In just two short days I will be getting on a plane to Conakry, Guinea.
After high school, I decided to take a gap year before college, and it has been one of the most rewarding times of my life thus far. I spent the first semester working at a local pharmacy, applying to college, volunteering, and preparing for my trip to West Africa second semester.
After high school, I decided to take a gap year before college, and it has been one of the most rewarding times of my life thus far. I spent the first semester working at a local pharmacy, applying to college, volunteering, and preparing for my trip to West Africa second semester.
For almost five months, I will be working and living aboard the Africa Mercy, one of the hospital ships of Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships' goal is to bring the hope of Jesus Christ through the tangible way of providing free healthcare to those in need. The ship will be docked on the coast in Conakry, a city stricken with poverty and lack of available healthcare. I will be working in the galley (kitchen) of the ship along with many others. The galley crew's motto is "serving those who serve," and this is exactly what I will be doing, as well as coming in direct contact with the patients.
I am thrilled to report that I have 100% of the support I need as I leave for Guinea! I am amazed at God's faithfulness. I am so ready for adventure and freedom from American life and usual routine. I'm excited as ever for the upcoming adventures and memories that will be made. I won't deny that I am a bit afraid as well. I'm worried I won't pack enough and scared of being away from all things familiar. But I am trusting God, who is all perfect and clearly wanting me to be in Guinea.
Many people have asked me why I wanted to do something like this. As I was going through my paperwork for the trip, I came across a list of goals and expectations for the trip. It was surprisingly accurate, even though I wrote it months ago:
1.) To be independent in my faith and to claim it as my own.
2.) Throw my ideals of comfort out of the window. To not be afraid of meeting new people and immersing myself in this new group of people.
3.) Make as many connections as possible; either through friends on the ship and missionaries I know of already in Guinea.
4.) To accurately portray the work of Mercy Ships and to inspire and excite others of God's work through this organization.
This blog is to serve as a newsletter for all who are interested, and especially for those who gave to make this possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am going to selfishly ask for your prayers as I go to Guinea. Please pray for safety, for strength, and that I would be the person that God wants me to be while I serve there.
Not mine, but His will be done.
