy Ships crew members are also partnering with a local ponseti clinic to help further educate and train local physicians. They recently had a celebration for the first patients that were able to have their casts removed for the last time. As with any good celebration here in Benin there was a lot of singing and dancing involved!

"Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful acts." Psalm 105:1-2

On the right hand corner of this page I have added a link to my flickr account which is where you can see more pictures of the ship, Mercy Ministires, the city of Cotonou and just pictures I have taken over the last month.

Just as a little side note if you follow me on any other social media outlet. You might think to yourself I wonder if this girl is even working or taking care of patients?!? I mean I do take advantage of my days off :) However, just like at home I as a nurse have the responsibility of respecting and protecting these patients and their privacy. You will find general patient stories here on my blog and only photos of patients that have been taken and approved by our communications team here on the Africa Mercy. 

Thank you so much for your understanding, love and support so far. For those of you praying continue to keep the country of Benin, its people, crew members aboard the Africa Mercy and the rest of this field service in your prayers. It's just the beginning for me here in Benin but I'm excited for all that is ahead!



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. 

  

Test Blog

This is a test just to see if you are receiving an email about updates on my blog. Thanks!

Love always,
Deborah

P.S. New update to come soon ;)

Overflow

T-minus 24 hrs and I am on that plane towards Benin! The bags are almost packed and I am getting excited and nervous all at the same.

As 2016 comes to a close I find myself once again thankful and humbled by all the ways God has orchestrated the past 12 months. I started 2016 off in Madagascar, came home in February and started work at my previous job in March. It was all an adjustment period but I was able to get connected to a local church, volunteer, enjoy lazy summer days, and celebrate my birthday in Northern Ireland. I have sat around many tables in many homes, restaurants, and places spending time and having good conversations with all of you that my hearts is overflowing. 

"When you receive a gift the blessing of God comes to you but when you give a gift the blessing of God flows through you." Pastor Jeremy Zeigler

Spending Christmas at home was also a highlight of the year. I was able to engage in and be present for all the events and activities that I longed for last year. I have received many good gifts over this past year. I'm not even really talking about the monetary ones either although they are greatly appreciated. It has been your generosity with kind words, time spent, prayers, love and laughter that has filled my heart up. I have literally been made speechless at times by the support from family, friends, my Redemption Community Church family, colleagues at White Plains Hospital, and even my hairdresser! I know that in times of challenge I will have to draw from all of this for strength but I am confident that the wisdom, love, support, grace, and kindness that you have given will flow through me and spill over into the lives that will cross my path over the next six months.

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

Thanks to your generosity I have actually exceeded my fundraising goal and any further donations that are made will go directly to Mercy Ships. THANK YOU! 

Some of you have been inquiring about an address to send cards and packages. Just be aware that packages can get costly for me to receive so keep them light or feel free to send a card which I truly do enjoy receiving :)

[Full Crew Member Name]

Mercy Ships AFM

Crew Mail

P.O. Box 2020

Lindale, TX 75771-2020 USA

The following video is all the evidence you need to see that " hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" and that the gifts you have given will flow and meet the needs of so many other people. I pray you all have a Happy New Year! 

Maintain Speed. Keep Moving.

A couple months ago I was driving to Pennsylvania for a close friends wedding and as I was approaching a toll booth I noticed a sign that read "Maintain speed. Keep moving." I'm sure that I have passed that sign several times and it really is there to warn drivers to avoid an accident near the toll booth but this time around it really caught my attention. I couldn't stop thinking about that sign the whole time I was driving. Maintain speed. Keep moving forward.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:2

Notice that this verse says to RUN with perseverance. Not walk, not jog, not even power walk but RUN. I don't ever want to downplay or belittle the times in our lives where we must slow down, take a deep breath and be still before our heavenly Father because that is all indeed part of the race. However, sometimes we need to brush ourselves off, get up and RUN towards all that God has planned for us. Maintaining speed and moving forward. This verse has really been challenging my heart in many ways. It has been helping me to keep my eyes fixed on Christ, not looking to the left or the right and what everybody else around me is accomplishing and doing but keeping my gaze straight on towards Christ. It has helped me to really think about the race that Christ has marked out specifically for me, in this time, in this season of my life.

"There is one thing you are responsible for. Only one thing matters: Run the race marked out for you. Run forward toward the finish line with every ounce of strength in you and with your eyes fixed on Jesus, so that you too can one day say: 

'I have fount the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith 2 Timothy 4:7'" 

Christine Caine-Unstoppable 

I want to run this race well, with perseverance, moving forward, and seizing the opportunities that are in front of me. I want to run the race marked out for me. With all that being said I will be volunteering again with Mercy Ships from January 2017-June this time in Cotonou, Benin! The opportunity is here and the time is now and I don't want to waste any time. As I go the race will change. Seasons will change. I know I won't run this race with Mercy Ships forever. It is just one leg of the race that is molding,shaping and preparing me for the other legs of this divine race.

The first question I have been receiving is where is Benin?!?

I'm not sure what specialty/ward I will be working in until I get there but definitely hoping to work in the women's health program again. I will also be living and working on the ship the entire time this field service which is what most people do anyway. Last year's on land living was the exception to the rule due to the land based OBF clinic. On the right hand corner of this blog I have put some links with facts about Benin, a Mada II recap video (highly recommend) and some more information about the part you can play in this journey. 

As always I am so very thankful for your continued support, love, kind words and prayers!

Love Always,

Deborah

"God Almighty, who calls you by name, wants to make you a partner in his eternal work. He invites us to be world-changers by sharing the good news of eternal life and caring for the needs of a broken, hurting world. That's what running the race marked out for you is all about." 

                                                  Christine Caine- Unstoppable

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.

Women Power

I wouldn't call myself a feminist. Maybe it seems to extreme for me. Maybe it's cause I grew up in a house where I was outnumbered by men. I recognize how important men are to our society. God fearing, praying, obedient, hard working and committed men are the backbone of the family. They set the tone for how a household is run. Read what the bible says about men and the responsibility they are charged with and we can discuss further. I really wanna talk about women in this post but shout out to godly men living their lives for Christ, shaping family's, churches, businesses and the future generation.  

Lately, I have been thinking about the strength, influence, and courage women have. I have recently started volunteering some time at a place called the Walter Hoving Home in Garrison, NY. It is a spiritually based program that serves women who are involved in drug and alcohol addiction, prostitution and other life controlling problems. This organization has incredible success rates and is definitely worth checking out  http://walterhovinghome.org/about-us/ 

I can't help but compare and see the similarities these ladies have with the obstetric fistula patients I took care of in Madagascar. Ladies who maybe living on the opposites sides of the world, in different situations but both battling depression, loneliness, broken relationships, suicide, and complete loss of identity and hope. But God. With God and people being obedient to the call to spread his good news both groups of ladies declare testimonies filled with redemption, hope, joy peace and a future. Listening to the ladies testimonies and stories at the Walter Hoving Home has made my eyes fill up with tears of joy and my heart burst because in a way it transports me back to dress ceremony celebrations in Madagascar. 

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, 

clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, 

humility, gentleness and patience." 

Colossians 3:12

This all got me thinking that there is just something so incredible about seeing confidence, hope and courage being restored to a woman. Not because she can then go out, conquer the world and defeat men. Just the opposite actually. A woman who is confident and finds her identity in Christ can be a more influential woman, coworker, daughter, sister, friend, wife and mother. All of these rolls that women have greatly affect the next generation. If a woman can be a better mom, she can empower her daughter to be bold, and fearless which in turn will effect the women after her. If a woman can confidently support, encourage and stand by her husband and children the family unit will instantly fortify. Most importantly, when women stop tearing each other down, and criticizing one another we can be a force to be reckoned with. We can be unified, steadfast, and absolute world changers. Whether it is good or bad our actions, words and lives all have a ripple effect. What I love about the Walter Hoving Home and nursing obstetric fistula patients is watching how strong and banded these circles of women are. I love watching how powerful and effective they can be as a group. I love watching them build each other up and how they propel each other forward into all that God has for them. 

Maybe this isn't about just women. Maybe its really about men and women coming along aside each other and working together to truly bring God's kingdom alive here on earth. Maybe I'm just sick of all the negativity, and division swirling around me on the news, media and sometimes even my own life. 

This has all been challenging me lately. Maybe I'm just giving myself a pep talk here but to all the women out there: You have something inside of you. You bear Christ's image. You are a daughter of the most high God. You have talents, gifts, and characteristics that no other women has that have been given specifically to you to influence the people all around you. Be Bold. Be Courageous. Because Christ lives in you. You are His. Stop beating your self up. Live every day to fullest and walk in confidence that goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. 

"Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. 

Treat a man as he can be and should be and 

he will become as he can be and should be."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe