Wave of Mercy

This Time Last Year

2009-05-22T00:15:00.002-04:00

I was sitting at work today talking to my co-workers about what I was doing this time last year. This time last year I was 2 days away from heading out into the adventure of a lifetime. This time last year I had no idea what I was in store for, how my life would change inside and out. This time last year I was running around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to get every last detail taken care of. This time last year I was 2 days away from heading off to Africa to serve with Mercy Ships.

So much has changed in the last 12 months. I cannot believe that much time has gone by. In some ways it feels like it was yesterday and in some ways it feels like that part of my life was a lifetime ago. One thing is for sure, I am a changed person. Thank God for that. Thank God that though circumstances change- He does not. Though life does not go at all like you think it will, most of the time, God is our refuge and strength. It doesn't always feel like it, but He is.

Tomorrow I get the wonderful gift of getting to go to San Francisco to visit some of my very favorite and cherished friends that I met while serving with Mercy Ships. I am flying out with my friend Wendy, "Tex" as we affectionately called her, and we are meeting up with Ruth (from England) and Grace (who is staying in San Fran right now). We are also going to get to see Tyrone (the chef) and his wife Stefanie (who is also a nurse). I cannot wait to see these lovely friends again.

Tonight I am sitting with my friend Kim, talking about life and struggle and pain and grief...and being shattered. But we're also talking about the beauty that there can be in pain. The beauty in seeing how God truly does work things out. How He really is working for our good. There is beauty in being shattered and there is beauty in pain and there is hope.

Last year this time I had no idea what was on the road in front of me. And thank God that we only get to see the next step in the journey, and not down the road. If we knew what was down the road I might not ever want to take the next step. But thanks be to God who gives us the courage and faith to take the step. I am better for every step I have taken and more alive than ever, simply for being on the journey.

So much love for the Southfield Christian Girls!!

2009-02-06T00:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I had the AMAZING opportunity of getting to share my story with the high school girls at Southfield Christian Schools. Oh my goodness how I LOVED it and LOVED them!! Thank you girls for listening to my stories. Thank you girls for letting me share with you. Thank you girls for sharing some of your stories with me.

I hope I get to come back again soon. What a gift you ladies are!

I will write more later about what I shared. But for now, just wanted to share my great love for these high school young women!!!

The View from the Valley

2009-01-31T21:55:00.001-05:00

Recently on facebook I posted my status as, "Jenny is in a valley". A friend of mine typed back asking "how's the view?". At first I thought, "what a dumb question - there is no view". Sometimes because of where you are - you can't see anything but your current state of affairs. You cannot see the hope rising or the lessons learned - because you are in the midst of it. You don't have the vantage point of looking down on it to gain perspective.

Then I realized that wasn't entirely true. The truth is that there is a view from the valley. It might not be the million dollar view from the mountaintop, but there are still things to see and learn. Sometimes the view is priceless.

One thing I am learning is this - loss is extremely painful and changes things forever - but it is not completely unbearable. If I am willing to acknowledge it, I dare say there is even some good in it. I have never felt more loved and supported by so many friends and family members. I knew it before, but now I really know it - I am loved and I am not alone. There have been so many people willing to climb down into this valley and walk along side me. There have been so many who wish desperately that I didn't have to be in this valley at all.

Then there is the whole compassion thing. I have a whole new understanding of compassion for hurting people. For sure, none of us have the exact same experience or the exact same reaction to a situation. But, I certainly feel as though I have a much greater understanding for those who have endured loss. For anyone who has lost a dream, lost a person, lost hope or for anyone that has woken up one day to find that life is infinitely harder than they ever thought imaginable - I get it.

And then there is my dear mother. I love her more than ever. Over the past few months I have come to the startling realization that I am more like her than I ever cared to notice before. But the truth is, I am so glad to be like her. I am glad to have this shared experience with her. God has used this experience to bind us together like nothing else ever could. I want to be strong like her. I want to be tender like her. I want to find love like she found love. I want her to have that love again someday. I am thankful to be on this journey with her.

So, where am I in the valley? I am not sure. The truth is I started writing this post "View from the Valley" exactly one month ago. The past 30 days have been harder than I thought. I thought things would get easier and they have not. I thought things would hurt less, they hurt more. I thought I would have "moved on", I have perhaps set up camp. But, you know what? I am ok with that. I am tired of people wanting to make things better for me. I am tired of people telling me what to do to get out of the valley. I am tired of being tired.

The truth for me is this - the valley is not all bad. I firmly believe it is where I am suppose to be - for right now. I am not planning on being here forever. I am planning on turning my face towards God and letting Him do the healing. And, then I will put one foot in front of the other and at some point I will be on the other side of the valley.

Christmas is for the brokenhearted

2008-12-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

Well, It's Christmas eve...and it is raining. Raining outside on the snow-covered earth and raining inside my heart these days. Christmas can be a funny time for me. Sometimes it is a hard season - the end of the year, time of reflection - am I who I want to be? Have I accomplished anything at all since last year at this time? And Christmas is a wonderful time too - filled with family and friends and warm memories and lights and trees and gifts. This year every minute my feelings about Christmas seem to change.
Today I was talking to a close friend about how I feel about Christmas these days and our plans for Christmas day came up. She invited me over, said she is having other people over that are brokenhearted too. I said, "oh you are having the Christmas for the brokenhearted this year". And that is when it hit me. Christmas is the greatest gift of love - specifically for the brokenhearted. Yes, Christmas is about presents, friends, family, food. It is about lights and songs, traditions. But, the precious reality of it all is that at the heart of it is God's gift to us. God's gift of hope and redemption amidst a broken world. It is light and joy and indescribable peace offered to all of us who endure moments of broken-heartedness. Merry Christmas - and may you all know the greatest gift given to you, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 34:18
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Things I am Grateful For...

2008-12-12T23:59:00.003-05:00

(in no particular order)
1. That my dad is in heaven tonight and that his suffering has come to an end.
2. That God extends His grace so freely and lovingly to me - I am so undeserving it is ridiculous.
3. That Doug and Jordon were at my side today - loving me through the hardest day of my life so far.
4. For a family that has grown closer together in the last few months. Some days there is no one that can comfort you like your own mother.
5. For the opportunity to watch my brother love his family well. It has been a treasured gift to watch my brother care for my father at his bedside. To watch my brother comfort my father, encourage my father, do physical therapy with my father. And then for him to leave the hospital room and head to my mom's house to fix the snow blower, to hang Christmas lights, to helping me move furniture ;)
6. For a small group that have lived out "doing life together" in every way possible. For walking with me diligently at my side, for encouraging me, listening to me, for "lifting up my arms" when I was weary.
7. For my "family" of Kristin & Larry, Dan & Julie. For crying along side me, for praying with me when I had no words.
8. For the AMAZING nurses in the SICU at Troy Beaumont. I have never been more proud to be a nurse. They have come to be like family and they have loved my father like their own.
9. For my Mercy Ships family. We spent a summer taking care of Africa together, and from across the ocean you have taken care of me. I loved the flowers, the emails, the songs being sung on my voicemails.
10. For "my girls". Girls weekend 2008 was the greatest reprieve during this season of heartache. No where else can I let my hair down and act as crazy as when I am with you three. I am so glad God gave us each other so many years ago. There is a comfort with you Kristin, Kimmi K and Weez that is immeasurable and irreplaceable.
11. For everyone that has made a phone call to me, a facebook message, an email...a girl could not ask for better people to walk through life with. I am not alone and God has made that abundantly clear.

Update

2008-12-10T00:48:00.003-05:00

And now for a quick update on where things are at in my journey back to Mercy Ships...

As everyone knows by now, my dad suffered a heart attack back in the beginning of October. The heart attack itself didn't cause too much damage, but my dad needed open heart surgery. Unfortunately, because of some complications and some of my dad's previous health history - the recovery from the surgery has been anything but smooth. It has been 2 1/2 months now and he is still in the ICU. There is some hope that he will be able to go to a long term critical care setting soon.

Because of all that is going on with my dad, I have put my plans for returning to Mercy Ships on hold. I certainly still plan to be back in Africa next year - but I am not exactly sure of the timing. A lot depends on my dad's recovery. I am grateful to God that all that has happened has occurred while I was here - and not 16 hours and 2 plane rides away.

In the meantime, I still am making some progress in getting back to serving with Mercy Ships. In the end of October I spoke at my church, Genesis, about my journey. Through some very generous contributions from the Genesis community - God is providing for my financial needs to get back to Africa. Also, through speaking at Genesis I have another opportunity to share my journey during a chapel time at Southfield Christian Schools coming up in January. I am so excited for this - I love high schools girls and I look forward to sharing with them.

I am still working on renting out my house...kind of on hold until after the holidays. Thank you to everyone who has offered me a place to stay. It is beautiful to watch how God provides for us through others!!!

So that is the quick update on how things are going. I still firmly believe God wants me to go, I just need to keep on trusting Him for the timing.

Victory is Ours

2008-12-10T00:19:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago in church my pastor was speaking about how the victory is already ours. He was talking about the fact that for those of us who believe in Jesus Christ as our savior- the victory over death is ours. Victory is ours in that Christ died for us on the cross - the ultimate battle has been won. However, the world we live in is far from what God intended for us in the beginning. From the moment sin first took place the battle began for all of us, and will continue on until the end. It sounds discouraging, but really it was one of the most encouraging reminders I have heard in awhile. The fact is that for those who believe- we have great cause to celebrate and rejoice - we know how the story ends! We know where we will spend eternity, we know there will come a day when good really will triumph over evil - once and for all. But... until that time - we daily wake up and face a battle of some sort. There are battles for us everywhere we turn: work, home, our minds, our hearts, how we spend our money, how we spend our time, what we think about, what we say...and it goes on and on.

Lately for me and my family it feels like a really long battle. I think my dad is trying to set a record for # of consecutive days spent in an ICU. This battle is one I am certain I don't have the strength for - and it brings me to my knees in surrender to the One who does have the strength for it - God Almighty.

Be encouraged my friends, for the battles may rage in us and around us - but victory will be ours.

I am grateful for this truth - that I have hope when it seems hopeless, I have peace that defies understanding, I have assurance when uncertainty is all around me.

1 John 5:3-5 (New International Version)
3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Storm Tossed

2008-11-08T21:42:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been a LONG time since I have posted anything here. A lot is going on these days, and not all good. Hence the title of this post - Storm Tossed. As I write this, my dad is fighting to stay alive in the ICU, where he has been a patient for over a month now. This has been the most difficult time of my life. I have an intense appreciation for all who have ever endured this type of experience. The days are long and I just want life to go back to normal, but fear it never will.

As I was walking through the ICU this weekend to visit my dad, a nurse stopped and asked me if I was the nurse from Beaumont that went to Africa this past summer. I was surprised that she would recognize me. She told me that she had seen the link to my blog on our Beaumont employee website and had been following my journey. Then my brother told me that someone from his race track asked about my blog a few weeks ago too. So - I get the hint. It is time to resume sharing my journey with anyone who cares to share in it.

Since I have returned from Africa, my life has been out of control. I have experienced so many highs and lows. I have returned to so many loving friends and family. I am blessed beyond words for all the people in my life who continually show me an outpouring of love that I do not deserve. I have returned to co-workers who gladly put up with me and my daily longing to be back in Africa. I have had a harder transition back into my life than I ever imagined. And I think a large part of that is because I no longer fit into the life I had. For this, I am grateful. I am grateful that I got to have an experience of a lifetime and be forever changed. No one could ever go where I have been and see what I have seen - and not be changed.

So, for me the challenge has been to ask myself, "what's next"? At first I thought I knew exactly what was next - leaving as soon as possible to get back to Africa. But, over the past 3 months, I know more than ever what God is saying - and what is next is obedience. The past year of my life has been a gigantic lesson in obedience. I feel God saying to me that there is obedience in going back to Africa, but there is also obedience in seeking what God is asking of me while here. The challenge is to remain obedient wherever God has placed me. For now, I am grateful that I am home. I see God's providence in having me home and I am forever grateful to have this time with my dad.

The challenge for me and for many of us is the obedience to seek after God. To seek after God in the midst of being storm-tossed. To seek after God in the midst of times of happiness and prosperity. To seek after God in times of uncertainty and anxiety. To seek after God when everything is going well and for a moment we feel like we've got it all together. To choose to seek God instead of a million other things that seem to so easily distract us from what really matters in this life.

I for one have struggled at different times in my journey with all of these. Just this past week I have struggled to seek after God in the midst of my own anger towards Him. I am angry over broken dreams and a hope that seems to be dimming with each passing day. Until today I hadn't been ready to make nice with God just yet. But, in the midst of my anger I am reminded again and again of God's unchanging goodness and love towards me. Even as I write this I don't want to admit it, I want to hold onto being angry. But if I am honest the only one my anger is hurting is me. Over the past week I have had some really good yelling sessions at God. I have screamed at Him how I feel like this is so unfair, how I feel so alone. And then I realize these are all just feelings. And feelings are fickle at best. When things get really tough, I am frightened to realize that although I am angry at the situation I cannot be angry at God. Because the only way I will ever make it through this is by running to God, not from Him. He is the only way I can make it through this. And in the moment of my surrender, God is there. I realize I may feel alone, but the truth is I never am. I may feel this is unfair, and it may be but there was never a promise that life would be fair. But, there is a promise that God will never leave me or forsake me. I may leave Him, but He never leaves me. I am so thankful for my relationship with God. That in good times and bad, in times of raging anger, God is big enough to take it, and forgive it. Not only does God forgive, but he also gives comfort like nothing else on earth ever could. There is no food, no drink, no person, no new gadget or material thing that can comfort like Father, God.

" For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And my covenant of peace will not be shaken, says the Lord who has compassion on you. O, afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted, Behold I will set your stones in antimony, and your foundations I will lay in sapphires. Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies and your gates of crystal, and your entire wall of precious stones. In righteousness you will be established; you will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; and from terror for it will not come near you." Isaiah 54v.10-12,14.

"For I will turn their mourning into joy, And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. Jeremiah 31 v.13

Thoughts on Re-entry...

2008-08-22T23:31:00.005-04:00

Hello faithful readers -
It has been 3 weeks since I have been home and have re-entered my life as I once knew it. I have to say I knew it was going to be difficult to come home, but I had no idea the roller-coaster of emotions I would be on. I haven't posted anything on the blog- mostly because I am at a loss for words on how to truly describe where I am at. Also, I cannot seem to go one day without crying - and looking at the blog makes me cry all the more. You may be wondering why I would be such a cry-baby. If you are wondering that then you must not know me very well. Truth be told I have been crying tears of joy since I left Africa. I cannot say I haven't had moments of sadness because for sure I miss Africa more than I thought possible. I have had moments of sadness, anger, irritation, irrationality, peace, and moments of joy. I have been all over the map in the emotions department. A special thank you to everyone that I have interacted with since being home - a thank you for putting up with me.
I have to truly thank ALL of my family, friends, co-workers, etc. for how welcoming everyone has been. The first night I came home, I came home to a freshly cleaned house, pizza, diet coke and family and friends. I rested for a few days and then headed to Grand Rapids. While in Grand Rapids I got to hang with my gang of friends by Aaron's pool (no better place to be) and I got to go to the beach with my friends Virginia, Jordon and Marcia. Virginia - thank you again for spoiling me beyond reason!
Once home again I spent time with my family, made it to a Tigers game and have been hanging out with friends from church.
This past week I returned to work. To my utter amazement my co-workers surprised me with a card full of money. They had a surprise fundraiser while I was gone to make sure when I came home that I would still be taken care of financially.
So, there has been blessing after blessing since my arrival home. It has been wonderful to get to see everyone and spend time catching up.
What has been the most difficult thing about re-entry into my life is that I miss Africa so much. This is actually a wonderful problem to be experiencing. I feel as though I got a taste of what my soul longs for - and then it was time to come home. Once you have tasted what you feel you were created for you don't want to go back to anything else. This is mostly how I have been feeling in the past few weeks. My deepest desire is to return to Africa as soon as possible.
I am grateful to God for the path that He has put me on. I have never felt with such passion the desire to return to Africa. I have never felt such certainty that the time will come sooner than later. I am moving forward with plans to return to Mercy Ships in January 2009. Stay tuned for more on my journey forward from here. Thank you is simply not a good enough word to express to all of you how grateful I am for all of your support and encouragement. Not only has my life been changed forever, but that of so many people in Africa that Mercy Ships serves. Thank you for your part in it all.

Being Loved by God...

2008-07-29T17:28:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone,
Well, I have been in Brussels the past 2 days - but for all I know I have died and gone to heaven. I LOVE being here. Who wouldn't love chocolate, cheese, bread, shopping, beautiful weather? All those little things I have been looking forward to I have gotten to do in the last few days. I have had a long shower, slept in a big bed, gone shopping by myself, been to the grocery store, eaten fresh fruits and veggies!!!

Getting to stay with my dear friend Jodi has been an unspeakable blessing. Jodi is an amazing woman of God and she has been so good to me. She is a listening ear, a wise word of wisdom, a truth teller, patient and loving. She has been just the person to help me transition out of Africa. She too is going through some similar experiences, so it is God's loving kindness that Jodi and I have these few days together. Which is why I titled this blog entry, "Being Loved by God". I was telling Jodi of all the blessings of the past few days and it was her that pointed it out to me - this is God loving me, taking care of me, helping me transition.

God has been giving me so much I am overwhelmed. For starters, I got the best send off from the Africa Mercy that I could've ever hoped for. Usually when someone leaves the ship their group of friends gather on the dock to say goodbye, give hugs, and then send them off. When I left the ship on Sunday afternoon it was pouring rain and windy. I didn't really expect anyone to go out in that weather. All of my close friends came out to say goodbye. Even one of my past patients - Joanna and her daughter Angela walked through the rain and wind from town to come to the ship-yard and send me off. Not only that, but Joanna loves to sing - so before I got in the Land Rover she started singing some lovely African worship songs and soon everyone joined in. There we were huddled in a circle of about 10 people, all getting soaking wet, singing that God will carry our load, and that he will be our guide. It was hard to tell if I was soaking wet from the rain or from my tears. It was a moment that I wished I had captured with my camera, but then I think it was a moment that no picture would ever do justice.

When I arrived in Brussels I made it to Jodi's without a problem. The past 2 days have been amazing. I have gotten to see a lot of Brussels, and I have had some wonderful time to myself. Jodi is working while I am here, so during the day I go off exploring and she goes to work. At night we go out and experience Brussels together. Tonight we had a hilarious adventure of aerobics in the park. I will have to post pictures to truly describe what happened. But, imagine a large, historic, beautiful park (picture Central Park) and then add about 300 Belgian people all doing aerobics together. It was so fun and I got to meet some of Jodi's friends.

Going home is bittersweet to be sure, but I am grateful beyond words to God and His love and care for me no matter what part of the world I am in. See you all soon!!!

Leaving - Part 2

2008-07-27T06:39:00.005-04:00

Ok, so yesterday when I posted on the blog I was definitely sad about leaving. Today I am leaving in 3 hours and I am still sad about leaving. However, last night after I blogged, God who is always faithful brought some great surprises to cheer me up. First of all, a new shipment of Diet Coke has arrived, so for my last night all the world was happy as we drank Diet Coke. Then we had a dance party on the dock and it was fabulous. It was a perfect night and we had great music and lots of dancing - until the rain came. But, even then many of us kept on dancing! It was a great way to end my time here. Also, I have to say receiving an email from my good sister, Tracy - your words of encouragement were perfect timing!

Leaving

2008-07-26T15:44:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow I have to leave Africa. That is all there is to say. I hope I will get to come back soon, but for now I have to go. I am definitely sad to be leaving, but so grateful I even got to come. I have been busy this week so I haven't had too much time to even think about leaving. Today I spent the day packing and spent time with some of my most cherished friends here - Kat and Wendy. Tonight we are having a dance party on the dock for my goodbye party. I am glad that God provides- that even here in Africa I have found friends that love to dance!

Thirsty

2008-07-23T09:28:00.004-04:00

Hello all,

I just wanted to say hello and say thank you again to everyone who has been so supportive, and for faithfully following me on my journey. This week is turning out to be very busy. There are not enough hours in the day this week. I am busy getting ready to leave the ship :( There are things to do in order to "disembark" the ship, there are friends to hang out with, patients to see. I have only 2 more shifts to work. We went back to working 8 hour shifts so I work 2-10pm tonight and then 7-3pm on Friday. Thursday I am going to a construction site - to work. I am excited to get to go to a construction site and actually do some work. My friend Jodi and I are going so we will see how it goes. Luckily the construction project is near the beach so if we get in over our heads with the construction we have been promised by our friends that manage the construction site that we can go to the beach instead! I just want to do so many things and only a few days to do them. I am going to be stopping in Belgium for a few days (thank you Jodi for hosting me!!!!) and I think it will be a welcomed rest for me. Seems I am almost as busy this week as I was the week before I left to come here.

All this week too I have been trying to think about what has happened in the past 2 months. What has happened in Liberia, what has happened in me. Way to much to try to blog about - which is why I look forward to coming home and talking face to face with all of you! The bottom line is that God is good. He called me to Mercy Ships and has been faithful to me every step of the way. He has given me the strength to be here. It has been a gift to be here and I am grateful God allowed me to come. There is no greater joy or contentment than knowing you are doing what you were created for - and that has been the greatest gift for me over the past 2 months. There is a song that says that "the glory of God is man fully alive". I can say that is absolutely true. I have never felt more alive and I know that brings glory to God. That is why I am immensely grateful to everyone in my life for encouraging me (all these years) and for helping me, for coming along side me to get me here- because it has changed me. I have learned that obedience to God brings life, hope, peace, joy, love, confidence, faith, contentment, and a thirst for more!!!

Some Things are Universal...

2008-07-20T07:52:00.002-04:00

The other day I was taking care of a man in his 20's that was here for a repair to his arm. He had a gunshot wound from years ago that hadn't healed properly. I sent him off to surgery and knew I wouldn't see him back in his bed for a few hours at least. My good friend Wendy that I always talk about is a recovery room nurse. So, she usually takes care of the patients I send her and then she brings them back to me. When my patient woke up from the anesthesia the first thing he told Wendy was, "Where is Jennifer? I need Jennifer." (That is pronounced "Jenni-fah" in Liberian English). Wendy tried to explain to the young man that I would be waiting for him back at the ward and that as soon as he was awake enough he could go back there. He replied, " I am hungry, I want to eat, Jennifer will get me something to eat." Wendy told him he would have to wait a little longer, that once he was fully awake he could return to the ward. He looked at her and said, " I am fully awake, return me to Jennifer". So, as the patient is being wheeled into the ward I can hear him calling my name from the stretcher, not even in the room yet. I couldn't believe that he even remembered my name. All he kept saying was, "Jennifer, I want to eat, I know you will let me eat". So, once we got him settled in his bed and the monitor on him, I went for something for him to eat. When I came back I had to feed him, because his right arm was all bandaged and casted. As he was eating I asked if he was comfortable, if he needed anything else. He replied, " I need chocolate". I guess some things are universal. Who doesn't need chocolate???

Mercy Projects

2008-07-16T16:52:00.004-04:00

Mercy Ships is more than just the hospital on board the ship. Every day teams go out into Monrovia and surrounding villages to help the area rebuild after 14 years of war. Yesterday I went on a tour to see a few of the projects Mercy Ships is working on. The first stop was a project that the president of Liberia specifically asked Mercy Ships to help with. Mercy Ships is working with local people to rebuild a medical clinic that was destroyed in the war. My pictures are kind of hazy as it was pouring rain for most of our tour.

Our next stop was an agricultural project. A team from Mercy Ships has partnered with the local villages to teach community farming and to teach about other crops that can be grown. The crops that are usually grown are plantains (a type of banana) and Kasava (a root vegetable). They are working on growing corn, melons, and other vegetables. They are also introducing the concept of using compost piles.

The last place we visited was the dental clinic. The local hospital in Monrovia allows Mercy Ships to borrow space from them to set up the dental clinic. All procedures are performed for free.

We also visited with the nurse who runs the community health programs for Mercy Ships. The day we were there her team was out visiting in several villages distributing mosquito netting for beds to prevent the spread of Malaria. I am hoping to go out with the community health team next week.

Around the Ward

2008-07-14T22:41:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone...I just got done working the midnight shift this past weekend. I am adjusting back to sleeping at night and living during the day. On one of my midnight shifts I took some time to take a few pictures of the ward. After all, this is where I have spent the majority of my time the last 2 months. We are not allowed to take pictures of patients while they are on the ward, so the pictures are of an empty ward. Most of the time the ward is filled with people. When a patient comes in for surgery, more often than not, they bring family with them. Usually this is because the patient is a mother who brings her children with her or the patient is a child who needs to have a parent with them. Last weekend I took care of a patient here for a thyroidectomy who had 6 month old twins with her. I spent more time taking care of her twins, Hope & Joy, than I did actually looking after the patient. (No complaints here - the children were lovely and so cute). So, in the pictures the ward might actually look big. However, when you add in family members sleeping on the floor, kids playing and running everywhere, patients and nurses the room gets filled up quickly.

This first picture is our Intesive Care Unit (ICU). Thank God we haven't had to use it too much since I have been here. This is a 3 bed ICU with 2 isolation rooms as well.

This is a picture of one of our four wards all cleaned up and ready for patients.

This is our "nurses" station. Now imagine 4 nurses all crowded around the cabinets at 8am trying to all get to the same medicine for the patients. It is the same here as at home, the nurses station is never big enough!

This is our medicine cabinet. Mostly pain meds, antibiotics, antifungals, de-worming meds, and vitamins.

And this last picture is one of my favorites. This is a picture of what hangs on the wall in the ward bathrooms for the patients. It is pictures depicting for the patients what NOT to do in the toilet. The toilets are not for doing laundry and not for standing on. Most of our patients have never seen toilets as we know then, so sometimes they need a bit of instruction.

Pictures from the Orphanage

2008-07-12T19:40:00.005-04:00

Finally I have some pictures from my trip to the orphanage last weekend.

Me helping some of the kids with the craft.

Playing a game similar to Duck, Duck , Goose.

The children line up to play a game.

Cute.

Remember that old song, Father Abraham? Some songs are classics. On either side of me are the girls that braided my hair - Korpo is on the left and Siannah on the right.

Relay races...this girl can jump.

One of the orphanage workers getting some chores done while we were there. Laundry by hand.

What I Am Looking Forward To...

2008-07-10T19:26:00.002-04:00

Well, I cannot believe that I will leave the Africa Mercy in just two short weeks! No one is more surprised than me that time has flown by. I have to say, I think I will be back here though. We'll see what God has for me, but I hope it is more of Africa. I am having a hard time comprehending that I will be leaving, and an even harder time imagining life resuming at home. I have decided to make a list of what I am most looking forward to upon coming home. So, when I get sad about leaving I will think of these things...
1. Seeing all of my beloved family and friends. My friends here are wonderful,but there is nothing like the people that know you so well, have cheered you on so much and who cannot wait to see you too!!
2. Summertime in Michigan. Summertime in Africa right now is ok, it is sunny and hot most of the time. But I am limited in what I can do here. In order to enjoy the weather you either go for a walk on the dock, or sit outside on the dock and stare out at the ocean. I cannot wait to go fishing with my dad and take walks to the ice cream stand with my small group girls. Seeing green grass instead of red dirt and mud sounds nice too.
3. Freedom to move about the earth on your own. Here in Liberia for our own safety we are not allowed to go off the ship alone, you must be with at least one person. Also, going into town is such an experience - I cannot do it justice by writing about it. So, I am looking forward to getting in my car and driving to wherever - the grocery store, the bank, Target. Of course I know gas prices are out of control. In case you are wondering, the same is going on here. Just this past week almost all of the taxis went on strike for a day due to gas prices. It made it harder than ever to get a taxi. Already taxis here are filled way over capacity with people sitting on laps, etc. I didn't think that there could be more people walking on the streets than there already were - but the streets were filled with people forced to walk to their destination instead of get a taxi. The strike was over in 1 day.
4. Eating whatever I want, whenever I want. The food here on the ship is good, I definitely have no complaints about that. But in a cafeteria type set up if you don't eat when the food is out, you don't eat. So, even when you aren't all that hungry you go to the cafeteria to at least see what is being offered. I am also looking forward to all of the good fruits and vegetables that Michigan summer has to offer. Here we are very limited to what is available. Every day for lunch and dinner we eat pineapple, cucumbers and tomatoes. Every day.
5. Sleeping in my own bed, in a room that I have all to myself. Currently I share a small cabin with 4 other girls. My new bunk-mate will arrive tomorrow. So, I go back to sharing a very small space with one other girl.
6. Change of clothing. I have to say I think I did pretty well in packing good and appropriate clothing for this trip. I am however, tired of the clothes I brought. I am looking forward to a change in scenery of my wardrobe...and some different flip-flops.
7. A long hot shower. Here due to water supplies we are limited to 2 minute showers. The usual routine is turn shower on to get wet, turn shower off and soap up, turn shower on to rinse. Turn shower off and step out. It isn't that big of a sacrifice, but I have forgotten what a nice long shower feels like.
8. Silence. Living on a ship of over 400 people there isn't much in the way of solitude. Even when it is bedtime and most of the crew are sleeping there is always some sort of generator running somewhere. I don't know much about large ships, but it seems there are always strange noises coming from the walls.
9. Windows. I currently don't have a window of my own. My cabin is on deck 3 which is a window-less deck. I also happen to work at the hospital on board the ship, which is also on Deck #3. I could go all day and all night and never look outside. I have to admit, sometimes I haven't seen day or night at all. It will be so nice to sit in my living room, holding Johnny Cash (my cat) and looking outside.
10. Diet Coke. Not that I am addicted to the stuff or anything, however I am sad to report that the ship ran out of their supply of Diet Coke about a month ago.

Orphanage, Church and Saying Goodbye...

2008-07-06T15:31:00.003-04:00

This weekend I got to go to one of the orphanages that Mercy Ships works with. Besides the hospital-ship, Mercy Ships has many other land-based ministries going on while here in Liberia. Saturday morning I had the privilege to go to a local orphanage and help with the Saturday morning program that Mercy Ship runs. The orphanage also has a school and it is run by a husband and wife from Liberia.

As soon as kids see the white land rovers from the road they come running, waving, smiling, laughing. They yell things like, "white people!!!" very excitedly. As soon as you get out of the car you have made friends. Girls and boys latch onto you and want to hold your hand, want you to walk with them, play with them.

Brenda who runs the program had many things for us to do while there. We started off with some singing, and then did lots of relay races. It was so fun to watch kids of various ages run while jumping, or run while throwing a ball, or run and skip at the same time. Some of the very young kids had no idea what they were doing, they just knew when they got to the front of the line they were suppose to run!

After all the running and games it was time for a bible story and a craft. And after that we got free time with all the kids. During that time I made quick friends with a few of the teenage girls. Korpo, Siannah, and Naomi and I became friends while they played with my hair. I left the orphanage with African style braids and new friends.

I loved every minute of being at the orphanage - playing with the kids, giving them attention, playing jump rope and painting their nails. I have to work next Saturday, but the Saturday after that I will be back there - Siannah, Naomi, Korpo and I are counting the days. I wasn't permitted to take pictures at the orphanage, but Brenda took a few general pictures so I will post them as soon as they are available.

I also went back to Bethel World Outreach Church this weekend. Once again, I loved every minute of it. At one point I looked around the church and knew this is what heaven must look like. There were people dancing everywhere in their brightly colored and patterned African dress. And again, women were praising God with whistles. Below are a few pictures - from my first visit to the church, that I couldn't seem to post last time. The first picture is of me with the head pastor, Sister Josephine. The next is me and my friend Neil, and the last is a view of the church.

The other thing I did this weekend was say good bye to some of my Mercy Ships friends. My friend Neil from Southern Indiana left today, as well as my bunk-mate, Rhea from Connecticut. So, this is what it feels like to be constantly making new friends only to have them leave. Below is a not-so-flattering picture of myself and Rhea. We were on the Bong Mine train speeding through the African countryside.

All in all I have had a great weekend. The only thing that makes me sad about it is the realization that I only have 2 more full weekends here. I cannot believe how time is flying by and I cannot fathom how I will ever return to my life as I knew it.

On the Streets of Monrovia

2008-07-03T12:25:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Monrovia that give you an idea of what I see when I walk past the gates of the shipyard here. It is difficult to take pictures, but I will try my best to get some to give you a really good idea of the city. For now, here are a few...

This is a typical "store". When I say I am going to the market, or to the tailor - this is very similar to what it looks like.

And this is a typical street scene. Yellow taxis overcrowd the roads, and people selling things out of wheel-barrels are the usual.

Hand painted billboards are very common as well, usually with a public service message.

Hallelujah Choir

2008-07-01T11:48:00.005-04:00

Last Sunday night we had the privilege of having a choir come from a local church and put on a concert for us at the ship. The choir was amazing and once again, I love their worship. Is wasn't long before the whole thing turned into a dance party. This time there really was a conga line and at one point the choir director whipped off his robe and was swinging it above his head. They sure do know how to celebrate here.

And this is how the choir travelled to get here. This is very common on the roads- cars and taxis overflowing with people.

The View from Here

2008-06-28T10:22:00.006-04:00

I am so grateful to everyone who is keeping up with the blog and my journey. It means a lot to me that you all are reading. I have had a few requests for some more pictures of my surroundings, view from the ship, etc. So, here you are...

This first picture is of the dock, and the walkway up to the ship. It is our "front porch". Everyone is always coming and going from here.

This picture is the view looking the opposite way from the walkway. In the foreground are our tent clinics. They are an extension of the hospital on the ship. One tent serves as our "admissions" area where people coming to be admitted to the hospital get checked in. The other tent is our eye clinic. We are currently performing about 35 cataract surgeries per day. This tent is where people come after their surgeries to get eye care instructions, and follow up check ups. In the background is a ship that was seized by the government because they found cocaine on board. Rumor has it that millions of dollars of cocaine were found. The ship has been docked for months.

This picture is of me, with Monrovia in the background. This was taken from Deck 7 from the ship.

And this is the view from the front of the ship. We are in one of a few different harbors around the coast of Monrovia.

And this is the view from the back of the ship. This is the first view of the ship that you see as you drive up the dock.

I am working midnight shift this weekend - 7pm until 7am, so I have had a quiet Saturday as I try to sleep to stay up all night. We are also on a "ship holiday". Every few months the ship-workers (except the nurses) get a long weekend. So it is quiet on the ship today. Oh, and as you can see, rainy season hasn't completely taken over. It does rain here, but we still get wonderful warm sunny days too - thank you God!

Darling Boy

2008-06-25T12:35:00.007-04:00

Today I am off and I had some plans...but they got cancelled as the true meaning of "rainy season" seems to be making itself clear. Torrential down pouring - no matter how big the umbrella or how good the raincoat. So, a walk to town was out of the question. If not for the rain, then especially for the mud that would surely be everywhere in the streets today. So, instead I enjoyed some indoors relaxation - a book, a movie with friends. Catching up on emails!

This also gives me a chance to catch you up on some of my patients that I have had the absolute privilege to take care of this week. Below is a picture of a boy that has captured my heart. His name is Darling Boy and he lives up to his name in every way. There are many patients with first names that describe them. There was a woman named, "old woman", other common first names for children are "prince" or "princess".

Darling Boy is here getting some wound care for a surgery that Mercy Ships performed on his shoulder. I have had the immense gift of being his nurse the past 2 days. One of the true gifts of being here is that you actually have time to spend with your patients - usually, anyway. So, whenever I had some down time, Darling Boy wanted to play with me. He enjoys blocks and coloring, but his favorite by far has been the math flash cards we have on the ward. That's right - math flash cards! And when those ran out, he wanted me to make up more math problems for him. We worked on addition, subtraction, and eventually some alphabet flash cards too. In between taking care of my other patients, I was a "teacher" too. I loved every minute of it. Even my fourteen year old patient, Fatou, wanted to join in the flash cards. You could tell Fatou had not had much education, she had a very hard time with the flash cards that Darling Boy (who is 6) was breezing through. She kept using her fingers and toes to count, except one foot is in a cast so she had less toes to count with so she used my fingers too.

This next picture is of one of my group of women patients that I call the "Women's Club". For several evening shifts in a row I took care of two women - Bendu and Joanna. Bendu, Joanna, myself, and anyone else that wanted to join in played Uno long into the night. It took a short time but quickly the women caught onto the concept of Uno - and LOVED it when someone forgot to say "uno" and had to pick up a whole pile of cards.

Bendu was badly burned when her mattress that she was sleeping on caught fire from the fire the family uses to cook and keep warm with. She was burned in March of this year, and she is here for skin grafting.

This next patient is Joanna and her daughter Angela. Joanna is also here for some skin grafting. Mercy Ships does a lot of repairing peoples wounds that haven't healed properly because they were never treated when the wound first occurred, or things that were "fixed" years ago in the local hospitals. There is a lot of cosmetic surgery to correct skin and bone issues.

The last 2 days I also took care of this man. He had a tumor removed from his back. I love this man and his beautiful smile.

This last picture is a group photo of some of the patients. The hospital ward is located on the third deck where there are no windows. So, every day we take the patients that can walk, outside for fresh air. This was during our "deck" time. The patients love to go outside, and it provides us a chance to just be with our patients. We sit and talk, share stories, play games with the children. It is a great way to spend an hour of your shift.

Bong Mine

2008-06-24T19:29:00.006-04:00

Sorry again that it has been a few days since updating everyone. We have begun our one month trial of 12 hour shifts, so the last few days I haven't done much other than work. This past weekend however, I did have the chance to go on a tour of sorts to the Bong Mine.

There is a man that volunteers with Mercy Ships that lives here in Monrovia that takes people on a tour of a place out in the country-side here called the Bong Mine. It is located in Bong County and it is an old iron ore mine that was abandoned once the civil war broke out. The man that leads the tour is named Odacious and he used to work at the mine. It doesn't sound like much - to tour an abandoned mine - but it is a fun day out to the country-side and a great way to see some of the roads less traveled in Liberia.

For starters the trip begins by piling into land rovers and then driving them onto a flat-bed railway car. We parked the land rovers on top of this rail car and then road the "train" of land rovers out into the country. There were some amazing sites and beautiful scenery along the way.

Perhaps the most fun was the train ride. You are allowed to get out of the land rovers and sit on the top of the land rover or sit on the hood while the train is moving. The space between the land rover and the edge of the platform isn't very big, so you have to be careful to hold on or you could fall off the train.

It was a really great day, but a long one. The train ride itself is over 3 hours one way, and then you are out in the country for several hours. It is a pack your lunch kind of adventure and no "proper" bathroom facilities.

The last stop on the tour was a local "hospital". It was really cool to see a village hospital. The hospital has electricity only some of the time. When we toured, we went through the lab area where there were workers working in almost total darkness. Below are a few pictures of the hospital. All of the hospital beds have mosquito nets attached to prevent Malaria. There are a couple of pictures of signs that hang in the hallways of the hospital. "Community Health" messages encouraging mothers to breast feed, and another sign showing how to decrease a baby's fever.

I think my absolute favorite part of the trip out to the country was to see the villages. We got to see some amazing parts of Africa, and see some village life. The best part was when the train would come through some of the villages the children would come running out of the woodwork it seemed just to wave and scream and laugh and greet us. Lots of adults too would look and wave and smile.

Sunset at White Sands Beach

2008-06-20T08:00:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we had one of our very frequent fire drills. Seven very loud beeping noises invades every cabin, every space of the ship and it is time to head off the ship to the dock to your designated "muster" station. As my friends and I were sitting on the dock waiting for our all clear to go back to the ship, we got the great idea to head to the beach for the sunset. We packed our dinner and headed out to White Sands Beach.

Instead of begging seagulls on the beaches at home, here in Africa it is begging stray dogs...

Mamba Point Hotel

2008-06-20T07:48:00.006-04:00

Last Saturday Kat, Wendy, Stephanie, Sam and I went to the nicest hotel in Monrovia - the Mamba Point, for lunch. Wendy's dad is visiting the ship for the next 10 days as a special guest engineer to consult on issues of paint and rust. For a few days Wendy and her dad are going to hopefully stay at the Mamba Point Hotel and they have graciously invited Kat and I. So, we went there for lunch and to try to make a reservation for Wendy. Below are some of the pictures from the balcony where we ate lunch overlooking the ocean.

And just for fun, below is a picture of Kat in a very common African dress. She would kill me if she knew I was posting this on the blog.The dress she is wearing was made at the tailor. Of course we had to add the pillows to her head- as that is a very common thing on the streets of Monrovia. Not to carry pillows on your head, but anything that you are carrying - women will carry it on their heads - baskets, bags, buckets of fruit, etc.

Along the road...

2008-06-16T20:02:00.004-04:00

Well, I am sorry I haven't blogged at all in the last few days. I was just starting to wonder if anyone was reading this anyway - and boy was I wrong! Three people have emailed me to tell me to get posting! Sorry!!! I have been working quite a bit. We are experiencing a lot of transition here. A few of the doctors that have been here since the beginning of the outreach (February)are heading home, or at least heading to a well deserved break. Many nurses that have been here since February are going home, and many that are here for 2 years are reaching the half way point and are getting to go home for a few weeks too. So, those of us that are here now are providing the much needed relief to so many nurses that have been so giving. We are also switching all of the shifts to 12 hours, so I will work longer days but hopefully with less days to work. It all depends on how many people show up for their scheduled surgeries and how many nurses we have.

Today I took a walk by myself just to try to get away and think. On a ship of 400+ people and living in a cabin of 6 people there isn't much one can do to get away and think. I headed down the dock to the road - the only place we are allowed to go by ourselves. The road is guarded by UN soldiers and gated off from the city. It isn't long, but it is all we have for a "yard" so to speak - a place to stretch our legs. I really wanted some time to think, and some time to be with God. I have been here for over 3 weeks now and I feel very settled in. God has brought me some great friends and I meet more and more people everyday. So much so that it is hard to get time alone. So I headed out for a walk, to be with God and think about all that is happening here.

I didn't get very far in my walk when I ran into one of my recent patients. I didn't even realize that he had been discharged home. Today he was walking up the road to the ship to go for a follow up appointment. I almost didn't recognize him he was so happy. The smile on his face was wider than the ocean. His name is Junior and he is a 27 year old that came to the ship for help with some sores on his back. When we lifted up Junior's shirt, he had several growths known as keloids. They are growths of scar tissue that formed big lumps on his skin. They resulted from him being marked with tribal markings all down his back and sides. The surgeon on the ship was able to remove the scar tissue from Junior's back, but now Junior has an open wound that we are still caring for daily. Junior hugged me and thanked me for caring for him these last several weeks and then continued on down the road.

A few minutes later coming the other direction was another family that had been my patient. A little baby that was here for a cleft lip repair and was now going home. The family stopped and hugged me and thanked me over and over again.

I was talking with a friend last night and she asked me what was the best thing about being here so far. I have to say the best thing is the patients. This trip has caused me to remember that I do love being a nurse. I love to take care of people, comfort them, encourage them on the bad days. The people here are SO grateful. I am amazed at their strength, their courage, their ability to have horendous things happen to them and they don't have a chip on their shoulder. They are resilient, they are filled with gratitude for the help they have received. They are hopeful people.

Liberia is recovering from a civil war that ended in 2003. All of my patients have lived through war and are still recovering, have the memories fresh in their mind. I cannot even begin to imagine all that they have endured. Not only that, but most of the patients being treated by Mercy Ships are here because they have some disfiguring growth or tumor that needs to be removed. Most of the time these people are social outcasts because of this. I have one patient named Friend that had a wound on his back. He told me he was kicked out of his village because of this and for years was taken care of by missionaries. He is here at Mercy Ships to finally get the skin graft to cover his wound on his back and have it heal into a normal looking back.

I took a walk down the road to get some time alone with God. Instead, God showed up in the faces of some amazing Liberian people. People with open hearts, filled with gratitude, hopeful for a fresh start. I could not be more grateful to God that He allowed me to be here. That He made a way for me to be a part of the work that He is doing in Liberia...to bring hope and healing in so many ways physically, emotionally, spiritually.

I hope to have more pictures of patients coming. It is a delicate thing to get pictures of the patients. We are restricted as to when and where we can photograph them. I would love to introduce you to some of the many beautiful people here so I will try.

Mercy Friends

2008-06-11T09:07:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pictures of some of the great friends God has brought me so far on the ship.

This is the infamous trio. Kat from England is on the left and Wendy from Texas is on the right. The three of us are almost always together. I met Wendy at the Liberia airport and Kat is Wendy's bunk-mate. We all arrived within 2 days of each other so we have become quick friends as we get the hang of life on a ship and life in Africa.

This is a picture of my friend Jeanne. She is from Texas also, and she and our other friend Becky have a little breakfast club they have invited me to be a part of. Once a week we make breakfast together. Jeanne and Becky are really good cooks and really good at making something amazing out of almost nothing. I of course contributed juice from the ship shop :)

This is Jeanne, Becky in the middle, and another friend Jodi on the left. I met Jodi through my blog before I got here and emailed her a few times. She is also from Michigan and lives in the cabin next door to me.

The Perfect Day

2008-06-09T17:10:00.004-04:00

This past Sunday I had one of the most perfect days ever. I started the day off by attending my first African church service. I attended a little church called Bethel and it was amazing. The pastor's name was Josephine and she preached the best sermon I have ever heard on Jacob and Esau. There was a lot of singing and dancing - my favorite. It was hot, but it was worth the sweating. After the sermon it was time to come up to the front with your offering. It was kind of like a line for communion would be at home, except in this line most people were dancing or at least swinging their hips a bit or bending their knees to the music. It was a little more like a conga line and a little less like a line of people heading to the front to give their offerings. Then there were women who broke out their whistles and just started blowing on them that just added to the joyful noise. It was a really great time of worship. There was a banner for their youth group hanging on the wall that read "destined to change a generation". What a great motto!

The second half of my day was spent at the beach. This was a heavenly little piece of Monrovia. Most of the time when I talk about Monrovia, it is not so heavenly - but the beach most definitely was. There is a nice piece of beach that even has a little outdoor building that served food and drinks. My friends and I sat at a beach side table with an umbrella made of palm leaves. Somehow the entire afternoon turned into evening and it was time to head back to the ship. Now I see why most everyone goes to the beach on the weekend. Mostly the only people at the beaches are Mercy Ship workers, UN workers and Doctors Without Boarders workers.

I will post some pictures tomorrow. The internet connection isn't working so great here so once again I am having technical difficulty.

Africa Mercy Youth Group

2008-06-06T08:55:00.007-04:00

Meet some of the young boys on the ward...I call them the Africa Mercy Youth Group. These are the boys that I spend time playing Uno with.

Meet Emanual, he is 14 years old and here for surgery to his leg. He rarely has any visitors and no family stays with him while here. He has teamed up with another boy Alfred, and they seem to be inseparable. Emanual has a heart of gold. Every night that I have cared for him he has asked me to come over to his bed and pray for him before he goes to sleep. Then, in the morning he gets up, comes over to me on his crutches and thanks me for taking care of him.

And this is Alfred. Infamous Alfred. He is the ring leader of the ward that he stays on. He is a ham and tends to steal the show. He is very quick witted and tends to get his followers into trouble at times. Him and Emanuel are good buddies and they hobble around on their crutches visiting each ward. Currently Afred has launched a scheme to write and produce a play with other patients as his actors and actresses to put on a show for the nurses and doctors to thank them for their help.

The boys are wearing paper "crowns" in the pictures. They had just finished watching the Chronicles of Narnia and the craft was to make the crowns.

I am finishing my last of three evening shifts tonight. Then I am off this weekend and am looking forward to investigating Monrovia more. Plans are to go to the beach and to African church.

Friends

2008-06-03T18:04:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of me and the Third Mate, Joe that I met in the airport in Brussels. He is here for 3 1/2 weeks and will return to Texas to work on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.

Ok, so I am new at posting pictures!!!

2008-06-03T05:27:00.003-04:00

Just a quick disclaimer - this is the first time I am posting pictures on the blog and I do not have my web-mistress Tracy at my side to assist me. So, I am sorry these pictures below all ended up in single posts.
It has been just over a week since arriving and I am starting to feel like and old-timer here. Once you have your first week under belt, you graduate to veteran as new people are arriving almost daily.
This past weekend I worked 12 hour night shift. It has been awhile since I have stayed up all night, but since we all know I am naturally a night person I had no problem. Actually it was the patients in the ward that I had the privilege of serving that made it so easy. I have never been a pediatric nurse but this weekend I plunged into it sink or swim. I have to say I loved every minute of it. Once I made rounds and got everyone settled for the night I got to spend several hours with a few of the teenage boy patients playing round after round of Uno. Then I had a 5 year old boy that had trouble sleeping through the night so I got to rock him to sleep and hold him in my arms for several hours each night. There were also a few adult patients on the ward who joined in with the Uno as well. My best friend from home made me a scrapbook of pictures of family and friends from home so I brought that to show the patients as well. They seem to love looking at pictures so they looked over the book several times, asking questions of who was who. They were very interested in the fishing boat in the pictures and I told them that was my favorite place to be! They all think I have my father's smile.
Most of the patients I took care of over the weekend are here for ortho related issues. They either were born with club feet, or had a fracture that never healed properly and are here to have the bones reset. Many are learning to walk with crutches for the first time and will be on them until they return in a few weeks for follow-up appointments.
One of the nicest things about the patients so far is their gratitude. When the shift is over many patients will come up to you and thank you for taking care of them, for serving them. Even the teenage boys came to thank me before I left in the morning. All of you nurse friends know how energizing it is to have grateful patients.
Today I will try to take some pictures of these beautiful African friends and patients of mine. We are restricted as to when and where we can photograph patients so it is not always easy to do. However, I have to get some pictures so you can see what amazing and beautiful people they are.
I have to say since I have been here I have loved nearly everything about this adventure thus far. I know it is a bit naive to say, since it has just been one week, but I am loving this and am so happy. I just want to thank you all again for supporting me, loving me, encouraging me. I thank God that He would even consider me and allow me to join Him and everyone else that is serving on the Africa Mercy.

Cabin Pics

2008-06-03T05:21:00.002-04:00

These are pictures of my cabin. Some of my friends here are jealous. Apparently my cabin has a wider hallway area than most. Also, I have had the guilty pleasure of having my litle berth area to myself for almost the entire time I have been here so far. That is about to change, tomorrow I will get a new bunk-mate.

more pics

2008-06-03T05:14:00.004-04:00

This is a picture of the "driveway" located on the dock. Mercy Ships has several land rover vehicles they use for their land based operations. Every day teams go out and dig wells and various other construction projects. Also, the community health clinics and dental teams use these vehicles. Also, on weekends drivers can sign the vehicles out and take people like me to church...or the beach - usually it's both in one day.

Pictures...finally

2008-06-03T05:11:00.001-04:00

Well, today I have the whole day off so I was able to finally get some pictures up on the blog. Thank you to everyone who is stopping by and reading. Thank you for leaving a comment and thank you to everyone who has emailed me. It is truly a wonderful treat to get a message from home! This first picture is a view of the back of the ship. The dock is gated and guarded by UN soldiers, so after driving down a long driveway, passing 2 gates, this is the first view of the ship that you see.

Off the Ship

2008-05-30T18:48:00.003-04:00

Today was my first day off of work and I made it off of the ship (sorry Bob and Dad!) My first trip out of the UN guarded and gated area was to the tailor. Apparently it is a favorite thing to do around here - to buy $2 material in fun African prints and then take the fabric to the tailor to have dresses, skirts, and bags made for you. Two other girls were going to pick up some stuff so I went along for the adventure of it - my first taste of town.

First impression, the main town is loud and full of dirt/mud. The side streets are reddish brown dirt and it rains here often, so things are slightly muddy. I hadn't been out to the main streets yet, so I wasn't prepared for how loud it was also. Lots of taxis speeding by beeping their horns at other cars, motorbikes, pedestrians, wandering dogs. We made it across the street and down another street to a little shack known as the tailor. Once you turn the corner and look inside you see about 15 VERY old fashioned sewing machines with young African men and women operating them. I am talking antique sewing machines, the kind where you use both your feet to get the machine to work. No electricity in Monrovia. Also, the workers were using real iron irons with coals in the bottom to heat them up. The tailor made some beautiful and very ornate dresses and skirts for my friends. I was amazed at what they were producing- fancy dresses, suitcoats, shirts. For about $20 my friend got 2 outfits made. I wish I could've taken a picture of the whole scene. However, it is not encouraged to take cameras anywhere out in public - for my safety and for the camera's safety :)

Once back at the ship we enjoyed a BBQ dinner out on the dock. Today is the one year anniversary of the Africa Mercy setting sail. I am happy to say that I made it onto the Africa Mercy in it's first year at sea (or maiden voyage as they say here on the high seas). Ok, so I made it onto the ship by just 5 days but who is counting?!? We had BBQ ribs, real french fries (a real special occasion food), salads and pineapple. Also they had some relay races - kind of like field day to just have fun and be together. I have some pictures coming I promise.

It is officially the weekend here and people are making their big plans for shopping in the market or the beach. I have to work so I will be sleeping and getting ready for the midnight shift. I do have plans tomorrow morning for a quick trip to the market for material and then to the tailor - since I have now seen his work. I am going with my friend Wendy, and also new friend Stephanie. Stephanie is a nurse and also the wife of Tyrone the head chef/galley manager on the ship. Stephanie and Tyrone have been with Mercy Ships a long time, and have graciously befriended me and Wendy.

Stay tuned and I promise to have some pictures soon.

Shift Work

2008-05-28T07:57:00.003-04:00

I have now officially started working on the Africa Mercy. Yesterday was my first shift, I worked 7-3pm. I am on orientation for one more day (that's right 2 days of orientation) and then I am on my own. I took care of 3 patients yesterday. One man was in his 40's and had jaw reconstruction and a bone graft taken from his hip the day prior. I also had a 3 month old baby that had a cleft palate repair 4 days ago. My third patient was a women we think was in her 50's that had a thyroid goiter removed from her neck - that day. There are so many things on the ward that are SO different than at home, and some things are very similar. The bottom line is that you work with what you have and improvise the rest. Good thing I have babysat recently for my precious "nephews" Josh, Brandon, and Jack - since most of my shift yesterday I was busy making up bottles for the baby.

It is very different working on a ward where it is one room and all the patients are together. There are two sides to the room, women on one side and men on the other. However, they all share one bathroom. I find that astounding - but since most of the Africans don't have bathrooms as we know them at home - most have never even seen a toilet until they come on the ship - I guess they don't mind sharing. At the end of every day shift we take the patients that can walk outside to get some fresh air. I finished my shift watching some children patients play the Memory game on deck #7 . It was nice to get outside and feel the sunshine and the slight breeze. It is hot - but so far I haven't been outside long enough to get really sweaty. I am thanking God for the air conditioning on the ship. To think that back in the 70's when the Mercy Ships first began they had no air!!

One other thing that is different that definitely tells me I am not at home working- we start and end the shift praying for our patients. Also, when I took my one woman patient to the operating room for her surgery, the surgical nurse came out to meet us and he prayed for the patient and the surgery to go well, etc.

In my down time I have been trying to relax and get some sleep. This week I am working every shift, so I am just letting my body do whatever it wants for sleep. Yesterday I worked the day shift, today and tomorrow I work afternoons (2-10pm) and on the weekend I work 12 hr shifts from 7p-7am. So, I am sleeping whenever I feel like it. No sense in trying to get myself on any kind of schedule - I don't think I will have one while here!

Getting settled

2008-05-26T09:07:00.003-04:00

It is Monday May 26th and my first full day on the ship. I am trying to get a little sleep, trying to get settled, and trying to find my way around. My new friend Wendy and I were hoping to sleep in today - but that didn't work out. Turns out there is a pastor's conference going on aboard the ship today and tomorrow. That means the dining room is closed after breakfast until dinner. So, if you miss breakfast which is from 6:30am-7:30am then you don't get breakfast or lunch in the next 2 days. So, needless to say we made sure we were up - with a plan to go back to bed after breakfast. We did make it to breakfast and back to bed...but not for long. Turns out we had a meeting at 10am with our ward supervisor - which neither of us knew about. So, I got an hour and a half nap before my roommate woke me up to tell me I was late for a meeting. Oh well, just gotta roll with it. So, I have my schedule for the next month, I am working mostly the midnight shift - which is fine with me the night person. We got a short tour and orientation. Tomorrow I officially start on the job. They are critically short staffed of nurses right now (big surprise) and so I will probably be working a lot of overtime.

So, the rest of the afternoon I am getting settled in my room. I am waiting for my roommate from Norway to pack up before I truly set up "home" since she is giving me her bottom bunk. I do think there will be another roommate for me - I guess there is always someone going and coming. The girl that was in my bunk before me had just left that afternoon before I arrived.

And, if you are curious I am getting a very quick education on ship terms and duties. My friend that I met on the plane from Texas- his name is Joe and he is here as a Third Mate. Apparently that means he can drive the ship if we were to go out to sea. He is not sure what he will be doing here on the ship since we will be docked the whole time he is here. He said if he has to he will work as a deck hand - which means fixing up the ship, painting, taking care of various ropes, etc. I have learned some key definitions of things in the ship like aft, starboard side, port side. Every minute I seem to be either meeting someone new or learning something new. Also, it is easy to forget you are on a ship or even in Africa for that matter. Every once in awhile I will look outside a window and only then when I see the land is moving do I realize that it must be me moving :) Also, my cabin is on Deck #3 right down the hall from the hospital - and there are no windows on that level, so I don't see outside too much right now. I haven't even been outside today.

Well, I am going to end for now. I am still working on getting settled in and much more exploring to do!!

I'm HERE!!!!

2008-05-25T17:19:00.002-04:00

Oh Beloved Friends and Family,
I am here and I LOVE it so far!!!! I mean, I haven't done anything yet - but I love it already. I am sitting here on the ship, next to my new friend Laura. Thank you for praying for safe travel - God answered all my prayers. I had really great flights all the way through. In Brussels I met a guy that will be working on the ship as a Third Mate. So, we traveled from Brussels to Monrovia together, so I didn't have to go through the Liberian airport or customs by myself. Also, I met another new nurse named Wendy at baggage claim. So, we traveled the 1 1/2 hours to the ship and we are getting settled.

I met my new friend Laura as Wendy and I were struggling down the stairwell with all of our luggage. She took my bags, showed me to my cabin and introduced me to the 1st of 5 other roommates. Laura also showed me to the Diet Coke machine- it is true there is a Diet Coke machine and I am drinking a cold one right now! Laura has been a really great welcome wagon for Wendy and I both.

So far on the ship I have been checked in, I had to take a photo for an ID badge - just what I want to do after 2 days straight of travel. Also the kitchen saved food for those of us getting in later tonight so we ate our first ship food. It was an unidentifiable meat product but it was good.

Now I am heading to bed. I am on the top bunk but only for one night. My roommate Emma from Norway is heading home for 6 weeks and I get her bed while she is gone.

I will blog more when I get a chance. Tomorrow Wendy and I are going to sleep and then explore the ship. At 6pm tomorrow night we have our official orientation.

I love you all and am so grateful for your support. As I was landing in Monrovia I was listening to a song called "Brave" by Nichole Nordeman. It brought me to tears - because the lyrics talk about not letting fear tie us down anymore, and letting go of the status quo. I am here because of God's amazing power and strength in me - but also because of you all and your strength and support. Thank you for helping make my dream come true - it is an unspeakable gift!!!!

p.s. - thank you to everyone for your kind comments and well wishes. I carry you all here with me!!!!

Bon Voyage Jenny

2008-05-24T03:33:00.000-04:00

Hello Friends & Family -

Jenny sets sail tomorrow on her great adventure. I know that we are all in awe of her courage and obedience to God in taking this giant step.

Please leave Jenny a note of encouragement, a prayer, or a farewell message in the comment section below! I know she will cherish reading these when she arrives safely upon the ship.

Kindly,

Tracy

ps. to those of you who want to keep up on Jen's adventure - now would be a good time to subscribe to her RSS feed. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click "Subscribe to:Posts(Atom)"

Here We Go!!!!!

2008-05-24T00:34:00.003-04:00

Well Everyone,
Here we go! No one is more surprised or amazed that the ticker-thing on this blog says ZERO,-0- than me! I cannot believe how time flies. This past week I have been SO busy. Thank you to everyone that has had a hand in getting me on my way. Truly I would not be going without your help - which is why I say "here WE go" because I take all of you with me. I am heading to bed but wanted to just say goodbye for a short time. I will be traveling tomorrow afternoon thru Chicago, Brussels, and then on to LIBERIA!!! I will get to board the Africa Mercy sometime on Sunday evening. I will post on the blog as soon as I get settled and find my way.

As I prepare to head out I ask just one more thing - that you continue to pray for me! Pray that travel is as smoothe as travel can be, pray that I find my way, pray that I stay healthy.

I think I have probably said the word gratitude in almost every post. But, I cannot say it enough - I am filled with gratitude for EVERYONE that has supported me. Thank you for helping make my dream come true. Thank you for choosing to join me on this journey. I look forward to the adventure that awaits me. I am honored that God would allow me to be a part of His work. Thank you for joining me in this as well! Talk to you soon!

Cabin #3414

2008-05-16T00:37:00.002-04:00

Well today I got my MUCH awaited visa info from the Mercy Ships and my cabin assignment! I guess this is really happening. I cannot believe after all this time it is finally here. I was talking with my friend Tracy tonight and it seems I am already sad that I am only going for such a short time. I am considered "short term crew" and I am a little sad about that. I know once I get there I will want to stay longer. However, Tracy is so great in reminding me - this is a fact finding mission. This is my experiment in all things Mercy Ship. My hope is that I will LOVE it and want to go back as soon as possible! SO, these are my baby steps on the journey and I have never been so excited to take these steps!!

Thank you Beaumont Home Care

2008-05-15T00:56:00.002-04:00

Well, God is so good and faithful...I am filled to overflowing with gratitude!! A huge thank you to my place of employment - Beaumont Home Care for your incredible support and encouragement. Yesterday my co-workers sent me off with a wonderful brunch and prayer time. Thank you chaplain Dennis Cole for your beautiful prayer. Thank you to all of my precious co-workers for rallying around me and supporting me. For praying for me, for encouraging me. Thank you for the VERY generous contribution to my Mercy Ship fund. All of your well wishes are appreciated. I will miss you all in the next few months - but I will be back soon. Each of you have played a part in getting me to Africa - thank you for sending me and I pray I represent you well.

So, my time of preparation is rapidly coming to an end and very soon I will get on a plane. I am spending these last days wrapping up final preparations and taking care of as many details as I can. I am heading to Grand Rapids this weekend - to say goodbye to my beloved West side friends. Also looking forward to a little rest and relaxation before I head out. Next week I am planning on final packing and spending time with my family - especially out on the lake fishing with my dad.

What will I be doing?

2008-05-11T22:28:00.003-04:00

Friends,

The time is getting short and very soon I will be heading off to Liberia. I cannot believe that after all this time of dreaming and praying that it is finally here. I am so busy these days trying to wrap up all sorts of details. God is good though, because I have peace that everything that needs to get done will - and the rest can wait. I cannot wait to get there!! I cannot wait to finally see what I have been planning and dreaming for all this time.

So, I thought I might explain a litte bit of exactly what I will be doing in Liberia. From what I know, I will be working mostly as a ward nurse. The ship has 4 different wards or wings with different types of patients. Most all of the patients are on board the hospital ship because they have had some sort of surgery. For the patients that are children they are mostly recovering from surgeries like cleft palate repair, or tumor removals. Women patients have had surgeries to repair damage done during the child birth process or from rape. Other patients have also usually had tumor removal surgery, eye or dental surgeries. There is virtually no health care in Liberia so if you are a citizen in Liberia and you have some sort of ailment it usually goes left untreated. Many tumors that develop on patients faces are a result of no dental care. The tumor forms from an abscessed tooth that goes untreated. These tumors can grow very large and disfigure faces. Not only do these ailments cause physical problems, but they also cause social issues for those that suffer as well.

I will be working 8 hour and 12 hour shifts on the ward providing nursing care to children and adults. I will get 2 days off in a 2 week period and I will work days/afternoons/nights - whatever is needed. From what I have read I will receive 2 shifts of orientation to the wards and then on day #3 I will be on my own.

Visit mercyships.org and click on "stories" to read about peoples lives that have literally been changed by the healthcare received on board the ship.

Thank you again for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing many stories of amazing people that I meet in Liberia.

Krazy Karaoke at the Kubo...

2008-05-05T21:18:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful and fun night at the Royal Kubo in Clawson. Last night was the Karaoke Fundraiser- and what a huge success!!! There are so many people to thank, I am filled with gratitude beyond words. I know you are probably tired of me saying that - but it is true. God's goodness has truly filled me to overflowing - because of you! Many many thanks to the amazing people at the Kubo, especially John (aka Paul) for taking such good care of us. We had a great night of food, drinks, plenty of karaoke and dancing. Thank you to the Kubo for your incredible generosity. For letting us make ourselves at home, for all the extras, and for cutting us a break. As I think of ALL the amazing things that happened yesterday - I could blog for days. But, I will spare you, and just share a few of the wonderful things that happened.

First of all, as of today I have exactly the amount needed to send me to Africa. It is an overwhelming feeling to know that God provides for us so well - through your generosity. It is truth that God loves and cares for us. When you step out in faith - God will more than meet your needs every time.

First, I must thank my precious girls who have supported me from the beginning of the whole Mercy Ship adventure. Thank you Jordon, Liv, Kate & Kendra for pulling this whole karaoke night together. For the planning, logistics, decor, ideas, etc. We all know I could not have done this without you!!! Thank you for believing in me and for supporting me in so many ways.

A BIG thank you to those of you who "worked" the event. No one worked the crowd better than MC Doug. With his cute hat and red tie - he was a true master of ceremonies and master of all rap songs that can be karaoked. Thank you to Kathy, Alli, Sarah, Tracy, Carrie & Virg for working the sign-in table, etc. Thank you Mark & Bart for all of your behind the scenes support. Also Alli & Dave for capturing all the great moments on camera. On second thought, once I see the pictures I might not be thanking you- but nevertheless I am grateful for capturing the memories.

And a huge thank you to the people out at the Waterford Hills race track. What an amazing story - my brother surprising me by fundraising on my behalf at the race track where he races his mustang. Thank you to the amazing people out at Waterford Hills Racing who raised over $1,100.00 on my behalf. Most of these people I do not even know - but I cannot wait to meet you when I return in August. Go to this link http://waterfordhills.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=4866#4866 to read the post my brother put on the Waterford Hills bulletin board that stirred the generosity of so many. I am blessed beyonds words that God gave me you for a brother, Bob!!

Also, there were two amazing stories of people coming all the way from Florida to join us at the Kubo last night. My parents friends Rose & Norm- I am proud to say they are now my friends as well. They live part time in Florida - and flew home early- changed their flight from Tuesday in order to be in town last night to be at the Kubo to surprise me. How amazing is that?? Who leaves Florida early to come to Michigan? Some wonderful people - that's who. And our beloved Kathy - who recently moved to Florida, but made it home to go camping with our small group and rock it out at the Kubo as well. Kathy thank you for coming home to us...even if it was just for a long weekend. Thank you for making this night very special by your presence.

And I cannot forget my amazing co-workers...all my nurse friends from Beaumont. I LOVE that you guys came and partied down...and some husbands too! Ok, so someone paid to get us to stop singing- but what fun it was while it lasted. Thank you Linda for making MORE jewelry and selling it too - and for bringing friends with you! I know we were all tired at work this morning - but it was worth it.

And a thank you also to the two guys sitting at the bar that were not a part of our "party". They contributed at least $20 to get some people to stop singing! The people of Africa thank you!!!

I do want to thank EVERYONE that came out to the Kubo. What a great night of fun and celebration. I love that we could come together to have so much fun and that in doing so we are loving people on another continent. By sending me to Africa, you are a huge part of God's love displayed to the people I will meet and care for while in Liberia. It takes a community of people to make things happen and I am so grateful to God for you!

Well, please stay tuned as I will post some pictures of the karaoke night - some pictures to surely make you laugh.

Love you all,
Jen

Pressing On...

2008-04-28T23:46:00.003-04:00

Well, I can hardly believe that a dream of a lifetime is about to come to pass for me. I am excited, scared, excited, nervous, mostly excited and honored to get this opportunity. I feel like I have a lot of little things to get done in the next 3 1/2 weeks and then the real fun/challenge will begin. Thank you to everyone who has been supporting me in so many ways. Especially my friend/co-worker Linda who has been making jewelry and selling it and contributing 100% of her profits to my mission. Thank you, Linda!!

This coming weekend is the blow-out karaoke/dance party fun fest fundraiser. I hope anyone and everyone can join us at the Royal Kubo!

This week I have also spent some time wrapping up some loose ends - reading my Mercy Ship info and all the fine print to make sure I haven't missed anything. Heading back to the Travel Health clinic one more time (hopefully).

I am looking forward to a short camping trip this weekend with my beloved girls of my small group. How wonderful to take a break from the hectic-ness that is going on right now to enjoy friends, nature, and have some time to be in solitude and prayer. Girls -I am looking forward to it!!!!!

Africa Mercy

2008-04-23T21:20:00.005-04:00

Well, I have just one month to go before I head out to live and work aboard the Mercy Ship named the Africa Mercy. Everyone has been asking me what will life be like living and working aboard a ship. I have seen some photos of the ship, but really I haven't had a good idea of exactly what I am about to embark on. On the Mercy Ships website I came across a really great video tour of the ship I will be on. If you are interested in viewing the video click the link below. The video is about 17 minutes long, but is well worth it. The video is hosted by Don Stephens - the founder of the Mercy Ships organization. The video shows all the main parts of the ship including living quarters and the hospital area. It also really conveys the heart of the mission of Mercy Ships - to serve the poorest of the poor by following the example of Jesus Christ.

Click on this link to watch a fantastic tour of where I will be living.

I hope you will take the time to watch the video. Everytime I watch it I get tears in my eyes - I am so excited to get to partner with such a worthwhile organization. And, let me just say thank you again to all of you - for your support of me and the Mercy Ships. Thank you for partnering with me to follow the example of Jesus Christ - to love others.

Typhoid, Tetanus, and Yellow Fever too!!!

2008-04-16T20:51:00.003-04:00

Hello friends,
Just checking in to let everyone know the progress of my trip preparations. I am now completely vaccinated against such things as Yellow Fever, Diphtheria, Pertusis, Menigitis...the list could go on and on :) Thanks to the Interhealth Travel Clinic at Beaumont for their knowledge and skills. I am now able to go almost anywhere in the world for the next ten years! Also this past week I have finalized my itinerary and purchased my plane tickets. So no turning back, which is a good thing because I am only getting more and more excited. The karaoke fundraiser events (one in Clawson and one in Grand Rapids) are also planned.
My thoughts over the past few weeks have been all over the map. I have been anxious, excited, worried, calm - all in a 24hr period. But mostly, I have this immense gratitude for everyone of my community of friends and family that are rallying around me to get me on my way. Also, my thoughts have been on the people of Liberia that I will get to work with. People that have endured years of civil war that has ended only within the past 5 years. People that are survivors on a level that I cannot even comprehend. I consider it a privilege and a gift to be able to serve them. Thank you also for being a part of serving Liberia with me. Jen

Wave of Gratitude...

2008-04-06T23:22:00.003-04:00

Well it has been a long time since my last post. Thanks to my good friend Tracy, this blog has gotten a much needed makeover! I am filled with immense gratitude as the journey to the Mercy Ship has reached warp -speed. I have less than 2 months to go before I head out and so much to do. So, it is with a grateful heart that I say thank you to all of my friends, my family, my co-workers who have offered support, encouragement, and practical help. So many people are stepping up to the plate to make my dream a reality. I could not make this happen without you. I thank God that He allows us to join Him in the work that He is doing in this world, and I thank God for providing me with a community of people that have gathered around me to make this happen. Stay tuned for many more details and stories of my road to the Mercy Ship. Love, Jen

Diving In...

2008-02-07T21:34:00.000-05:00

Well, here we go, ready or not...I am diving in. Diving in to the adventure that is the Mercy Ship. By now my entire world of friends and family, co-workers, acquaintances must surely know about me and Mercy Ships. However, if not here it is. I am on the edge of FINALLY realizing a long time dream of serving with the organization that is Mercy Ships. This organization is made up of ocean liner cruise ships that have been converted into hospital ships. They sail to third world countries offering hope and healing in practical ways of medical and surgical help. I hope to be setting sail on one of these ships - the Africa Mercy - sometime this year. For those of you who want to join me, I will be blogging regularly my steps in the journey to get me there. Stay tuned as we all await what God has in store for me.