Start of an amazing adventure

It has been nearly two years since I started this crazy traveling life I call my own. On June 6, 2011 I left my home in Georgia and began my journey with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone. It is amazing how time flies, after returning home and spending a little over a year there, I returned. Today, after a five month commitment, I am preparing to leave Guinea. I have mentioned before that there is certainly something in the water here, that makes us all fall in love with this work and never want to leave. On that note, I am here to say that this is not end, but the start of an amazing adventure.

From the beginning of returning to the ship I had said multiple, multiple times that this would be the last time I volunteer. I had spent almost two years traveling not only to Africa but also all over the state of Georgia as a travel nurse. I was ready for a "grown up" life ... a house, a husband, a white picket fence, children and a dog. 

The reoccurring thought kept creeping into my mind though, "What if I came back? It could be fun." Then I heard a sermon that used this verse from scripture ... 

"if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." - Psalm 139:9-10

It suddenly hit me, I had been planning out my life and not leaving any room for God to work. He is the God of the universe, He can plan my life and fulfill my hopes and dreams even if I am on the other side of the sea! (This is very exciting) After a few days of pondering this thought and just plain out just worrying my stomach sick, I made a decision. I would come back, I mean why not! I am not the wealthiest person and not everyone will agree with my decision, but God has given me an amazing gift in my skills as a nurse and a loving heart. How can I keep that all to myself? Ultimately this is not about what is best for me but what I can do to help others. God has never let me down before and has always provided. Why would He not this time? 

So that is my big news. At the end of July I will be rejoining the ship in the Canary Islands and sailing to Congo where we will provide free healthcare and surgeries for the next 10 months. I don't have a lot of the details as of yet, such as cost, but I will keep you all updated. For now I simply ask for prayer support as I prepare for the amazing adventure God has planned for me.

One more quote that has really inspired me...

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bow lines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. 

-Mark Twain

There's something in the water.

Recently one of my friends made a statement that is so very true about life aboard the Africa Mercy. She said "What is it about this place that makes us want to pay to work here and stay forever?" So as I have pondered this thought I came up with a few ideas or things that might have a little to do with it.

Rain! People of ages young and old are standing in the rain, splashing in puddles and watching awestruck at the amazing show of lightening God has on display. In a matter of minutes you are soaked, but you don't care. How often do you get to see a raging thunderstorm in Africa in the dry season!?

Work! You walk around the ward greeting your patients with "Bonjour, Ceva?" Which means "Good morning, how are you?" This elicits an immediate smile (in 90% of cases in at least the parent) and a handshake. Throughout your day you watch a Pixar film, play jenga, have a dance party or simply snuggle with a patient. Really getting quality time to spend with patients and learning who they are.

Community! Here I sit in the cafe area, surrounded by people that I live, work and hang out with every day. There is rarely a time where you don't have someone to talk to when you are having rough day or hang out with you when you are bored.

Cuddles! Going to see an old patient and she runs towards you giggling and jumps into your arms. Immediately she cuddles into your neck and you feel totally content in the moment. You never want it to end. 

So there's something in the water. After the first sip you're hooked. But it is indeed very sweet!