There are lots of happenings on the ship right now and I feel weird about it. Some days on the ship are just weird. I try to remind myself that there are days of real life (aka non-ship life) that feel weird too… but it just seems that things here in my Mercy Ship life are just a bit more extreme.
Today a very dear friend of mine on the ship left. Like I always say, Mercy Ships is a revolving door of people… but one of my Gateway friends left unexpectedly today. I had to say bye to Tori… and I don’t really feel like I was prepared to.
I began with my class after Christmas with a new student. His family had been on the ship last year and left for the summer and last semester because his mom needed some medical treatments. My other two girls anxiously waited for his return because they all were friends from last year. I immediately fell in love with Daniel and his family. They are from Ghana and have the best spirits (and accents) ever! After our first few days together I saw his mom in the hallway and she said that Daniel came home from school saying, “Mom, my new teacher LOVES me!!” (which is totally true!) I met his parents in an afterschool, casual meeting just to introduce myself. They were so kind and said the most genuine prayer for me and our class at the end of our meeting. I am going through all of this to say that the dynamics of our little class family is forever changing. Daniel’s family was called to leave the ship immediately a few days ago because Daniel’s mom cancer has returned. They were rushed to get visas to return to London (where they were for the summer) to get further tests… and eventually, results that were not so good. I have always underestimated the power of the saying that a moment in someone’s life can leave an imprint for forever. I can honestly say that that family will have a special place in my heart for forever. Even now, over a week later, my eyes fill up with tears whenever I think about them and how they aren’t here anymore.
Amidst the true sadness I feel for the family… the experience of having a crew member leave, due to medical reasons unexpectedly, showed a whole new side of the Mercy Ships community to me. A prayer meeting was called during lunch hour, where crew from every department gathered to pray for the family. I was completely blown away by the number of people that came together to support each other and Daniel’s family. I feel like the Lord so blessed me by letting me see and be a part of the body of Christ working together.
On a brighter note, the hospital is in full working condition! Patients have come and been released… including one of the babies from the screening pictures I posted a few weeks ago. I have a picture of what she looks like now below. I live in a place where lives are being changed everyday just a few decks below me! It is funny that I am working in this global community, with a purpose of serving others… and I can still be so selfish in the way I think and the things going on in my life- I forget sometimes what is even happening in the hospital! Sometimes I get so overwhelmed when I wonder how long it will take me to learn the lesson that God is bigger than things of my world.
I have spent the past two weekends in the markets- where I have bought things!! I bought some fabric… which was so exciting!! I have to get prepped and know what I am talking about and where to take my mom when she comes! I also bought some snacks off the street. I consider this a MAJOR milestone for myself because when I first got here I didn’t like to buy even a soda. Stands around the street sell all kinds of produce and snacks. In Togo peanuts are very popular! Peanuts are sold in all different ways like roasted or sugar coated or seasoned. They are sold in recycled alcohol bottles (funny, I know). I clearly had to buy the sugary ones… which are delicious!! AND they reside on top of my classroom cabinet, in a gin bottle… is this bad?
Also… my goal for the next blog is to take more pictures. I have been TERRIBLE at noting things that are happening… I will get better, I will get better…
Amy & the Africa Mercy 