Kathy's Mercy Ship Adventures: August 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

End of Week One

It is only the end of week one and I feel like I am been here for months! I have talked to more people in this last week than I have probably spoke with in a year. Thank goodness I am not shy otherwise I may get lost in the shuffle. We all know that I do not have that problem :) There is always something to do or someone to talk to or if I need quite time, I can find a space for that as well.

It is very cool to hear all the different accents. I am even learning to speak some French and other languages that I cannot even pronounce. Perhaps by the end I will be somewhat fluent in basic French.

The week was very busy, packed with orientation to the ship and to the hospital. We've had evacuation drills and fire drills. Today....I was a "blind patient" and had to be escorted all the way out of the ship blindfolded. That was scary, but fun!

The local people that are fluent in English are hired to help in the hospital as translators and crew help. We spent the day orienting them on how to help in the hospital...making beds, cleaning, washing clothes, and helping with meals. The wards have 10 beds each, crammed side by side and also have a mattress under the bed for the caregiver. I am told that often Momma may also have her baby with her and sometimes Dad may come as well.....thus, this makes for a very busy room with lots of noise and many different languages being spoken I only have a "perception" of it all right now.....The big hospital opening starts on Sunday......Within the first few weeks the hospital should be filling up!

I think I already shared on Facebook that Wednesday was the screening day. I later found that over 7000 people crossed the gate. More that 4000 cards were given out for surgeries. Once pictures are posted, I will post here as well.

I am settling in....I found the laundry room, galley where we can make our own food, the library and many little nooks to have quiet time in. I believe I will comfortably be able to call this awesome community "home" for the next 10 months. It is just weird to recognize that my "home" has 400+ members in it from all over the world. I admit that it is strange that at 50 years old I am just starting this adventure, whereas so many that are here are in the 20's and early 30's and doing all the traveling they can and engaging in life in so many different areas of the world.

Spiritually.......it is awesome to recognize that we are all here with the same core values and mission. We are all here to engage in life, serve and recognize that our own lives are unfolding as well. Each of us, as individuals have a story to tell and are here to support each other in our life's journeys!

Off to the big market tomorrow.....and plan to attend the large Catholic Church in town on Sunday. I hear the whole mass is said in French!...Believe it or not, the Catholic Mass was the shortest one, the rest of the churches services sometimes last 4-5 hours!...I plan on trying them all!

More pictures soon!.......Off to play Euchre for now!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Finally Able to Blog!

I am finally up and running with my blog and very excited to share my adventures with everyone.

Just catching up a little..................

I GOT HERE!!! YEAH!!!...............It was a long flight, yet uneventful.......I did not even get grumpy!..........On my last flight from Frankfurt to Pointe Noire I traveled and met 30 other Mercy ship volunteers. Friends at first sight :)

Once here......WOW...very surreal!.......Am I really here?............Is everyone really this nice?.............Can I sleep in this room with 5 other girls?........Did I say..........AM I REALLY HERE??!!.........I've talked about it for so long, yet could not believe I am really here.

I AM HERE AND LOVING IT!!

Day 3.............I am convinced that this is exactly where I need to be for the next 10 months!......My mind and heart are overwhelmed by this awesome community of volunteers. Everyone is so amazing!........So kind, So accepting, So Loving...........There has been an immediate connection!

I was led to believe for the last 30 years that I thought to much, over-analyzed, had too much compassion and always felt a little different..........Now, I am immersed with 440 crew memebers "just like me"!!! :)

I was timid to make this transition as I've had so many changes in this last 6 months that I did not know if I could handle another change...........Now, from the moment I met my roommates and other crewmembers I knew this is where I needed to be!

Those of you who know me well know the drama that has occured in my life over the last few years including job changes, job losses, and the end of a 35+ year marriage relationship. Love was not in the air for quit some time......or so I thought.............What I found out before I left was that I truly did have much LOVE surrounding me.....I found that my immediate family was there for me, my sons have been so supportive and awesome and I recognized that I had a awesome group of friends!! I just want to reiteerate to all of them......THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for all your love and support over these last few months!

Now, as I get here I admit I am overwhelmed with the amount of LOVE and excitement that flows through the ship. When we worhsip and sing...I have a hard time holding back my tears. I am just so amazed at the grace, love, mercy and respect that everyone has for each other..........something that was lacking so much in my marriage. Now, I recognize that abundance of love that God offers to those who ask! I recognzie that I had to go through past experiences to appreciate where I am today!!............PRAISE GOD............PRAISE LIFE..........PRAISE PATIENCE AND GOD'S TIMING.......PRAISE FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!

Enough of the mushy stuff..........now for the fun pictures!!!